Really enjoyable podcast especially the one on ones with Paul bloom. Bob has a sardonic and extremely dry wit that might rub some the wrong way but I find endearing and funny. The escalation of executive power grabbing since the beginning of 2025 has made that aspect of this podcast even more entertaining. I’d rather put on a face eating mask than learn that this podcast was cancelled.

Besides the wide variety of high quality guests you may find of interest, Bob sardonic self depreciation and Paul’s indefatigable cheeriness provides a welcome salve to start the weekend.

When was Robert Wright since the blogging heads TV days. I was a Parrot Room Subscriber. Bobs shows with Mickey Kaus are entertaining

I love Bob Wright and found his Buddhism book transformational for my life. I don’t understand why this podcast has such worse audio quality than almost any other. Is it a poor quality microphone? I want this feedback to get to the producers so they can fix it.

This would be a lot better if at least some episodes were completely free and if Wright didn’t constantly interrupt his interlocutors to derail the conversation.

Robert Wright is a rare voice of true intellectual depth and curiosity. He brings nuance, clarity, and thoughtfulness to complex topics that too often get oversimplified elsewhere. Every conversation feels like an opportunity to learn something meaningful and see the world from a wiser perspective. This is one of the most consistently informative and rewarding podcasts out there.

I love this show because, besides being interesting and enjoyable to listen to generally, it doesn’t feel dogmatic. Even perspectives I agree with totally become cloying when every single word is in service of adhering to that viewpoint.

Robert Wright is sui generis. Slightly cantankerous, always honest, a generous host. Only strengthened by Paul Bloom. I’ve learned inestimable amounts from him. His book on Buddhism is transformational. Off the rails occasionally? Perhaps, but only insofar as topics that arouse his interest but not mine. Always insightful. Try a few episodes for yourself. Wishing him many more decades of service as our sage of Princeton. And good health!

I’ve listened to his show on and off since 2008. He usually has a interesting collection of guests that are interesting. Much of the show is foreign policy heavy if you’re into that thing. Only loses points due to the continued presence of the always rancid Mickey Kaus, who I regard as a Diet Coke white nationalist.

Bob is very funny and knowledgeable, and he somehow manages to have on the most important and interesting people from academia, tech, policy, politics, journalism, and any other field you can think of. I in particular look forward to his episodes with Paul Bloom. Also Bob’s Substack is great, and his book The Evolution of God will change your life.

I’ve been a fan of Bob Wright’s since before they were called “podcasts.” He’s not only a pioneer of the genre, but he doesn’t get stuck in old material. He’s one of the brightest minds out there, and he sticks to topics that actually matter, some of which I wouldn’t know about otherwise. He is also entertaining, and that’s not always an easy combo to do, i.e, brainy AND funny.

I love Robert Wright’s show, but I miss the days when Mickey Kaus was a regular. The Bob-Mickey combo is hard to beat.

Don’t always agree with Bob, often I don’t actually, but love his work. Interesting guests, convos, and weekly shows.

I would ask the person who seemed genuinely concerned, about the safety of young jewish men wearing a kippah. To ask themselves, why they were so comfortable painting everyone who wears a keffiyeh in a certain light? At the crux of this issue is, the same ignorance to paint all who wear a kippah as one and the same and resent them for it, is the same exact ignorance that paints all who wear a keffiyeh as one and the same and resent them for it. Let us all remember aramaic, arabic, and hebrew are all semetic languages, Palestinians are a semetic people who have resided in their own land for centuries. They have a right to not be militarily invaded, occupied and carpet bombed. Also, watch the video of the ‘flag eye poke’ the video makes clear that the claim was not based on what actually occurred.

I had some pretty high hopes for this guy, but after listening to a couple eps (including the much vaunted C. Hitchens debate) I walk away disappointed. Bob comes across to me as just one more partisan lefty in media, albeit one who is tripping over himself to show his "nuance." Most especially on Israel, where Bob is so desperate to not lose his "progressive" bona fides by even ever considering that there just MIGHT be a right & wrong on the whole Israel/"Palestine" thing. I know it's a cliche, but it happens to be a true one, Bob: If the enemies of Israel were to lay down their arms there would be peace. If Israel were to lay down her arms there would be no more Israel. On religion he's just a mess. Like most on the left who (rightly) reject religion, he can't seem to get over the "something missing" hurdle, like a true brave atheist can. So he fills this religion-sized hole with doubt, nuance, and Buddhism. And with pointless debate. It's hard to believe this guy held up his debate with Hitchens as a "clear victory." It just shows the deep bias we humans have for... ourselves! He came across as this strident sniper, trying to bring down Hitch by any means necessary. We get it Bob, he was wrong on Iraq. A lot of people were. (But even there, it's not like the 2003 Hitch was arguing in bad faith.) And the religion stuff.. my god man, you're a supposed atheist (or "secular humanist," whatever) trying to argue religion of all things with Christopher frigging Hitchens, of all people. Surely there was much more common ground than Bob wanted to let on, for whatever weird reason.

bob is generally fair and clear headed on most topics but like many people he’s losing me on israel/palestine. everybody knows israel is losing the PR war globally because of the war and yet nobody is serious when it comes to thinking about their alternative path forward, bob included. a little cognitive empathy would be useful here. i give it up to bob for frequently inviting on people that disagree with him but some guests (danny bessner) veer into cynical lefty doomerism and i only listen to remind myself what not to sound like if you ever want to be taken seriously.

I don’t know of a podcaster that works to be more objective on political issues than Robert Wright. He should be hugely popular, but I guess people love partisanship.

Hey, about the year end Earthling Unplugged episode; Robert is the first person I have heard remind listeners that the Supreme (?) Court anointed W president. They have been an illegitimate organization since then at the very least. Thanks Robert. Love the work and frankly I am glad that Kaus is gone. I listen to the Friday podcasts now with the variety of people who rotate in.

Bob is always great to listen to (and I am a hardcore conservative). But I thought more pushback against the October 7 attacks would have been in order.

I’ve been listening for years. Since the lockdown started and dragged on, Mickey’s regular Friday night spot with Bob has been something I really look forward to.

As always, Bob provides honest, thoughtful, insightful content on everything from philosophy and psychology to politics.

Robert is mildly interesting but his choices of cohosts and guests are repulsive.

Robert Wright shown is the opportunity to get unbiased info. Its my goto for honest opinions.

Since discovering this podcast earlier this year I’ve listened to almost every episode. Informative, fresh perspective, less the pretension of other podcasts. Episodes with Micky will be missed.

Is every episode like this? 2 guys making outrageous claims based on vague impressions of dimly remembered facts or reporting? I have enjoyed Robert Wright’s work in the past, but this was my first time listening to the podcast and I may have to reassess the whole oeuvre.

I LOVE you guys but Mickey how can you say Obama catalyzed the decline of race relations with his response to Trayvon Martin?!? Race relations were bad already. It would have been irresponsible for a US president to ignore the ongoing underbelly of race & classism that persists. Just because nonwhites didn’t have to confront the discussion prior doesn’t mean the problem wasn’t already there.

Love the show every week, but come on guys…. David Saks doing a fundraiser for Kennedy is not disloyalty to DeSantis. People with money play both sides of the aisle all the time.

How do people get to air such stupid opinions?

In this episode Robert sounded like a 97 year old who was never very bright. Coleman was unflinchingly respectful….don’t know how.

Bob and Mickey have been around since the earliest days of podcasting, kicking around the current events of the day for at least 15 years now, with a long gap there for a while. Bob, a VIP-level member of Steve Bannon’s War Room Patreon, and Mickey, the man who can find an immigration angle to every issue or political story (I kid, I kid because I love), are old friends with genuine affection for each other even as they disagree on many issues. Even as a conservative, I enjoy getting the perspectives of people of good will who fall left of center, and these two are an enjoyable weekend ritual. 2023 Update: The invasion of Ukraine has reduced my love of this show. When Bob starts making excuses for Russia and blaming the West I just FF or turn over to RT to get a more nuanced discussion of the war.

As a long time listener (and former Parrot Room follower) I can’t say this was revelatory. I don’t doubt the history but we’re also taking about a part of the world that for centuries has plumbed the depths of human ignominy. I speak from my own family’s experience with many “missing” relatives. It’s messy but we are on the necessary path to confronting Russia.

The Ukraine debate was a rarity. In a media environment characterized by hosts having guests in agreement, stroking one another, this debate was vigorous, lively, and done in good faith. Both of these gentlemen articulated their point of views to the best of their ability letting the listener make up their own mind. Bravo! We need more of this!

I'm a huge fan of Bob (who I've had the honor of meeting in person). His books, The Moral Animal & Why Buddhism is True, are my most recommended books ever. I don't always agree with Bob, and neither do his guests, but the discussions are respectful. No name calling, no "ignorant" or "craven weeny" slander. Just ideas explored. Great stuff!

I first learned about Robert Wright through his Buddhism book- and have since read NonZero. I really enjoy his perspective on both heavy topics such as philosophy, consciousness, existential threats, etc and lighter fare, such as current events and pop culture. His podcasts are lots of fun and sidekick Mickey adds a lot too.

Great commentary on politics, international relations & the human condition

It’s hard to find a more willfully ignorant audience than the admirers of the craven weeny R. Wright.

I came across Robert from his podcast with Bret. I have liked a lot of Bret’s work in the past so I have occasionally listed to his podcast for a while now. He is a smart guy, but after listening to the podcast with Robert I realized he has gone so far down the rabbit hole of conspiracy that he refuses to acknowledge far more plausible and realistic alternatives. The episode was terribly argumentative. Robert sounded irritated, and Bret sounded like a narcissistic baby. After that debacle of an episode I removed my Bret subscription and looked into this podcast. Now Robert may not be a trained scientist, but he still has a lot of informed and nuanced opinions that are interesting to hear. Would recommend!

The Wright Show is such a great show with thoughtful content. I love the fact that you get to hear many sides of current events and thoughtful content that is pertinent regardless of the current headlines.

Good job on Bret’s podcast. You were thoughtful, clear and patient. Bret was terrible. Worst podcast he’s ever done. Good job remaining patient and getting your point across. Very valid opinions. Thanks.

Great job discussing different views on concepts of consciousness, free will, the mind, the “Self,” Buddhism, meditation, vipassana, and more. I value the diversity of ideas and the humble acceptance that we may feel like we know what is true but we may also be wrong. Being scientific involves being open to changing your view and that’s very hard. Bob is doing a great job as a host of modeling the behavior and he brings on fascinating guests who, in most cases, I haven’t heard on other interview podcasts of this type. Keep up the great quality show, Bob! Also, stop beating yourself up, if you didn’t fall short of your goals you wouldn’t be setting them high enough.

Mickey Kraus and Robert Wright really seem to believe their opinions deserve a wider audience. They are mistaken.

Great topics great guests great host !!

Wonderful podcast, interesting conversations with many different view points included

Robert Wright Non Zero is the most important podcast I listen to. I just discovered Robert after he was a guest on another podcast that I listen to a few months ago. Intelligent and objective conversation by people seeking truth.

Bob holds great interviews/conversations with all kinds of guests. The major themes he’s interested in (eg cognitive empathy) are always eye opening. The weekly shows with Mickey Kaus are a must-listen. Informative, accessible, funny…I think history will look back favorably at Bob and his work.

Great podcast. Very fair to all sides. Everyone should listen! That would make the world a better place.

Such a great podcast, always enjoy hearing Mickey and Bob’s banter. God do I disagree with Mickey on immigration and Bob on FP, but that’s part of the show’s charm.

Started following his work since reading Why Buddhism is True, love most of what he puts out. Very thoughtful and subtle on most topics.

Came for the nuanced discussion of complex issues, left for the continued framing of NATO as the reason for Russia’s invasion.

Bob interviews many interesting thinkers that I have not heard on other podcasts. Also he brings a consistent worldview to each topic. He does not just react. He thinks.