The Brian Lehrer Show

William Cohan, financial writer for Puck News and author of many books, including Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon (Penguin Random House, 2022), offers analysis of the latest twists and turns of President Trump's trade war, and how Wall Street is reacting to the chaotic rollout (and rollback) of the tariffs.

Listeners share their stories of obtaining and advancing in white collar, nonmanual professions without a bachelor's degree.

Dive into the quirky world of unconventional sports! From catapulting contests to unique flying disc games, listeners share their passions for offbeat athletics. Discover the camaraderie in community-driven games like shuffleboard and korfball. Explore the vibrant traditions of Irish sports and whimsical village competitions. Get ready for a fun-filled conversation that captures the spirit and excitement of strange sports and the dedicated enthusiasts behind them!

Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator for New York, dives deep into pressing national issues, including challenges facing Social Security services for seniors. She highlights the troubling implications of recent changes on accessibility and takes a stand on voting rights under threat. Gillibrand also discusses the regulatory hurdles surrounding the Doge controversy and the importance of governmental integrity. Additionally, she emphasizes the power of grassroots activism, particularly in engaging disillusioned voters through creative strategies.

Amy Volz, head of workforce innovation at Trane Technologies, and Ebony Thomas, managing partner at Grads of Life, discuss the shift towards skills-based hiring. They explore how employers are embracing candidates with skills from boot camps rather than traditional degrees. The conversation highlights innovative workforce strategies that align skills with job requirements, promoting inclusivity and diversity. They also touch on the importance of apprenticeship programs for underrepresented workers, especially older individuals seeking new career paths.

Ras Baraka, the dynamic mayor of Newark and gubernatorial candidate, delves into pressing issues facing New Jersey. He champions equity and inclusion as pathways to economic growth, emphasizing their importance in education and housing for marginalized communities. Baraka also tackles immigration enforcement, advocating for protections against unjust deportations. Highlighting innovative public safety strategies in Newark, he presents a fresh perspective by framing crime as a public health issue, while reiterating his commitment to social justice and unity among diverse communities.

Nancy Solomon, a WNYC reporter and host focused on New Jersey politics, shares insights from her chat with Governor Phil Murphy. They dive into the effects of Trump’s tariffs on the local economy and the challenges facing affordable housing development. Solomon discusses how New Jersey Democrats are addressing red tape, the complexities of state versus local control in housing policies, and the unfolding dynamics of the gubernatorial primary race. Plus, they tackle the pressing issue of federal funding disparities affecting state services.

Join Kate Shaw, a University of Pennsylvania law professor and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, as she dives into the Supreme Court's critical role in checking presidential powers. Shaw analyzes recent rulings on deporting Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act while addressing civil liberties. The conversation also highlights a significant victory for press freedom against the Trump administration and discusses the broader implications for democracy and electoral integrity as the 2026 elections approach.

Elizabeth Kim, a reporter for Gothamist and WNYC, dives into the New York City mayoral campaign's dynamics. She discusses the potential impact of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's endorsement on progressive candidates like Maya Wiley. The conversation also explores the intricacies of ranked-choice voting and its influence on voter choices amid debates about public safety and police reforms. Kim highlights the tension around candidate strategies and the significance of endorsements in shaping electoral outcomes.

Audrey Mickahail, Senior VP at Opportunity@Work, and Aaliyah Siddiqi, a self-made tech marketing specialist from Philadelphia, delve into the world of skilled workers following non-traditional paths. They discuss the challenges 'STAR' workers face in job markets that prioritize degrees over capabilities. Personal stories reveal the hurdles of navigating career uncertainties and the necessity of redefining hiring practices. The conversation advocates for acknowledging diverse skills while addressing biases that limit opportunities for talented individuals.