Radio Atlantic The Discarded
22 snips
Jan 22, 2026 
In this engaging discussion, Franklin Foer, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the mass exodus of federal workers, highlighting personal stories and the emotional toll on those who served. Eric Green, a physician-scientist, adds insights on the Human Genome Project, emphasizing the significance of government funding for groundbreaking science. They explore the loss of expertise and the potential trauma inflicted on government morale, revealing how recent events may deter future public servants from pursuing careers in government.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Invisible Science That Keeps Maps True
- Geodesy keeps digital maps accurate by tracking subtle, continual changes in the Earth.
- Ryan Hippensteel explained that uplift, subsidence, and shifting gravity fields require constant federal work to maintain navigation precision.
A Mass Exodus Reshaped Federal Capacity
- Over 300,000 federal employees left in the first year of the administration, reshaping government capacity.
- Franklin Foer framed this as a mass exodus that removed expertise across agencies and functions.
Civil Service Draws Mission-Driven Careers
- Many federal workers enter service from patriotic or family traditions and find deep satisfaction in mission-driven work.
- Franklin Foer found that these workers often loved their jobs and felt deeply hurt when dismissed undignifiedly.