Alain Stephens of The Trace joins us to talk about his investigation of more than 2,000 inspections of gun deals by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which reveals a system falling behind when it comes to violation enforcement.
Read moreAmerican Racism, As Viewed From Abroad
Brenda Gayle Plummer is a professor of history at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and she joins us to talk about the deeply rooted tradition of fighting anti-Black racism by appealing to other countries, and what the global protest movement means for our democracy.
Read moreHow Political Myths Derail Progress
Nesrine Malik is a columnist and features writer for the Guardian, and she joins us to talk about how “wokeness,” “political correctness,” “free speech,” “cancel culture” and other shorthand terms are used to both drive and tamp down social justice movements.
Read moreThe Answer To Income Inequality? Taxes
Vox senior reporter Emily Stewart joins us to talk about who benefits from tax policy and to make the case that important infrastructure updates could be paid for if we had the political will to adjust the tax code.
Read moreHow To Be A Hero
William H. McRaven joins us to talk about what we can all learn from those who acted with valor when the moment required it.
Read moreYou’ve Got The Shot. Are You Still Freaking Out?
Dr. Monica Gandhi is professor of medicine and associate division chief of the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine at UCSF San Francisco General Hospital. She joins us to discuss our behavior as pandemic restrictions are lifted and how information is disseminated and ingested.
Read moreHow The White House Is Courting Our Friends And Foes
Jonathan Tepperman is a former editor-at-large at Foreign Policy magazine, and he joins us to talk about how the Biden administration might strengthen the relationship with American allies – and about the growing threat from Russia, China and other adversaries.
Read moreThe Biology Of Trust
David Napier is professor of medical anthropology at University College London, director of the university’s Centre for Applied Global Citizenship, and director of its Science, Medicine, and Society Network. He joins us to discuss group dynamics and why public policy that values the collective good over individual interests is ultimately beneficial to everyone.
Read moreIn Texas Politics, It’s No Holds Barred
Journalist Bill Minutaglio joins us to talk about the state’s long history of conflict, violence, backroom deals, and bravado that’s created its political framework.
Read moreRethinking What Is Critical Infrastructure
Adie Tomer joins us to discuss the details of the bill, the politics behind its contents, and how its being received beyond Capitol Hill.
Read moreThe Fight Over Female Virginity
Lisabeth During joins us to talk about the history and ideas surrounding female virginity and why it is associated with both honor and rebellion.
Read moreBaseball’s Imperfect Reckoning With Its Racist Past
Rowan Ricardo Phillips joins us to talk about why integrating batting averages and home runs into the record books is only a small step forward in grappling with the sport’s racist past.
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