566. Matthew Syed - The History of Cousin Marriage & How AI Will Kill Us

What if one forgotten law changed the course of history — and we ignored its lesson? In this explosive interview, Matthew Syed – bestselling author, Times columnist, BBC broadcaster and former Olympian – joins Andrew Gold on Heretics to uncover the shocking truth about cousin marriage, tribalism, immigration, and the hidden ban that built Britain. From the 6th-century ban on cousin marriage that forced people to look beyond their tribe, to today’s siloed communities in places like Rochdale and Bradford, Syed argues that ignoring these lessons has left Britain vulnerable. We dive into immigration policy, Labour’s failures, the rise of cultural relativism, and why banning cousin marriage may be the only answer left. SPONSORS: Make your AI video here: https://invideo.io/i/andrewgold Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code HERETICS at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/HERETICS Go to https://ground.news/andrew to access diverse perspectives and uncover the truth. Subscribe through my link to get 40% off unlimited access this month only. Chuck Norris: Avoid these 3 Foods Like The Plague. Watch his method by clicking the link here: https://www.ChuckDefense.com/Heretics Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at https://mintmobile.com/heretics Go to https://freespoke.com/gold to search freely. Start your MyHeritage journey now with a 14-day free trial using my link: https://bit.ly/AndrewGoldMyHeritage Go to https://TryFum.com/HERETICS and use code HERETICS to get your free FÜM Topper when you order your Journey Pack today! But that’s just the start. Together, we explore whether we’re heading for World War 3, how Protestantism shaped modern success, the dangers of AI that could wipe out humanity, and what the Fermi Paradox reveals about our future. This is one of the most important, uncomfortable, and eye-opening conversations you’ll hear in 2025. 🔔 Subscribe for more fearless interviews: 🎙️ About Matthew Syed Matthew Syed is a bestselling author of Rebel Ideas, Black Box Thinking and Bounce, a Times columnist, BBC broadcaster and former Olympian. He writes about decision-making, culture, innovation, and the hidden forces that shape society. Follow Matthew Syed on X: https://x.com/matthewsyed Check out his work: https://www.matthewsyed.co.uk Read his Times column: https://www.thetimes.com/profile/matthew-syed Join the 30k heretics on my mailing list: https://andrewgoldheretics.com Check out my new documentary channel: https://youtube.com/@andrewgoldinvestigates Andrew on X: https://twitter.com/andrewgold_ok Insta: https://www.instagram.com/andrewgold_ok Heretics YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewgoldheretics Chapters: 0:00 Matthew Syed Highlights 1:12 Are We Heading for WW3? 4:22 We Live In Very Strange Times 6:22 How We Lost Wisdom & Community 8:22 England Was BEHIND Islamic Countries 11:22 More social cohesion 13:52 Cousin Marriage 16:22 If Matthew Syed Had Been Made To Marry His Cousin 18:22 How Cousin Marriage Ban Changed England 20:22 Labour Won’t Stop It 22:52 Did Protestantism Make Countries Successful 25:22 We Are More Extreme Than You Realise 28:22 Reduce Immigration NOW! Stop Boats 30:22 Russia Sends Immigrants Here 32:42 Sharia Law Enforcer Job Applicant! 34:22 Trump’s Wall - Why Was It So Bad? 36:22 Liz Truss, the Civil Service, Starmer’s Bad Deal 38:22 We Have Deep Problems 41:22 What To Do About Sensationalism & Clickbait 45:22 Finding New Ways to Delay Gratification 48:52 How AI Will Kill Us Very Soon 51:22 The Fermi Paradox 54:27 Israel - Palestine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices