Added: Aug 6, 2023
In this episode, Bill Maher interviews Riley Gaines, a professional swimmer, on a variety of topics including the harmful effects of chlorine, the controversy surrounding masks during the pandemic, the Barbie movie, the issue of transgender athletes in sports, and the state of masculinity in society.The conversation begins with Riley expressing her concerns about the potential harmful effects of chlorine on professional swimmers. She believes that chlorine seeps through the skin and can have a detrimental impact on health. Bill acknowledges her concerns but also highlights the importance of breathing in swimming and the limitations on oxygen intake in certain swimming events. The discussion then shifts to the topic of masks during the pandemic. Riley expresses her skepticism about the effectiveness of masks and believes that the issue has been politicized. She argues that breathing in one's own carbon dioxide can be harmful and questions why the importance of breathing is not given more attention. The conversation then turns to the Barbie movie, which has received mixed reviews. Riley speculates that the movie may be a satirical take on gender roles, particularly in relation to Ken's masculinity. Bill and Riley discuss the importance of distinguishing between satire and reality in today's society. The discussion then delves into the controversy surrounding transgender athletes in sports. Riley brings up the case of Leah Thomas, a transgender swimmer who competed against her. She expresses her frustration with the decision to allow Thomas to compete with women, as she believes it is unfair due to the physiological advantages that come with being assigned male at birth. Bill and Riley discuss the complexities of gender and the need to respect and protect transgender individuals while also acknowledging the biological differences between males and females. They both agree that there should be separate categories for transgender athletes to ensure fair competition. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the state of masculinity in society. Riley emphasizes the importance of masculine men who can protect and provide for others. She believes that society needs strong men, but acknowledges that there is a current lack of them. Bill agrees and suggests that hard times create strong men, and he hopes that society will see a resurgence of strong men in the future. Overall, the conversation between Bill Maher and Riley Gaines covers a range of topics including the potential health risks of chlorine, the controversy surrounding masks, the Barbie movie, transgender athletes in sports, and the state of masculinity in society. They explore different perspectives and offer insights into these complex issues.
