The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast Episode: Answer the Call | Advice for Dealing with Bullies, Big Tech and Social Media Release Date: August 4, 2025

In this insightful episode of The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, host Dr. Jordan B. Peterson addresses pressing issues faced by parents and individuals in today's rapidly evolving societal landscape. Joined by his daughter Michaela Peterson, they delve into topics ranging from bullying and obesity to the pervasive influence of Big Tech and social media. Through a series of listener questions, Dr. Peterson offers practical advice, grounded in psychological theory and personal experience.

1. Addressing Bullying and Obesity

Listener Questions: John and Victoria

The episode kicks off with heartfelt concerns from listeners John and Victoria, both grappling with their children's experiences of bullying related to weight.

• John's Concern: John shares his distress over his 21-year-old son Anthony's struggle with morbid obesity and subsequent bullying, leading to social withdrawal and excessive video game use.

  John (01:22): "My son Anthony is overweight. His friends used to tease him and ridicule him. It was pretty horrible. He took the rejection very hard."

• Victoria's Concern: Similarly, Victoria is worried about her 8-year-old son being called fat by peers, seeking guidance on fostering a healthy lifestyle without triggering eating disorders.

  Victoria (00:10): "Our 8-year-old son has been called fat by a few friends. How can we as parents encourage a healthy lifestyle, knowing when or if to focus on weight?"

Dr. Peterson's Advice:

Dr. Peterson emphasizes the importance of a holistic family approach, suggesting dietary changes and open communication to rebuild self-esteem and resilience.

Jordan Peterson (02:24): "Your son is not living a life that is sustainable and productive. No doubt... you guys are in a position where you need to develop a plan and it needs to be one that you're both on board with."

Michaela Peterson's Insights:

Michaela shares her personal journey with the carnivore diet, highlighting its effectiveness in her family's health transformation and its potential benefits for Anthony.

Michaela Peterson (07:59): "I would probably, if I was them trying to get on board with trying the diet as a family. Like, hey, we're on your side. This isn't your fault... American foods are hyper palatable."

2. Dealing with Bullying in Younger Children

Listener Question: Victoria

Victoria's follow-up question focuses on her younger son's sensitivity and the impact of bullying on his self-image.

Dr. Peterson's Strategy:

Dr. Peterson advocates for teaching children resilience through controlled exposure to bullying scenarios, encouraging stoicism, and developing effective verbal responses.

Jordan Peterson (16:09): "Your son needs to be trained in resilience... practice acting as if they don't [respond to insults]."

Michaela Peterson's Practical Tips:

Michaela recommends tools like the YODO player for age-appropriate engagement and adopting a Montessori approach to limit hyperstimulation.

Michaela Peterson (49:16): "Avoiding the hyperstimulation when they're really little helps a lot... delay social media, delaying phones, delaying screens."

3. Guiding Young Adults in the Complex World of Modern Dating

Listener Question: Marilyn

Marilyn seeks advice on bridging the generational gap in dating norms and the influence of social media on her daughters' romantic lives.

Dr. Peterson's Perspective:

Dr. Peterson discusses the significance of hypergamy, the role of competence in male status, and the empowerment that comes with the ability to say no.

Jordan Peterson (25:09): "Women cross culturally are hypergamous... their ability to say no is a superpower."

He emphasizes the benefits of long-term mating strategies over short-term gratification, cautioning against the pitfalls of engaging with manipulative individuals.

Jordan Peterson (30:54): "If your daughters are having a hard time finding someone who wants to play along... don't be upset that they leave. You're thrilled that they leave because the last thing you want is the wrong person."

Michaela Peterson's Recommendations:

Michaela advises encouraging daughters to identify their life goals, utilize dating apps thoughtfully, and engage in safe, alcohol-free interactions like coffee dates to foster genuine connections.

Michaela Peterson (32:13): "Encourage them to make a list of what you want... they either want that or they don't. If they don't, well, maybe they have a better offer."

4. Navigating the Rise of Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models

Listener Question: Robert

Robert poses a twofold question about Dr. Peterson's personal use of AI tools like ChatGPT and their broader social implications.

Dr. Peterson's Engagement with AI:

Dr. Peterson openly discusses his use of various LLMs for research and writing assistance, acknowledging their utility while cautioning against overreliance.

Jordan Peterson (36:27): "I use Chat GPT, I use Grok, and I have a system... they are insanely helpful... they're like having a research team at your fingertips."

Concerns and Ethical Considerations:

He warns about the dangers of delegating critical thinking to AI, stressing the importance of moral alignment and classical education to prevent ideological biases.

Jordan Peterson (40:27): "If your intent is to rely on technology to look smarter than you are... it's going to be a complete bloody catastrophe."

Michaela Peterson's Additions:

Michaela underscores the necessity of integrating AI responsibly within educational frameworks, referencing the initiatives at Peterson Academy to instill classical values in AI training.

Michaela Peterson (42:51): "People are probably gonna be split into two camps... there's gonna be a group of people that use it to enhance themselves and a group that won't learn how to write or communicate."

5. Cultivating Depth, Purpose, and Delayed Gratification in the Digital Age

Listener Question: Diego

Diego seeks strategies for raising children who value depth and purpose amidst the distractions of short-form content and dopamine-driven media.

Dr. Peterson's Strategies:

Dr. Peterson identifies the challenge of attention-grabbing algorithms and advocates for fostering sustained attention through meaningful activities and family interactions.

Jordan Peterson (46:44): "The algorithm maximizes for grip of attention... how do you fight against that? You fight against that the same way you fight against immaturity as you socialize your children."

He recommends regular, device-free family meals, engaging in board games, and encouraging activities that require prolonged attention.

Jordan Peterson (48:40): "Interact with your children in a manner that requires sustained attention for longer and longer periods of time."

Michaela Peterson's Practical Solutions:

Michaela offers tangible tools like the YODO player for low-stimulation engagement and promotes delaying screen exposure to enhance cognitive development.

Michaela Peterson (49:16): "Delaying social media, delaying phones, delaying screens... limiting toys and swapping them out regularly to prevent overstimulation."

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Dr. Jordan B. Peterson and Michaela Peterson provide a blend of psychological insights and practical advice to help listeners navigate the complexities of modern life. From combating bullying and fostering healthy lifestyles in children to understanding the ramifications of AI and cultivating meaningful human connections, the conversation underscores the importance of resilience, thoughtful engagement, and moral grounding in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world.

Notable Quotes:

• Jordan Peterson (02:24): "Your son is not living a life that is sustainable and productive."
• Michaela Peterson (07:59): "We're on your side. This isn't your fault."
• Jordan Peterson (16:09): "Your son needs to be trained in resilience."
• Michaela Peterson (32:13): "Encourage them to make a list of what you want."
• Jordan Peterson (36:27): "They're like having a research team at your fingertips."
• Jordan Peterson (40:27): "It's going to be a complete bloody catastrophe."
• Jordan Peterson (46:44): "You fight against that the same way you fight against immaturity as you socialize your children."

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for parents and individuals seeking to foster resilience, integrity, and meaningful engagement in the face of contemporary challenges.