Podcast Summary: "YES or NO: Dave Rubin" – The Michael Knowles Show

Release Date: July 27, 2025
Host: Michael Knowles
Guest: Dave Rubin
Platform: The Daily Wire

Introduction to "Yes or No" Game (00:24 - 01:30)

Michael Knowles welcomes his friend, Dave Rubin, to the show for an engaging episode centered around the game "Yes or No." The premise is straightforward: participants answer yes or no questions secretly, while the other tries to guess their responses. Correct guesses earn points, while incorrect ones lose points. The playful stakes involve both hosts drinking based on their performance.

[00:24] A: "Welcome to Yes or No, the bibulous battle to discover who knows whom better."

Personal Anecdotes and Product Placements (01:13 - 05:00)

The conversation quickly delves into personal stories about life changes, such as moving from Los Angeles to Nashville and Miami. Both hosts share humorous and candid moments, including their experiences with cigars and tequila, subtly promoting their respective products.

[02:16] B: "We look good."

[03:35] B: "It's a beautifully well done, exquisite tequila made the right way."

Discussion on the Intellectual Dark Web (IDW) (07:12 - 09:58)

Michael and Dave reflect on the rise and fall of the Intellectual Dark Web, a collective that included figures like Jordan Peterson and Sam Harris. Dave attributes the group's dissolution to competing interests and the inherent difficulty in maintaining unity among diverse thinkers.

[07:12] B: "It fell apart because we just couldn't stay on the same page over time."

[09:26] B: "It's hard to keep a band together. That's what it is."

Dave Rubin's Interview Experiences (10:00 - 16:00)

Dave discusses his experiences as an interviewer, emphasizing his commitment to treating all guests equally, regardless of personal feelings. He highlights his regrettable interview with David Frum, whom he found inauthentic and unaligned with true conservatism, leading to friction with Sam Harris.

[13:35] B: "I don't regret any of the interviews I've done."

[14:33] A: "David Frum was the most unenjoyable interview ever done."

Conspiracy Theories and Political Discussions (16:00 - 24:00)

The hosts engage in a spirited debate about the assassination of former President Trump, questioning whether it was the act of a lone individual or part of a larger conspiracy. Michael presents arguments suggesting inconsistencies and implausibilities in the official narrative, while Dave remains skeptical.

[16:36] A: "The security failure was implausible. It was very bad and implausible."

[18:42] A: "I've... brought a box of cigars into the perimeter of the White House almost impossible."

Belief in God and Religious Reflections (21:40 - 27:06)

A pivotal moment arises when Michael asks Dave if he believes in the God of the Bible. Dave offers a nuanced perspective, influenced by Jordan Peterson, discussing belief in truth as a foundational premise that leads toward a divine understanding. They delve into the complexities of faith, organized religion, and personal spirituality.

[21:41] A: "Do you now believe in the God of the Bible?"

[23:15] B: "I think there's no way around it that's gonna make the world work."

[27:06] A: "Do you mean the New Testament or...?"

Ethics and Morality: Goodness and Sin (28:14 - 33:04)

The conversation shifts to personal morality, with Michael expressing his struggles with sin and imperfection. Dave counters by emphasizing the importance of striving to be a decent human being despite inherent flaws. They discuss the role of religion in providing moral frameworks and coping mechanisms during crises like COVID-19.

[29:39] A: "I think I'm not a good human being. I sin constantly."

[30:04] B: "I live a pretty decent life... trying to live a decent life."

Anti-Semitism and Political Extremes (46:44 - 52:00)

A heated discussion emerges about anti-Jewish sentiments on the far-right versus the far-left. Michael argues that the far-right exhibits more ideological hatred towards Jews, while Dave acknowledges the complexities but remains optimistic about the right's ability to address and overcome such extremism without resorting to violence.

[46:56] A: "Do the far right hate Jews more than the far left?"

[48:05] B: "But ultimately, it comes down to jealousy and envy."

Rapid Fire "Yes or No" Questions (39:50 - 58:38)

In the final segment, Michael and Dave engage in rapid-fire "Yes or No" questions, covering a range of topics from friendship dynamics to ethical dilemmas like profiting from people's vices. This segment is both humorous and revealing, showcasing their camaraderie and differing viewpoints.

[40:21] A: "Will your friendship with Cenk Uygur be repaired before your friendship with Sam Harris?"

[45:16] A: "Should leakers who post nudes that were willingly sent to them face legal repercussions?"

[58:38] A: "Is it okay to profit from people's vices?"

Conclusion and Final Thoughts (60:00 - End)

The episode wraps up with reflections on their score in the game, playful jabs at each other, and promotions for their products. They emphasize the importance of mutual respect and understanding, despite their differing opinions and occasional disagreements.

[60:00] A: "Cheers. Is one of those girls Asian?"

[61:05] A: "It's for everybody. I'll see all of you next time on Yes or No."

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Knowles: "Welcome to Yes or No, the bibulous battle to discover who knows whom better." [00:24]

• Dave Rubin: "It fell apart because we just couldn't stay on the same page over time." [07:12]

• Michael Knowles: "David Frum was the most unenjoyable interview ever done." [14:33]

• Dave Rubin: "I live a pretty decent life... trying to live a decent life." [30:04]

• Michael Knowles: "Do the far right hate Jews more than the far left?" [46:56]

• Dave Rubin: "But ultimately, it comes down to jealousy and envy." [48:05]

Key Takeaways:

1. Human Imperfection: Both hosts acknowledge their flaws, emphasizing the importance of striving for goodness despite inherent imperfections.

2. Fragility of Intellectual Communities: The dissolution of the Intellectual Dark Web highlights the challenges of maintaining unity among diverse thinkers with differing agendas.

3. Role of Religion in Modern Life: Belief in a higher power and religious practices provide moral guidance and stability, especially during societal upheavals like the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Navigating Conspiracy Theories: The discussion underscores skepticism toward official narratives and the complexity of understanding political events without falling into fringe theories.

5. Ethical Business Practices: The rapid-fire segment reveals differing perspectives on profiting from products perceived as vices, reflecting broader debates on morality in commerce.

6. Anti-Semitism Across Political Spectrums: The conversation sheds light on how anti-Jewish sentiments manifest differently on the far-right and far-left, with implications for societal cohesion.

7. Interpersonal Dynamics: The playful and candid exchanges between Michael and Dave showcase a blend of camaraderie and candid debate, making the discussion both engaging and thought-provoking.

This episode of "The Michael Knowles Show" with Dave Rubin offers a blend of personal anecdotes, political discourse, and ethical debates, providing listeners with a comprehensive look into the hosts' perspectives on contemporary issues.