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Uncommon Knowledge

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For more than two decades the Hoover Institution has been producing Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson, a series hosted by Hoover fellow Peter Robinson as an outlet for political leaders, scholars, journalists, and today’s big thinkers to share their views with the world.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes100Founded8 years ago
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HistoryPoliticsNews

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Artwork for Uncommon Knowledge

Latest Episodes

Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul returns to Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson to discuss his new book, Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder. McFaul explains why Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and... more

In December 2025, former US Senator Ben Sasse announced that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. That’s the primary topic for this far-reaching conversation about mortality, faith, and what truly matters when time is short. Sasse re... more

Thomas Sowell delivers a sweeping critique of American education, affirmative action, and modern universities, drawing on his own life story—from Harlem classrooms to Ivy League institutions—decades of research, and hard data. Sowell argues that ideo... more

Is math something humans invent—or something we discover? And why does it describe the universe so uncannily well?

In this episode of Uncommon Knowledge, Peter Robinson sits down with mathematicians David Berlinski, Sergiu Klainerman, and Stephen Me... more

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Recent Guests

Ben Sasse
Former United States Senator and president of the University of Florida, diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.
American Enterprise Institute
Episode: Basketball in the Last 60 Seconds: Ben Sasse on Mortality, Meaning, and the Future of America | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Thomas Sowell
An economist and author, known for his work on education and race relations.
Hoover Institution
Episode: Thomas Sowell on School Choice and the Price Our Children Pay for Bad Ideas | Peter Robinson | Thomas Sowell | Hoover Institution
David Berlinski
Mathematician and author known for his works on mathematics, philosophy, and science.
Episode: Why Does 2 + 2 = 4? What Math Teaches Us About Deep Reality | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Sergiu Klainerman
Professor of Mathematics at Princeton with research interests in black holes and mathematical physics.
Princeton University
Episode: Why Does 2 + 2 = 4? What Math Teaches Us About Deep Reality | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Stephen Meyer
Director of the Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture, author and thought leader in intelligent design.
Discovery Institute
Episode: Why Does 2 + 2 = 4? What Math Teaches Us About Deep Reality | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
John Lewis Gaddis
The Dean of Cold War Historians and Lovett Professor of Military and Naval History at Yale University
Yale University
Episode: Why the Cold War Still Matters with John Lewis Gaddis | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Nicholas Eberstadt
Demographer and fellow at the American Enterprise Institute
American Enterprise Institute
Episode: The Age of Depopulation With Nicholas Eberstadt | Peter Robinson | Uncommon Knowledge
Kevin Warsh
Former member of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve and investment professional.
Hoover Institution
Episode: Inflation Is A Choice: Kevin Warsh on Fixing the Federal Reserve | Uncommon Knowledge | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Mike Johnson
56th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
Episode: The Signal in the Noise: Speaker Mike Johnson on Elon, the Big Beautiful Bill, and “Our Chance to Save Our Country” | Uncommon Knowledge | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution

Hosts

Peter Robinson
Host of a series that facilitates discussions among political leaders, scholars, journalists, and contemporary thinkers.
Victor Davis Hanson
Historian and author known for his commentary on war, history, and Western civilization.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 2.8k ratings
  • Always Worth the Time

    My #1 podcast.

    I have listened to Peter and his cohort of wonderfully insightful collaborators for over a decade. Peter is an incredible interviewer, drawing out a unique level of storytelling across the spectrum of disciplines. Uncommon Knowledge is a rare piece of rich experience amid the ubiquity of internet information (and misinformation).

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    meshugina
    United Statesa month ago
  • 2+2

    Wow. My brain hurts after that discussion. The art, science, mysticism, and reality of math. Well done!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Gootsy
    United States2 months ago
  • The Best

    I’m just an ordinary guy who has listened to this podcast for over 2 years. This last pod was by far the best, 3 eminent historians in robust debate. Thankyou

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Clintc40
    Australia5 months ago
  • Seriously?

    Try having a woman on the show to balance out the narratives around childbearing.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    TikMonster
    United States6 months ago
  • Simply fascinating

    Peter’s style of long form interview combined with the deep knowledge of his guests never disappoints.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    B. Bumpo
    United States6 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Production quality needs improvement, specifically in audio levels.
The interviews provide deep insights and a unique level of storytelling.
There are mixed feelings about the overall political alignment and some interviews.
Listeners appreciate the thought-provoking discussions on politics and culture.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#77
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#227
United States/News
Apple Podcasts
#99
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#245
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#98
France/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#104
Australia/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Basketball in the Last 60 Seconds: Ben Sasse on Mortality, Meaning, and the Future of America | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Q: What seems more valuable now that the clock is ticking?
He acknowledges that balancing work and home life is essential and regrets being a workaholic.
Basketball in the Last 60 Seconds: Ben Sasse on Mortality, Meaning, and the Future of America | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Q: What do you mean by redeem the time?
Sasse elaborates that it encompasses living a life of gratitude and serving one's neighbors while confronting life's limitations.
Basketball in the Last 60 Seconds: Ben Sasse on Mortality, Meaning, and the Future of America | Peter Robinson | Hoover Institution
Q: How come you are throwing all that you have left into it?
Ben Sasse explains that despite feeling withdrawn due to his condition, he desires to engage in the world and serve others.
Thomas Sowell on School Choice and the Price Our Children Pay for Bad Ideas | Peter Robinson | Thomas Sowell | Hoover Institution
Q: Why is it so hard to end race-based distinctions in university admissions?
Sowell believes many people have vested interests in maintaining the status quo, which acknowledges racism as the core issue, rather than recognizing past successes in the black community.
Thomas Sowell on School Choice and the Price Our Children Pay for Bad Ideas | Peter Robinson | Thomas Sowell | Hoover Institution
Q: Why do you want to devote this conversation to education?
Sowell focuses on education because it is failing to teach students how to think and lacks accountability to correct its shortcomings.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Uncommon Knowledge

What is Uncommon Knowledge about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A unique exploration of contemporary issues and historical perspectives, the discussions often focus on education, American politics, economics, and the interplay between history and current events. The host engages with a diverse range of thought leaders, including historians, economists, and political figures, to provide thoughtful commentary and analysis on topics such as the complexities of higher education, the legacy of American leadership, and pressing societal challenges. Notably, the series includes candid reflections on personal experiences and thoughtful debates that challenge conventional wisdom, making it a valuable resource for listeners interested in deepening their understanding of the world around them.

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Which podcasts are similar to Uncommon Knowledge?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Uncommon Knowledge:

1. GoodFellows: Conversations on Economics, History & Geopolitics
2. Honestly with Bari Weiss
3. Breaking History
4. EconTalk
5. Conversations with Coleman

How many episodes of Uncommon Knowledge are there?

Uncommon Knowledge launched 8 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Uncommon Knowledge?

Recent guests on Uncommon Knowledge include:

1. Ben Sasse
2. Thomas Sowell
3. David Berlinski
4. Sergiu Klainerman
5. Stephen Meyer
6. John Lewis Gaddis
7. Nicholas Eberstadt
8. Kevin Warsh

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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