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Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps

Josh Szeps
Donald Trump
Australia
Climate Change
Artificial Intelligence
Israel
Social Justice
Social Media
Democracy
Mental Health
Free Speech
Australian Politics
Cancel Culture
Covid-19
China
Media Bias
Identity Politics
Food Safety
Iran
Education
Immigration

The world has never been more connected. Yet never more divided. We yell at each other from inside our echo chambers. But change doesn’t happen inside an echo chamber. It’s time to get out, to stretch our legs, to step on some land mines. It's time to have an uncomfortable conversation with Josh Szeps.

A DM Podcast

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes504Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CultureComedy InterviewsComedy

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Artwork for Uncomfortable Conversations

Latest Episodes

Does nationalism have to be xenophobic or racist? What would it mean to be a nationalist who isn’t a blood-&-soil bigot but a pluralistic liberal? How can multicultural societies like ours sustain strong national identities? Could we actually reinvig... more

YouTube

The latest chaotic development under “Operation Epic Fury” has continued to show the catastrophic strategic position the United States has found itself in. But it could be worse! It’s not like the Iranians know about the midterms, and the impending e... more

Jimmy Carr is one of the most successful stand-up comics on earth (and one of our most recurring guests).

His hilarious, brutal crowd work is a viral sensation, and his television credits include hosting some of the UK’s longest running panel shows ... more

Life’s biggest decisions are always the most Uncomfortable. Should you have a baby? Should you quit your job? Should you move to a new country? Should you drop acid?

Anytime you’re faced with a decision that is likely to change who you are, you’re f... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Laurie Paul
Professor of philosophy and cognitive science at Yale University
Yale University
Episode: Why Smart People Make Dumb Choices
Steve Rosenbaum
Emmy-winning former television news producer, TED resident, author
The Future of Truth book
Episode: 'Truth' in an Age of A.I.
AC Grayling
British philosopher and author
British philosophical community
Episode: Philosopher A.C. Grayling in the Most Mind-Expanding Episode of the Year
Joanna Howe
Law professor and outspoken anti-abortion activist
University of Adelaide / public advocacy
Episode: Josh vs the Anti-Abortion Activist
Steven Simon
Former US State Department and NSC Middle East policy expert
Episode: BLOCKADE COUNTDOWN: What's the End Game?
Jack L. High
Author of The Nazi and the Psychiatrist
Episode: "Nuremberg" & the Psychology of Evil
Sam Jay
Comedian and writer known for her work on SNL
Saturday Night Live (writer) / comedian
Episode: Writing for 'SNL' with Sam Jay
Dave Hughes
Australian comedian and television personality
Episode: Dave Hughes Has a Problem With Josh
Steve Vizard
Australian actor, writer, and producer known for Tonight Live and Fast Forward
Australian television
Episode: The King of Late Night TV, Steve Vizard

Host

Josh Szeps
The host facilitates conversations that explore complex societal issues with humor and critical analysis, often featuring diverse and thought-provoking guests.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 3.1k ratings
  • Josh, can you please have a specialist in abortion on to counter act the misinformation Joanna Howe spat out in her interview. You are generally so well informed, however, there were countless holes in her argument medically speaking. Orherwise, love the podcast.

    Podcast Addict
    3
    emilyaustralia
    15 days ago
  • Annoying

    The sound of his voice is grating after a minute of two, his opinions of no importance. I feel sorry for this wanna be.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    seesaw70
    United Statesa month ago
  • Excellent

    Always interesting and balanced. Thanks Josh for making having uncomfortable conversations possible with the interviews you do.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FrenchHeather
    France2 months ago
  • AI with Joel

    Josh, This was a sensational episode that i have been motivated to share with 20 or so family and friends. A seminal piece raising concerns and provoking thought into profound change that is upon us.

    My discussion points with family; Yes agree, its going to be one of the biggest challenges, probably the biggest educational challenge in human history when you think about it. It will be the first time that humans have not got full controll over education of younger generations. You will be able t... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Riveting Stu
    Australia3 months ago
  • AI Episode

    Love this podcast. The interview with Bob Carr was one of my favourites. This ep great too (although Josh’s “nerdy” enthusiasm for the subject meant he butted in quite a few times 🥴 )

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Sadiedaly
    Australia3 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Criticism has arisen concerning the handling of certain sensitive issues, with calls for a more balanced exploration of diverse viewpoints.
Listeners appreciate the intelligent and lively discussions as well as the diverse array of guests that provide unique perspectives.
Some express frustration with the perceived lack of variety in topics and guests, feeling certain themes are rehashed or overly focused on culture wars.
Josh's engaging presentation style and willingness to tackle uncomfortable topics resonate well with many, fostering an environment for candid conversations.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Josh vs the Anti-Abortion Activist
Q: What is your basic pitch on abortion and late-term practices?
The guest argues abortion is morally equivalent to taking a life from conception, viewing late-term abortions as a grave injustice and advocating for equal human rights protection from conception onward.
Top Trump Diplomat Tells All: fmr Deputy Secretary of State Inside the Room Where it Happens
Q: What was it like to be in the room during the DMZ meeting and the lead-up to that summit?
The guest describes a choreography of logistics, security, and careful messaging, where a lot of the actual negotiations happen off the main table and decisions hinge on signal from the broader leadership, not just the person facing you.
A Black Muslim Comic & Gay Jew Walk Into an Uncomfortable Conversation
Q: How do you handle feedback from other comedians or audience members when testing new material?
I listen, weigh the source, and sometimes use unsolicited feedback as a test, but I ultimately trust my own experience and the reaction I get from the room.
A Black Muslim Comic & Gay Jew Walk Into an Uncomfortable Conversation
Q: What made you decide to pursue stand-up after studying math and education?
I wanted to explore a different way to engage with people, using humor to reveal truths about everyday life and identity; math gave me structure, but comedy lets me connect with the audience in real time.
Everything is Awesome! Just Ask Josh
Q: Is that something you actually want to revisit?
Yes, there is interest in revisiting how we manage risk and communicate about public health, especially regarding relative versus absolute risk, while acknowledging the nuanced tradeoffs in policy—balancing caution with normal life.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Uncomfortable Conversations

What is Uncomfortable Conversations about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Topics frequently discussed encompass a broad range of contemporary social and political issues, acknowledging the divides that characterize current societal discourse. With a blend of humor and thoughtful examination, the content often explores technology's impact on learning, the dynamics of international relations, energy innovations, and the intersection of press freedom and governmental scrutiny. A notable focus is on presenting various perspectives on hot-button issues, particularly those surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, LGBTQ rights, and the ramifications of artificial intelligence on society. Moreover, the format often features prominent guests from diverse fields such as education, psychology, economics, and media, enr... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Uncomfortable Conversations?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Uncomfortable Conversations:

1. Conversations with Coleman
2. Quillette Podcast
3. Making Sense with Sam Harris
4. The Unspeakeasy With Meghan Daum
5. Blocked and Reported

How many episodes of Uncomfortable Conversations are there?

Uncomfortable Conversations launched 11 years ago and published 504 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 Uncomfortable Conversations?

Recent guests on Uncomfortable Conversations include:

1. Laurie Paul
2. Steve Rosenbaum
3. AC Grayling
4. Joanna Howe
5. Steven Simon
6. Jack L. High
7. Sam Jay
8. Dave Hughes

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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