Neil McLaughlin, who is our guest in this episode, is Professor in the Department of Sociology at McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada. His research focuses on the sociology of public intellectuals, the international spreading of conspiracy theories and the sociological dynamics of disciplines, universities and ideas. Many of his theoretical works are characterised by a strong focus on Erich Fromm's social psychology. Neil McLaughlin is the author of many papers and books; in 2023 he published the book Erich Fromm and Global Public Sociology. Jonathan Keir met him virtually to discuss the similarities and differences between Fromm and the leading ‘public psychologist’ of our time, Jordan Peterson.