Join Matt Yglesias, a Bloomberg columnist with moderate views, and Tyler Austin Harper, a Bates College professor known for his economic populism, as they dissect the Democratic Party's challenges. They tackle ineffective messaging on climate and cultural issues, highlighting how politicians need to better connect with voters. Their conversation explores the distinctions between popularism and populism, the impact of rhetoric over policy, and the urgent need for a broader coalition to address both societal and economic concerns.

In this discussion, Richard V. Sims III, Emeritus professor of medicine, shares how affirmative action shaped his medical career amidst systemic racism. Tyler Austin Harper, an environmental studies professor, explores the complexities of college admissions and identity. Recent high school graduate Jia Shin reflects on her experiences with college applications and the pressures of representation. Together, they navigate the profound impacts of the Supreme Court's decision, revealing a spectrum of emotions about affirmative action's legacy.

David Sirota, Arjun Singh, and Tyler Austin Harper discuss the wild moments in American politics, GOP's full support for Trump, Democrats' internal struggles over Biden's nomination, and the implications of recent events on the election outcome. Will Democrats decide to lose the election or fight to win?

Tyler Austin Harper, an assistant professor of environmental studies and New York Times contributor, dives into the frenzy surrounding AI and its ties to extinction panics. He discusses the history of such fears, linking them to today's anxieties about technology and climate change. The conversation tackles the ethical implications of long-termism versus short-term suffering, critiques elite narratives about extinction, and highlights the real risks of AI misuse. Harper ultimately urges a balance of humility and optimism as we face modern existential threats.

Professor Tyler Austin Harper from Bates College discusses the misrepresentation of rural America, critiquing the media's portrayal of 'hillbillies' and the disdain for these Americans. They explore the need for empathy and cultural understanding to bridge the urban-rural divide, shedding light on the complexities of rural identities and the motivations behind rural voters' support for Trump.

Tyler Austin Harper, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Bates College, discusses the state of academia, the decline in humanities majors, and the importance of genuine free inquiry. They also explore plagiarism accusations and conservatism backlash, the pros and cons of tenure, and the decline of interest in humanities courses at elite universities.

Tyler Austin Harper, a contributing writer at The Atlantic and Bates College professor, joins to discuss the chaos surrounding Trump's executive orders. They dive into the concept of 'malicious compliance' and the implications for presidential power. Harper highlights the Democratic Party's struggle to adapt, emphasizing the rising appeal of populism and the failures of the expert class. Their conversation reveals how both parties must rethink their strategies in a rapidly changing political landscape to regain public trust and connection.

Tyler Austin Harper discusses controversies surrounding Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, the elimination of DEI statements at Harvard, and the portrayal of past activism at colleges, including a hoax. Topics include wolf shooting, wildlife management, DEI initiatives, student activism, racial hoaxes, and progressive reputations.

In this episode, the new co-host Tyler Austin Harper and the host discuss topics such as climate apocalypse movies, climate fiction in Hollywood, a plagiarism scandal at Harvard, controversy in academia, true crime podcasts, and the influence of Silicon Valley in idea ecosystems.

Tyler Austin Harper, a contributing writer at The Atlantic and an assistant professor at Bates College, joins to explore the shifting tides of the 2024 presidential race. They dive into identity-based fundraising efforts and the impact of JD Vance's claims about Democrats being anti-family. Harper discusses the challenges Trump faced with message consistency during his chat with Elon Musk. They also reflect on Biden's recent withdrawal from the race, touching on concerns regarding his health and the need for transparency about potential cover-ups.