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Episodes
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Feb 3, 2025 • 31min
"If You Can Keep It": President Trump's Crypto Dealings
David Yaffe-Bellany, a technology reporter for The New York Times, dives into the controversial cryptocurrency landscape shaped by Donald Trump's initiatives. Maria Aspen, NPR's financial correspondent, analyzes the ethical dilemmas of Trump's personal crypto dealings, including the speculative nature of his meme coin. They discuss potential conflicts of interest, the implications on U.S. politics and finance, and how these developments could impact average investors and exacerbate financial inequality. This conversation sheds light on a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 27min
The News Roundup For January 31, 2025
Guests include Eva McKend, CNN's national politics correspondent, and Arthur Delaney, HuffPost's senior reporter. They discuss the alarming plane-helicopter collision in D.C. and the political repercussions, including Trump's freeze on federal grants affecting essential services. Wendy Benjaminson addresses the humanitarian crisis returning to Gaza, while Joyce Karam highlights international tensions. James Kitfield analyzes the implications of a new Chinese AI app on U.S. tech dominance, and Kriti Gupta explores global economic challenges. A deep dive into today's critical political landscape!

Jan 30, 2025 • 35min
The Debate Over Fluoride In American Drinking Water
Peng Huang, an NPR Science Desk reporter, Erica Caffrey, a pediatric dentist, and Lynn Goldman, an epidemiologist and public health dean, explore the hotly debated topic of fluoride in American drinking water. They discuss its historical significance in reducing tooth decay and the recent resurgence of skepticism fueled by political figures. The conversation highlights the impact of fluoridation on dental health equity and the need for continued research, while also addressing misconceptions and the role of credible science in shaping public policy.

Jan 29, 2025 • 36min
America's Relationship With The World Health Organization
Lawrence Gostin, a global health law expert, joins Apoorva Mundavilli, a science reporter, and Ashish Jha, a public health dean, to discuss America's complex relationship with the World Health Organization. They delve into the implications of the U.S. potentially withdrawing from the WHO and the impact on global health responses, particularly during pandemics. The conversation highlights the organization's crucial role in disease prevention and the importance of funding, alongside scrutiny of its pandemic response and accountability for the future of international health.

Jan 29, 2025 • 11min
The Movement To Restrict Minors' Social Media Use
Anna North, a Senior Correspondent at Vox, dives into the rising trend of social media bans for minors. She discusses Australia's recent law raising the minimum age to 16, holding companies accountable for compliance. The conversation touches on mental health implications for teens and the ongoing U.S. legislative efforts surrounding this issue. North also examines innovative age verification methods and highlights the challenges of balancing online safety with accessibility for marginalized youth.

Jan 28, 2025 • 32min
Tech Critic Nicholas Carr On Why Social Media Hurts More Than It Helps
Nicholas Carr, author of "Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart," dives into the paradox of social media. He explores how our need for connection collides with the reality that technology often deepens isolation. Carr discusses the evolution of social media and its impact on personal relationships, emphasizing the illusion of genuine interaction. He argues for a shift from efficiency to meaningful engagement, calling for introspection on our digital habits and their effects on our emotional connections.

9 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 18min
ICYMI: Bishop Budde On Faith And Politics
Bishop Marianne Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, gained recognition for her inaugural prayer sermon during President Trump's swearing-in. In this discussion, she reflects on the mixed reactions to her message, highlighting the need for unity and empathy in today's divisive climate. Bishop Budde emphasizes the importance of respectful dialogue and understanding complex moral issues. She also speaks on the vital role of religious leadership in navigating contemporary social challenges, advocating for compassion to bridge societal divides.

Jan 27, 2025 • 33min
'If You Can Keep It': Trump's Early Moves And The Constitution
Noah Bookbinder, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, and Martha Jones, a history professor at Johns Hopkins, delve into the tumultuous start of Trump's second term. They discuss the controversial removal of federal inspectors general, highlighting the importance of accountability. The conversation shifts to the legal challenges against Trump's birthright citizenship executive order and its implications on the 14th Amendment, emphasizing the historical context of citizenship and its vital role in democracy.

Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 23min
The News Roundup For January 24, 2025
Join Jeff Mason, White House correspondent at Reuters, Margaret Tolliv, director of Syracuse University’s Institute for Democracy, Journalism, and Citizenship, and Zoe Clark, political director at Michigan Public, as they unpack a whirlwind first week for President Trump. They discuss executive orders on immigration and diversity, a bishop's passionate plea for mercy toward marginalized communities, and the escalating conflict in the West Bank. The conversation dives into the implications of Trump's policies for both domestic and international landscapes.

Jan 23, 2025 • 43min
The Trump Administration And America's Tech Leaders
Drew Harwell, a tech reporter for The Washington Post, and Marice Shake, a fellow at the Stanford Cyber Policy Center, delve into the complex relationship between tech giants and the Trump administration. They discuss the implications of TikTok's ban and recent bipartisan legislation amid national security concerns. The conversation touches on how tech companies like Tesla and Amazon are adjusting their strategies to gain favor with political power. They also explore the challenges of regulating AI while balancing innovation with civil liberties.