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Religious Freedom: The New Blasphemy | Paul Coleman, Kristen Waggoner & John Steenhof
John joins Paul Coleman, John Steenhof and Kristen Waggoner for a powerful discussion on the state of religious freedom in the West. Together, they explore the rise of hate speech laws, the weaponisation of anti-discrimination regimes, the erosion of conscience rights, and the emergence of a new secular orthodoxy that punishes dissent. Drawing on major legal cases across Europe, the US, and Australia, the panel reveals how fundamental freedoms are being redefined — and what must be done to reclaim them.Paul Coleman is a British lawyer and Executive Director of ADF International, a legal advocacy organisation based in Vienna. He specialises in international human rights and European law, and has worked on more than 20 cases before the European Court of Human Rights. Coleman has also authored submissions to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, the International Criminal Court, the Court of Justice of the European Union, the UN Human Rights Committee, and various national courts. Kristen Waggoner is CEO, President, and General Counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom, the world’s largest legal organisation defending religious liberty and free speech. She has argued several landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases, including Masterpiece Cakeshop and 303 Creative, securing major victories for freedom of expression. Waggoner also oversees ADF’s international work, advancing human rights and defending the rule of law around the world. John Steenhof is the Principal Lawyer at the Human Rights Law Alliance, a legal firm dedicated to defending religious freedom and free speech in Australia. With a background in commercial law and non-profit leadership, he now focuses on protecting the rights of individuals to live out their faith without legal penalty. Sign up to John's newsletter here: https://johnanderson.net.au/contact/--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Conversations feature John Anderson, former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, interviewing the world's foremost thought leaders about today's pressing social, cultural and political issues.John believes proper, robust dialogue is necessary if we are to maintain our social strength and cohesion. As he puts it; "You cannot get good public policy out of a bad public debate."And stay right up to date with all the conversations by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://johnanderson.net.au/contact/Follow John on X: https://x.com/JohnAndersonACFollow John on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnandersonacFollow John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnandersonac/Support the channel: https://johnanderson.net.au/support/Website: https://johnanderson.net.au/--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Donate to HRLA: https://www.hrla.org.au/donateDonate to ADF: https://adfinternational.org/donateFollow ADF on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliancedefendingfreedom/Follow ADF on X: https://x.com/ADFLegalFollow Paul on X: https://x.com/Paul_B_ColemanFollow Paul on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-coleman-41568313a/Follow Kristen on X: https://x.com/KristenWaggonerFollow Kristen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenkwaggoner/
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1:07:52
Iran’s Nuclear Threat, Trump’s Choice and Global Stability | John Lee
John Lee examines the critical decision President Trump faces on Iran’s nuclear program, underscoring its profound implications for global stability. He critiques Australia’s passive foreign policy, urging a robust defense strategy to counter emerging threats.Building on this, Lee examines power shifts in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific, pressing Australia to strengthen alliances with the U.S. and Japan. He warns of China’s rapid military buildup and calls for strategic resolve to secure national interests, advocating for bold action to restore Australia’s influence an increasingly volatile world.Dr John Lee is a Professor and Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute. He is also a senior fellow (non-resident) at the United States Studies Centre and Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney. John’s articles have been published in leading policy and academic journals in the United States, Asia, and Australia.
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1:16:50
After Collapse: A Strategy for Renewal In The Age Of AI | Daniel Priestley
Daniel Priestley joins John to discuss how entrepreneurship can address economic stagnation and declining living standards. He examines the power of innovation to create jobs and wealth, urging individuals to seize opportunities in a competitive global market.From AI’s transformative potential to the need for affordable energy, Priestley offers a compelling case for proactive leadership. His insights challenge pessimistic narratives, emphasising practical strategies and historical wisdom to guide the next generation toward a prosperous future. Daniel Priestley is an entrepreneur, best-selling author and international speaker. Starting with nothing, he built successful multi-million dollar businesses in Australia, UK and Singapore. His latest book is Entrepreneur Revolution: How to Develop your Entrepreneurial Mindset and Start a Business that Works.
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59:10
The Great Energy Deception: The True Cost Of Renewables | Chris Uhlmann
John Anderson and journalist Chris Uhlmann confront Australia’s energy crisis, revealing the stark costs of renewable energy. Despite claims of affordability, electricity prices have soared 70% in a decade, tied to a rise in renewables. South Australia’s costly grid and Spain’s blackout expose renewables’ instability, a risk worsened by Australia’s isolation. The discussion questions why leaders dodge honest talks on costs, leaving citizens vulnerable to an unreliable energy future.Nuclear energy emerges as a stable, zero-emission solution, yet Australia resists while others embrace it. Pursuing net-zero on just 1% of global emissions threatens industries like agriculture and manufacturing, with subsidies masking costs that hit the poor hardest. As trust in leadership erodes, John and Chris call for a hopeful, rational approach—urging young Australians to question narratives, embrace nuclear, and preserve the nation’s energy superpower status to secure a prosperous, stable future.Chris Uhlmann is a Walkley Award winning Australian journalist and news commentator. His career in the media spans over 35 years in radio, print and television. His latest documentary is The Real Cost of Net Zero: The shocking truth of the renewable energy push
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52:58
The Vibe Shift: Christianity's Subversive Comeback | Bethel McGrew
John speaks with writer and mathematician Bethel McGrew to unpack the cultural and spiritual currents of our time, from navigating political alliances, to countering secular scepticism. She discusses Jordan Peterson’s role in sparking spiritual curiosity among young men, while highlighting his hesitation to fully grasp the Gospel’s divine message. McGrew also examines the evangelical divide over Donald Trump, the cultural pushback against transgenderism, and the enduring hope offered by Christianity in an age of despair. McGrew also defends the historical reliability of the bible and the resurrection’s evidential strength, addressing the claims of modern sceptics. She reflects on the rise of a subversive Christian identity, the need for authentic heroes, and the power of faith to heal social wounds. Bethel McGrew is an American freelance writer and cultural critic. She has published in The Spectator, National Review, First Things, Plough, and many other outlets. She also writes at her Substack: https://www.furtherup.net/.
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1:17:49