Today, Explained

Join reporter Sonia Paul, who has covered caste in the U.S. and hosted a BBC documentary, alongside Ananya Chakravarti, a Georgetown professor unraveling India's caste legacy. They discuss California's groundbreaking bill against caste discrimination, revealing personal stories that highlight its deep-rooted impact. The conversation also delves into the global implications of caste issues, dissecting the backlash against such legislation and the rising awareness in Indian communities abroad. It's a thought-provoking examination of ancient hierarchies making waves today.

Jordan Weissmann, Washington editor at Semafor, provides sharp insights into the tumultuous world of American politics. He discusses Kevin McCarthy’s unexpected ousting as Speaker of the House, examining the internal GOP strife and alliances that led to this moment. The conversation dives into the challenges McCarthy faced, including his compromises with far-right factions and the bitter rivalry that escalated his downfall. Weissmann highlights the ongoing political dynamics and what the search for a new leader means for future governance.

Zeke Faux, an investigative reporter at Bloomberg and author of "Number Go Up," dives into the courtroom drama unfolding around Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX. With insights from his two-year chronicling of Bankman-Fried's rise and fall, Faux outlines the serious fraud allegations and their implications for the crypto industry. He discusses the emotional testimonies from former associates, the legal consequences that loom over Bankman-Fried, and the eroded trust in cryptocurrency following FTX’s spectacular collapse.

The podcast dives deep into the intricacies of U.S. government funding negotiations. Tensions rise within the Republican Party, as the Freedom Caucus pushes for spending cuts and a focus on border security. The divide over Ukraine aid sparks heated debates, revealing the precarious balance between domestic priorities and international commitments. Political drama unfolds with investigations affecting party unity, showcasing how personal conflicts intermingle with high-stakes budget discussions. It's a fascinating peek into the chaos of American politics.

Join hip-hop scholar Jason England, who teaches at Carnegie Mellon, and journalist Kiana Fitzgerald, the author of "Ode to Hip Hop," as they dive into hip-hop's 50th anniversary. They discuss how the genre grapples with its legacy of misogyny and anti-LGBTQ sentiment while highlighting the important role women play in its evolution. England points out the crisis of authenticity hip-hop faces today, and Fitzgerald shares insights on the changing dynamics and challenges female artists encounter. Together, they inspire a call for inclusivity and meaningful change in the industry.

Dirk Philipson, a Professor of Public Policy at Duke University and author of "The Little Big Number," dives into the urgent conversations surrounding capitalism and the degrowth movement. He asserts that endless economic growth harms our planet and critiques capitalism's relentless focus on GDP. Philipson discusses the rising support for degrowth, especially among younger generations, and emphasizes the need to rethink sustainability through innovative models that challenge traditional economic norms for a more equitable future.

Political editor Tom McTague discusses the UK government's decision to ban the American Bully XL, examining the socio-economic factors and rising dog attacks behind the move. Journalist Bronwen Dickey delves into the historical perceptions of pit bulls, challenging myths and societal fears. They dissect the emotional ties families have with their pets, the contentious debates around breed classification, and the clash between animal rights advocates and public safety concerns. The conversation offers a nuanced look at a polarizing issue.

Join reporter Makena Kelly from The Verge and former FTC director Bill Baer as they dive into the pivotal antitrust lawsuit against Amazon. They discuss how this landmark case aims to reshape monopoly regulations under Lina Khan's leadership. The conversation explores the implications for market competition and small businesses, as well as how Amazon's legal challenges reflect broader shifts in antitrust considerations for tech giants. Discover the evolving definition of consumer welfare and the potential long-term effects on regulatory policies.

Matthew Wolfe, a National Fellow at New America and sociologist, dives into the evolution of radical environmental activism. He discusses the rise of extreme tactics within the climate movement as activists turn to direct action. Wolfe traces the roots of groups like Earth First and the Earth Liberation Front, revealing how their militant approaches are influencing today’s climate discourse. He unpacks the motivations driving activists to disrupt norms and questions the effectiveness of traditional methods in addressing the climate crisis.

Irfan Nooruddin, a Georgetown University professor specializing in Indian politics, discusses the shocking murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Sikh leader, and its impact on Canada-India relations. The episode delves into the allegations against India, the complex identity of Nijjar, and the reaction from the Sikh community in Canada. Nooruddin also addresses the domestic political pressures in Canada driving Prime Minister Trudeau's bold accusations and the broader implications for Sikh separatism and international diplomacy.