Brain in a Vat

Author: Brain in a Vat

Thought experiments and conversations with philosophers. Hosted by Dr Jason Werbeloff and Mark Oppenheimer.
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Free Speech, Hate Speech, and Mental Health | Chloe Carmichael
Sunday, 22 March, 2026

Clinical psychologist Chloe Carmichael, author of "Can I Say That?," examines how free expression relates to psychological well-being and social trust. Carmichael argues that suppressing disagreement drives resentment and misperception, rather than resolving conflict. She also scrutinizes the role of safe spaces, the spread of therapeutic language, and what limits on speech might be justified in public versus private life.[00:00] Introduction to Chloe Carmichael[00:29] Mark’s Workplace Story[02:33] Repression and Mental Health [09:47] Reeducation versus dialogue [13:58] Campus safe spaces[21:30] Public speech[22:37] Therapy language and groupthink [27:34] Academia echo chambers [33:12] First Amendment Limits [43:16] Cultural Social Norms [56:44] Why Censorship Backfires [01:00:25] Five Ds and Violence [01:01:52] Closing RemarksRead Carmichael's book, "Can I Say That?: Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly," here: https://www.amazon.com/Can-Say-That-Matters-Fearlessly/dp/151078490XSubscribe on Substack: https://braininavat.substack.com/