New “Counterspeak” Episode Out Now

A new episode of Counterspeak, the monthly podcast of the American Booksellers for Free Expression (ABFE), is now available for download on BookWeb, Spotify, and iTunes. In this installment, American Booksellers Association Content Director Sydney Jarrard talks with author David Kirby about the status of free speech in America as well as about his book When They Come For You: How Police and Government Are Trampling Our Liberties — and How to Take Them Back (St. Martin’s Press).

In their discussion, Jarrard and Kirby explore shocking violations of Americans’ basic constitutional rights. Kirby comments that a few decades ago, college students would attend controversial speeches on campus to listen to opposing viewpoints and then protest after; however, in today’s climate, college students increasingly protest speakers beforehand and even call for the event’s cancellation. In addition, Jarrard poses the question, “What if we didn’t have the First Amendment?”

Counterspeak is co-hosted by Jarrard and Director of ABFE, Advocacy, and Public Policy David Grogan. The podcast addresses issues pertaining to free expression and the First Amendment.

Each month, Counterspeak features interviews with experts on the First Amendment and free speech, as well as discussions on relevant current events. A new episode is available on the first Wednesday of the month on BookWeb, Spotify, and iTunes. For more information, check out Counterspeak’s short introductory episode. Listeners can contact the Counterspeak podcast team at [email protected].

To make sure you never miss a new episode, follow Counterspeak on Twitter @CounterspeakPod.