Jill Lepore

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.

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.

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.

In this engaging discussion, historian Jill Lepore, a Harvard professor and host of The Evening Rocket, analyzes Elon Musk's influence on modern capitalism, coining the term 'Muskism.' She explores the intertwining of science fiction with Musk's ambitions, questioning his status as a futurist. The conversation delves into space travel’s allure for the wealthy and critiques the disconnect between elite pursuits and everyday social issues. Lepore also reflects on the political implications of Musk’s ventures and the pressing need for accountability in the age of privatized exploration.

Political writers at The New Yorker dissect the ongoing confusion in US politics post-January 6th. They analyze Trump's appeal, far-right ideology, challenges in interviewing him, and the evolution of the MAGA movement. Exploring electoral certification challenges and the need for a peaceful transfer of power, they provide valuable insights into the current political landscape.

Jelani Cobb, Evan Osnos, and Jill Lepore discuss the fragility of American democracy, touching on the historical foundation of the country and the impact of politically biased interpretations of the past. They also explore the disengagement of citizens from the political system, reflecting on the Capitol insurrection and the challenges ahead for democracy. The conversation includes comparisons between different eras of American history, the undemendability of the Constitution, and the counter-majoritarian nature of American democracy.

Jill Lepore, an esteemed American historian, delves into the dark humor of Stanley Kubrick's 'Dr. Strangelove' and the chilling gravity of Sidney Lumet's 'Fail Safe.' She explores the absurdity of political authority during the Cold War and critiques the cultural dynamics portrayed in these films. The conversation highlights the tension between military protocol and moral choices in a nuclear crisis. Lepore also discusses how these classics resonate with today's technological challenges, emphasizing the need for thoughtful storytelling in modern politics.

Jill Lepore, a Harvard history professor and New Yorker staff writer, dives into the intriguing history of American voting. She highlights the chaotic origins of public voting, from raucous town square gatherings to the secluded privacy of today’s ballots. Lepore discusses how the Founding Fathers overlooked voting logistics, debates over electoral integrity, and the significant role of historical events like Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in shaping our democratic processes. The transformation from communal to secret ballots illustrates the ongoing struggle for voting rights.

Jill Lepore untangles the strange sci-fi roots of Silicon Valley's extreme capitalism - with its extravagant, existential and extra-terrestrial plans to save humanity. In this world, stock prices can be driven partly by fantasies found in blockbuster superhero movies, but that come from science fiction, some of it a century old. If anyone personifies this phenomenon, it's Elon Musk, the richest or second-richest person in the world on any given day. "The bare facts of Musk’s life, the way they’re usually told, make him sound like a fictional character, a comic-book superhero," says Lepore. He says he hopes to colonize Mars, create brain-hacking implants and avert an AI apocalypse. He even has a baby named X. In this first of five episodes Lepore looks at the early origins of ‘Muskism’, and explores how the science fiction stories that today’s techno-billionaires grew up on have shaped Silicon Valley’s vision of the future. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Historian and essayist Jill Lepore discusses gun rights as a matter of principle, the appeal of insurrection, and the possibility of another civil war in America. She examines the historical context of gun ownership and the NRA's transformation, as well as the interpretation of the Second Amendment. Lepore explores the rise of the carceral state, the strain on political representation, and the impact of the pandemic on voting. She also explores scenarios for change, including LGBTQ visibility and revolution in the Republican party.