The Unspeakable Podcast

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Author, essayist and journalist Meghan Daum has spent decades giving voice—and bringing nuance, humor and surprising perspectives—to things that lots of people are thinking but are afraid to say out loud. Now, she brings her observations to the realm of conversation. In candid, free-ranging interviews, Meghan talks with artists, entertainers, journalists, scientists, scholars, and anyone else who’s willing to do the “unspeakable” and question prevailing cultural and moral assumptions.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • TheDudeAbided
    Interesting POV…
    … and this is, like, good for finding, like, different perspectives,but, like, please, like, listen to some of your guests. iI is hard to, like, take someone seriously when they, like, usie the word “like“ about five times in one sentence.
  • Beth Taska
    Keep being “unspeakable”
    Your curiosity of all points of view is needed. May we listen to others, perhaps even read them. Thank you for your Shriver (she’s a brilliant author who is going to speak her mind) interview and a truly important conversation on sports betting.
  • Cashew Ears
    lionel shriver is a sniveling hypocrite
    Girl you cannot be hurting for content this badly? We would have preferred a break from the pod over this trash
  • artfaylossombay
    Shriver
    Show is somewhat nuanced. The Lionel Shriver episode was annoying saying Democrats support “murdering babies” no one supports that. Shriver is a good writer but regurgitating Trump talking points is easy and not very thought provoking.
  • Yadayada1234
    Lionel Shriver is a hypocrite
    She’s all “rules for thee not for me”. She conflates SAHM with becoming a parent. Because middle class girls and women can simply travel out of state that means everything is okay, screw poor women. I am more perplexed than enraged. She thinks she is the exception, but if she was 40 years younger she’d be lumped in with the rest of us childbearing age women. You are the childless cat lady. They are talking about YOU.
  • LeeHolywod
    Don’t always agree, but that’s what I love
    I originally wrote the review below. Then today I listened to your interview with Lionel Shriver. Yikes, too much. I am not interested in listening l to this type of hateful talk—on either side. I’m disappointed you went this far. I’m sure you’ll find an audience…plenty of folks who thrive on hateful talk versus intellectual banter/exploration. This podcast is like weight lifting for the brain—It challenges me to learn new things and expand my thinking beyond what I’m typically hearing. Thank you for your valuable contribution to meaningful conversations and information sources.
  • 3 Stripes
    I listen.
    I feel your pain Meghan. Must everything be on video? Especially since YouTube now resembles the National Inquirer with all of its thumbnail sensationalism. It’s a deep disservice to those earnestly creating thoughtful content. I found you on audio and have learned so much over the past year. So, even if I tune in to The Unspeakable via YouTube, to help boost your rating and feed the algorithm, reality is, I’m just listening. Thanks for your fine work.
  • EchoparkJimmy
    By far…
    Still hate listening. That Tara Henley woman sure was infuriating. Jd Vance ladies? You can’t be serious y’all are amazingly uninformed for supposedly professional journalists
  • NGMartin
    A breath from corporate conformity
    This podcast has been my introduction to “heterodoxy” (whatever that means) and I’m thoroughly enjoying it, though I regularly disagree with Megan and the occasional guest. I’d rather buy a book than subscribe to a podcast, so I’ll be showing my support in that way. I’m grateful you’ve changed the subscription model to get more of these great conversations out there.
  • Elite1564
    Love this podcast but
    It’s a total shame that you’re leaning into the paywall so hard. And this is simply an observation; it makes it hard to want to pay to hear the rest as a 40yr old male. I simply don’t feel welcome despite agreeing with and enjoying 95% of what I can hear. I get it I guess. It’s just depressing
  • MacBerner
    No informative.
    The thing that is frustrating about this show is how little the host does to elucidate guest positions when she agrees with them. The latest episode is sad example and it only takes 14 minutes of your time. In the course of interviewing Jamie Reed about her experiences as a case manager in a youth gender clinic, she asks why Reed supports legislation banning the procedure. Reed then says she supports the legislation because she saw the doctors in her clinic lie while testifying to the Missouri legislature. I think it is telling that the word lie was used multiple times and examples given were zero. Maybe she has examples, she sounds like she is convinced, but certitude is not the test of certainty.
  • ElTeo1234
    Very Good
    Not too sure about this paywall business, but nonetheless, it’s an informative and often fun listen. Meghan’s a sharp lady.
  • Sam loves apps
    Meghan Daum for President!
    In an alternative universe Meghan Daum garners the interest of young men and women, the world’s problems are solved, and Kardashians work at TJ Max. That’s a world I would like to live in.
  • k!k!m@su
    Generational Differences
    So interesting - I actually took notes. Twenge speaks with authority, is backed by data & she’s no nonsense.
  • Powellmh
    Michael Powell
    Excellent work with Eli Lake
  • CredibleReviews
    Very interesting
    Really enjoyed the epistemological episode about college campuses. Not sure general public realizes how dangerous it is to have so many kids being indoctrinated into racist leftwing ideology… Eli Lake was great episode too As was one with Rob
  • MsWhosit
    Not the same old thing as other shows
    I listen to this pod to hear from interesting people who aren’t being interviewed everywhere else.
  • PRGirl47
    Interesting conversations
    Love the guests and topics discussed!
  • Marialise Maroun
    Dr Puri Conversation
    The July 26 episode with Dr Puri was incredible. Cancer took my sister and my dad and everything talked about here was very familiar. It’s a topic that needs a lot more attention and discussion. Thank you!
  • B. Birdell
    Now a paywall
    It's not enough to put up with ads. Now if you want "bonus content," you have to pay. That interview with lionel shriver was so gross. I'm unsubscribing.
  • Myezecky
    Thumbs up from a Boomer lib
    Mind-expanding conversations. The only thing I would wish for is civil discourse with guests who depart further from the host’s general POV. But I realize that, in this current climate, that may be impossible.
  • J_Live215
    Love!
    Smart provocative conversations:)
  • MattY2661
    Yikes
    I followed an interesting guest on Intelligence Squared to this podcast and her episode was actually pretty good. Then a second and third episode revealed a lot more of the host. Her version of nuance is just generic Twitter reply guy center right politics that dismisses reasonable opinions outside her own as childish and unrealistic.
  • Nigel Boid
    Where I hear opinions I do not hear elsewhere
    I find Meghan a clear and thoughtful interviewer. Foremost, I applaud her guest selection. Within her theme, she ranges far and wide. Otherwise, she keeps the conversation focused. Yet, she also allows her guests to fully express and support their views. I appreciate her contribution to the diversity of what I hear and learn.
  • Ten tries
    One of the best interviewers
    Meghan asks great questions and is curious. This is a regular podcast in my queue of heterodox podcasts.
  • Greg White LA
    A valuable voice of nuance
    Meghan’s conversations are always illuminating and thought provoking.
  • jJc056
    Great interviews with interesting guests.
    Always thought provoking and informative.
  • DrAP78
    Exceptional Interviewer
    Sometimes I agree with the opinions of the guests and other times I have many points of disagreement, but I always find the interviews interesting and thought-provoking. Meghan is a great listener and approaches complicated topics with curiosity and good-faith skepticism.
  • larkspur38
    Amazing
    I love this podcast, such great conversations
  • LLeiviska
    Neurodivergent Conversation w Jenera Nuremberg
    I’ve only listened to the episode w Jenera Nuremberg and was grateful to do so. Grateful for the conversation and bringing another view to the conversation of neurodiversity. As a neurodivergent parent of neurodivergent kids, I want to add to the conversation about Autistic children. There is still so much stigma about autism in children that perpetuates trauma and limits the mindset of parents to believe more for their children. So when we see autism “extremism” in autistic circles, they’re speaking for the voiceless children (some specifically for their own childhood) who are still being subjected to shame-based education and parenting. All that to say, I’m 100% for removing the pathological lens that destroys all non-neurotypical lives. Further, I’m all for the integration of acceptance and support of all neurotypes and differences. This must be the goal. Agree 100%. ❤️ For autistic adults who’ve experienced so much trauma and see it perpetuated in autistic children today, the neurodiversity term has become a lifeline to identity. So just reaffirming that trauma perspective and speaking into the conversation. Please support the autism movement as a step forward for everyone. (Not to the exclusion of others). Historically marginalized groups have a lot of pain and trauma that needs to be seen and validated. Both of you ladies did a beautiful job w the conversation. Thank you. ❤️
  • LMecury
    Brilliant
    This is a woman with a serious intellect. Open. Nuanced. Sharp. Farsighted. Dismiss her if you’re a knee jerk on either the right or left. But take note: she’s the writer/podcaster Cassandra of our times.
  • StMatts
    Meghan ✔️
    I love Meghan’s manner of building and presenting this show. She is hyper intelligent, sharp and humble. Her questions are clear, probing and relevant. This is my first experience but I feel I know her as an intellectual already. This is really important work. Thank you
  • AnneRenee84
    So relatable
    Just listened to, “Is Wellness Making Us Sick”. Fantastic conversation. Thank you for sharing your donut story. I still can’t eat sandwiches because my mom said meat and bread don’t digest well together. Forever listener.
  • joseph_conrad
    Listen to Reason
    Longtime reader and admirer of Meghan -since ‘My Misspent Youth’, love everything about her, excellent podcast.
  • TrackerNeil
    The guests are good…
    …but the host interrupts a LOT. Makes the guests hard to follow. Still, a good listen.
  • Gnome chopper
    Wright is right
    Colin Wright is amazing. One of the earliest scientists to point out the incongruity of the trans paradigm.
  • pwcunningham
    Great show
    Great show…Meghan gives thoughtful, well researched interviews and has a variety of fascinating guests.
  • Johnnymac64
    Thought provoking
    I don’t feel qualified to write a review. All I know is Meghan is incredibly knowledgeable and insightful. I always find her and her podcasts fascinating. Hi learn so much. Love her “voice “. Thanks to the Bill Maher show, otherwise I wouldn’t know who Meghan is.
  • Ssclary
    An essential component of my weekly cultural intake
    As fear and eggshell- walking become the norm elsewhere, the Unspeakable has become a go-to sources for unpredictable, frank and relevant conversation that is not obliged to toe any particular party line.
  • Ruralife
    In-depth insightful interviews
    I like the range of topics and the banter on topic. I learn a lot about the current culture. Often my views are expressed and I have no place to express those views myself in my world. Keep up the good work Meghan. See you in September.
  • 😊2888
    Real thinking for a change
    This is hands down my favorite podcast because Daum insists on really thinking things through. I always look forward to having a new episode drop. The guests and conversations are great, no matter what the topic is.
  • harles oy oole
    Part 1 listen, frustrating “answers” (non answers) from Jon Godfrey.
    I listened to this civil discussion after being promised content of respectful and insightful debate over gun violence in America. Jon was very respectful but I missed hearing any insightful content from him. Same tired “arguments” answering the question why we need “AR type” weapons in non military settings. Blah blah blah…. He dodged most questions. Changed the context of several (most) questions. Will not bother listening to part 2. I went in with an open mind. I don’t think I and the MAJORITY of Americans asking for regulations of guns are missing anything. I bet part 2 is a fallback position on the second amendment constitutional rights. Let’s correct 1776 era mistakes… ie no women voting, slavery, …..
  • rusticks
    Highly recommended
    I recommend this to anyone who enjoys informative ,low key and nuanced discussions. Meghan has a great mind while also down to earth. And she has interesting guests. She's welcome in my playlist anytime. Thanks Meghan!
  • jtqxr
    Great when the guests aren’t lightweights
    Generally well thought-out, well produced conversations on mostly serious issues. I guess it’s hard for heterodox podcasters to find guests of consequence when competing for them with other podcasts in the same domain. I wish Meghan luck and hope she doesn’t often have to settle for people like the purveyors of deep fake mashups that are simultaneously trite and easy on the one hand and dangerous on the other.
  • mabellareese
    In a world gone mad we need more nuance
    Thank you Meghan—for having courage to facilitate difficult conversations about the ideas and concepts shaping our culture. A breath of fresh air to all of us becoming stifled in our collective bubbles.
  • eestok
    Important interviews!
    Must have conversations! Thank you for having them.
  • ms sir
    Thank you
    I often feel like there is a secret society of progressive feminist women out there who are grumbling about the lack of nuance, the fear of offending and the knee-jerk victimhood of the left. Once in a while we bump into each other at a dinner party or school function and it is like finding out you’re not alone — and not evil and/or crazy. You are one of these women for me. One thing: I do want to be sure that while we reflect on our own “side” we don’t forget that as irritating and sheep-like as the left can be, the right wing extreme in America is shockingly dangerous. Cancel culture is indeed a nightmare but let’s not forget that when the right wing talk about the importance of free speech they are simultaneously banning books. Same for trans issues. The left is flawed and lacking in nuance on this topic for sure. But the right wing extreme is by no means acting in the best interests of kids. I guess I’ll take the boring middle lane. Not a very exciting place to be but often moderation really is the best option. Thanks for making me think and making me laugh.
  • MBurzynski
    Dan Savage!
    This podcast is worth listening to only when guests like Dan Savage push back against the host.
  • StoryLooover
    Important Conversations
    I love this podcast. Thank you Meghan for asking good, honest, hard questions. I always learn something.
  • Dead Write
    Common Sense
    If you are looking for someone who does not allow herself to be locked in to a box of ideas, without necessarily sharing your own, you will probably like this.
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