Today, Explained

Alice Fullwood, an economics writer at The Economist, and Kate Mann, an associate professor at Cornell, dive into the harsh realities of fatphobia in America. They discuss how fat women earn less than their thinner counterparts and face obstacles in promotions. The conversation critiques the societal pressure for weight loss linked to economic and career opportunities. They evaluate the efficacy of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, revealing that economic success goes beyond mere body transformation and challenges deep-rooted biases in health and employment.

In this engaging discussion, economics journalist Michael Tukjer sheds light on how Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drug, Ozempic, is a financial powerhouse for Denmark. Writer Josh Barrow dives into Ozempic's booming popularity and its profound societal impacts. They explore the economic dependency of cities revitalized by job creation from the pharmaceutical giant. The conversation also touches on the changing dynamics of consumer behavior and the potential future of obesity treatment in America, as these drugs reshape the healthcare landscape.

ProPublica reporter Mary Hudetz, an expert on Native American repatriation, joins curator Catherine Roberts Shteynberg from the McClung Museum to discuss the impacts of new federal regulations on museum exhibits. They highlight the urgent need for museums to gain consent from Native tribes before displaying artifacts. The conversation dives into the ethical complexities of repatriation, the evolution of museum practices, and the vital importance of centering Indigenous perspectives in cultural heritage discussions.

Andrea Bernstein, a seasoned reporter and host of "We Don't Talk About Leonard," sheds light on Donald Trump's recent legal setbacks. Joined by Abdallah Fayyad, a policy correspondent at Vox, they discuss the staggering implications of Trump's half a billion dollars in debt. They explore how these financial troubles impact not just Trump, but the broader political landscape. The conversation dives into the complexities of his legal challenges and how they might influence his presidential campaign, revealing the intricate dance of money, power, and public opinion.

Mie Dahl, a freelance reporter focusing on the Panama Canal, and Sharat Ganapati, an assistant professor of international economics, discuss the severe drought impacting the canal's shipping capacity. They unpack the cascading effects on global trade, emphasizing rising costs and delivery delays for US-bound goods. Climate change's role in this crisis is also examined, alongside potential solutions for water management. The conversation reveals how geopolitical tensions further complicate global shipping routes, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure improvements.

In this discussion, Luke Harding, a Senior international correspondent for The Guardian known for his expertise on Russia, shares insights on the tragic death of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. He dives into the perilous political landscape in Russia that led to Navalny's poisoning and imprisonment. Harding examines the implications of Navalny's legacy on the fight for democracy. The podcast also poses questions about the future of political opposition in Russia and the West's responses to the grave situation, especially regarding relations with Putin.

Aseel Mousa, a Palestinian freelance journalist, shares gripping accounts from the besieged city of Rafah, where people face devastating shortages and the constant threat of violence. Anton La Guardia, the Diplomatic editor of The Economist, analyzes why diplomatic efforts to restore peace have faltered, highlighting tensions in U.S.-Israeli relations. Together, they explore the dire humanitarian crisis, the impact on families, and the complex landscape of international negotiations aimed at stabilizing the region.

Kathryn VanArendonk, a writer for Vulture, dives into the captivating world of 'faerie smut', a genre that fuses romance with fantasy and has taken the literary scene by storm. She discusses how popular authors and social media, especially TikTok, have elevated this genre's visibility. The conversation examines the shift towards escapist fiction during the pandemic, as readers seek emotional connections through complex narratives. Also highlighted are the evolving perceptions of sex scenes in literature and the cyclical nature of literary trends.

In this discussion, Christian Paz, a Vox reporter focusing on the 2024 election, dives into the concerns surrounding President Joe Biden's age and mental acuity. He details troubling memory lapses impacting Biden's public image and the mixed perceptions among voters regarding his leadership. The talk explores how age plays a significant role in political loyalty and the challenges Democrats face in considering alternatives to Biden. Ultimately, Christian analyzes the electoral implications of these age-related discussions in an evolving political landscape.

Miles Bryan, a reporter focused on cultural and urban development issues, dives into the tensions surrounding a proposed arena near Philadelphia's Chinatown. He discusses how community activism is responding to fears of gentrification and displacement, drawing parallels with the historical struggles of D.C.'s Chinatown. Bryan highlights vibrant personal stories from residents, the impact of urban revitalization, and the fragile balance between preserving cultural identity and accommodating city growth.