John Anderson served as Deputy Prime Minister of Australia for 6 years between 1999 and 2005 under John Howard. We hope you enjoy these Conversations series where John is joined by some of the world’s foremost thought leaders to examine in detail the social, cultural and political landscape we live in today. Proper robust dialogue is necessary if we are to continue to be a successful society. As John says: “You can not get good public policy out of a bad public debate.”
You may find the same videos in each list.
Newest videos are on the bottom of these video playlists.
Interview Highlights
Interview highlights from conversations between John Anderson and world’s foremost thought leaders about today’s pressing social, cultural and political issues.
Western Freedoms
The democratic freedoms we enjoy in the West are hard won. They are under attack today. John examines where they come from and what we can do to protect them with these fascinating guests. (77)
Conversations
John Anderson served as Deputy Prime Minister of Australia for 6 years between 1999 and 2005 under John Howard. We hope you enjoy Conversations with John Anderson where he is joined by some of the world’s foremost thought leaders to examine in detail the social, cultural and political landscape we live in today. Proper robust dialogue is necessary if we are to continue to be a successful society. As John says: “You can not get good public policy out of a bad public debate.”
Heroism, Responsibility and Confidence | Patrick Bet-David
John joins Patrick Bet-David (PBD) in his LA studio for a discussion covering PBD’s childhood in Iran, the lessons he’s teaching his kids, what it takes for America to unite, and the dangers of a victim mentality.
Russian Propaganda and Indoctrination – Konstantin Kisin
Konstantin Kisin exposing Russian propaganda and indoctrination
The Virtue of Traditional Education | Katharine Birbalsingh
John is joined in conversation by Katharine Birbalsingh, described by many as ‘Britain’s’ strictest teacher’. Birbalsingh’s passion for high-quality education provides for insightful and challenging perspectives on the state of our current school system and what can be done to improve it.
Where is America Headed? | Dennis Prager
John joins Dennis Prager in his Los Angeles studios for a discussion on Western political philosophy, American politics, the interplay of liberty and safety, left-wing ideology and the British monarchy in the wake of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The State of the Union | Victor Davis Hanson
John is joined again by author and historian Victor Davis Hanson to review the current state of the union of American states as they approach the midterm elections. Politics in America is broken, and the country is more divided across political and ideological lines than it has ever been. Where is the next Lincoln to lead them out of the malaise?
The Making Of The Western Mind | Tom Holland
In this conversation, John joins Tom Holland in his London home to discuss Christianity’s role in shaping Western civilisation. Holland prompts us to reflect on the intricate moral web our society still upholds today and consider the intertwined history of the Western imagination and Christianity. John and Tom also discuss cyclical patterns seen through the historical record, the notable decline of Christian faith and the impact of increasing secularization.
Educating the World | Prof. James Tooley
John is joined by Professor James Tooley, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Buckingham, for an insightful conversation about the role of education in the modern age, the relationship between parental and government oversight in education systems, the differences between public and private education, ideological uniformity in universities and more.
The British Empire | Nigel Biggar
John is joined by author and theologian Professor Nigel Biggar, for an insightful conversation focused on crucial ethical, historical, and philosophical questions. They discuss war and whether it can be justified, the history of the world’s greatest empires and slavery within those empires, the British empire’s unbalanced reputation, rights and wrongs of colonisation, academic dishonesty in universities and more.
The Russian Psyche | Konstantin Kisin
John is joined by Konstantin Kisin, himself Russian by descent, for a conversation about the Russian mindset, popular support for President Putin, the Western response to and coverage of the conflict in Ukraine, Western resilience, the role of satire in public discourse, and much more.
Law in a Time of Crisis | Lord Jonathan Sumption
John is joined in conversation by Lord Jonathan Sumption OBE, described by his peers as ‘the cleverest man in Britain’. Sumption’s glittering legal mind provides for insightful and challenging perspectives on various topics including lockdown, climate change, Brexit, and so-called ‘hate speech’.
#MenToo | Bettina Arndt AM
John is joined by men’s rights activist and author Bettina Arndt to discuss men’s issues in relation to domestic violence, the education of boys and the demonisation of men in our culture. Bettina argues that feminist lobby groups have distorted domestic violence statistics while neglecting the abuse of both men and women in the home. This is especially prescient in light of the recent Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard defamation trial, where the jury’s judgement would have us question the infallibility of the mantra “believe all women.”
Peter Hitchens | Cold War II and Securing The Future
John is joined in conversation by Peter Hitchens to discuss the current leftist ideologies infiltrating western society, his understanding of the Ukrainian war, his insight into the future during a time of international unrest, and the decline of education in Britain. Once a correspondent living in Russia during the collapse of the Soviet Union; Peter reveals his critiques on the current state of political affairs in Russia and the rest of Europe.
Russia, China & The Future | Prof. John Gray
John is joined by Professor John Gray, probably the world’s foremost political philosopher. They discuss the state of the world today. Russia, Ukraine, Europe, China, America; Putin, Macron, Biden. His knowledge of history is deep and wide and so his perspective on current events is imposing. We learn about the history of ideas, geo-politics, trans-humanism and more. This is an episode not to be missed.
Phillip Jensen | The Truth of Jesus
With Easter, the time that Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, soon approaching, John talks with bible teacher and evangelist Phillip Jensen. They discuss the very question of who Jesus Christ is, as well as matters of life, death and justice in a post-Christian world.
On Religious Freedom | Mark Sneddon & Dr. Sarah Irving Stonebraker
In this Conversation, John is joined by Mark Sneddon and Sarah Irving-Stonebraker for a unique deep dive into the issue of religious freedom in Australia. Both highly regarded in their respective fields, Mark and Sarah unpack the vexed issue currently front of mind for politicians, activists, religious believers and Australians concerned about civil liberties. They discuss the necessity of protections for religious freedom, the many worrying recent anti-religious legal and political developments and the fundamental importance of religious tolerance in Australian history.
The Cost of the COVID Crisis | Andrew Stone
Dr. Andrew Stone speaks with John about the concerning economic trends following government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Salvatore Babones | Expertocracy & Universities
John is joined in conversation by Salvatore Babones, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Sydney. The two discuss matters concerning Australian universities, including the rise of the expert class, politics in university departments, free speech and morality, and China’s involvement in our tertiary education system. All of this is collectively referenced in Salvatore’s new book “Universities: Can they reform?”
Conversations: Featuring Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
John sits down with Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, public figure, religious leader, philosopher, academic and author. They discuss freedom, morality, religion and much more.
Conversations: Featuring Baroness Caroline Cox
Baroness Caroline Cox has been a member of the UK House of Lords since 1983. The Baroness Cox has been extensively and intimately involved in aid and humanitarian work for many decades. Her work has seen her travel to some of the most dangerous conflict zones on Earth, including Syria, Sudan, Burma, North Korea, Nigeria and the Soviet Union. She is well-known as a staunch defender of academic freedom, a cause she has been closely involved in since the 1970’s.
Conversations: Featuring David Goodhart on Brexit
John speaks to David Goodhart, the bestselling author of The Road to Somewhere, about Brexit and the new political tribes driving contemporary debate in Western democracies – the so called ‘Somewheres’ and ‘Anywheres.’
Conversations: Featuring Jonathan Haidt II
John Anderson speaks to Jonathan Haidt, renowned social psychologist, NYU Professor and public intellectual. In this episode they discuss Jonathan’s new book, The Coddling of the American Mind, which considers how we are setting our young people up for failure by overprotecting them and preventing them from developing resilience.
Conversations: Featuring Peter Hitchens II
Peter Hitchens is a British journalist, author and broadcaster who speaks from a singular perspective. He is perhaps the most astute observer of our contemporary condition there is and is prepared to call things just as he sees them.
Conversations: Featuring Peter Jennings
John speaks to Peter Jennings, Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) about Australia’s regional defence strategy in the face of a rapidly changing geo-political outlook.
Conversations: Featuring Helen Pluckrose
John talks to Helen Pluckrose, who came to prominence recently for her part in the so-called Grievance Studies hoax, where she and two colleagues sought to expose corruption in academic “grievance studies,” by submitting bogus papers to academic journals, some of which were published.
Conversations: Featuring Melinda Tankard Reist
Melinda Tankard Reist is an author and advocate for women and girls. She speaks to John about the work her organisation, Collective Shout, is doing to combat the pornification of our culture, and the damage it is doing to our young people, especially women and girls.
Conversations: Featuring Tim Montgomerie
John speaks to Tim Montgomerie, the Chief of Staff of the former leader of the Conservative party in the UK, Iain Duncan Smith. Tim is a conservative activist, blogger and columnist, and is the former comment editor of the The Times of London.
Conversations: Featuring Senator Jim Molan
Senator Jim Molan is a Liberal Party Federal Senator for NSW and former major general in the Australian Army. He and John discuss defence policy, the current geo-political climate, military threats to Australia and the need for Australia to be militarily prepared in a dangerous world.
Conversations: Featuring Niall Ferguson II
John is joined by Stanford University Senior Fellow and prolific author Niall Ferguson in the NSW Parliament House in Sydney. In front of a live audience they examine a wide range of vital issues, from Trump & Brexit, to immigration & populism and socialism & China. A must watch.
Conversations: Featuring Jordan Peterson and Dave Rubin
Dr Jordan B Peterson was joined by political commentator & talk show host, Dave Rubin, on his sellout international speaking tour. While in Australia, Jordan and Dave joined John Anderson at this private forum event to further examine their diagnoses of and prescriptions for our contemporary challenges.
Conversations: Featuring Gavin Ashenden
John in a wide ranging conversation with the Rt. Rev’d Dr Gavin Ashenden, a former Chaplain to the Queen. They discuss where our democratic freedoms come from, what the contemporary threats to them are, and what we can do to safeguard them.
Conversations: Featuring Andrew Robertson
John in conversation with Rear Admiral (Ret) Andrew Robertson AO, retired senior officer, Royal Australian Navy. Andrew is one of Australia’s most distinguished and decorated senior naval officers. He and John discuss military and naval history, defence strategy and the state of Australia’s current defence policy.
Conversations: Featuring Peter Hitchens I
Peter Hitchens is a British journalist, author and broadcaster. He currently writes for the Mail on Sunday and brings a singular perspective on many issues facing contemporary society. He and John discuss some of them here, including the breakdown in trust we are witnessing, his experiences in the Soviet Union, conservatism and more.
Conversations: Featuring Os Guinness
John speaks to Os Guinness, the great-great-great grandson of the Dublin brewer. Os has written or edited more than 30 books and is an expert on the Judeo-Christian foundations of Western Civilisation. His grasp of our present predicament is unprecedented.
Conversations: Featuring Peter Costello
John in conversation with the longest serving and most successful Treasurer in Australian history, Peter Costello. They discuss the economy & government debt, the distinction between intentions & outcomes in politics and much more.
Conversations: Featuring Jennifer Oriel
John Anderson talks to columnist at The Australian, Dr Jennifer Oriel, about her political shift from the left to the right, the lack of political diversity in universities, religious freedom and more.
Conversations: Featuring Greg Sheridan
John Anderson talks to the Foreign Editor of The Australian, Greg Sheridan, about his new book God is Good for You, as well as social media, politics, foreign affairs and much more.
Conversations: Featuring Kevin Donnelly
John Anderson talks to school education expert and co-chair of the review in to the National Curriculum in 2014, Dr. Kevin Donnelly. They discuss the influence of the cultural-left in education today.
Conversations: Featuring Kim Beazley
John Anderson talks to the former leader of the Labor Party and Governor of Western Australia, Kim Beazley. They discuss political leadership, national defence, the United States and more.
Conversations: Featuring Melanie Phillips I
John Anderson talks to British journalist, author and broadcaster Melanie Phillips about the sources of political and personal liberty in Britain and The West, the contemporary threats to that liberty and what can be done to preserve it.
Conversations: Featuring Jenny Stanger
John talks to Jenny Stanger, anti-slavery specialist with End Slavery Solutions, about the scourge of modern slavery in our society and what people in Australia can do about it.
Conversations: Featuring Tony Shepherd
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson talks to Tony Shepherd AO. Tony was Chairman of the Abbott Government’s National Commission of Audit which recommended various economics reforms.
Conversations: Featuring Eric Metaxas
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson talks to New York Times #1 Bestselling Author Eric Metaxas on the history of the abolition of slavery in the West, the belief in the inherent dignity of every individual, the current culture wars and more.
Conversations: Featuring Tom Simpson
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson talks to Associate Professor Tom Simpson from the University of Oxford on various issues including the breakdown of social trust, elitist politics and Brexit.
Conversations: Featuring Jonathan Haidt I
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson talks to Jonathan Haidt, Professor of Ethical Leadership at NYU.
Conversations: Featuring Jordan Peterson II
John Anderson talks to international phenomenon Dr Jordan B Peterson in a follow up discussion from their first conversation in March 2018 in Sydney.
Conversations: Featuring Niall Ferguson I
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson talks to world renowned Stanford University Historian Niall Ferguson about the history, standing and trajectory of Western Civilisation, the evils of totalitarianism, the Western academy, social media and more.
Conversations: Featuring Stuart Piggin
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson talks to Associate Professor Stuart Piggin about the vital role evangelical Christians made in the foundation and development of Australia.
Conversations: Featuring Jacinta Nampijinpa Price
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson talks to the NT Country Liberal Party candidate Jacinta Nampijinpa Price on the issues facing the Aboriginal community in Australia and the solutions she thinks could help solve them.
Conversations: Featuring Tony Abbott
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson talks to former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
Conversations: Featuring Peter Baldwin
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson talks to former ALP Government Minister Peter Baldwin.
Conversations: Featuring John Howard
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson talks to former Prime Minister John Howard.
Conversations: Featuring Frank Furedi
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson talks to Frank Furedi.
Conversations: Featuring Jordan B Peterson I
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson talks to Jordan B Peterson.
Conversations: Featuring Niall Ferguson III
Harvard and Stanford Universities Senior Fellow and prolific author Niall Ferguson is one of the world’s pre-eminent experts on history, politics and economics. He shares his current insights on the rivalry between China and the USA, Trump, Brexit and more.
Conversations: Featuring Dave Rubin
Dave Rubin is the host of The Rubin Report, one of the most popular political and cultural talk shows on the internet with over 1M subscribers on YouTube. They have a lot to talk about!
Conversations: Featuring Melanie Phillips II
John Anderson talks to British journalist, author and broadcaster Melanie Phillips about the origins of Western cultural and political freedoms, the resurgence of antisemitism around the globe and the key problems confronting the youth of today.
Conversations: Featuring Douglas Murray
John talks to uncompromising author and journalist, Douglas Murray, with a special focus on his new book, The Madness of Crowds, where Douglas examines the twenty-first century’s most divisive issues: sexuality, gender, technology and race.
Conversations: Featuring Dr. Andrew Stone
John talks to Dr. Andrew Stone, a highly respected public policy economist, about the importance of economics, the key economic challenges facing Australia and the practical reforms that should be made to ensure future prosperity.
Conversations: Featuring Tim Dixon
Tim Dixon is a co-founder of More in Common, a political research and advocacy group that seeks to address the underlying drivers of fracturing and polarisation, and build more united, resilient and inclusive societies.
Conversations: Featuring Dr. Bjorn Lomborg on Climate Change
Dr. Bjorn Lomborg is president of the Copenhagen Consensus Center and visiting professor at Copenhagen Business School. The Copenhagen Consensus Center is a think-tank that researches the smartest ways to do good. For this work, Lomborg was named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. He and John discuss climate change policy, the recent Australian bushfires and much more besides.
Conversations: Featuring Claire Lehmann
Claire Lehmann is the founder and editor of online magazine Quillette. Quillette is a platform for free thought. Free expression and the free exchange of ideas help human societies flourish and progress. Quillette aims to provide a platform for this exchange. At a time when freedom of thought and expression are under duress in the West this is a timely and fascinating discussion with one of Australia’s leading advocates for free speech and free inquiry.
Conversations | Konstantin Kisin | Free Speech; Comedy; Woke Culture
Please note that this conversation was recorded in 2019 before the COVID-19 crisis. Konstantin Kisin is a Russian-British comedian, podcaster, writer and social commentator. He made international headlines in 2018 by refusing to sign a university “behavioural agreement form” which banned jokes about religion, atheism and insisted that all humour must be “respectful and kind.” He is also the creator and co-host of the TRIGGERnometry YouTube show. He and John have much to discuss, including the attacks on free speech we see throughout the Western democracies today.
Conversations with John Anderson | 2 years old!
Conversations with John Anderson launched in March 2018. To commemorate two years since then we have put together this summary episode with some of the highlights of the series so far. Enjoy!
Conversations: Featuring Ian Macfarlane
John talks to former governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia Ian Macfarlane on his book Ten Remarkable Australians, and about the prospects of the economy going forward. NB, this discussion took place before the COVID-19 crisis.
Conversations | Rev. Dr. Kenneth J. Barnes | Redeeming Capitalism
John talks to Rev. Dr. Kenneth J. Barnes, a businessman and theologian-academic, about his book Redeeming Capitalism and its thesis that, whilst currently deficient in various ways, capitalism provides unique good to society at large and must be reformed to that end. NB, this discussion took place before the COVID-19 crisis.
Conversations | Dr. Warren Farrell | On The Boy Crisis
Dr. Warren Farrell is an American educator, activist and author. His bestselling books have been published in 17 languages. Warren is a media staple in the US, making regular contributions to news and current affairs discussions, and has been chosen by the Financial Times as one of the world’s top 100 thought leaders. He and John discuss the causes, symptoms and solutions to the ongoing crisis among men and boys in the developed world.
Conversations | Stephen Hicks | Postmodernism and Nazism
Prof. Stephen Hicks is a philosopher who is well known for his expertise in demystifying postmodernist ideology. His insights into postmodernism and political correctness have extra significance today as we see university progressive activism spilling out into the streets.
Peter Hitchens | 2018 predictions on COVID-like crisis.
In a remarkably prescient moment Peter Hitchens imagines what might happen to advanced democracies under attack from a viral pandemic. This conversation took place in late 2018 and much of what he predicts is coming to pass today.
Rev. Dr. Kenneth J. Barnes | The problem with Democratic Socialism
John and Kenneth discuss the rising appeal Democratic Socialism has for the younger generation.
Eric Metaxas | Reason, Riots and Liberty
Native New Yorker Eric Metaxas is a New York Times #1 bestselling author and host of the Eric Metaxas Radio Show. He speaks to John from lockdown in New York as protests rage in the streets.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks on Cancel Culture
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks shows how we live in a shame culture in the West today, rather than a guilt culture, as we did in the past when ours was a Christian society. The current craving to cancel those who don’t conform to the majority view is a symptom of this. We no longer know how to forgive.
Victor Davis Hanson | Trump, China and Black Lives Matter
Victor Davis Hanson is an American classicist, military historian, columnist, and farmer. He has been a commentator on contemporary politics for the National Review and The Washington Times and is currently the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. He and John analyse the current culture war and the effect it is having on our geopolitical strategy especially in relation to China, in light of the current pandemic.
Afghanistan: A Turning Point? | Victor Davis Hanson | CLIP
Resistance to Critical Race Theory | Victor Davis Hanson | CLIP
Despite the rise of Critical Race Theory (CRT), it faces a mounting opposition in the West. In this short, Victor Davis Hanson explores the ways in which grassroots activism — particularly parents of children in schools — have resisted CRT. Full Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFX0K6VDDAk
Lockdowns: Authoritarian and Illogical | Laurence Fox CLIP
Lockdowns have had tragic consequences for countless people across the globe. In this short, Laurence Fox explores how and why politicians have used lockdowns as a means to gain political capital. Full Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEiEEfRDS58
Niall Ferguson | AUKUS, China, Cold War II
John talks to world-renowned Stanford University Historian Niall Ferguson about global security, the perception of the West, the strength of alliances in the face of communist threats, and what China’s rising power means for the geopolitical environment.
China’s Greatest Weakness | Niall Ferguson |CLIP
In this short, John talks to Niall Ferguson about China’s greatest weaknesses. Niall argues China has very few reliable allies, and the US has made strong Asian Pacific relations with Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. Full Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75uTN7x3D18
AUKUS: Why it’s Important | Niall Ferguson | CLIP
In this short, John talks to Niall Ferguson about AUKUS and why it is important. Niall argues a united western alliance will be the best deterrent against an invasion of Taiwan by a militant China in the South Pacific. Full Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75uTN7x3D18
AUKUS & Australia’s Submarines | Niall Ferguson #CLIP
In this short, John talks to Niall Ferguson about Australia’s recent nuclear submarine deal, the need for strong leadership, and the future of Australia’s relationship with her allies.
Full Conversation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75uTN7x3D18
