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
Jun 9
How Modern Fatherhood Is Changing Men’s Brains
Humans are unusual dads. Across the animal kingdom, dads are often absent from child-rearing altogether. But among humans, fatherhood takes many forms, and in the last half century, it has changed dramatically. College-educated American fathers now spend nearly four times as much ... Show More
1h 4m
Jun 5
What 400,000 Essays Reveal About AI and Creativity
For generations, we've defined creativity by its products: the novel, the painting, the song, the breakthrough idea. We look at the work, and from the work we see the creator as “creative.” But AI is getting remarkably good at producing creative work. In some cases, experts now p ... Show More
56m 2s
Jun 2
The Surprising Truth About America's Friendship Crisis
Modern loneliness is often treated as a simple problem: People are simply spending more time alone. But what if that's not the whole story? Over the last several years, Derek has written about workism, the rise of a culture that puts work at the center of our lives, and the "anti ... Show More
58m 53s
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
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, Lovett, ... 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
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 invest ... 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