3 Takeaways

Populists on the right and left say globalization gutted America’s middle class. David Brooks says that story is “75% bonkers.” In this episode, he reveals what’s myth, what’s true, and the deeper crisis shaping our politics today.

Joining the discussion is Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of Super Communicators. He reveals that great communication isn't about charisma—it's about learnable habits. Discover how becoming a super communicator involves active listening and adaptability. Duhigg also dives into the challenges of guiding patients in difficult conversations and shares insights on mastering various virtual communication platforms. He emphasizes the importance of personal connections, even in remote settings, to foster better relationships.

Every country wants strong industries and good jobs. But do tariffs actually deliver? Few people have been closer to the frontlines of global trade, tariffs, and innovation than America’s former chief trade negotiator Mike Froman. He takes us inside the myths, the hidden costs, and the bigger choices ahead. The question: what will truly define America’s edge in the global economy?

Space may look empty, but it’s crowded, fragile, and under threat. Former Congresswoman Jane Harman and Lieutenant General (Ret.) Nina Armagno — former U.S. Space Force Director of Staff who oversaw missile warning, satellite operations, and space launches — reveal how satellites quietly keep the world running, and how quickly it could all go dark. Imagine waking up to no internet, no GPS, and no air travel. They share what’s happening above our heads, and why we can’t afford to ignore it.

Nir Eyal, a behavioral design expert and the author of "Hooked" and "Indistractable," dives deep into how modern apps leverage psychology to keep us hooked. He reveals how variable rewards drive user engagement, much like slot machines, turning mere minutes of use into extensive engagement. Eyal discusses the neurological triggers behind our habits, the competitive edge gained by companies like Google, and how personal intent shapes our experiences with technology. Finally, he shares strategies for mastering distraction and becoming more present in our digital lives.

The global order that brought decades of peace and prosperity is coming apart. The Economist’s Editor-in-Chief Zanny Minton Beddoes takes us inside the world’s power centers, where America is both admired and doubted — and China’s influence is on the rise. She reveals how shifting alliances and economic rivalries are rewriting the balance of power — with consequences that will touch us all.

Imagine owing over $100,000—not for a home or college, but simply for being an American.That’s each citizen’s share of the nearly $40 trillion U.S. national debt—and it’s climbing fast. The government now spends more on interest than on Medicare or defense. Former Council of Economic Advisers Chair Greg Mankiw explains why this path is unsustainable and what it will take to fix it.He lays out five possible outcomes: some painful, some unlikely, and all politically explosive.One thing is clear: The bill is coming due.

How does AI go from predicting the next word to powering robots that navigate the real world?Princeton computer science professor Sanjeev Arora explains how today’s models learn, adapt, and even teach themselves.From chatbots to multimodal machines that process text, images, and video, you’ll learn how it all works—and where it’s headed next.This conversation will change how you think about intelligence, language, and the future of AI.

Crypto runs on stablecoins — and they’re far less stable than they sound.Bloomberg investigative journalist Zeke Faux followed the money behind the scenes. What he uncovered will change the way you see digital money — and the trust it’s built on.Listen to understand the hidden forces shaping the future of money.

How do the savviest investors navigate today’s uncertainty? Jon Gray, President of Blackstone, one of the world’s most successful asset management firms, shares the timeless principles that helped grow the firm from under $1B to over $1T in assets. He reveals how to spot great businesses, invest with conviction, and think decades ahead. This episode is a masterclass in building lasting wealth—especially in turbulent and uncertain times. This is a rare window into the mindset of someone who’s helped shape a trillion-dollar investing firm.Whether you’re new to investing or a seasoned pro, this conversation will sharpen how you think.