Jackson Lears, a Professor of History at Rutgers University and an insightful author, delves into the complexities of Ronald Reagan's persona in this engaging discussion. Lears explores Reagan's rise from humble beginnings to the Hollywood spotlight and eventually the White House. He highlights how Reagan's cinematic background shaped his nuclear policy, revealing a fascinating disconnect between idealism and reality. The conversation further examines the lasting implications of Reagan's economic and foreign policies, including their deepening effects on inequality and the emergence of Christian nationalism.