The Brian Lehrer Show

Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor and author known for his insights on economic policy, delves into his view that the baby boomer generation has 'come up short.' He shares personal experiences with childhood bullying, linking them to wider issues of economic inequality. Reich critiques the corporate profit-driven ideology while advocating for social responsibility within businesses. He also examines the impacts of NAFTA and discusses the need for accurate economic data, especially under politically charged circumstances.

Lauren Osborne, M.D., is the vice chair of Clinical Research at Weill Cornell Medicine and a leader in reproductive psychiatry. She discusses the recent FDA panel's controversial stance on SSRIs during pregnancy, highlighting the backlash from medical professionals. Osborne emphasizes the need for evidence-based treatment to improve maternal mental health amid rising distrust in pharmaceutical practices. Personal stories reveal the emotional struggle pregnant women face in managing their mental health, showcasing the complexity of navigating treatment options.

Alex Zimmerman, a dedicated education reporter at Chalkbeat New York, dives into the stark racial disparities in admissions to NYC's specialized high schools. He reveals alarming statistics: only 3% of offers went to Black students and 6.9% to Latino students. The conversation highlights the role of the SHSAT in perpetuating these inequalities and explores proposed reforms for greater equity. Zimmerman also discusses how political candidates' evolving views on these issues reflect broader societal changes and the urgent need for systemic reform in education.

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, an NPR music reporter, brings her expertise to the table as she explores the hunt for this year’s 'Song of the Summer.' She discusses the shifting cultural landscape of summer anthems, highlighting tracks like Alex Warren's 'Ordinary' and Pink Panthers’ viral hit 'Illegal.' The impact of social media on music trends, along with nostalgic favorites and emerging British artists, adds depth to the conversation, making listeners reflect on their own summer soundtrack.

Ritchie Torres, U.S. Representative for New York's 15th congressional district, dials into pressing national issues and the NYC mayoral race. He reflects on his shifting views regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing bipartisan support for peace. Torres discusses the challenges facing his Bronx district, particularly the impact of federal policies on essential services. He also tackles the rising costs of prescription drugs and advocates for reforms to limit presidential powers, highlighting the complex interplay of local and federal governance.

Franklin Foer, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into NASA's evolving partnership with SpaceX, led by Elon Musk. He discusses the potential identity crisis NASA faces as it leans more on commercial entities. The conversation explores Musk's ambitious vision for colonizing Mars and how it intertwines with American military strategy. Foer also contrasts Musk's approach with Jeff Bezos, highlighting the risks and benefits of privatizing space exploration. The implications of relying on a single contractor for such a critical frontier raise important questions for the future.

Bridget Bergin, a senior political correspondent for WNYC and Gothamist, joins fellow reporters Clayton Guse and David Brand to talk about a shocking investigation into Mayor Adams's re-election campaign. They uncover evidence of fake signatures submitted to get him on the ballot, raising serious questions about electoral integrity. The discussion highlights deceptive collection tactics, issues with voter registration, and the broader implications of these findings for trust in the election process.

Sarah Cliff, an investigative health care reporter, discusses the alarming rise in private insurers denying drug coverage, detailing frustrations faced by patients. Radley Horton, a climate professor, highlights extreme weather trends affecting urban areas, linking them to climate change and the need for better adaptation strategies. Marion Nestle, a nutrition expert, analyzes the sugar debate, focusing on the shift from high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar due to health and political reasons, while emphasizing the broader implications for public health.

Adolfo Carrión, Jr., New York City's Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce, discusses the city's multifaceted housing challenges. He dives into the pressing issue of affordable housing amid rising prices and new tariffs affecting the market. Key initiatives to construct 425,000 homes illustrate significant progress, but the need for public-private partnerships remains critical. Additionally, Carrión highlights the tensions surrounding street vending regulations and their impact on immigrant communities, revealing the complexities of urban policy.

Simon Close, a producer for All Of It, dives into the inspiring world of the Public Song Project, where artists create new music from public domain works. He discusses the creative process behind a fresh take on Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, revealing themes of anxiety and artistic freedom. Also highlighted are the unique interpretations by the Boston-based group Dream Glow, merging opera with neo-soul, as well as a concert featuring the project’s winning compositions at Brooklyn Public Library, celebrating shared cultural legacies.