
Kai Bird
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and historian. Author of the biography "Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter."
Top 5 podcasts with Kai Bird
Ranked by the Snipd community

4 snips
Sep 5, 2023 • 52min
Oppenheimer: Birth of the Atomic Age with Kai Bird
Neil deGrasse Tyson discusses J. Robert Oppenheimer, the creation of the atomic bomb, and Christopher Nolan's film with biographer Kai Bird. Topics include Oppenheimer's role and beliefs, screenplay inaccuracies, challenges of researching science biographies, Truman and Oppenheimer's views on atomic weapons, and parallels between Oppenheimer's integrity questioning and contemporary issues.

Feb 16, 2024 • 41min
Christopher Nolan, Kai Bird on adapting ‘American Prometheus’; Disney’s proxy war wages on
Christopher Nolan and Kai Bird discuss adapting 'American Prometheus' into a blockbuster hit. Disney's battle with shareholders and the predicted end of 'peak TV' are explored. The decline in Hollywood content and the journey of 'American Prometheus' are discussed. J. Robert Oppenheimer's passion for New Mexico and quantum physics is explored. The process of adapting the book into a film and the discussion on nuclear weapons and non-proliferation efforts are highlighted.

Dec 30, 2024 • 14min
BONUS: A biography and a memoir reexamine Jimmy Carter's extraordinary life
Kai Bird, a historian and author of "The Outlier," discusses the remarkable life of Jimmy Carter, focusing on his productive one-term presidency marked by deregulation and social legislation. The conversation touches on Carter's often-overlooked achievements, his impactful post-presidency, and his commitment to social justice. Bird also reflects on Carter's infamous 'malaise' speech and his legacy in light of contemporary issues, offering a nuanced view of a leader who continued shaping society long after leaving office.

Jan 31, 2024 • 39min
The Manhattan Project | 'Oppenheimer' with Kai Bird | 4
Kai Bird, Pulitzer prize-winning biographer, joins to examine J. Robert Oppenheimer's life and fall from grace. They discuss his opposition to the Hydrogen Bomb, enemies undermining his influence, and the questioning of his security clearance. The episode explores the extreme measures taken to keep the Manhattan Project secret, the process of adapting the book 'American Prometheus' into the film 'Oppenheimer', and efforts to restore Oppenheimer's reputation after the 1954 security hearing verdict.

Jul 28, 2023 • 43min
Oppenheimer’s Origin
Kai Bird, co-author of “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer,” discusses the FBI's intelligence failure in recognizing Soviet spies, Oppenheimer's advocacy for tactical nuclear bombs, the current red scare in the U.S., and the potential scenario of Trump establishing an authoritarian regime.