Breaking History: BONUS: Conversations with Coleman & Bari Weiss
Host/Author: The Free Press
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Episode Title: BONUS: Conversations with Coleman & Bari Weiss
Introduction
In this bonus episode of Breaking History, host Coleman Hughes engages in a profound and multifaceted conversation with Bari Weiss, the founder of The Free Press. This detailed discussion delves into the origins and evolution of The Free Press, its unique position in the modern media landscape, handling criticism, personal beliefs, and pressing societal issues such as antisemitism and identity politics.
1. The Origins and Evolution of The Free Press
Timestamp: [02:00]
Bari Weiss recounts her departure from The New York Times, driven by a sense of intolerance and corruption within the institution. Her initial hesitation to start something new evolves as she begins a personal blog, which quickly surpasses her previous salary and garners significant traffic. Weiss reflects on her early aspirations to build an expansive media empire and acknowledges the gradual, strategic growth of The Free Press.
Bari Weiss [02:27]: "I felt like I had seen such an enormous problem, and the solution had to feel equally enormous... You have to like take small territory and do."
2. Defining the Free Press Audience
Timestamp: [06:34]
The conversation shifts to identifying the prototypical Free Press subscriber. Weiss describes the audience as a blend of classical liberals, centrists, center-left individuals, and libertarians who feel alienated by the prevailing "wokeness." Initially a reactionary product targeting the excesses of the liberal left, The Free Press has expanded to address a broader range of topics to meet the evolving demands of its diverse readership.
Bari Weiss [06:56]: "The core Free Press Persona is a disaffected liberal in a hyper woke environment."
3. Navigating a Unique Media Coalition
Timestamp: [10:10]
Coleman Hughes highlights the uniqueness of The Free Press coalition, noting the absence of comparable publications that embody a similar mix of viewpoints. Weiss acknowledges the challenge and opportunity this presents, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining a balanced and inclusive newsroom to reflect the country's diverse perspectives.
Bari Weiss [10:23]: "We're both read by people in the Trump administration and we're read by people that were pilloried or cast out or despised by the Trump administration... it's not a niche audience."
4. Addressing Criticism and Maintaining Editorial Integrity
Timestamp: [19:02]
Responding to Andrew Sullivan's criticism about The Free Press's coverage of government threats to freedom, Weiss defends the publication's comprehensive approach. She argues that The Free Press publishes a wide array of pieces that cover significant issues beyond mere partisan attacks, ensuring a well-rounded and in-depth reportage.
Bari Weiss [19:47]: "Do we have an anti Trump piece that is sufficiently rageful or sufficiently passionate to Andrew's satisfaction every single day? No. But if you look at the kinds of pieces that we've done..."
5. Personal Beliefs and Identity
Timestamp: [24:27]
The discussion shifts to personal beliefs, with Coleman Hughes identifying as an atheist and Bari Weiss expressing her belief in God. They explore how these beliefs influence their lives and parenting styles, emphasizing the importance of transmitting values and fostering meaningful conversations with their children about faith and morality.
Bari Weiss [24:52]: "There is a deep sense of values that people here actively talk about... it's like, what's the kind of wisdom and connective tissue that is bigger than the politics of the day."
6. The Impact of Social Media and Antisemitism
Timestamp: [49:17]
Weiss and Hughes critically examine the transformation of Twitter (now X) under Elon Musk's stewardship, noting its shift towards promoting bigotry and extreme viewpoints. They discuss the broader societal implications, particularly the rise in antisemitism following events like October 7th, and the challenges faced by Jewish Americans in maintaining a sense of security and belonging.
Bari Weiss [63:09]: "If you are Jewish in America, you are already used to a reality that would be shocking to people that don't know Jews or don't go into Jewish spaces... it's a profound adjustment."
7. Challenging Identity Politics
Timestamp: [57:08]
Weiss articulates her stance against what she perceives as negative identity politics, distinguishing it from positive expressions of identity. She criticizes the narrative that promotes division and victimhood based on immutable characteristics, advocating instead for a unified American identity that respects and celebrates diverse backgrounds without fostering antagonism.
Bari Weiss [59:48]: "Being an American, being a Jew, supporting Israel, being gay... I don't see any of that as being in conflict with each other."
8. Free Press's Response to Changing Political Landscapes
Timestamp: [38:58]
Addressing the shift from primarily opposing the liberal left to confronting illiberal tendencies on the right, Weiss emphasizes The Free Press's commitment to maintaining consistent moral and journalistic standards. She discusses the complexities of covering topics like Trump administration policies and the normalization of hatred, highlighting the ongoing efforts to diversify coverage while staying true to foundational values.
Bari Weiss [38:58]: "We should be judged on whether or not we are able to see them clearly meet the moment, and apply the same standards and same rigor that I think we really successfully applied to the stories and the storylines and the themes when we began."
9. Lightning Round: Personal Insights
Timestamp: [66:34]
The episode concludes with a lighthearted lightning round, where Weiss shares personal preferences and insights:
- LA or New York City: New York City
- Best Piece of Dating Advice: "If it's not a 'fuck yes,' it's no." Trusting one's gut over superficial compatibility.
- Guilty Pleasure: Alcohol and food.
- Looking Forward To: A vacation to Israel with her partner, celebrating both personal and professional achievements.
Bari Weiss [66:46]: "I really believe in trusting your gut... it's the biggest and most important decision of your life."
Conclusion
This episode of Breaking History offers an intricate look into the philosophies and operational strategies of The Free Press through Bari Weiss's perspectives. From navigating media landscapes and addressing societal issues to personal beliefs and maintaining editorial integrity, the conversation provides valuable insights into how The Free Press aims to influence and reflect contemporary discourse.
Notable Quotes
- Bari Weiss [02:27]: "You have to like take small territory and do."
- Bari Weiss [06:56]: "The core Free Press Persona is a disaffected liberal in a hyper woke environment."
- Bari Weiss [10:23]: "We're both read by people in the Trump administration and we're read by people that were pilloried or cast out or despised by the Trump administration."
- Bari Weiss [19:47]: "If you look at the kinds of pieces that we've done..."
- Bari Weiss [24:52]: "What's the kind of wisdom and connective tissue that is bigger than the politics of the day."
- Bari Weiss [57:08]: "Being an American, being a Jew, supporting Israel, being gay... I don't see any of that as being in conflict with each other."
- Bari Weiss [66:46]: "I really believe in trusting your gut... it's the biggest and most important decision of your life."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the conversation between Coleman Hughes and Bari Weiss, highlighting key themes and providing valuable quotations to convey the depth of their discussion.