Today, Explained

A judge recently dismissed indictments against several of Trump's adversaries, sparking discussion about the chaotic state of the Justice Department. Lindsey Halligan's controversial appointment as interim US attorney and the implications of her courtroom mistakes are explored. The podcast delves into political charges against figures like Letitia James, the repercussions of shifts in DOJ priorities, and Trump's unprecedented demands for payouts. Experts caution about the dangers of a retaliatory justice system and its impact on public trust.

Vivek Wadhwa, a tech entrepreneur and academic, explores the contentious landscape of high-skill immigration. He discusses the evolving rhetoric around H-1B visas and the contrasting views within Trump's administration. Wadhwa highlights how immigrants drive innovation, yet structural flaws and high fees threaten startups' abilities to attract talent. He shares his own experience moving a company to India due to visa issues, advocating for policy reforms to support creativity and competitiveness in the U.S. economy.

Robbie Whelan, a Wall Street Journal reporter, delves into NVIDIA's meteoric rise and CEO Jensen Huang's growing bond with Trump. He shares insights on how GPUs are pivotal in the AI economy and discusses export challenges to China. Educator Kyla Scanlon analyzes the socio-economic impact of NVIDIA’s dominance, warning of growing inequality and risks in AI. Together, they contemplate if we’re on the brink of an AI bubble and highlight the urgent need for policies to address the labor market upheaval driven by these technological changes.

Hamil Whaley, a chef and Thanksgiving expert, shares tips on perfecting your turkey, including brining techniques for flavor and juiciness. Troy Bickham, a history professor, reveals how turkey became the symbol of Thanksgiving through cultural shifts and commercialization. Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist, discusses common digestive issues during the holiday and offers strategies to avoid discomfort, such as pacing meals and understanding the effects of tryptophan and alcohol on digestion. It's a feast of insights!

C.T. Jones, a staff writer at Rolling Stone, and Julia Alexander, a media correspondent at Puck News, dive into the world of microdramas, short serials optimized for phone screens. They explore how these bite-sized stories cater to our dwindling attention spans and the monetization strategies behind them. The duo discusses the origins of microdramas in China, the varied experiences actors face, and the implications for Hollywood's future. Julia also shares insights on viewer frustrations, nostalgia for quality TV, and the potential impact of AI on content creation.

In this engaging discussion, Meg Jay, a developmental clinical psychologist and author, dives deep into the rising use of antidepressants among young adults, noting a jump from under 5% to 20%. She highlights the complexities of their effectiveness and potential withdrawal challenges. Jay also warns about the lack of long-term studies on SSRIs and their impact on developing brains. The conversation touches on how antidepressants have become politicized, with claims linking them to addiction and violence, urging a more nuanced understanding of their role in mental health.

Joining the conversation are Alex Duval, an experienced Sudan scholar and director of the World Peace Foundation, and Josh Keating, a Vox reporter specializing in foreign policy. They dive into the conflict sparked by two military generals in Sudan and discuss Trump’s involvement. Duval reveals harrowing accounts of massacres and the RSF's brutal tactics, while Keating analyzes U.S. diplomatic efforts and the complexities of regional influences, particularly from the UAE. The risks of simplified diplomacy are also assessed, highlighting the challenges ahead.

Join Kadia Goba, a Congress reporter for The Washington Post, and Jacob Shamsian from Business Insider as they delve into the political ramifications of Trump’s push to release the Epstein files. Goba discusses the surprising bipartisan support in Congress and reveals tensions within the GOP. Shamsian explores intriguing emails from Epstein's estate, including mysterious references to Trump and the implications of a 'Bubba' email. Together, they predict the ongoing fallout and scrutiny from the newly released documents, highlighting the complexities of this evolving story.

Victoria Guida, an economics correspondent for Politico, and Catherine Rampell, economics editor at The Bulwark, dive into the complexities of pricing amid economic promises. They discuss how Trump's tariffs aimed at job protection have inadvertently raised prices. The duo explores the rising costs of energy and food, as well as escalating housing prices. Rampell highlights the difficulty of presidential influence over prices, emphasizing that falling prices may indicate economic trouble. Voter dissatisfaction rooted in unmet affordability promises adds a fascinating layer to the conversation.

Join Jerusalem Dimsay, an insightful housing commentator, Aisha Roscoe, an NPR host and shared homeowner, and Rachel Cohen-Booth, a Vox policy correspondent, as they dive into the changing landscape of housing. They explore why homeownership is overrated and discuss Aisha's shared living experiment with a friend, balancing finances and family. Rachel highlights innovative housing trends like adult dorms and intergenerational sharing, while Jerusalem argues that renting can enhance social mobility and better align with today's reality.