Within Reason Alex J O'Connor

Within Reason has gradually grown to be one of my favorite podcast, despite having very little interest in this channel when I first discovered it, after coming to realize the vastly different types of guests that appear on the show and the hosts ability to probe and challenge those ideas I have come to very much appreciate the content on this podcast

It’s hard to fully describe my disappointment as I listen to Alex, an arguably brilliant young man, platform unserious people without significant pushback.

The interview with Douglas Murray was truly abysmal, and the few times Alex critiqued Mr. Murray’s statements, the interviewee clutched hos pearls and Alex said “of course” or “yes, yes” moments later. It demonstrates either a lack of willingness to deconstruct opposing voices for fear of seeming unfair, or worse, an actual agreement with a man who speaks in hystaria, exaggeration, and carries one hundred straw men in his surely quite posh overcoat.

Listen, the response to a critique such as this is that dissenting voices sparks debate, interest, and a broader understanding of the topic. However, if those dissenting voices are dripping with bottomless bad faith arguments and faux incredulity, then where is the value? The only possible outcome is propagandizing. It is wildly misguided and I expect a more analytical approach to, and reflection upon, such wretched polemics in the future.

I just listened to “Just Stop Oil” podcast. I rarely write a review but the argument from both the sides was so respectful of each other that I felt it was a highly educational dialog which taught me how to be respectful of the other viewpoint even if I may have a very repulsive view of the other side. It was the skill and patience of the podcaster which made it possible. Thank you for keeping the dialog “within the reason”.