Bob van der Linden

Hua Hsu, a New Yorker staff writer and Bard College professor, discusses the repercussions of AI like ChatGPT on college writing and student learning. Jessica Gould, an education reporter, shares insights on the collaboration between Big Tech and teachers' unions for AI training in NYC schools. Peniel Joseph examines the crucial events of 1963 and their influence on civil rights. Bob van der Linden reflects on a century of aviation, while listeners share personal stories of unexpected acts of kindness that shaped their lives.

Bob van der Linden, a commercial aviation curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, shares fascinating insights into the history of civilian air travel. He discusses the challenges faced by early airlines and the crucial role of airmail services. The conversation unveils the origins of flight attendants, spotlighting Ellen Church's groundbreaking contributions. Listeners are treated to nostalgic stories from early flights, contrasting past luxuries with today's travel habits, and reflecting on how air travel perceptions have evolved over a century.