Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps

Josh Szeps

4.6 (739)
SOCIETY & CULTURE
UPDATED WEEKLY

The world has never been more connected. Yet never more divided. We yell at each other from inside our echo chambers. But change doesn’t happen inside an echo chamber. It’s time to get out, to stretch our legs, to step on some land mines. It's time to have an uncomfortable conversation with Josh Szeps. A DM Podcast

1 DAY AGO

“Liberalism in 2025”: STAN GRANT

Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com As Syria transforms, as Trump returns, as Putin prepares for victory, as China lies in wait, and as we all look towards a new year, Josh sits down with one of the smartest analysts of liberal democracy. Stan Grant was CNN's Senior International Correspondent based in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong and Beijing, before returning to Australia as International Affairs Analyst for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. He is arguably Australia's most experienced global journalist and the most famous Indigenous Australian. He resigned from the national public broadcaster last year in a national firestorm about racism. He and Josh discuss the future of the global order, whether Enlightenment values are up to the task, and the role of public broadcasters like the ABC. Watch this conversation on YouTube. And you’re missing out on our best ad-free content if you haven’t popped over to the Uncomfy Convos Substack page. http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ http://tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

1h 12m
5 DAYS AGO

PREMIUM: Noam Chomsky's Co-Writer Nathan Robinson on America in the World

Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com What should the role of America be? In their new book, "The Myth of American idealism: How U.S. Foreign Policy Endangers the World", Noam Chomsky and Nathan Robinson present a litany of American foreign policy missteps. Nathan is the founder of Current Affairs magazine, of which he is the editor-in-chief, and the author of Why You Should Be a Socialist. Here, Josh picks Nathan's brain... on the contrasts between Trump's populism and Bernie Sanders', the Ukraine War, Medicare-for-all, and the role of the United Nations in world affairs. To hear the rest of this chat and join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ http://tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

21 min
2 DEC

How QANTAS Corrupted Everything with Joe Aston

Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com What happens to politicians when they're openly bribed -- *ahem*, sorry, "assisted" -- by a hugely powerful corporation? The saga of how Qantas peddles influence, wins subsidies, escapes regulation, and secures Australian government protection by showering politicians with first-class upgrades and secret airport club memberships is, frankly, bonkers. The legendary financial journalist Joe Aston, formerly a political staffer and Qantas communications man himself, spills the beans in his explosive new book, "The Chairman's Lounge: The inside story of how Qantas sold us out". It's a universal parable about what happens to capitalism and democracy when any one company gets too powerful... and its political favours too luxurious to resist. To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ http://tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

1h 13m
28 NOV

PREMIUM: "A Radical Vision for Palestine" with Palestinian Professor Omar Dajani

As Israel and Hezbollah cautiously observe a ceasefire, the prospect of a Palestinian state feels as remote as ever. But there are people working tirelessly to bring one about, impeded by radicals on both sides who see this as a war between Goodies and Baddies. Omar Dajani is one of the visionaries. As a Palestinian-American professor, he and Josh disagree about much regarding the culpability and dysfunction of Gaza's misery. Omar was a negotiator for the Palestine Liberation Organization and attended the Camp David Summit with President Clinton in 2000. But he now argues for a new type of two-state solution that would enable Israelis and Palestinians to live and work on both sides of the 1967 Green Line. As the co-chair of the non-profit A Land for All, he wants to shift our thinking from a model of separation to one of power sharing. In this episode, Josh has a frank and heartfelt conversation with a senior Palestinian thinker that offers a glimpse of a better future. This episode was recorded prior to the recent Lebanon ceasefire. To hear the full episode and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ http://tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

33 min
25 NOV

DAVID WALLIAMS & JOSH: Little Britain, Gender & Satire

David Walliams is one of the most successful comedians in the world. On "Little Britain", his smash hit BBC sketch comedy show, he created characters whose catchphrases have become part of the culture: "I'm a lady", "Computer says No", and so many more. David did ten seasons as a judge with Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent, and has written 43 children's books that have sold over 60 million copies. Josh and David recently did a six-week, fifteen-show tour of Australia and New Zealand, where Josh interviewed him in front of tens of thousands fans. Before the final show in Perth, David sat down for an uncomfortable conversation about offending people, dressing up as a woman, and how he and Matt Lucas created some of the most memorable characters of 21st century television. To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ http://tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

1h 25m
21 NOV

JUST JOSH: "Me and Mr Jones"

This is the most uncomfortable conversation Josh has ever recorded. He used to work for Alan Jones, the most powerful broadcaster in Australia. Now, he's been arrested on sexual assault allegations. (Alan, that is. Not Josh. Phew) Sexual predation. Political power. Investigative journalism. Innocence until proven guilty. Josh has never spoken publicly about his own experiences while working with Alan Jones. Until now. To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ http://tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

41 min
18 NOV

NIALL FERGUSON: How Civilisations Flourish (or Fail)

Why do some civilisations enlighten while others languish? Why do some conquer, and others collapse? Was the British Empire a bloody stain... or, on balance, a force for modernity? Niall is one of Britain's most prolific and influential historians. His seventeen books, including the groundbreaking tomes Civilisation and Empire, define the modern historical canon. Niall has become associated with heterodox concerns about wokeness and Western decline. But Josh wanted to probe deeper: How should we think about Ukraine, Gaza, populism and the West, in light of what we know about what makes human societies thrive? Josh and Niall sat down in Westminster, London, on the afternoon of the 2024 American presidential election -- before the result was known. This episode is available in full on the Uncomfortable Conversations YouTube channel as well as for premium subscribers at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ http://tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

25 min
14 NOV

URGENT "AUSTRALIA: Banning Misinformation... or Suppressing Speech?" with Professor Daniel Angus

It's crunch time for the Australian government's Orwellian-sounding "Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation" legislation. The bill was passed last Thursday by Australia's House of Representatives and is currently stalled in the Senate. Right-wing populists are spreading hysteria that it would let the government throw you in jail for speaking your mind on social media. The bill would not, in fact, punish you for posting on social media. But it could give government officials the power to make social media companies suppress opinions the Australian government deems "harmful". Josh opposes giving such power to the state. By contrast, Professor Daniel Angus is broadly supportive of the bill. He's one of Australia's leading researchers into technology, social media, fake news and misinformation, and he advised the government on the legislation. At this crucial moment, with only two weeks remaining before parliament shuts down for the year -- and as the Senate deliberates on this hugely important law -- please listen to this conversation and get informed. Wherever you are, enjoy this friendly clash of perspectives about algorithms and free speech on the web. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed. Hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

21 min

See All (294)

Josh Szeps

Host

4.6

out of 5

739 Ratings

Alan Jones

23 Nov

pungooer

Thank you Josh for shining light on what some people view is darkness. As a young woman I recall on occasions at work and other places being propositioned, groped occasionally, and told very naughty jokes. I didn’t sook, complain or report anyone. I stood my ground and put people in their place. But most of all I learnt the benefits that come with laughter, not being thin skinned and riding the waves. As a consequence I had no problems at work, was fiercely protected and have a mountain of wonderful memories. We often take life too seriously. I never took being whistled at as an insult, like women do now. We are dead a long time. Learn to laugh and chill out. Absolutely loved your piece on Alan Jones. I was saddened to hear that Alan may never have known true love. I can’t help but think some of what is happening now relates to money. Thank you Josh PS As an old lady my dearest friends are still all gay and male. None of us have time to be sad, we are to busy sending ourselves up. Take care Deb
Genocide supporter

25 Nov

birkyfan

Not worth a listen. Very biased views from a genocide supporter
Disappointing

23 Nov

Tatars Anderson

Was disappointed in Josh’s defence of Alan Jones, somehow disbelieving the victims while experiencing them himself. I did enjoy some guests but this makes me question Josh’s judgement and spin on other stories.
My first podcast review

23 Nov

WestofSydney

Best 40 or so minutes I have spent listening to anything this year. I wish that every person who has any homophobic tendencies would listen to this and educate themselves. Josh has a way with words and does say how it is. A balanced piece of reality that should not be downplayed. Thank you, Josh. I am your newest fan. Congrats on your latest award.

The world has never been more connected. Yet never more divided. We yell at each other from inside our echo chambers. But change doesn’t happen inside an echo chamber. It’s time to get out, to stretch our legs, to step on some land mines. It's time to have an uncomfortable conversation with Josh Szeps. A DM Podcast