John Anderson: Conversations - podcast cover

John Anderson: Conversations

John Andersonjohnanderson.net.au
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia

Episodes

Direct: With Dr Albert Mohler, Author, Commentator and Theologian

In this interview, John talks to highly esteemed author, commentator and theologian, Dr Albert Mohler. Dr Mohler and John discuss the political history and landscape of America in the lead up to the 2024 presidential election. Dr Mohler explores Christian perspectives on American politics, including the difficult choice both President Trump and Biden present to voters due to their disqualifying ethical views and character traits. They also address the rise of Christian nationalism, and the misun...

May 03, 202458 min

Direct: With Helen Joyce, Author and Journalist

In this interview, John is joined by author and journalist Helen Joyce to discuss the recent Cass review and its revelations that medical treatment for children with gender confusion has rested on ‘shaky foundations’. John and Helen talk about the history of transgenderism, where it stems from and where it is going. Helen explores the demographics affected by transgender ideology, namely, the large number of children that fall prey to it, and the struggles their parents face in trying to help th...

Apr 23, 2024

Direct: with Dave Rubin, Political Commentator and Talk Show Host

In this interview, John talks to Dave Rubin, author, TV personality and political commentator. John and Dave discuss the current political landscape of America, commenting on the upcoming US election in a time of deep polarisation. Dave examines the ineptitude found in the political class, and the contrasting roles of Generation X and Z for securing a hopeful future in America.

Apr 12, 20241 hr 4 min

Direct: With Molly Worthen, Christian Historian and Journalist

In this interview John speaks with Molly Worthen, a highly acclaimed religious historian and journalist. They explore religious liberty, separation of church and state, and the impact of Christianity on America. Molly also speaks about her journey from thoughtful pragmatist to Christian convert, which has only occurred in recent years.

Mar 28, 2024

Conversations: Konstantin Kisin, Podcaster, Comedian & Commentator IV

John sits down with Konstantin Kisin to discuss a variety of topics, from the war in Ukraine, to multiculturalism and the gradual decline of the West, as well as what it's like to grow up on a farm. Raised in the Soviet Union, Konstantin is not persuaded by leftist visions of utopia, and exhorts reasonable people to speak out against the 'woke mob'. He also argues that multiculturalism should be rebranded as multi-ethnic societies with a 'mono-culture', uniting everyone from different background...

Mar 15, 20241 hr

Conversations: With Danny Kruger, British Politician and Author

In this interview, John sits down with Conservative MP Danny Kruger at the recent ARC conference to discuss his role in the rise of 'New Conservatism'. Danny argues that over time the UK government has drifted away from the will of the people, eroding traditional values and focusing on global over domestic interests. This shift has provided an opportunity for conservatives to unite the country, appealing to basic traditional values people still possess, even in typically safe labor seats. This c...

Mar 01, 202441 min

Direct: With Victor Davis Hanson, Historian and Writer

In this interview, John has an in-depth discussion with renowned historian and writer Victor Davis Hanson. They discuss a wide range of topics including immigration, the current state of tertiary education, the condition of the Biden administration, and the 2024 presidential election. John and Victor talk about changing demographics in politics, and how, against all odds, younger generations are tending towards independent, rather than institutionalised, views. Victor also addresses the conflict...

Feb 16, 20241 hr 8 min

Direct: with Mary Harrington

In this interview, John sits down with Mary Harrington for a discussion on a wide range of topics, from the advantages of conformity to transhumanism. Mary shares her journey from radical leftist and non-conformist, to discovering fulfillment in embracing traditional societal expectations. She uses her story to highlight our obsession with non-conformity, as is so often modelled in popular media. She also offers commentary on elitism and the current state of democracy, arguing that its current f...

Feb 02, 20241 hr 17 min

Direct: Matthew Goodwin, Academic, Author and Pollster

In this interview, John speaks with British political scientist, Matthew Goodwin. Matthew recounts the emergence of a new class of elites and the ways in which they have diverged from the more traditional British ruling class, and more importantly, from the general public.

Jan 12, 202459 min

Direct: Prof. Nancy Pearcey, American Evangelical Author

In this interview, John speaks with evangelical author Prof. Nancey Pearcey. Pearcey offers valuable insights into issues surrounding the concept of masculinity, from the importance of fatherhood, to the history of the nuclear family, and the impact of Christianity on marriage. She argues that the latest sociological research shows that faithful Christian men make the most stable marriages, loving fathers, and happy families despite claims Christianity makes men "toxic". Pearcey also critiques t...

Dec 20, 20231 hr 20 min

Direct: Prof. John Mearsheimer, American political scientist

In this conversation, John speaks with political scientist and international relations scholar Professor John Mearsheimer about the recent war in Ukraine, and the potential for conflict in Taiwan. Mearsheimer argues for what he calls 'offensive realism,' which holds that conflicts between states are driven by the need to maximize power in relation to other states. This is in contrast to the heterodox liberal framework, which Mearsheimer contends was only tenable under the recently ended ‘unipola...

Dec 08, 20231 hr 7 min

Conversations: Dr. James Orr, A/Prof of Philosophy of Religion

John sits down with Cambridge University Associate Professor James Orr to discuss multiculturalism, religion, and the therapeutic nature of modern society. He contends that religious communities are ‘bunkers’ in the modern world, acting as places of refuge from culture. Moreover, Dr. Orr addresses his controversial tweet, ‘import the Arab world, become the Arab world’, unpacking the complexities of multiculturalism. He also discusses how our increasingly therapeutic culture has had serious ramif...

Nov 24, 20231 hr 19 min

Conversations: Niall Ferguson, Historian and Author

John is re-joined by pre-eminent historian Niall Ferguson to analyse the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas. Ferguson argues that due to the nature of Hamas’ urban warfare, tunnel systems and civilian shields, Israel will have a long and difficult campaign ahead. He also points out that the decline in Western support for Israel, particularly in the younger generations, is due to a woke university system propagating Islamist and left-wing viewpoints, attempting to create a moral equivalence...

Nov 14, 202358 min

Conversations: Douglas Murray, Journalist and Author

In this conversation, John sits down with journalist and author Douglas Murray to discuss the war on Western culture in light of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Murray argues that Western Civilisation is being eroded by the collapse of history, faith and moral clarity. This cultural decay, Murray suggests, has been caused by a variety of factors including illegal immigration, secularisation, identity politics and the rise of radical Islam. Nonetheless, Murray is encouraged by the g...

Nov 08, 20231 hr 1 min

Conversations: Peter Hitchens, Journalist and Author II

John sits down with journalist and author Peter Hitchens to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This conversation was filmed on the 26th of October. While Hitchens labels himself as 'pro-Israel' he argues against their current course of action as both politically and militarily disasterous. Moreover, Hitchens is a self-proclaimed 'free speech absolutist' which he discusses in the context of anti-Semitic speech and the ongoing political challenges facing Britain.

Nov 03, 202349 min

Conversations: Victor Davis Hanson, Historian and Writer

John is joined by military historian Victor Davis Hanson to discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East. This conversation was recorded on Wednesday the 18th of October. Hanson argues that Israel is in a unique position to retaliate unencumbered by American opposition, due to the bi-partisan support it currently has in the US. However, he contends that conflicts like this, and others such as the war in Ukraine, would probably not have transpired had President Trump still been at the helm....

Oct 20, 20231 hr 10 min

Conversations: Glen Scrivener, Author, Minister and Director of Speak Life

In this interview, John sits down with author, minister and director of Speak Life, Glen Scrivener for a conversation on how the Christian worldview has shaped our society. Glen does a fantastic job communicating how thoroughly the Christian ethic has shaped and still continues to shape our culture today. Most remarkably, Glen highlights how even many of the arguments of Christianity’s biggest detractors are based on presuppositions that are fundamentally Christian in nature.

Oct 06, 20231 hr 6 min

Conversations: Anthony Dillon, Indigenous Academic and Commentator.

In this interview, John sits down with his good friend Anthony Dillon, an Indigenous academic and commentator. Anthony’s reflections on Indigenous affairs are particularly insightful as, in addition to his academic experience, he can offer the perspective of an Indigenous person who has both succeeded within modern Australia and is the son of Australia’s first Indigenous police officer, Colin Dillon.

Sep 22, 202359 min

Conversations: With Seth Dillon, CEO and Owner of The Babylon Bee

In this conversation, John sits down with the owner and CEO of the immensely popular satirical news site, the Babylon Bee. In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss everything from the intersection between Christianity and humour to the moral imperative to mock bad ideas. Along the way they also discuss the controversies that the Bee has found itself in over the years. Seth's faith, wits and sucess in both media and business give him a truely unique insight in the probelms that we are facing ...

Sep 08, 202350 min

Conversations: With John Cleese, Comedian

John catches the iconic (and 'generous and warm-hearted', in his own words) John Cleese for a conversation during his Australian comedy tour 'An Evening with the Late John Cleese'.

Aug 25, 20231 hr 5 min

Conversations: With Louise Perry, Author and Journalist

John is joined by journalist and author, Louise Perry, for a conversation that unpacks the aftermath of the sexual revolution. In their discussion, Louise outlines both the technological and ideological foundations of the sexual revolution, showing its seismic, often overlooked impact over the last 70 years.

Jul 28, 20231 hr 17 min

Conversations: With Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, British Conservative Member of Parliament

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg hosts John Anderson in his home for this Conversation. They discuss the roots and future of conservatism, British politics and economics, the role of the West in global affairs such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Chinese Communist Party, as well as diving into what motivates Jacob in politics.

Jul 17, 20231 hr 6 min

Conversations: With Professor Nigel Biggar, Ethicist, Theologian and Author II

Through rigorous historical and ethical analysis, Nigel Biggar presents a strong case for why the ubiquitous anti-colonial narrative has little grounding in historical fact. Rather, Biggar argues, a survey of the actions of the British Empire in particular reveals it to be a strong force against slavery, racism, and the long list of other sins that are often attributed to it.

Jun 30, 20231 hr 2 min

Conversations: With Yoram Hazony, Philosopher, Scholar & Political Theorist

Philosopher, scholar and political theorist Dr. Yoram Hazony joins John for a rich and interweaving conversation about conservatism, nationalism, democracy and modern politics. Dr. Hazony, who has recently completed books on several of these topics, provides a compelling critique of the political right - where has gone wrong, the great benefits it can convey for society and how it diverges from liberalism.

Jun 16, 20231 hr 11 min

Conversations: Featuring Melanie Phillips, Journalist, Author and Broadcaster III

In this conversation, John is joined by British journalist and author, Melanie Phillips. An outspoken British journalist with a reputation for fierce and honest opinions, Melanie offers cut-through commentary on a number of significant cultural and geopolitical issues. She and John discuss the coronation of Charles III, the cultural problems gripping the UK, and the relationship between Israel and the West.

May 24, 20231 hr 11 min

Conversations: with Walter Russell Mead, Foreign Policy Expert & Commentator

John is joined by Walter Russell Mead, an American academic widely regarded for his incisive analysis of geopolitics and foreign affairs. They consider the worrying isolationist streak that seems to be running through US politics, the continuing struggle for supremacy and global leadership between China and the US, the effectiveness of nuclear deterrence, Western cultural decadence and Israeli democracy.

May 12, 20231 hr 5 min

Conversations: with Steven Pinker, Professor of Psychology at Harvard University

In this conversation, John is joined by Professor Steven Pinker, world renowned cognitive psychologist, psycholinguist and public intellectual. John and Steven discuss why, despite the profound influence of the Enlightenment on the modern world, so many have been captivated by postmodernism and critical theories which reject the essence of the Enlightenment - rationality and objective truth. They consider what it is to be rational, how rationality relates to being morally 'good', the difference ...

Apr 28, 20231 hr 2 min

Conversations, with Peter Costello AC, Former Treasurer of Australia

In this Conversation, John is joined by former cabinet colleague Peter Costello. Alongside John, Peter was an integral member of the Howard government, serving as Treasurer between 1996 and 2007. No Treasurer in Australia's history has held the position longer than he.

Apr 14, 20231 hr 4 min