The Brian Lehrer Show

Filip Balunović, a Research Fellow at the Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory in Belgrade, dives into Serbia's current turmoil. He discusses the powerful student-led protests against a looming autocratic government, highlighting their courage and use of social media. The conversation shifts to Serbia's delicate balance between Eastern and Western powers, revealing challenges like corruption and infrastructural failures. Balunović also connects global authoritarianism to local frustrations, shedding light on the urgent need for reform in Serbian governance.

Parents share their candid experiences about how their children, who began school during the pandemic, are now struggling in middle school. They discuss alarming trends in academic performance and attendance, revealing a significant shift in social behavior from sociability to introversion. The conversation highlights the challenges of rekindling social skills that took a hit during remote learning. Personal stories illuminate the struggle against technology addiction and the necessity of fostering real-life connections as kids adjust to in-person schooling.

Jacob Shamsian, a legal correspondent at Business Insider, dives into the gripping developments surrounding the Epstein saga. He discusses survivors urging Congress to endorse the Epstein Files Transparency Act for the release of sealed documents. The conversation highlights surprising bipartisan support for transparency despite political tensions. Shamsian also addresses the troubling inconsistencies in the investigation of Epstein's death, including the mystery of missing footage, and the significant role that financial institutions played in his abuse network.

David Cruz, a seasoned political correspondent at NJ Spotlight News, dives into the intense New Jersey gubernatorial race. He discusses how changing voter demographics are reshaping campaign strategies. The podcast unpacks contrasting campaign ads and delves into rising utility bills impacting voter sentiment. Cruz also explores candidates' approaches to immigration and the cultural issues like trans rights that are influencing electoral dynamics. With insights from nearly 30 years of political coverage, Cruz paints a vivid picture of the political landscape.

Ben Smith, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Semafor, shares his insights on President Trump's approach to civil servants and the implications for government bureaucracy. He explores how Trump's social media use has reshaped policy enforcement and governance dynamics. The conversation highlights the contentious relationship between Trump and government institutions, revealing the interplay of personal grievances and anti-institutional motives. Smith also delves into the role of right-wing influencers in shaping narratives, particularly regarding vaccine skepticism and misinformation.

Elizabeth Kim, a WNYC and Gothamist reporter, dives into the latest buzz around New York City's mayoral race, while John Campbell, also from WNYC and Gothamist, updates us on Congressman Jerry Nadler's retirement, signaling a shift in political dynamics. They discuss the impact of urban crime on political strategies, the evolving alliances in the gubernatorial landscape, and how endorsements may sway voter opinions. The conversation also addresses the changing nature of political leadership, emphasizing the need for fresh perspectives in an ever-evolving city.

Emma Goldberg, a business features writer for The New York Times and author of "Life on the Line," delves into the impact of self-help literature on social behavior. She discusses how today's self-help books might promote selfishness rather than kindness. The conversation highlights the dangers of ambiguous mental health discourse, especially among young people influenced by social media. Goldberg also reflects on the oversimplification of concepts like boundaries and critiques the self-help industry's role in shaping these narratives.

Caroline Lewis, a healthcare reporter for WNYC and Gothamist with a focus on vaccines, dives into the murky waters of COVID vaccine access this fall. She discusses the recent FDA approval of updated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, highlighting eligibility challenges, especially for seniors and young people with health conditions. Lewis sheds light on the stark differences in vaccine availability across states and pharmacies, and shares personal anecdotes showcasing the confusion many face due to inconsistent guidelines and mixed messages from providers.

Listeners dive into the excitement of iconic bands reuniting for tours. There's a fascinating contrast between the enthusiastic crowd reactions and the lukewarm reviews for older acts. Many share nostalgic memories, highlighting the thrill of experiencing legendary performances. The discussion also touches on the challenge for bands to balance playing classic hits with introducing new material. It's a delightful exploration of how music brings generations together while navigating the complexities of the reunion tour experience.

Melissa Aviles-Ramos, the Chancellor of New York City Public Schools, shares insights on preparing for the new school year. She discusses parental concerns about childcare and the complexities of aligning the school calendar. The conversation also covers recent class size reform challenges amid teacher shortages and funding cuts. Aviles-Ramos emphasizes the importance of a new cell phone ban for student engagement and advocates for compassionate classroom management and effective communication between parents and schools.