Staff writer Nicholas Lemann discusses the blind spots the Democratic party has – like focusing too heavily on college-educated voters – and which policies the Republicans might be messaging in a clearer fashion.
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It’s hard to run for Congress if you’re not rich, and that’s a problem
Author Sarah Smarsh discusses how she was encouraged to run for the U.S. Senate in her home state, the financial barriers to that goal, and the avenues she feels could best give voice to the voiceless in Washington.
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With Roe overturned, doctors need lawyers
Time magazine reporter Abigail Abrams talks about the routine doctor-patient relationship for a pregnancy that has now become a high-stakes game of providing care while not running afoul of state mandates.
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Can central banks fix inflation this time?
Harvard economist Kenneth S. Rogoff talks about the politics that have seeped into the Federal Reserve’s role since the crash of 2008 and why that might make stifling inflation this time around a problem.
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What to say to your QAnon-believing relatives
Michael Shermer of Skeptic Magazine discusses why someone might be drawn into a conspiracy. Plus, a blog post from this episode about the dos and don’ts of talking to people who believe conspiracy theories.
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How America fell in love with ignorant politicians
Comedian and author Andy Borowitz talks about how social media and the 24-hour news cycle have produced politicians who score cheap points without the facts to back them up.
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Latin American drug cartels? Meet Chinese gangsters
Reporter Sebastian Rotella discusses Chinese organized crime operating in Mexico and their ties to the Chinese state and American politicians.
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Why charity will never be enough to address poverty
Professor Christopher Howard talks about the network of government agencies, nonprofits and family organizations that serve as a patchwork social safety net in this country.
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Eric Garner’s daughter on the power of protests
Emerald Garner, executive director of the non-profit We Can’t Breathe Inc. discusses her personal essays about the community that rallied around her in the wake of her father’s death.
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With Roe overturned, are privacy rights over?
Wired contributor Matt Laslo discusses fears that the fall of Roe will mean bounty hunters will sift through data to find women who sought abortions and use it to punish them.
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Consumer rights are civil rights
President and CEO of Consumer Reports Marta L. Tellado joins us to talk about data breaches, digital spying concerns and product failures. Plus, a blog post with 3 facts you didn’t know about companies collecting your digital data.
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Why China’s slowing growth makes it more dangerous
Associate Professor Michael Beckley joins us to talk about why he believes competition between America and China will peak in the 2020s – setting up a showdown between authoritarianism and democracy.
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