The Brian Lehrer Show

Will Zweigert, Executive Director of Flatbush Cats, dives deep into the overwhelming crisis of overcrowded animal shelters in New York City. He discusses the financial burdens that lead to pet surrender and advocates for affordable spay-neuter services. Zweigert highlights the systemic issues underlying the crisis, including the role of corporate veterinary practices driving up costs. He calls for compassionate strategies, humane education, and community support to address these challenges and improve animal welfare in the city.

Carter Sherman, author of *The Second Coming: Sex and the Next Generation's Fight Over Its Future*, shares insights on the changing landscape of intimacy among Gen Z. He explores how social media shapes self-image and sexual desirability, as well as the connection between loneliness and the so-called 'sex recession.' Sherman discusses the digital dating dilemma, examining the effects of dating apps and gamification on relationships. He also highlights a generation that identifies as more queer yet engages in less sexual activity, redefining intimacy and safety in today's cultural climate.

In this episode, Amy Nofziger, Director of Victim Support at AARP's Fraud Watch Network, reveals the latest scam tactics targeting individuals across generations. She discusses alarming statistics showing $12 billion lost to scams and emphasizes the importance of critical thinking when engaging with unknown callers. Amy also highlights the rise of utility scams and the need for identity protection. Sharing real stories, she urges the community to report fraud to help protect others and provides essential tips for safeguarding personal and financial information.

Elizabeth Kim, a political reporter from Gothamist and WNYC, dissects the evolving views of candidate Zohran Mamdani on public safety and police relations. She sheds light on the dynamics between political candidates and the police union amid leadership changes. Kim also tackles crucial issues of educational equity and childhood poverty in NYC, sharing a poignant story about the cost of child care. Additionally, she discusses complex tax proposals affecting New York, highlighting the need for strategic legislative negotiations.

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City and an Assemblymember for Astoria and Long Island City, shares his vision for the city. He discusses his evolving stance on public safety and the NYPD, influenced by firsthand experiences. Mamdani proposes free universal childcare to address public safety and mental health issues. He advocates for increased taxes on high-income earners to improve public services, tackling educational inequity and the city's political dynamics. Finally, he emphasizes a community-focused approach to counter federal overreach.

William Sharp, director of the Multidisciplinary Feeding Program at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and a pediatric nutrition expert, joins author Caitlin Moscatello to discuss ARFID, an eating disorder characterized by extreme pickiness. They explore the significant emotional toll ARFID takes on families and emphasize the need for tailored treatments, especially for children on the autism spectrum. Personal stories reveal the challenges of navigating traditional treatment methods and highlight the importance of awareness and accessibility in care for those affected.

Elizabeth Kim, a savvy reporter from Gothamist and WNYC, dives into the intricacies of the New York City mayoral race. She discusses the mixed reactions from national Democrats regarding candidate Zohran Mamdani, revealing deep rifts within the party. The conversation highlights criticisms from Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Adams about Mamdani's stance on policing. Kim also explores the impact of tragic events on candidates’ child care proposals, showcasing how issues like inflation are reshaping connections with working-class voters in an evolving political landscape.

Eleanor Mueller, a Congress reporter at Semafor, dives into the recent challenges faced by GOP representatives as they defend their records during town halls. She reveals the heated atmosphere when Congressman Mike Flood confronted constituents on budget issues. The discussion also touches on the impact of the Jeffrey Epstein case on congressional engagement and the division within the GOP over Medicaid cuts. Additionally, Mueller examines the repercussions of economic data changes on legislative efforts amid a polarized political climate.

Patrick Willingham, Executive Director of the Public Theater, discusses the thrilling reopening of the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. He shares insights about the upcoming production of 'Twelfth Night' and its significance in New York's public arts scene. The conversation highlights themes of immigration and gender identity in Shakespeare's work. Willingham emphasizes the importance of accessibility, including the innovative lottery ticket system, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic of free theater.

Listeners share their experiences of meeting partners in person, emphasizing the frustrations with dating apps. Spontaneous interactions at concerts and social events reveal how engaging in group activities can foster meaningful connections. Personal stories illustrate the power of aligning hobbies with social circles, creating opportunities for romance. The discussion also highlights alternative ways to meet partners in real life, focusing on genuine connections formed through everyday encounters.