Heather Heying, evolutionary biologist, author, and visiting fellow at Princeton University, discusses the entrenchment of woke ideology across academia, science, and society. Heying explores how institutions and student populations have been altered by postmodern and intersectional ideologies, noting that these movements are predominantly driven by individuals from socioeconomic privilege who bear none of the weight of oppressed classes. The conversation examines the erosion of scientific reality—particularly regarding biological sex and gametes—and the ways in which language is manipulated through diktat to control thought and behaviour. Heying analyses the religious orthodoxy and societal narcissism embedded within contemporary social movements, comparing modern ideological conformity to a form of original sin. Furthermore, they discuss the failure of higher education, the over-prescription of mood-disrupting drugs to youth, media bias, and the profound importance of physical travel and diverse real-world experiences. Heying and host Julian Vigo reflect on how compounding factors like digital siloing and political polarisation have left the public navigating narratives rather than empirical truth, urging a return to genuine critical inquiry, human connection, and first principles.
