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Fireside Chat with Dennis Prager

Fireside Chat with Dennis Prager

By PragerU

Dennis’s weekly thoughts and timeless wisdom by a crackling fire.
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Fireside Chat Ep. 255 — Is the World Better Because You're in It?

Fireside Chat with Dennis PragerSep 15, 2022

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30:56
Ep. 335 — Gender and the War on Common Sense

Ep. 335 — Gender and the War on Common Sense

According to a high school teacher, a student’s statement that “only women menstruate” is merely an opinion. Why are we told to “follow the science” but then mandated to ignore basic biology? As common sense takes a backseat to subjectivity, we are witnessing the death of truth in our culture. What are the implications for society when everything—from gender to the Hamas attacks of October 7—is a matter of opinion?

Apr 04, 202433:01
Ep. 334 — Hamas, Nazis, and Calling Out Evil

Ep. 334 — Hamas, Nazis, and Calling Out Evil

Why don’t people fight obvious evils? If you can’t tell that Hamas is as evil as the Nazis were, it is because you refuse to do so. It’s easy to identify evil decades after the atrocities of the Nazis, Stalin, and Mao. The trick is to call out evil while it’s happening. You have a moral obligation to do so.

Mar 28, 202428:37
Ep. 333 — Affirmative Action Is Humiliating

Ep. 333 — Affirmative Action Is Humiliating

How would you feel if your surgeon, pilot, or lawyer was an affirmative action hire? Society’s obsession with race and gender at the expense of merit is hurting us all. Dennis explores how this destructive policy is not only unfair but also erodes trust and competence in vital professions, where qualifications should matter most.

Mar 22, 202427:49
Ep. 332 — The Pope Hopes Hell Is Empty?
Mar 15, 202431:58
Ep. 331 — Q&A: Life Advice for the Next Generation

Ep. 331 — Q&A: Life Advice for the Next Generation

This week, Dennis answers your questions. How do you choose a career path, not screw up a relationship, or tell a friend they’re being manipulated by the media? Plus, how did Dennis transform from being an unhappy child to a genuinely happy person? Don’t miss Dennis’s life advice for the next generation.

Mar 07, 202430:29
Ep. 330 — Is Trauma Restricting Your Life?

Ep. 330 — Is Trauma Restricting Your Life?

How many people blame trauma for their issues in life? Everyone faces hardships, but you should never let your struggles define you—even if you become paralyzed from the neck down. The issue in life is not what happens to you; it’s how you react to it.

Feb 29, 202428:09
Ep. 329 — Can Fear Be a Good Thing?

Ep. 329 — Can Fear Be a Good Thing?

Dennis often tells us not to live in fear, but can fear ever be a good thing? In today’s society, a lack of healthy respect for authority has led to a terrifying rise in destructive and disrespectful behavior. According to the wisdom of the Bible, there are two important fears we should embrace. Can you guess what they are?

Feb 22, 202432:24
Ep. 328 — Pleasantly Surprised by Taylor Swift

Ep. 328 — Pleasantly Surprised by Taylor Swift

Dennis shares his thoughts on surprisingly insightful lyrics by Taylor Swift, the “black national anthem” being sung at the Super Bowl, and what a parent should do with a defiant teen.

Feb 15, 202433:52
Ep. 327 — Does the Media Shape Your Views?

Ep. 327 — Does the Media Shape Your Views?

When a friend from New York City called Dennis in concern about a California storm, it raised questions about the media’s impact on our perception and behavior. As the media constantly tries to instill fear and make us panic, Dennis reminds us to trust our own eyes over blindly accepting what we’re told.

Feb 08, 202436:45
Ep. 326 — Your Pilot Is a DEI Hire. Good Luck!

Ep. 326 — Your Pilot Is a DEI Hire. Good Luck!

United Airlines set an aggressive diversity goal for their pilot training academy: at least 50% will be women or people of color. Shouldn’t the only requirement be competence? As a frequent flyer, Dennis has never looked at a female pilot and wondered if she’s qualified to fly a plane. But as airlines prioritize DEI quotas over our safety, is there cause for concern?

Feb 01, 202433:41
Ep. 325 — You Know Who Wasn't Colorblind? Nazis.

Ep. 325 — You Know Who Wasn't Colorblind? Nazis.

The New England Patriots have their first black coach in the team’s history. While the owner said he doesn’t see color and picked “the best man” for the job, the new coach immediately contradicted him by saying, “If you don’t see color, you can’t see racism.” In an era where colorblindness is vilified, Dennis provides a much-needed perspective. After all, if the Nazis had been colorblind, there never would have been the Holocaust.

Jan 25, 202433:05
Ep. 324 — One of the Best Arguments for Why God Is Necessary

Ep. 324 — One of the Best Arguments for Why God Is Necessary

How do you act when no one is around? Does your behavior change if you think you’re being watched? The answer to these questions is one of the strongest arguments for why God is necessary. No matter what you believe about God’s existence, don’t miss Dennis’s rational, commonsense argument about God’s necessity.

Jan 18, 202429:42
Ep. 323 — DINKs' Biggest Mistake

Ep. 323 — DINKs' Biggest Mistake

More and more American couples are opting to become DINKs—double income, no kids. After all, they’ll enjoy more freedom and have more money if they choose not to have children. But is there something more to life that DINKs are missing? Dennis provides insight, shares his “3 Mirrors Theory,” and answers your questions.

Jan 16, 202430:24
Ep. 322 — Want a Winning Year? Do This.

Ep. 322 — Want a Winning Year? Do This.

Happy New Year! Dennis looks back on past New Year's advice and shares practical tips for achieving success in the coming year. Don't miss what he says about pursuing truth, depth, travel, and more to make this your best year yet.

Jan 04, 202430:48
Ep. 321 — Dennis and His Son on Addiction and Hitting Rock Bottom

Ep. 321 — Dennis and His Son on Addiction and Hitting Rock Bottom

This special Fireside Chat features Dennis’s adopted son, Aaron Prager, and his remarkable story of overcoming alcoholism and substance abuse. Aaron talks to his father about meeting his biological mother (who shared his love of alcohol and drugs), the emotional and irrational nature of addiction, his new podcast, and the journey of finding his own identity.

Dec 28, 202351:02
Ep. 320 — They Hate Your Christmas Joy. Let’s Have More of It!
Dec 21, 202332:33
Ep. 319 — The Best Place to Lose Your Moral Compass
Dec 14, 202330:06
Ep. 318 — How to Live a Life of Depth

Ep. 318 — How to Live a Life of Depth

Doing what feels good in the moment may result in temporary pleasure, but will it lead to true happiness? This week, Dennis talks about the importance of not only having superficial fun but pursuing depth in your life. How is this achieved? Like all good things, you work at it!

Dec 07, 202331:16
Ep. 317 — America First Does Not Mean America Only
Nov 30, 202327:54
Ep. 316 — Ask Your Family This Question at Thanksgiving

Ep. 316 — Ask Your Family This Question at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the most universal of American holidays. How could you be more inclusive than giving thanks? Dennis reflects on this meaningful holiday, why it’s been under attack in recent years, and reminds us how important gratitude is. After all, you can’t be good, and you can’t be happy if you’re not grateful.

All gifts made now through Giving Tuesday will be MATCHED and have 2X the impact!

Nov 22, 202335:17
Ep. 315 — The Middle East Conflict Is Not Complex

Ep. 315 — The Middle East Conflict Is Not Complex

One side wants the other side dead. It's not complex. Don't let the left overcomplicate the Middle East conflict. Hamas is very upfront about their goal: to destroy Israel and wipe it off the map. Why are pro-Palestinian protestors denying this fact?

Nov 16, 202331:15
Ep. 314 — Media Outrage over DETRANS

Ep. 314 — Media Outrage over DETRANS

Everyone is talking about PragerU’s new short documentary, DETRANS: The Dangers of Gender-Affirming Care, after our takeover on X (formerly Twitter). Dennis reacts to media outrage over the film, which gives a voice to brave detransitioners who were manipulated by social media and pushed by medical professionals to take hormones and undergo surgery only to experience regret. What is so scandalous about DETRANS and is it really “going to get someone killed” as the media suggests? Watch to find out.

Nov 09, 202330:06
Ep. 311 — "Palestinian Babies Are as Precious as Israelis!" Tell That to Hamas.

Ep. 311 — "Palestinian Babies Are as Precious as Israelis!" Tell That to Hamas.

As the war in Gaza rages on, pro-Palestinian sympathizers all over the world (and even in American cities and universities) are blaming Israel for the conflict while chanting, “Gas the Jews!” Dennis debunks the unfounded criticisms against Israel, including the now popular expression, “Palestinian babies are just as precious as Israeli babies.” There is only one side that bears the blame for the blood being shed on both sides of this conflict, and it is not Israel.

Nov 03, 202331:07
Ep. 313 — Who Wants to Control Others?

Ep. 313 — Who Wants to Control Others?

From plastic straws to the thermostat in your own home, some people want to control every aspect of your life. America was founded to combat this dark side of human nature that seeks power over others, including what you're allowed to say, do, and even think. But liberty is a value, not an instinct. If we don’t continue to uphold our American ideal of freedom, we may end up losing it.

Nov 02, 202334:05
Ep. 312 — Your Unhappy Childhood Has an Upside

Ep. 312 — Your Unhappy Childhood Has an Upside

Are there any disadvantages to having a perfectly happy childhood? Life is tough. The earlier you know this, the better. While experiencing an unhappy childhood is far from ideal, there can be an upside. Dennis provides personal stories and reminds us not to feel “traumatized” when life throws difficult things our way.

Oct 26, 202331:52
Ep. 310 — Israel Is at War

Ep. 310 — Israel Is at War

Over the weekend, Hamas launched the most brutal attack on Israel in the nation’s history. Hundreds of Israelis were brutally tortured, kidnapped, and murdered. Yet some people still try to blame Israel—not the terrorists—for the evils perpetrated against innocent civilians. Dennis explains that the goal of Israel is peace while its enemies seek to exterminate the Jews and wipe Israel off the face of the earth. There is no moral equivalence.

Oct 12, 202332:13
Ep. 309 — The New York Times Accuses PragerU of Rationalizing Slavery

Ep. 309 — The New York Times Accuses PragerU of Rationalizing Slavery

Now that PragerU is approved for use in schools throughout multiple states across the country, we are under attack from leftist media like never before. Dennis dissects a recent New York Times piece claiming he is a racist, PragerU is propaganda, and PragerU Kids is using Frederick Douglass to rationalize slavery. Are they right?

Oct 05, 202326:08
Ep. 308 — Dennis Prager and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Ep. 308 — Dennis Prager and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. joins Dennis for a special discussion about the medical establishment, the CIA, climate change, and more. From hot-button topics and “crazy conspiracy theories” to issues on war, government, and culture, Dennis seeks clarity over agreement as he asks RFK, Jr. thoughtful questions to find out where he stands.

Sep 28, 202301:32:17
Ep. 307 — What Does God Care About Most?

Ep. 307 — What Does God Care About Most?

Does God want us to have correct theology, perform rituals, participate in worship, or is there something else that’s more important in God’s eyes? Dennis has a theory about what God values above all else and provides six reasons why he came to this conclusion. Read Dennis’s entire argument in his column, “What Does God Most Care About?”

Sep 21, 202328:25
Ep. 306 — People Don’t Know Real Evil

Ep. 306 — People Don’t Know Real Evil

About half of Americans ages 18-39 cannot identify Auschwitz or any other Nazi death camp, even though most can probably explain preferred pronouns, intersectionality, racism, and sexism. So, why aren’t most students learning anything of importance? Dennis provides three reasons why today's young people are not being taught about real evil.

Sep 14, 202331:18
Ep. 305 — How Can We Explain Bad Religious People?

Ep. 305 — How Can We Explain Bad Religious People?

If religion is supposed to produce good people, how can we explain religious people who are bad? Can we judge an entire religion based on its flawed and imperfect believers? After all, religion is not magic. It’s not a silver bullet and it doesn’t automatically make you happy, holy, or good. But, Dennis argues, religion does make you a better person if you want to be a better person.

Sep 07, 202328:28
Ep. 304 — Is God Alone Sufficient?

Ep. 304 — Is God Alone Sufficient?

What does it mean when God says about Adam and Eve, “It is not good for the man to be alone”? Many people, including Christians who share the same faith, have different points of view. Dennis responds to a pastor’s critique and shares his thoughts about this whether God alone is sufficient.

Aug 31, 202334:36
Ep. 303 — The California Hurricane Freak-Out

Ep. 303 — The California Hurricane Freak-Out

Hurricane Hilary descended upon Southern California this week, as media hysteria and alerts of “life-threatening floods” sent residents into a panic. Nearly everyone complied with instructions to shelter in place, even though one look outside would have assured any rational person there was nothing to fear. Dennis discusses this perplexing behavior and asks why people trust the government and the media more than their own eyes.

Aug 24, 202333:47
Ep 302 — Why Is Suicide at an All-Time High?

Ep 302 — Why Is Suicide at an All-Time High?

A recent study from the CDC reports that suicide is at an all-time high. Dennis dives into the three explanations from “the experts” as to why this is and provides his own analysis of the real problems behind this troubling statistic.

Aug 17, 202335:44
Ep 301 — Where Is God in Tragedy?

Ep 301 — Where Is God in Tragedy?

A viewer in Africa writes a thoughtful and difficult question to Dennis: Why believe in a God that allows horrible things to happen? Watch to see how Dennis responds to the idea that an all-knowing, all-loving, and all-powerful God allows us to suffer without offering any help. His answers may surprise you and might even challenge your own understanding of God.

Aug 10, 202330:54
Ep. 300 — PragerU Is Now in Schools with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit

Ep. 300 — PragerU Is Now in Schools with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit

We have a lot to celebrate in this special 300th Fireside Chat! PragerU CEO Marissa Streit joins Dennis to share BIG NEWS: PragerU is now in schools as an official state-approved education vendor. We are working to bring PragerU’s free, turnkey lesson plans to classrooms nationwide. Mainstream media outlets are outraged over the news, and we’ve received an explosion of press. Find out what they're saying about us and hear how Dennis and Marissa respond. Then, go to PragerUkids.com and review our educational content for yourself to see if what the media says about us is true.

Aug 03, 202338:03
Ep. 299 — Do You Trust the Government to Define "Misinformation"?

Ep. 299 — Do You Trust the Government to Define "Misinformation"?

According to Pew Research Center, most Americans want the government to restrict free speech to limit “misinformation.” Dennis explores the dangers of this alarming trend in the U.S.—the freest country in the history of the world—especially when you consider who gets to define “misinformation.”

Jul 27, 202330:06
Ep. 298 — CDC Using "Pregnant People"

Ep. 298 — CDC Using "Pregnant People"

Now that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is using the term “pregnant people” and denying one of the most basic and fundamental biological truths that women (not men) give birth, how can we trust the CDC about anything? Plus, Dennis answers viewers’ questions about dating, grief, and a perplexing verse of the Bible.

Jul 20, 202330:10
Ep. 297 — Our Broken Culture Is Getting Worse (A.I. Isn't Helping)

Ep. 297 — Our Broken Culture Is Getting Worse (A.I. Isn't Helping)

American society is producing children who are selfish, ungrateful, and lazy. Many adult children refuse to speak to their parents, most of whom are completely undeserving of such cruelty. Now, with the introduction of artificial intelligence, kids are cheating at school and depriving themselves of learning. Dennis examines these worsening problems in our culture and asks if knowing how to write an essay, use a camera, or drive a stick shift car will become lost arts of the past, as modern technology is making learning obsolete.

Jul 13, 202329:48
Ep. 296 — America Needs American Values

Ep. 296 — America Needs American Values

Days after the 4th of July, Dennis reflects on the meaning of patriotism at a time when we may not feel proud of the direction America is headed. Despite these feelings, however, we raise the flag for the values it represents—the American Trinity inscribed on every U.S. coin: Liberty, In God We Trust, and E Pluribus Unum. We must restore these values if America is to remain the last best hope of Earth.

Jul 06, 202331:14
Ep. 295 — My One Regret

Ep. 295 — My One Regret

This week, Dennis reads two very different letters: one from a fan who attributes Dennis with improving his life, the other from Arizona State University faculty, accusing Dennis of bigotry and hate. Sadly, many people who should hear what Dennis has to say never will because of false accusations like this, and that may be the biggest regret of his life.

Jun 29, 202333:32
Ep. 294 — Europe vs. America Today

Ep. 294 — Europe vs. America Today

Dennis recently visited Eastern Europe and instead of wanting to kiss the ground upon his return home (as he always had in the past), a different thought crossed his mind. With LGBTQ “pride” taking over American culture, we have lost an innocence in our society that is still present in other parts of the world. What can we learn from comparing our beloved America—the last best hope of Earth—to Europe today?

Jun 22, 202329:15
Ep. 293 — The Tragedy of Being Raised to Hate

Ep. 293 — The Tragedy of Being Raised to Hate

According to Biblical law, Jews are forbidden to hate Egyptians—the people who held them captive in slavery for centuries. What does this ancient rule have to teach us about oppression, “white privilege,” and racism in our culture today?

Jun 19, 202327:32
Ep. 292 — Want Joy? Prepare For Pain.

Ep. 292 — Want Joy? Prepare For Pain.

This week, Dennis reminds us you cannot have a rich life without pain. He then answers a difficult question about abortion, inspiring his wife to spontaneously share her personal experience of nearly aborting her son 13 weeks into the pregnancy. Don’t miss the powerful discussion in this unique Fireside Chat.

Jun 08, 202330:23
Ep. 291 — Pride Month: Why Do We Do This?

Ep. 291 — Pride Month: Why Do We Do This?

This month is LGBTQ Pride Month. But viewing people through the lens of sexual orientation, race, religion, or any group at all is not beneficial to society. The left demands that radical ideologies not only be tolerated but also celebrated. Long ago, Dennis learned there are only two groups of people in the world and it has influenced his life ever since.

Jun 08, 202328:50
Ep. 290 — Know Thyself (Including Your Strengths)

Ep. 290 — Know Thyself (Including Your Strengths)

Are you guilty of pride if you acknowledge your strengths? Dennis has been writing and speaking to large audiences for decades. His success has taught him valuable lessons about arrogance, humility, and self-esteem that we can all benefit from when it comes to examining ourselves.

May 25, 202326:21
Ep. 289 — Moving On: How Soon Is Too Soon?

Ep. 289 — Moving On: How Soon Is Too Soon?

A few weeks after the death of Dennis’s beloved bulldog Otto, his family welcomed a new pet into their home—welcome Mr. Tubz! Dennis reflects on moving on after the death of a dog, or for that matter, a spouse. Is there such a thing as moving on too quickly?

May 18, 202327:52
Ep. 288 — You Should Have Shoulds in Life

Ep. 288 — You Should Have Shoulds in Life

Dennis offers words of wisdom to live by, as he shares his three favorite verbs. Can you guess what they are? These three simple words have shifted Dennis’s entire outlook on life, and he explains how they can do the same for you.

May 11, 202328:24
Ep. 287 — People Believe What They Want to Believe

Ep. 287 — People Believe What They Want to Believe

Do you believe what is true? Or are your beliefs dictated by what you wish was true? Lies are the root of evil and truth is the mother of goodness. That’s why Dennis challenges us to be honest with ourselves and ask these difficult questions.

May 04, 202335:03
Ep. 286 — My Stance on Porn and Thoughts on Otto’s Death

Ep. 286 — My Stance on Porn and Thoughts on Otto’s Death

During a recent discussion with Jordan Peterson, Dennis made comments about porn that made the rounds on the Internet. During this week's Fireside Chat, Dennis provides clarity and addresses his stance on porn, lust, and adultery. He also reflects on the passing of our beloved Fireside Chat companion, Otto. 

Apr 27, 202331:46