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Jill Lepore

Professor of History and Law at Harvard University. Expert in American history, politics, and culture.

Top 10 podcasts with Jill Lepore

Ranked by the Snipd community
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307 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 17min

Protests, Emergency Powers, and Petty Feuds

Jill Lepore, a Harvard history and law professor, and Kevin M. Kruse, a Princeton history expert, delve into the historical context of presidential emergency powers. They discuss the implications of military responses to protests, drawing parallels to significant events like Kent State. The conversation also touches on the evolving narrative of political feuds, particularly between Trump and Musk. With wit and insight, they explore how personal grievances and social media dynamics shape today's political landscape and threaten democracy.
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85 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 28min

How Science Fiction Led Elon Musk to DOGE

Jill Lepore, a Harvard historian and author, dives into the mind of Elon Musk, revealing how his obsession with science fiction fuels his ambitions, including the controversial rise of Dogecoin. She explains Musk's vision for Mars colonization and how it shapes his political stances, likening his grand designs to a cosmic messiah narrative. Additionally, activist Patty Hoyt shares her experiences in opposing Musk's influence, highlighting the risks of taking a stand against such a powerful figure in today's society.
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70 snips
Sep 6, 2025 • 56min

How To Fix Our Broken Constitution

Jill Lepore, the David Woods Kemper 41 Professor of American History at Harvard and a staff writer for The New Yorker, dives into America’s constitutional quandary. She discusses the paralysis of political life and the urgent need for creative engagement with the Constitution. Lepore explores the complexities of amendments, popular constitutionalism, and the voices historically excluded from the Constitution’s narrative. She emphasizes the importance of rekindling the imagination surrounding governance and the potential for meaningful change in a polarized landscape.
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58 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 51min

How A ‘Brittle’ Constitution Broke U.S. Politics with Historian Jill Lepore

In this engaging discussion, historian Jill Lepore, a New Yorker staff writer and Harvard professor, sheds light on her latest book about the U.S. Constitution. She argues that while the amendment process was a radical innovation, it has become nearly unchangeable, impacting today's political climate. Lepore critiques originalism, discusses the challenges posed by Trump’s rhetoric, and emphasizes the importance of public involvement in constitutional governance. The conversation navigates historical compromises and the growing significance of the 14th Amendment in modern America.
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45 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 51min

Jill Lepore On The Constitution

Jill Lepore, a Harvard professor and staff writer at The New Yorker, shares her insights on the U.S. Constitution. She delves into the Constitution's origins, highlighting the influence of Enlightenment thinkers and the complexity of early governance. Lepore discusses intriguing topics like FDR’s court-packing plan, the challenges of voting rights during the Jacksonian era, and the compromises that shaped the franchise. With personal anecdotes, she paints a vivid picture of how history intertwines with identity and the evolution of American democracy.
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42 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 47min

Trump Sends Troops to Portland & Shootings Trigger Left-Right Blame Game | Jill Lepore

Join historian Jill Lepore, a Harvard professor and staff writer at The New Yorker, as she dives deep into the intricacies of the U.S. Constitution amidst a politically charged environment. She discusses the messy trial and error behind its creation and the importance of the amendment process. Lepore warns how the conservative originalist movement has stifled necessary changes, threatening rights like environmental protections and abortion. Highlighting that constitutional ownership requires public participation, she inspires listeners to engage in improving governance.
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31 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 34min

A U.S. Shutdown and a Constitutional Crisis

Jill Lepore, a Harvard historian and author of 'We the People', dives into the complexities of the U.S. Constitution amid rising political polarization. She discusses the challenges of amending the Constitution, linking it to the framers' supermajority requirements and modern partisanship. Lepore highlights the implications of government shutdowns on foreign policy and the erosion of democratic norms. The conversation touches on originalism, the relationship between income inequality and civic engagement, and the urgent need for constitutional evolution.
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19 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 43min

From the archive: Is society coming apart?

Jill Lepore, an acclaimed author, dives into the evolution of societal concepts in a post-pandemic world. She discusses how COVID-19 illuminated the relationship between society and government, revealing the erosion of connection amid deregulation. Lepore highlights community resilience and the impact of economic inequality on social cohesion. The talk also explores the New Left’s quest for social justice, contrasting philosophical perspectives while stressing the need for a renewed social contract to foster genuine connections in modern society.
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17 snips
Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 3min

Political Conventions: At This Point, What’s The Point?

Zolan Kanno-Youngs, a White House correspondent for the New York Times and CNN political analyst, teams up with Jill Lepore, a Harvard Professor of History and Law and New Yorker staff writer. They dive into the Democratic National Convention, questioning its relevance as a decision-making venue turned media spectacle. The conversation highlights the evolution of such gatherings, the media's shifting role, and the impact of social media on political campaigns. They also touch on the struggle to convey genuine political messaging amidst rising cynicism.
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14 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 32min

Origins of the Second Amendment

Jill Lepore, a Harvard professor and staff writer for The New Yorker, delves into the fascinating origins of the Second Amendment. She discusses its initial obscurity and the political compromises behind the Bill of Rights. Highlighting fears of standing armies and challenges in interpreting 'arms,' Jill contrasts collective versus individual rights. She explores how technological advancements outpaced legal regulations and examines the impact of historical context on modern debates surrounding gun rights and control.

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