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The official podcast of the Free Speech Union. Focused on protecting and promoting freedom of expression in New Zealand, the Free Speech Union Podcast hosts interviews with international and local guests discussing the importance of free speech in a free and open society.www.fsu.nz
171 Episodes
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This week, Patrick talks with Georgina Blackmore about the upcoming Abortion Legalisation Bill, in particular the “safe areas” which the bill would establish to prevent protest in the vicinity of abortion clinics, and the state of protest rights globally. Georgina has been at the forefront of a number of protest groups, and is an experienced and skilled activist. With the (accidental) passing of the SOP making these "safe zones" ineffective, free speech activists can breathe a sigh of ...
This is the first part in a two part discussion with world renowned moral philosopher and psychologist James Flynn. Professor Flynn has been at the forefront of the discussion on intelligence, race and IQ, bringing this together with a deep grasp of moral and political philosophy. In this episode Professor Flynn covers his research and study on intelligence and its application to politics, and the current state of universities. Support the show https://www.fsu.nz/ https://x.com/NZFreeSpee...
Join Nick Hanne, Jillaine Heather, and Alex Penk for an FSU Talk on the recent Law Commission's discussion paper which examined the question of amending the Human Rights Act to include trans gender and intersex individuals as a protected class. These potential changes have significant implications for free speech and the weaponisation of a subjective definition of identity and also harm. Support the show https://www.fsu.nz/ https://x.com/NZFreeSpeech https://www.instagram.com/freespeechnz/ ht...
In this episode Jonathan sits down with Major Grant Fletcher, a barrister based in Christchurch, and Graham Edgler, lawyer and political and legal. They delve into the pressing issue of new hate training for police officers, the implications of hate speech and hate crime laws in New Zealand, and how these affect free speech. Tune in for a stimulating discussion on the balance between regulation and freedom, and the societal implications of these contentious issues. Support the show http...
Join Nathan, Jonathan, and Hannah for this episode for the Free Speech Union podcast to dive into the pressing issues surrounding free speech in New Zealand, focusing on the implications of recent police training on hate crimes, the role of the Law Commission, and the influence of unelected officials. Jonathan and Hannah provide insightful commentary and updates on ongoing efforts to protect free speech rights in the face of growing challenges. Support the show https://www.fsu.nz/ https...
Join us for a thought-provoking episode of the Free Speech Union Podcast. Hosted by Jonathan (FSU NZ CEO), this episode features a deep dive into the essence of free speech, democracy, and societal values with Professor Mike Grimshaw from the University of Canterbury. Explore the historical and philosophical underpinnings of free speech, the challenges posed by modern societal shifts, and the crucial role of civil liberties. Whether you're a seasoned thinker or new to these concepts, this eng...
Join Nick Hanne (Education Partnerships Manager) as he sits down with Dr. Paul Crowhurst to talk about tertiary education, white fragility, and the concept of unteaching racism. Dr. Crowhurst unpacks his experiences as a teacher, principal, and lecturer, and discusses the series of events leading to his encounter with cancel culture. Support the show https://www.fsu.nz/ https://x.com/NZFreeSpeech https://www.instagram.com/freespeechnz/ https://www.tiktok.com/@freespeechunionnz
Nathan Seiuli (Events & Outreach Manager) & Nick Hanne (Education Partnerships Manager) talk about free speech in schools, the FSU’s “Speak Up” schools program, and how the current free speech climate is affecting teachers. Support the show https://www.fsu.nz/ https://x.com/NZFreeSpeech https://www.instagram.com/freespeechnz/ https://www.tiktok.com/@freespeechunionnz
ACT leader David Seymour has picked up the free speech batten and is looking at the likes of Massey University with a Parliamentary Members Bill that would require taxpayer funded institutions to respect free speech on campus. Patrick Corish sits down with David to discuss his Bill. Support the show https://www.fsu.nz/ https://x.com/NZFreeSpeech https://www.instagram.com/freespeechnz/ https://www.tiktok.com/@freespeechunionnz
Dr Michael Johnston is an Associate Dean of Education at Victoria University of Wellington. His teaching focuses on the educational assessment and in particular, the positive and negative impacts on pedagogy and curriculum. Dr Johnston has launched a campaign calling for New Zealand's universities to adopt the University of Chicago's statement on free speech, and he sits down with Patrick to discuss the campaign and how educational institutions do their students a disservice by trying ...
Helen Pluckrose is an academic specialising in postmodern thought. She has become known mainly by her participation in the Sokal Squared - Grievance Studies Affair where she, James Lindsay, and Boghassian manufactured fake academic articles to illustrate how easily it publish in social science journals. Helen shares her insights into the postmodern school of thought and its natural aversion towards free speech. Support the show https://www.fsu.nz/ https://x.com/NZFreeSpeech https://www...
Patrick Corish sits down with the deputy leader of the New Conservative Party of New Zealand, Elliot Ikelei. Patrick and Elliot discuss the New Conservative's views on free speech, the role of parents in protecting children from online harm and Elliot's debate on free speech with Dr Don Brash at Auckland University. Support the show https://www.fsu.nz/ https://x.com/NZFreeSpeech https://www.instagram.com/freespeechnz/ https://www.tiktok.com/@freespeechunionnz
Patrick sits down with Dr Melissa Derby, a lecturer of history at Auckland University of Technology. On 16 October Massey University cancelled a Feminism 2020 event that Melissa was invited to speak at. Her speech was going to be on the dangers of identity politics and the break down of constructive dialogue between different interest groups. Patrick and Melissa discuss the topic of her speech and the growing issues surrounding public dialogue in which anti-free speech mentality is a root ca...
Free Speech Coalition's Dr David Cumin interviews British journalist and editor of Spiked! Online, Brendan O'Neill. David and Brendan discuss the similarities between New Zealand and Britain regarding free speech, censorship culture and the current climate surrounding political correctness. Brendan gives his views on the scope of free speech and how current pushes for hate speech laws does more harm than good to those that the laws purport to protect. You can read Brendan's recommended read...
Free Speech Coalition spokesperson Rachel Poulain interviews Grant Edwards. Grant is a street preacher with more than 20 years of preaching experience. Recently Grant was preaching on a public street in Whangarei where he was stopped by the police and threatened with being charged under the Summary Offences Act for disorderly behaviour. Grant opens up about his views on free speech, persons of different faiths and views and the current political climate that is increasingly aggressive agains...
In part two of this Free Speech Union Podcast, we follow Giles Brant and Peter Hardy to the end of their legal battle with the New Zealand Law Society. From a single email complaint to landmark rulings in the High Court and Court of Appeal, this episode traces their fight for free speech within the legal profession. Listen as they reflect on the principles at stake, the reality of challenging powerful institutions, and what it means to stand for truth and justice under intense scrutiny. Part ...
In this episode of the Free Speech Union Podcast, council member Thomas Newman sits down with lawyers Giles Brant and Peter Hardie to unpack a chilling story of professional scrutiny and the fight for free speech. Hear how a simple email exchange triggered a gruelling disciplinary process with the Law Society — and what their ordeal reveals about the state of professional regulation today. This conversation explores the balance between professional ethics, personal freedoms, and the ever-pres...
In this episode, Nick and Steph sit down with Shamubeel Eaqub—an economist, author, and commentator—to discuss the findings of his recent study on social cohesion. They explore the various trends and factors contributing to a rise in people feeling less connected, and how we might move forward through free speech. For more information about Shamubeel, check out his website: www.eaqub.com. Support the show https://www.fsu.nz/ https://x.com/NZFreeSpeech https://www.instagram.com/freespeechnz/ h...
In this episode, Nick is joined by Eric Heinze, Professor of Law and Humanities at Queen Mary, University of London. A leading voice in legal philosophy, human rights, and the law-and-literature movement, Heinze unpacks the ideas in his latest book, Coming Clean: The Rise of Critical Theory and the Future of the Left. Together, they explore the intersections of free speech, critical theory, and the ongoing battles in today’s culture wars. You can find more information about Eric at www.eric...
Revisit Dr. James Lindsays talk from the Wellington event of his New Zealand tour with the Free Speech Union. Dr. Lindsay shares his thoughts, fears and concerns about the rising treats of “woke” on the right and the communist and socialist undertones driving woeness, cancel culture and various attacks on western liberal democracy. Support the show https://www.fsu.nz/ https://x.com/NZFreeSpeech https://www.instagram.com/freespeechnz/ https://www.tiktok.com/@freespeechunionnz
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Aaaargh, this is so annoying! Voices regularly fade right down to virtual silence, so I miss what was said during these fade outs. Get some advice from a professional podcaster or sound technician.