Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps

In the past 10 days, more than 20 Americans have been killed by three gunmen in a string of mass shootings. How should we understand America's gun curse... and is there any way to overcome it?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every other week Uncomfortable Conversations brings you a Comfy Couch episode, in which Josh and a friend chat about whatever is on their mind. This week, the Australian host of The Voice, Darren McMullen, dives deep into the Clubhouse app and finds wokeness aplenty.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meghan Daum is a feminist, firebrand, and former opinion columnist for The Los Angeles Times. Her podcast is The Unspeakable.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Ian Black is one of America's most popular stand-up comics. His new book is "A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son." He and Josh discuss progressivism, toxic masculinity, and riding moose. Plus, a Szeps election rant.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Osher is Australia's biggest TV star and the host of Australian Idol, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and The Masked Singer. He opens up to Josh about the pitfalls of mental illness, rockstar lifestyles, alcohol addiction, fame... and 9/11.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, philosopher and New York Times best-selling author. He and Josh wrestle with what it means to be self-aware.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Kolchinsky is a scientist and biotechnology investor, with a deep understanding of how viruses outsmart us. His company, RA Capital Management, builds and invests in biotech companies.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Claire is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Quillette, the magazine for dangerous ideas.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would we all be better off if we knew less about the world? If we took less, not more, responsibility for fixing distant problems? If we focused a bit more on our own practical concerns? It's an uncomfortable idea, but one that the Guardian columnist Oliver Burkeman called for in his seminal article "How the news took over reality". Oliver's book is "The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking". He joins Josh, mid-pandemic, from New York.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh doesn't think he's racist. But maybe that's the surest proof that he is. Should he be cancelled? Should statues be torn down? Are race protests a victory for anti-racism, or a descent into mob rule? Stan Grant is arguably the world's most influential Indigenous Australian. The son of a Wiradjuri elder, he's an insightful analyst and intrepid former CNN reporter.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.