The Brian Lehrer Show

Join Molly Wilson O'Reilly and David Gibson as they discuss the cultural implications of the new Pope Leo XIV, exploring how his American background may influence women's rights and LGBTQ issues in the Church. Legendary broadcaster Bob Costas shares his journey from Yankees fan to sports commentary icon while reflecting on the current state of baseball. Then, Felix Contreras celebrates the life of Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa, examining her lasting impact on Latin music and culture, showcasing her ability to unite diverse audiences.

Jon Campbell, Albany reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, talks about a deal that will allow the MTA to install speed cameras on bridges and tunnels in the city, plus more on how the new budget might affect Gov. Hochul's reelection campaign next year.

With Mother's Day coming up on Sunday, listeners call in to share the best and unique gifts they've received for Mother's Day and suggest gift ideas for last-minute shoppers.

In president Trump's first administration, he stated that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are "not money". Now, he heads his own crypto company. David Yaffe-Bellany, technology reporter for The New York Times, covering the crypto industry, shares his reporting on the ways the Trump family has financially benefitted from embracing the industry in these first few months of his second presidency.

Catholics around the world are getting to know the new pontiff, Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States. David Gibson, director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, and Mollie Wilson O'Reilly, editor-at-large and columnist at Commonweal, talk about the direction the former Robert Francis Prevost, a Chicago-area native, might take the church.

Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, interim co-CEO of PEN America, and Mia Couto, Mozambican author and recipient of this year's PEN/Nabokov Award for Achievement in International Literature, discuss the work of PEN America promoting free expression and this year's 61st annual Literary Awards Ceremony at Town Hall.

As our centennial series continues, Felix Contreras, host and co-creator of NPR's Alt.Latino, talks about the life and legacy of music icon Celia Cruz, born 100 years ago.

WNYC Morning Edition host Michael Hill and David Cruz, senior political correspondent and anchor, and moderator of Chat Box and Reporters Roundtable at NJ Spotlight News, recap and offer analysis of a conversation between New Jersey's Republican candidates for governor: State Sen. Jon Bramnick, former Assemblymember Jack Ciattarelli and former radio host Bill Spadea.

Rick Seltzer, senior writer for the Chronicle of Higher Education who writes their Daily Briefing newsletter, talks about the latest news in the fights between Columbia, Harvard and other universities and the Trump administration, and how the funding cuts are hitting the schools so far. Plus, Max Kozlov, science reporter covering biomedical research at Nature, talks about his reporting on the research topics that the Trump administration's NIH has cut funding to, especially areas the administration finds "problematic," like those related to LGBTQ+ health.

Bob Costas, sportscaster and talk show host, reflects on his recent Baseball Digest lifetime achievement award and the state of baseball and other sports today.=>EVENT:  Bob Costas will discuss his wide-ranging career - and how sports have changed with Howard Bryant at The 92nd Street Y on Sunday, May 11 at 7 pm. (Ticket information)