John Anderson: Conversations

Katy Faust discusses the importance of stable, biological family units, asserting that children have a fundamental right to their mother and father. She critiques the cultural shift toward sexual autonomy, which she sees as undermining children’s well-being.Through personal stories and data, Faust explores how intentional family disruptions, like surrogacy or divorce, harm children more than tragic losses. She advocates for policies that prioritise children’s interests, urging a reevaluation of modern family ideals.Katy Faust is Founder and President of Them Before Us, a global children’s rights nonprofit and the co-author of the book of the same title. She publishes and speaks widely on why marriage and family are matters of justice for children.  She is on the advisory board for the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. Katy helped design the teen edition of CanaVox which studies sex, marriage, and relationships from a natural law perspective. She and her co-author detailed their philosophy of worldview tra

In this conversation, John is joined by Dr. Stephen Meyer who articulates the scientific foundation that supports intelligent design, arguing that the universe’s fine-tuning and the digital code in DNA point to a purposeful intelligence. He challenges materialistic assumptions, urging a re-evaluation of life’s origins through rigorous scientific reasoning.Stephen analyses the shortcomings of evolutionary theory, explores the Cambrian explosion, and addresses the problem of evil, offering a rational case for theism grounded in modern scientific discoveries.Stephen C. Meyer, PhD, is a philosopher of science, the director of the Center for Science and Culture at the Discovery Institute, and the author of several books, including "Darwin’s Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the Case for Intelligent Design," and "The Return of the God Hypothesis." Download his free mini-book "Scientific Evidence For A Creator" at https://www.discovery.org/m/securepdfs/2021/12/Meyer-SciEvid

In this conversation, John chats with Giggle for Girls founder Sall Grover about her recent high-stakes Federal Court appeal concerning the right to operate a women-only social networking app. Grover warns that without clear sex-based protections, women’s rights to privacy, safety, and dignity in public and private spaces risk being dismantled.The conversation explains why the ruling will not merely have ramifications for women's rights, but the fundamental freedoms of belief, association, and speech — principles essential to a free and democratic society. Grover also highlights the political reluctance to confront the issue, and the double standards of many Australian media outlets that have remained conspicuously silent in coverage of the case.Sall Grover is the founder and CEO of Giggle, a female-only social networking app launched in 2020 to provide a secure platform for women to connect, collaborate, and support one another. Giggle has been at the centre of the recent landmark Federal Court case Tic

John is joined by Dr. Sean Oliver-Dee and David Goodhart to discuss immigration, national identity, and the role of religion in modern Britain. They examine how liberal democracies are struggling to maintain social cohesion amid rapid demographic and cultural change, including the mass importation of Islamic culture.They revisit Britain’s imperial identity, debate the prospects for Muslim integration, and reflect on whether liberalism can offer meaning in a post-Christian age. With insight and historical depth, Sean and David urge a rethinking of national purpose and shared values in an age of cultural fragmentation.David Goodhart is a British journalist, commentator and author, and has written for The Guardian, The Independent and The Times. In 2013, he published The British Dream, a book about post-war multiculturalism, national identity, and immigration, and in 2017 The Road to Somewhere: The new tribes shaping British politics, about the value divides in western societies, which was a Sunday Times best-se

Join John for a special episode as he answers 11 of the most frequently asked questions from viewers and supporters.From lessons learned in politics to the values that shape his worldview, John offers candid reflections on leadership, national priorities, and the future of Australia. If you have a question for John, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below for a chance to have it featured in a future Q&A episode.

Victor Davis Hanson examines the Jeffrey Epstein saga’s divisive impact on American politics and the MAGA movement, while commending the Trump administration’s military, technological, and immigration policy successes. He urges Australia to strengthen its defence, fortifying the ANZUS alliance against autocratic threats like China.Critiquing distorted historical narratives that skew policy, Hanson advocates for a cohesive Western response to address authoritarian challenges, trade imbalances, and demographic declines. Victor Davis Hanson is an American classicist, military historian, columnist, and farmer. He has been a commentator on contemporary politics for the National Review and The Washington Times and is currently the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. In addition to writing hundreds of articles, book reviews and newspaper editorials, Hanson is also the author of twenty-four books and hosts a regular podcast series, 'The Victor Davis Hanson Show&ap

Robert L. Suettinger examines China’s political evolution, from Mao’s devastating Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution to Xi Jinping’s reversal of market reforms. He underscores the Chinese people’s persistent desire for freedom, countered by the regime’s repressive surveillance and control.Exploring Hu Yaobang’s legacy and the Tiananmen Square protests, Suettinger critiques Beijing’s economic policies and surveillance tactics. He questions the sustainability of China’s trajectory, weighing its demographic crisis and military ambitions in the Western Pacific, offering insights into its precarious path. Robert Lee Suettinger is a historian of contemporary politics in the People’s Republic of China. He spent nearly 24 years in the intelligence and foreign policy bureaucracies of the US federal government. As well as writing a book on the Tiananmen Square Massacre, Suettinger’s most recent one is entitled The Conscience Of The Party: Hu Yaobang, China’ Communist Reformer.

In this interview, Lord Ridley examines the pervasive pessimism shaping climate narratives within the media and academia. He addresses the transformative power of affordable energy for developing nations and warns against beliefs about energy and climate that ignore the needs of those in poverty.Ridley also criticises the politicisation of science in both climate and Covid modelling, arguing it distorts evidence, suppresses debate, and drives harmful policies that undermine economic and social progress. He urges a shift towards optimism driven by innovation and evidence, advocating for rational energy policies and transparent scientific inquiry to foster prosperity and address global challenges effectively.Lord Matthew Ridley is a British science writer, journalist, and hereditary peer with a background in zoology and a distinguished career spanning academia, business, and public service. He holds a DPhil from Oxford University and is best known for his best-selling books on science, economics, and human prog

John Anderson and Dr. Rebeccah Heinrichs examine the geopolitical consequences of the conflict between Israel and Iran, highlighting the United States’ role in shaping global security and the future of the Middle East. They discuss how President Trump’s decisive military strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure has undermined Tehran's influence and reasserted US supremacy in the region.The conversation reflects on the rise of anti-Semitism, the misguided pursuit of a two-state solution, and the importance of standing with strong allies like Israel. It underscores how pivotal a strong US response in the Middle East is to a strategy of deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with regard to Taiwan. Dr. Heinrichs criticises Australia's reluctance to strengthen its own defence capabilities in this context, expressing the hope that Australia will choose to collaborate more closely with the United States in an era of mounting global uncertainty.Dr. Rebeccah L. Heinrichs is a senior fellow at Hudson Ins

John joins Paul Coleman, John Steenhof and Kristen Waggoner for a powerful discussion on the state of religious freedom in the West. Together, they explore the rise of hate speech laws, the weaponisation of anti-discrimination regimes, the erosion of conscience rights, and the emergence of a new secular orthodoxy that punishes dissent. Drawing on major legal cases across Europe, the US, and Australia, the panel reveals how fundamental freedoms are being redefined — and what must be done to reclaim them.Paul Coleman is a British lawyer and Executive Director of ADF International, a legal advocacy organisation based in Vienna. He specialises in international human rights and European law, and has worked on more than 20 cases before the European Court of Human Rights. Coleman has also authored submissions to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the International Criminal Court, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the UN Human Rights Committee, and various national courts. Kristen Waggoner is CEO, Pr

John Lee examines the critical decision President Trump faces on Iran’s nuclear program, underscoring its profound implications for global stability. He critiques Australia’s passive foreign policy, urging a robust defense strategy to counter emerging threats.Building on this, Lee examines power shifts in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific, pressing Australia to strengthen alliances with the U.S. and Japan. He warns of China’s rapid military buildup and calls for strategic resolve to secure national interests, advocating for bold action to restore Australia’s influence an increasingly volatile world.Dr John Lee is a Professor and Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute. He is also a senior fellow (non-resident) at the United States Studies Centre and Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney. John’s articles have been published in leading policy and academic journals in the United States, Asia, and Australia. 

Daniel Priestley joins John to discuss how entrepreneurship can address economic stagnation and declining living standards. He examines the power of innovation to create jobs and wealth, urging individuals to seize opportunities in a competitive global market.From AI’s transformative potential to the need for affordable energy, Priestley offers a compelling case for proactive leadership. His insights challenge pessimistic narratives, emphasising practical strategies and historical wisdom to guide the next generation toward a prosperous future. Daniel Priestley is an entrepreneur, best-selling author and international speaker. Starting with nothing, he built successful multi-million dollar businesses in Australia, UK and Singapore. His latest book is Entrepreneur Revolution: How to Develop your Entrepreneurial Mindset and Start a Business that Works. 

John Anderson and journalist Chris Uhlmann confront Australia’s energy crisis, revealing the stark costs of renewable energy. Despite claims of affordability, electricity prices have soared 70% in a decade, tied to a rise in renewables. South Australia’s costly grid and Spain’s blackout expose renewables’ instability, a risk worsened by Australia’s isolation. The discussion questions why leaders dodge honest talks on costs, leaving citizens vulnerable to an unreliable energy future.Nuclear energy emerges as a stable, zero-emission solution, yet Australia resists while others embrace it. Pursuing net-zero on just 1% of global emissions threatens industries like agriculture and manufacturing, with subsidies masking costs that hit the poor hardest. As trust in leadership erodes, John and Chris call for a hopeful, rational approach—urging young Australians to question narratives, embrace nuclear, and preserve the nation’s energy superpower status to secure a prosperous, stable future.Chris Uhlmann is a Walkley Aw

John speaks with writer and mathematician Bethel McGrew to unpack the cultural and spiritual currents of our time, from navigating political alliances, to countering secular scepticism. She discusses Jordan Peterson’s role in sparking spiritual curiosity among young men, while highlighting his hesitation to fully grasp the Gospel’s divine message. McGrew also examines the evangelical divide over Donald Trump, the cultural pushback against transgenderism, and the enduring hope offered by Christianity in an age of despair.  McGrew also defends the historical reliability of the bible and the resurrection’s evidential strength, addressing the claims of modern sceptics. She reflects on the rise of a subversive Christian identity, the need for authentic heroes, and the power of faith to heal social wounds.  Bethel McGrew is an American freelance writer and cultural critic. She has published in The Spectator, National Review, First Things, Plough, and many other outlets. She also writes at her Substack: https://www.

Matt Goodwin joins John to unpack the UK’s economic, cultural, and political turmoil. Matt describes a Britain grappling with stagnant growth, a severe cost-of-living crisis, and the fallout of mass immigration, including the grooming gang scandal that has shaken public trust. He highlights the rise of Nigel Farage’s Reform Party, which is surging in polls by addressing voter frustrations over broken borders, and elite disconnect, signalling a potential reshaping of the two-party system.Matt also explores the erosion of trust in legacy institutions, fueled by perceived authoritarianism from the Labour government, such as restrictions on free speech and denialism about immigration’s impacts. With optimism rooted in the British people’s resilience, exemplified by Brexit, this episode delves into the cultural pushback against progressive excesses and the urgent need for policies to restore national cohesion and sovereignty.Matt Goodwin is an academic, bestseller writer and speaker known for his work on political

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott joins John to discuss the recent Australian election, which exposed deep divisions and missed opportunities for meaningful change. This episode explores the Coalition’s inability to champion solutions for the cost-of-living crisis, national security vulnerabilities, and eroding cultural cohesion, leaving the nation vulnerable to further decline.With a focus on principled leadership, this discussion calls for bold policies to address economic stagnation, social discord, and strategic perils, which were sidelined during the campaign. It challenges viewers to reflect on the consequences of political inaction and the imperative to rebuild a united, prosperous Australia.Tony Abbott is an Australian former politician who served as the 28th prime minister of Australia from 2013 to 2015. He held office as the leader of the Liberal Party of Australia and was the member of parliament (MP) for the New South Wales division of Warringah from 1994 to 2019.

Louise Perry joins John to dissect the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling that anchors “woman” to biological sex in the Equality Act. The verdict, Perry argues, unveils the fraying tapestry of progressivism, which clings to the flawed thesis of human interchangeability. In focusing on women's safety and biological integrity, the Court's decision mirrors a broader recognition of transgender activism’s overreach, which demanded a denial of truth and reality. Beneath this legal milestone lies a deeper lament for a civilisation adrift, unmoored from Christian roots and besieged by cultural dislocation. From the fertility crisis to the hollow promises of sexual liberation, Perry and John trace the wreckage of progressive ideals: the allure of OnlyFans, fractured relationships, and a generation craving meaning. Yet glimmers of hope are emerging: rising church attendance and a trend of young minds questioning the chaos around them. Louise Perry is the author of The Case Against the Sexual Revolution, describ

John speaks with economist Philip Pilkington to explore the unraveling of global liberalism, tracing its roots from British imperialism to America’s post-World War II dominance. Pilkington argues that economic liberalisation failed to universalise liberal values, as nations like China and India embrace markets while rejecting cultural liberalism. A multipolar world emerges, where non-liberal powers redefine global influence. Family breakdown and demographic decline threaten Western prosperity, with collapsing birth rates and rising welfare costs signalling societal decay. Radical green ideologies, rooted in neo-paganism, prioritise nature over human welfare, risking a return to impoverishment. Pilkington envisions a post-liberal West reviving Christian values to restore stable families and economic vitality.Philip Pilkington is a macroeconomist and investment professional. He is the author of The Reformation in Economics and the soon to be released The Collapse Of Global Liberalism. He also co-hosts the popul

Join John Anderson as he speaks with Walter Russell Mead, distinguished historian and foreign policy expert, recorded on April 8, 2025. As President Trump escalates his tariff war—threatening a 50% hike on China—Mead unravels the strategy behind this divisive move. Their dialogue spans the potential consolidation of American authority, the transformation of global trade, and the erosion of the post-World War II framework.Mead delivers a detailed geopolitical analysis, illuminating Trump’s objectives, Australia’s strategic position in a volatile Indo-Pacific, and the implications of China’s expanding naval presence. The discussion extends to Mead’s work, The Arc of a Covenant, which traces the deep U.S.-Israel connection amid evolving global currents. Offering perspectives on sovereignty, economic upheaval, and America’s role in world leadership, this episode provides a vital lens on the forces redefining our era.Walter Russell Mead is the Ravenel B. Curry III Distinguished Fellow in Strategy and Statesmanship

John speaks with Islam scholars Dr. Mark Durie and Dr. Richard Shumack to explore the complex relationship between Islam and Western culture, drawing a contrast between Muhammad’s leadership, shaped by military endeavors, and Jesus’s Gospel of peace. They discuss how Islam’s foundational texts—the Quran and Hadiths—emphasise submission and sacred struggle, which stands in tension with Western values like freedom and the rule of law. A lack of theological literacy in the West obscures the roots of current challenges, including Hamas’ extremism and rising anti-Semitism. The dialogue examines broader differences, contrasting Islam’s historical pursuit of authority with the West’s vitality, rooted in principles of love and rational inquiry. Dr. Durie and Dr. Shumack observe that Islam's narratives of victimhood and a rejection of modernity hinders progress, while Christianity’s call to "love your enemies" fosters resilience and growth.Dr Mark Durie is a pastor and academic. He writes and speaks on