The Brian Lehrer Show

Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground, shares heartfelt insights about running inspired by his father. He reflects on the importance of discipline amid life's challenges and recounts his racing breakthroughs in his 40s. Thompson offers valuable training tips, emphasizing the strategy of pacing wisely to secure a strong finish. He and listeners discuss the vibrant community spirit of the NYC Marathon, making the experience deeply moving for participants and spectators alike.

A. J. Jacobs, author known for his immersive experiments and host of the Hello Puzzlers podcast, shares insights from his 48-hour stint without AI. He humorously details the surprising pervasiveness of AI in daily life, from automated customer service to smart infrastructure. Jacobs dons 1970s attire and uses typewriters, illustrating his commitment to the experiment. He calls for transparency and regulation around AI's role in society, emphasizing the need to balance its benefits with privacy concerns.

Elizabeth Benjamin, a health policy advocate and Vice President at the Community Service Society of New York, discusses the ongoing ACA open enrollment, highlighting rising premiums due to subsidy expirations. Sam Rivera, Executive Director of On Point NYC, shares insights into harm reduction and overdose prevention centers in Manhattan, arguing for their expansion based on evidence of reduced crime and lives saved. They also touch on political perspectives surrounding healthcare and community responses, balancing public health with safety concerns.

Just in time for Halloween, listeners share their clever costumes inspired by the news. From a Cash Money Patel rapper combo to a couple's Curtis Lewa and cat theme, the creativity shines. One listener even has a Louvre robber idea decked out with faux jewels! There's also a poignant Frida Kahlo costume commenting on deportation. As Halloween trends merge with current events, humorous takes on social media costumes and unexpected inspirations like orca onesies add to the festive spirit.

Ken Burns, a celebrated documentary filmmaker known for his compelling historical narratives, and Sarah Botstein, a dedicated co-director involved in extensive research, dive deep into their new PBS docuseries about the American Revolution. They discuss why this 12-part series is timely as we approach America's 250th anniversary. The pair reveal how they've chosen to frame the narrative through the voices of various historical figures, addressing the complexities of colonial unity, the portrayal of slavery, and the challenges of storytelling without visual documentation.

Michael Aronson, editorial page editor at the New York Daily News, argues for Andrew Cuomo's ability to work with Albany on key mayoral proposals. Meanwhile, Eric Blanc, labor studies professor and organizer, emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements in lobbying Albany for policy changes. They discuss the complexities of state approval for City agendas, potential tax changes, and whether past political conflicts might hinder a mayor's effectiveness. Both highlight the crucial role of organizing to influence Albany's legislative decisions.

John Hynes, publisher and political reporter for the Hudson County View, dives into the heated Jersey City mayoral race featuring seven candidates. He highlights the frontrunners, focusing on Bill O'Day’s action-oriented approach and James Solomon’s anti-developer stance. Voter support for each candidate reveals key community issues like infrastructure failures. Hynes also discusses the potential impact of Musab Ali’s strong social media presence as the election approaches, setting the stage for an intriguing runoff.

Elisabeth Benjamin, Vice President of Health Initiatives at the Community Service Society and co-founder of the Health Care for All New York Campaign, shares insights on the upcoming challenges in health insurance costs. She discusses the expected 30%-45% premium increases, the impact of political opposition to ACA subsidy extensions, and offers practical enrollment tips. Elisabeth emphasizes the importance of personalized help from navigators and outlines how recent policy changes affect eligibility for essential plans. Listeners are encouraged to reach out for local support and advocacy resources.

Nikita Biryukov, a reporter for the New Jersey Monitor, dives into the intricacies of New Jersey's electoral landscape. He shares insights on early voting trends and how they compare to previous elections, highlighting party registration effects. Biryukov discusses the role of Republican and Democratic sentiments in voter enthusiasm and the significance of the DOJ's monitoring in Passaic County. Notably, he analyzes endorsements from Obama and Trump, their impact on gubernatorial dynamics, and the shifting voter demographics in the region.

Jessie Gómez, a reporter at Chalkbeat Newark, dives into the contentious world of New Jersey's public education funding. She breaks down how property taxes and student needs impact school aid, highlighting disparities in funding. Gómez discusses gubernatorial candidates Mikie Sherrill’s and Jack Cittarelli’s contrasting plans for modernizing the funding formula and implementing a per-student funding standard. The episode also addresses the challenges of teacher shortages and the effects of charter schools on local budgets, illustrating the complexity of education policy in the state.