Robinson's Podcast

Robinson Erhardt
  • 4.7 (291)
  • Natural Sciences
  • Updated Weekly

Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University. Join him in conversations with philosophers, scientists, weightlifters, artists, and everyone in-between. https://linktr.ee/robinsonerhardt

  1. 1d ago

    299 - Robert Pape: Trump Is Making Iran STRONGER—and America WEAKER

    Support the Show: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsxwneBx6apV1mQ7CbWKfXQ/join Robert Pape is Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago and director of the Chicago Project on Security and Threats. In this episode, Robert and Robinson discuss why the Iran war has become an escalation trap for Donald Trump, the United States, and Israel. More particularly, they talk about Pape’s argument that the war has strengthened Iran while weakening America’s regional position, Iran’s leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, and how cheap drones and precision weapons are changing the balance of military power. They also discuss how the 2026 midterms could prolong escalation, the limits of predicting war, how AI could make political assassinations easier, and the risks of weapons operating without human oversight. Robert’s latest book is Our Own Worst Enemies: America in the Age of Violent Populism (The New Press, 2026). Robert’s Substack (Prof Robert Pape): https://professorrobertpape.substack.com/ Robert’s Substack (Escalation Trap): https://escalationtrap.substack.com/ Robert’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfRobertPape Our Own Worst Enemies: https://thenewpress.org/books/our-own-worst-enemies/ OUTLINE00:00 Introduction00:45 Why the Iran War Is Nowhere Near Over08:08 How Iran Can Defy a Superpower15:22 How Cheap Drones Changed the Balance of Power20:31 Is America Building Weapons for the Wrong War?29:00 Why War Experts Must Risk Being Wrong40:25 Has Pape Been Wrong About Iran?45:33 How Time Shifts the Balance of Power51:23 Why the 2026 Midterms May Prolong the Iran War55:16 How a Leader’s Health Can Change a War1:01:40 How Assassinations and Elections Can Upend the World1:05:28 Is AI Making Iran’s Attacks More Deadly?1:07:38 Could AI Make Assassinations Easier?1:13:36 Could Hezbollah Shut Down Israel’s Ports?1:18:25 When Weapons Act Without Human Control Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University, where he is also a JD candidate in the Law School.

  2. 3d ago

    298 - Rick Wilson: Trump Killed the Republican Party | On MAGA, Tucker Carlson, and 2028

    Rick Wilson is a political strategist, author, and co-founder of The Lincoln Project. After decades working in Republican politics, he became a prominent conservative critic of Donald Trump. In this episode, Rick and Robinson discuss the Republican Party Rick believes Trump has destroyed, America’s changing position in the world, and the struggle to defeat Trumpism. More particularly, they talk about the GOP’s competing factions, Trump’s relationships with Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin, and American policy toward Iran and Venezuela. They also discuss divisions among Democrats, Bernie Sanders and the progressive left, Abdul El-Sayed and James Talarico, the influence of podcasts and social media, and the prospects for the 2026 and 2028 elections. Rick’s books include Running Against the Devil (Forum Books, 2020). Rick’s Website: https://www.therickwilson.com/ Running Against the Devil: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/623822/running-against-the-devil-by-rick-wilson/ OUTLINE00:00 Introduction00:47 The Best Reasons for Voting Trump02:16 The Republican Party Is Broken into Three Pieces09:16 Why Rick Left the Republican Party13:58 The United States' Fall from Grace24:27 How Netanyahu Plays Trump28:21 Deconstructing Trump's Takeover of Venezuela31:43 Why Democrats Can’t Get Their Act Together35:35 Why Progressives Struggle to Win the Presidency39:46 El-Sayed Has 'The Gift'42:40 Podcasts and Elections45:06 Nick Fuentes and the Groypers51:58 Will Trump Be President Forever?53:33 Talarico and the Republicans' Loss56:38 Why Trump Could Cost Republicans 2028 Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University, where he is also a JD candidate in the Law School.

  3. 6d ago

    297 - Anne Applebaum: Trump Is Building an Autocracy | On Putin, Kushner, and America’s Future

    Anne Applebaum is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and staff writer at The Atlantic. Her work focuses on authoritarianism, democracy, and the history of Central and Eastern Europe. In this episode, Anne and Robinson discuss corruption, foreign policy, and the threat of autocracy in Donald Trump’s America. More particularly, they talk about Anne’s assessment of unprecedented corruption, Trump’s relationship with Vladimir Putin, and Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff’s involvement in diplomacy and business negotiations. They also discuss China’s mass surveillance system, the power of tech companies to suppress political campaigns, retaliation against political opponents, and whether the 2026 elections can slow America’s democratic decline. Anne’s recent book is Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World (Doubleday, 2024). Anne’s Website: https://www.anneapplebaum.com/ Autocracy, Inc.: https://www.anneapplebaum.com/book/autocracy/ OUTLINE00:00 Introduction00:40 Trump’s Latest Corruption Is Unprecedented07:56 Trump’s Foreign Policy Has No Strategy10:41 Trump Is Anti-Isolationist13:32 Donald Trump’s Greatest Enemies18:57 Trump’s USA Is Becoming an Autocracy26:17 Trump Is Copying China’s Mass Surveillance31:09 How Tech Billionaires Secretly Control Politicians35:46 Are Assassinations Coming to the USA?39:22 The 2026 Elections Will Limit Donald Trump42:41 Will Trump’s USA Become a New Russia? Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University, where he is also a JD candidate in the Law School.

  4. Oct 7

    296 - Norman Finkelstein: Gaza SHATTERED Israel’s Story | October 7, Three Years Later

    Norman Finkelstein is a political scientist and author who received his PhD in politics from Princeton University. His work focuses on political theory, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the Holocaust. In this episode, Norman and Robinson discuss Gaza, Israel, and the Middle East three years after October 7. More particularly, they talk about changing public opinion, free speech on American campuses, Norman’s rejection of the claim that Netanyahu knowingly allowed the attacks, Israel’s goals in Gaza and the wider region, and Iran’s confrontation with Israel and the United States. They also discuss Donald Trump’s political appeal, Bernie Sanders, China’s role in the conflict, Hannah Arendt, Norman’s mother’s testimony at a Nazi war-crimes trial, and his friendship with Noam Chomsky. Norman’s recent book is Gaza’s Gravediggers: An Inquiry into Corruption in High Places (OR Books, 2026). Norman’s Website: https://www.normanfinkelstein.com/ Gaza’s Gravediggers: https://orbooks.com/catalog/gazas-gravediggers/ OUTLINE 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:02 What We’ve Learned Since October 7, 2023 00:06:00 The Sheer Insanity of Israel’s War on Gaza 00:09:06 Why Young People See Themselves in Gaza 00:12:51 Jewish-Muslim Unity 00:14:02 How Free Speech Crumbled Over Gaza 00:24:05 Why Won’t Anyone Review Norman Finkelstein’s New Book? 00:29:04 Did Netanyahu Allow Hamas to Attack on October 7th? 00:35:31 Why Israel Still Backs Netanyahu 00:41:12 Finkelstein: Israel Is a Lunatic Society 00:53:55 How Did Hamas Get Past Israeli Intelligence? 00:59:06 Israel’s Three Goals After October 7 01:07:53 What Hezbollah Lost With Nasrallah 01:09:32 Think Twice Before You Play with Iran 01:11:10 Can Anyone Control Israel? 01:13:36 Israel Underestimated Iran’s 5,000-Year-Old Civilization 01:30:01 The Two Things Trump Really Cares About 01:40:17 Trump Isn’t Media-Savvy—His Opponents Are Phony 01:54:43 Talking About Trump Is a Waste of Time Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University, where he is also a JD candidate in the Law School.

  5. Oct 3

    295 - Richard Wolff: Trump’s America Is OVER

    Richard D. Wolff is Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a visiting professor in the Graduate Program in International Affairs at The New School. He is also co-founder of Democracy at Work and host of Economic Update. In this episode, Richard and Robinson discuss Donald Trump, socialism in the United States, and Richard’s disagreements with Victor Davis Hanson. More particularly, they talk about Richard’s case against Trump, his criticisms of Hanson’s understanding of socialism, American power, European colonialism, Russia and NATO, and Israel. They also discuss James Talarico and Abdul El-Sayed, the history of American socialism, the minimum wage, money in politics, Thomas Massie, JD Vance’s relationship with Peter Thiel, and Richard’s experience running for city council. Richard’s books include Understanding Capitalism (Democracy at Work, 2024). Richard’s Website: rdwolff.com Democracy at Work: democracyatwork.info Understanding Capitalism: democracyatwork.info/understanding_capitalism OUTLINE00:00:00 Introduction00:01:03 Republicans Should Vote (About) Trump!!!00:07:05 America Is Getting Weaker!00:11:53 Trump’s America Is Over00:14:14 Trump’s America Has Forgotten Its History00:19:12 Is There Still a Good Case for Trump?00:26:23 Trump’s Promises He Cannot Keep!00:34:53 Recap: Richard Wolff vs Victor Davis Hanson 202600:41:06 The Red Scare in the Cold War00:44:23 Victor Davis Hanson Doesn’t Understand Socialism!00:48:06 Victor Davis Hanson Equates Socialism and Immigrants01:05:01 Trump and Europe’s Colonialism Is Over!01:08:48 Russia Is a Victim of NATO01:11:24 Israel Has Been Bombed01:15:52 Richard Wolff’s Problem with James Talarico01:25:22 Socialists Ruled the United States01:28:28 The Rich Screwed the Poor on the Minimum Wage01:33:08 Why Don’t Socialists Want Trump’s Free $5,000?01:35:18 Why Money Must Get Out of Politics01:44:41 Does Abdul El-Sayed Have “the Gift”?01:48:27 French Socialism vs American Socialism01:54:43 Why Americans Can’t Get into Socialism02:03:16 Richard Wolff Is Struck by Thomas Massie02:04:50 When Richard Wolff Ran for City Council02:09:20 JD Vance Is Funded by Peter Thiel!02:16:53 What Is Democracy at Work? Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University, where he is also a JD candidate in the Law School.

  6. Sep 28

    294 - Michael Hudson: Iran, Oil, and Global Depression

    Michael Hudson is Distinguished Research Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri, Kansas City and President of the Institute for the Study of Long-Term Economic Trends. He researches domestic and international finance, economic history, and the role of debt in shaping economies and societies. In this episode, Michael and Robinson discuss the war in Iran and Michael’s prediction that it will cause a global depression. More particularly, they talk about oil and the Strait of Hormuz, which countries Michael thinks will suffer most, his skepticism about the changes the 2026 elections can deliver, and his criticisms of how economists describe the American economy. They also discuss AI and the future of employment, Donald Trump’s foreign policy, China’s role in the international economic order, instability in Europe, and the future of the United States. Michael’s recent book is Temples of Enterprise (ISLET, 2024). Michael’s Website: https://michael-hudson.com Temples of Enterprise: https://a.co/d/a3c53dm OUTLINE00:00 Introduction00:23 Iran War Will Cause a Global Depression10:57 The 2026 Elections Mean Nothing19:45 2026 Voters Can Do Nothing About AI, Israel, or Iran30:51 Economists Are Lying About the State of the Economy38:02 Different Economic Metrics42:25 AI and an Employment Collapse48:35 Trump Is Choking the World's Oil59:32 The Strait of Hormuz1:04:16 The Iran War Will Destroy These Countries First1:12:27 Trump Wants the World to Pay Tribute1:17:43 Is China the Hero?1:28:16 Destabilization in Europe1:37:32 Anti-Protest Drone1:40:20 What Does Chinese Dominance Look Like?1:46:15 Where Does History Go from Here?1:55:39 Where Does the United States Go from Here? Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University, where he is also a JD candidate in the Law School.

  7. Sep 26

    293 - Justin Wolfers: AI, Inflation, & The 2026 Elections

    Platypus Economics on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PlatypusEconomics Justin Wolfers is Professor of Public Policy and Economics at the University of Michigan, where his research spans macroeconomics, labor economics, political economy, and behavioral economics. He is also affiliated with the Brookings Institution, Peterson Institute for International Economics, and National Bureau of Economic Research, and in 2026 launched Platypus Economics, a new media platform devoted to making economics accessible to a broad audience. In this episode, Robinson and Justin discuss the intersection of economics, technology, and American politics. More particularly, they talk about Elon Musk and the influence of extreme wealth on elections, how artificial intelligence could transform the labor market, whether current economic data accurately reflects Americans’ experiences, and political bias in economics. They also discuss inflation, Justin’s criticisms of the Trump administration’s economic policies, proposed $5,000 checks, and how economic considerations shape political choices. Platypus Economics: https://platypuseconomics.com Justin’s University of Michigan Profile: https://fordschool.umich.edu/faculty/justin-wolfers Justin’s X: https://x.com/JustinWolfers Justin’s Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/justinwolfers.bsky.social Platypus Economics Newsletter: https://newsletter.platypuseconomics.com 00:00 Introduction 00:25 Elon Musk Can Buy ANY Election He Wants 07:21 AI Could DESTROY Jobs If We Don’t Do This 14:28 Is Current Econ Data Misleading? 19:36 Political Bias in Economics 28:35 Corruption in the Trump Admin 36:33 Understanding Inflation and Cheap Candy 44:58 Is Trump Personally Responsible for Inflation? 51:40 Trump’s 5k Checks Are IDIOTIC LIES 56:50 How to Vote If Trump Were on Ballot Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University, where he is also a JD candidate in the Law School.

  8. Sep 23

    292 - Jason Stanley: Breaking Down Trump’s Propaganda

    Jason Stanley is the Bissell-Heyd-Associates Chair in American Studies at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto, where he is also Professor of Philosophy. Before moving to Toronto in 2025, he was the Jacob Urowsky Professor of Philosophy at Yale University. Jason’s work focuses on propaganda, authoritarianism, democracy, free speech, and political language. In this episode, Robinson and Jason discuss Jason’s account of how political propaganda has changed during the Trump era. More particularly, they talk about soft and hard propaganda, social media and political bots, Trump’s political communication, Jason’s decision to leave Twitter and later the United States, and the effects of online attacks. They also discuss artificial intelligence and democracy, the political influence of tech billionaires, Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, and Jason’s transition toward the philosophy of propaganda. Jason’s most recent book is Erasing History: How Fascists Rewrite the Past to Control the Future (Atria/One Signal, 2024). Jason’s Website: https://jasonstanley.org How Propaganda Works: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Jason+Stanley+How+Propaganda+Works Erasing History: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Jason+Stanley+Erasing+History OUTLINE 00:00 How Propaganda Has Changed with Donald Trump 10:42 Soft and Hard Propaganda 13:56 Defining Propaganda 25:01 Is Trump Trying to Broaden Popular Support? 30:12 Trump Is Ruining Democracy 33:15 Social Media is Political Theater for BOTS 45:39 Why Jason Left Twitter 49:54 Attacks Against Jason on Twitter 53:20 The Terrible Cost of Leaving the US 01:04:56 How AI Threatens Democracy 01:08:26 Tech Billionaires Want to Wipe Out Humanity 01:12:02 Elon Musk's Secret Plans  01:14:30 Does Peter Thiel Want All Humans Dead? 01:17:37 Jason's Transition to Philosophy of Propaganda Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University, where he is also a JD candidate in the Law School.

See All (301)

4.7
out of 5
291 Ratings

About

Robinson Erhardt researches symbolic logic and the foundations of mathematics at Stanford University. Join him in conversations with philosophers, scientists, weightlifters, artists, and everyone in-between. https://linktr.ee/robinsonerhardt

Information

  • Creator
    Robinson Erhardt
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    301
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Robinson Erhardt
  • Show Website
    Robinson's Podcast

You Might Also Like