The Brian Lehrer Show

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them.NJ Gubernatorial Primary Campaign Kicks Off (First) | Context and a Movie: A Complete Unknown (Starts at 34:0 0) | Previewing All Of It's Public Song Project 2025 (Starts at 52:00)If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here.

Tom Suozzi, US Representative for New York's 3rd district, is known for his bipartisan approach. In this discussion, he delves into the dynamics of the newly elected Republican-controlled House, emphasizing the challenges and potential cooperation with the Freedom Caucus. Suozzi highlights crucial issues like funding for Ukraine and the delicate balance between environmental protection and energy needs. He also addresses voter discontent and the Democrats' strategies for regaining trust amidst shifting public perceptions on crime and immigration.

Simon Close, producer of WNYC's All of It, discusses the exciting launch of the Public Song Project, which encourages musicians to create new works from public domain art. He shares engaging trivia about public domain music and highlights the LP release featuring Rhiannon Giddens. The transformation of the song 'Anytime' is explored, showcasing its journey through musical history. Close also talks about the significance of Public Domain Day, unveiling upcoming opportunities for creative reinterpretation, including 'Singing in the Rain.'

Greg David, a seasoned contributor focusing on fiscal and economic issues for THE CITY and director of journalism programs, shares insights into New York City's economic outlook for 2025. He discusses the city's rising prominence in the cryptocurrency sector and the competitive tug-of-war with cities like Miami. David also dives into the partisan divide surrounding crypto, the dominance of NYC's tech and finance industries, and the complex implications of AI on jobs, emphasizing the need for better-paying opportunities amidst economic growth challenges.

Charles Stile, a political columnist at NorthJersey.com, dives into New Jersey's upcoming gubernatorial primary. He discusses key candidates from both parties and the evolving political dynamics as voters prepare to head to the polls. Stile highlights the impact of campaign contributions, the importance of voter engagement, and key issues like affordable housing. He also examines Sean Spiller's unique campaign style and the challenges faced by Republicans amidst Trump’s influence, shedding light on the future of moderate voices in the party.

Alissa Wilkinson, movie critic at The New York Times, and Stephen Petrus, director of Public History Programs at LaGuardia and Wagner Archives and co-author of the book Folk City: New York and the American Folk Music Revival (2015), discuss the new Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, and reflect on the singer's legacy as portrayed through film. 

Molly Ball, senior political correspondent at The Wall Street Journal, discusses the latest in national political news, including the attack in New Orleans and the incoming Congress.

Ben Max, host of the Max Politics podcast and executive editor and program director at New York Law School’s Center for New York City Law, previews New York City's mayoral primary season, as Democratic challengers vie to replace Mayor Eric Adams.

As our centennial series continues, Mark Mather, demographer and associate vice president for U.S. Programs at the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), walks us through the shifts in U.S. demographics over the past 100 years. 

As 2024 winds down, enjoy some of our favorite recent conversations:For the centennial series "100 Years of 100 Things," Matthew Barton, curator of recorded sound at the Library of Congress, walks us through the history of radio.April's earthquake in New Jersey was likely a natural phenomenon, but earthquakes can be caused by human interventions -- like fracking. For our climate story of the week, Umair Irfan, staff writer at Vox writing about climate change and energy policy, breaks down how fracking and other natural resource extractions have increased the likelihood of earthquakes in the United States.Malcolm Gladwell, host of the podcast Revisionist History and author of many books, including Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering (Little, Brown and Company, 2024), talks about his new work which follows up on his breakthrough book, The Tipping Point, with a more sobering look at social "epidemics."As our centennial series continues, John Fricke, historian focused on The Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland and the author of The Wonderful World of Oz: An Illustrated History of the American Classic (Down East Books, 2014), talks about the enduring impact of the story of The Wizard of Oz. These interviews were lightly edited for time and clarity; the original web versions are available here:100 Years of 100 Things: Radio (July 10, 2024)How Fracking Can Cause Earthquakes (April 9, 2024)Malcolm Gladwell Re-Considers (October 18, 2024)100 Years of 100 Things: The Wizard of Oz (December 9, 2024)