The past few weeks have marked a low point for free speech principles in America. The head of the FCC openly threatened ABC for the language of a comedian. The president told a reporter that networks that are "against" him should have their licenses revoked. The vice president went on TV and told Americans to turn in their colleagues if they spoke ill of Cha ... Show More
Yesterday
Plain English BEST OF: The Healthiest "Super-Agers" Have One Thing in Common, According to a 25-Year Study
Throughout December and January, we’re going to be re-airing some of our favorite episodes of the past year and beyond. This list includes interviews that really stuck with me and some others that you guys had tons of feedback and thoughts on … including this one! “The Healthiest ... Show More
41m 58s
Sep 2025
Ep. 253: Pam Bondi says hate speech is not free speech — is she right?
FIRE staff also take your questions on Charlie Kirk's assassination, President Trump's lawsuit against The New York Times, cancel culture, and more. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:42 Attorney General Pam Bondi's comments that "hate speech" is distinct from "free speech" 02:23 Is it O ... Show More
1h 5m
Sep 2025
Trump Promises Free Speech Crackdown
<p>In response to the murder of Charlie Kirk, Donald Trump vows retribution against his political opponents, JD Vance asks Americans to snitch on anyone criticizing Kirk's politics, and Stephen Miller pledges to "disrupt, dismantle, and destroy" left-wing organizations. Jon, Love ... Show More
1h 20m
Sep 2025
Jimmy Kimmel and Free Speech in the United States
<p>The aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel are creating concerns and conversations about the state of free speech in the United States.</p><p>Rachel Abrams, Jim Rutenberg, Jeremy W. Peters and Adam Liptak, all journalists f ... Show More
30m 16s
Sep 2025
Kimmel Wins, Tylenol Loses
<p>Disney reverses course and announces, despite pressure from the FCC, Jimmy Kimmel will return to the air. President Trump, speaking at the White House, declares — without scientific evidence — that acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes autism. The DOJ shuts down an FBI inv ... Show More
1h 37m
Aug 2025
Ep. 250: Civil rights, hate speech, and the First Amendment
We know the First Amendment protects hate speech. But has it always done so? And how have civil rights groups responded when their members are the target of hate speech? University of Iowa Law Professor Samantha Barbas is the author of a new law review article, "How American Civi ... Show More
57m 4s