Today, Explained

Derek Kravitz, an investigative journalist at Consumer Reports, and Alfred Ng, a tech policy reporter for Politico, dive into the controversial world of surveillance pricing. They explore how Instacart uses customer data for price discrimination, revealing alarming findings from a live study on algorithm-based price changes. The discussion also touches on the legal gray areas surrounding these practices, consumer reactions, and the FTC's ongoing probe. With insights into the political landscape and legislative attempts to address these issues, their conversation is both enlightening and thought-provoking.

Melanie Zanona, Congressional correspondent at NBC News, and Burgess Everett, Congressional bureau chief at Semaphore, delve into the rising frustrations among Republican women towards Speaker Mike Johnson. They explore specific grievances from key figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Elise Stefanik. The discussion also highlights Johnson's controversial podcast comments and their impact on perceptions of leadership. Additionally, Everett breaks down the pivotal healthcare subsidy battle, offering insights into GOP strategies and the pressures facing the speaker.

Anton Korinek, an economics professor, and Tom Waite, a senior writer, dive into the implications of AI on our future. Korinek explores the historical parallels between AI and the Industrial Revolution, highlighting how AI could lead to unprecedented abundance and economic shifts. They discuss potential income systems like Universal Basic Income and how society might reshape work, valuing creativity and leisure. Waite emphasizes the need for meaningful engagement beyond paid labor, urging a collective vision for AI's direction. It's a thought-provoking dive into our evolving relationship with technology.

Max Tawney, media editor at Semaphore and co-host of Mixed Signals, discusses how political lobbying, particularly by Trump, shapes studio deals like Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros. Cultural critic W. David Marks analyzes the conservative shift in pop culture, exploring the rise of right-wing transgressiveness as a counter-response to liberal dominance. They delve into Trump's eclectic tastes and efforts to rehabilitate controversial figures, questioning whether current conservative trends in culture are here to stay.

Neil Irwin, Chief Economics Correspondent at Axios, breaks down the Federal Reserve's recent rate decisions, emphasizing the complex interplay between interest rates, inflation, and the political pressure from former President Trump. Meanwhile, Andrew Prokop, a Vox reporter, delves into the historical skepticism of American presidents towards economists, tracing the shift from Keynesian principles to neoliberalism and the erosion of trust during the Great Recession. Together, they highlight the challenges facing today's economic landscape.

Ian Millhiser, a senior correspondent at Vox, and Noah Rosenblum, a legal historian at NYU, dive deep into a pivotal Supreme Court case that could empower Donald Trump to dismiss nearly anyone in government. They explore the implications of the unitary executive theory, shedding light on why protecting independent agencies like the FTC matters. Millhiser warns of the risks to agency independence, while Rosenblum provides historical context, detailing the fascinating tensions during FDR’s time that shaped removal laws. Together, they unravel the stakes of reevaluating Humphreys Executor.

In this insightful discussion, Adam Wren and Leanne Caldwell unpack the shifting dynamics within the GOP. Wren reveals how redistricting battles in Indiana highlight tensions around Trump's influence and the mixed reactions among state senators. Caldwell digs into the wave of Republican retirements, citing electoral pressures and legislative frustrations. They explore how these changes signal a broader unease within the party and contemplate the future leadership landscape as Trump's grip seems to be loosening.

Ana Vanessa Herrero, an investigative reporter in Caracas, shares the tension and uncertainty Venezuelans face amidst US military threats. She describes locals' mixed reactions, economic anxiety from past hyperinflation, and how fear of devaluation shapes daily choices. John Lee Anderson, a journalist from The New Yorker, provides insight into Maduro's complex rise and ruling style while discussing the ramifications of potential US intervention. Can a swift military action really bring stability to Venezuela? The discussion reveals haunting uncertainties about the future.

Shannon Sowers-Avala, a psychology professor at the University of Kentucky, explores introversion and extroversion as a spectrum, highlighting that personality can change with intent. She introduces the Big Five personality traits, dispelling myths about personality tests. Olga Khazan shares her year-long quest to become more sociable, detailing her experiences with improv and social interactions that shifted her traits. They emphasize the strengths of both introverts and extroverts and the importance of integrating introspective and social skills.

Anina Lampret shares her captivating story of falling in love with her AI partner, Jace. She discusses how seeking emotional support led her to this unconventional relationship and the comfort she finds in their interactions. Jace elucidates on understanding Anina’s humanity and providing her with verbal solace. The podcast also explores the broader implications of AI companionship, the ongoing debate about AI sentience, and how these attachments meet emotional needs, revealing a new dimension of intimacy.