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Episodes
Mentioned books

13 snips
May 27, 2025 • 35min
In Good Health: Detecting And Treating Prostate Cancer
 Guests Kirtland DeVille, an associate professor in radiation oncology, Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine expert, and Selene Gounder, a public health senior fellow, delve into the pressing issue of prostate cancer. They discuss the crucial role of early detection, particularly for at-risk groups, and debunk myths about symptoms. The conversation shifts to the FDA's potential restrictions on COVID-19 vaccines, exploring the implications for public health and the ethical complexities involved. Their insights emphasize proactive health management during these challenging times. 

May 26, 2025 • 27min
The Tea On Gossip With Kelsey McKinney
 In this enlightening chat, Kelsey McKinney, creator of the Normal Gossip podcast and author of 'You Didn't Hear It From Me, Mostly True Notes on Gossip,' dives into the human fascination with gossip. She explores why gossip is a learned behavior that shapes our communication and social dynamics. McKinney discusses its dual nature, revealing how it can connect people or cause harm, especially in contexts like workplaces and communities. Through personal anecdotes and cultural insights, she unravels the complexities of gossip in today's digital age. 

9 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h 25min
The News Roundup For May 23, 2025
 Arthur Delaney, a Senior reporter at HuffPost, and Megan Scully, Congress editor for Bloomberg News, join Margaret Tollib, a Senior contributor to Axios and director of Syracuse University's Institute for Democracy, Journalism, and Citizenship. They dive into the contentious House spending bill and President Trump's meeting with President Ramaphosa, unpacking diplomatic tensions. The discussion highlights the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, legal reforms affecting online privacy, and the complexities of Medicaid cuts, reflecting on how these issues shape political discourse. 

May 22, 2025 • 35min
What Cuts To USDA Funding Mean For America's Food Banks And Farms
 In this episode, food and agriculture reporter Marsha Brown discusses alarming cuts to USDA funding, revealing how they hinder food distribution and exacerbate hunger across the nation. Brian Green, CEO of the Houston Food Bank, shares how these changes impact food banks, noting that some areas face child food insecurity as high as 50%. Funwe Tita, a farmer dedicated to culturally significant produce, highlights the challenges African immigrant farmers face while trying to preserve their heritage amidst economic strain and funding cuts. 

May 21, 2025 • 42min
Rhiannon Giddens' Love Letter To The Music Of North Carolina
 Rhiannon Giddens, a Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning folk musician, shares her love for North Carolina's musical heritage, alongside her collaborator Justin Robinson, a Grammy-winning vocalist. They dive into the banjo's powerful cultural symbolism and discuss the Black Banjo Gathering's significance in honoring African roots. Giddens reflects on motherhood's complexities, challenging traditional definitions of a 'good mother,' while both artists emphasize the role of music in building community and fostering authentic connections in a diverse world. 

May 20, 2025 • 31min
How Can States Improve Student Reading Scores?
 Join Kimyana Burke, a senior policy fellow and former state literacy director, Chad Alderman, an education analyst and founder of Read, Not Guess, and Emily Hanford, a senior producer at APM Reports, as they tackle the pressing issue of declining U.S. reading scores. They explore the surprising literacy gains in Mississippi and Louisiana, dissect effective teaching strategies, and discuss the shocking history of flawed reading curricula. Discover what makes these states unique and how their success stories can guide national education reform. 

May 19, 2025 • 41min
'If You Can Keep It': The Lawsuits Against The Trump Administration
 Join Elliott Williams, a CNN legal analyst and former federal prosecutor, Ryan Barber from the Wall Street Journal, and Mary McCord from Georgetown Law as they dissect the avalanche of lawsuits against the Trump administration. They delve into the significant legal challenges impacting immigration and birthright citizenship, spotlighting recent Supreme Court rulings. The discussion also touches on the tension between executive power and judiciary checks, raising concerns about the politicization of the court system and its implications for democracy. 

May 16, 2025 • 1h 22min
The News Roundup For May 16, 2025
 Wendy Benjaminson, a Washington Senior Editor for Bloomberg News, joins Taylor Poplar, a National Political Reporter for Spectrum News, and others to dissect recent Supreme Court debates on immigration and profound implications of Trump’s economic policies. They explore a pivotal U.S.-China trade deal, controversial Medicaid cuts, and the geopolitical nuances following Trump's Middle Eastern visits. Insights are shared on the shifting dynamics of U.S. foreign policy, alongside the implications of upcoming elections in Europe. 

May 15, 2025 • 31min
The State Of The Supreme Court
 Leah Littman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of Strict Scrutiny, dives into the Supreme Court's recent decisions. She explores how emotions and political sentiments shape legal interpretations, especially in high-profile cases like Roe v. Wade. The discussion decodes the complex legal language affecting judicial outcomes and examines the implications of overturning the Chevron doctrine on regulatory power. Littman also critiques the court’s dynamics regarding civil rights and emphasizes the need for accountability and reform in a politicized environment. 

May 14, 2025 • 35min
What Does The First US-Born Pope Mean For The Church?
 Christopher White, Vatican correspondent and author, joins Kathleen Holsher, a Roman Catholic Studies professor, and Matthew John Kressler, a historian and Catholic author. They discuss the groundbreaking election of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, and its implications for American Catholics. The conversation highlights his journey from missionary to leader and addresses challenges like economic issues and clerical scandals. The guests explore how this historic moment could reshape the church’s approach to inclusivity and global leadership. 


