Andy Serkis: What Orwell Understood About Tyranny

Andy Serkis discusses the corrupting nature of power, what Animal Farm says about modern authoritarianism, and whether technology expands or diminishes human creativity.

Economist Jennifer Doleac discusses why long sentences don’t reduce crime, how first-time defendants benefit from leniency, and why clearance rates are key to crime reduction.

Afroman discusses his free speech court victory, why he thinks he could unite America, and whether he feels pressure to always be high.

Emma Ashford discusses Trump’s incoherent Iran strategy, the failures of post–Cold War foreign policy, and why a multipolar world limits American power.

Jacob Siegel discusses how the internet reshaped political power, the rise of technocratic rule, and why information control keeps failing.

The California congressman discusses the Iran war, unchecked executive power, California’s wealth tax debate, and the search for a shared American identity.

Brink Lindsey discusses the gap between mass prosperity and mass flourishing, capitalism’s crisis of inclusion, and the implications of falling fertility.

Tech journalist Taylor Lorenz discusses the Meta trial, the moral panic around social media, and the risks of regulating online speech.

Comedian Adam Carolla discusses how soft journalism destroys media credibility, why California is losing residents, and the importance of meritocracy.

Whole Earth Catalog creator Stewart Brand discusses maintaining complex systems, the importance of stewardship, and how technological optimism shapes the future.