Ep. #577: Anne Applebaum, Gillian Tett, Dan Savage

This book, written by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa, provides an intimate and definitive portrait of a nation on the brink. It delves deep into the Trump White House, the Biden White House, the 2020 campaign, the Pentagon, and Congress. The authors interviewed over 200 people and gathered more than 6,000 pages of transcripts, secret orders, confidential calls, diaries, emails, and meeting notes. The book also offers the first inside look at Biden’s presidency, detailing his challenges with the pandemic, economic pain, partisan divide, and international threats, particularly the concerns and interactions with China during this tumultuous period.

In 'Twilight of Democracy,' Anne Applebaum explores the rise of authoritarianism and nationalism in modern democracies. She argues that political systems with radically simple beliefs are inherently appealing, especially when they benefit loyal adherents to the exclusion of others. The book examines how despotic leaders rely on allies, bureaucrats, and media figures to support their rule and how modern authoritarian parties offer new paths to wealth and power. Applebaum draws on historical examples, including Stalinist central Europe and Nazi Germany, and investigates contemporary phenomena such as conspiracy theories, social media, and nostalgia. She warns that democracies are fragile and their survival depends on daily choices made by both elites and ordinary people.

In 'Anthro-Vision', Gillian Tett advocates for using anthropology to better understand consumer behavior, markets, and organizations. By applying anthropological insights, leaders can gain a fresh perspective on complex challenges in today's rapidly changing world. The book highlights how anthropology can shed light on practical business questions and societal issues.

Savage Love from A to Z is an illustrated collection of 26 essays that provide a thoughtful and candid exploration of sex-positive topics. The book celebrates the 30th anniversary of Dan Savage's Savage Love column and covers a range of subjects from compatibility to specific sex acts, all with Savage's signature candor. The essays are complemented by cheeky illustrations from Joe Newton.