The Brian Lehrer Show

Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate, discusses her new book, Fear Less: Poetry in Perilous Times. She highlights how poetry cultivates empathy and counters snap judgments. Tracy shares her journey to discovering poetry in college and emphasizes the importance of live readings in the age of AI. She also explores the role of ambiguity in poetry, encouraging readers to embrace uncertainty. Through listener submissions, she reflects on themes of identity, grief, and the transformative power of verse.

Julia Besonen, a freelance writer for the New York Times, shares how a surge in package theft during the pandemic united her East Village building's residents to combat the issue. She recounts the clever tactics thieves used and the security upgrades that followed. Dominic Romeo, a seasoned superintendent, offers practical advice on camera installation and tenant education. They discuss creative deterrents, like decoy packages, while highlighting the importance of reporting failures and building community vigilance to keep deliveries safe.

Claudia Irizarry Aponte, a senior reporter covering labor for The City, shares insights on the ongoing labor dispute involving Starbucks in NYC. Rae Shao, a unionized barista with Starbucks Workers United, discusses their experiences on the picket line, highlighting strike logistics and demands for better workplace conditions. They delve into scheduling violations, the significance of a recent $38 million settlement, and the political implications of mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Bernie Sanders joining the protests, underscoring solidarity in labor movements.

U.S. Senator Cory Booker, a leader in criminal justice reform and urban policy, discusses pressing health care issues in Congress, including the fight over ACA subsidies and the implications of potential Medicaid cuts. He compares his 'baby bonds' proposal to Donald Trump's, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to wealth equality. Booker also touches on his marriage to Alexis Lewis and their interfaith traditions, while emphasizing the need for generational renewal in the Democratic Party to secure a brighter future for young Americans.

David Remnick, the Editor of The New Yorker, discusses the latest in national politics, including how presidential rhetoric can exacerbate divisions. He analyzes the Democratic Party's internal struggles and the responsibility of leadership during recent violent incidents. Joining him, documentary filmmaker Marshall Curry unpacks the significance of John Hersey's 'Hiroshima' and traces The New Yorker's evolution from humor to impactful journalism. They reflect on the magazine's role in shaping writers' careers and its enduring mission over the past century.

Anna Kodé, a reporter for The New York Times specializing in design and culture, dives into the implications of New York’s shift towards a cashless society. She highlights the struggles faced by street vendors, performers, and the homeless who depend on cash transactions. The discussion explores the challenges of digital payments, privacy concerns, and the impact on tipping and budgeting habits. Anna also offers practical advice for supporting cash-dependent individuals in the community.

Elizabeth Kim, a political reporter, shares insights on Mayor Adams’ term, highlighting his focus on public safety stemming from crime fears. Jeffery Mays discusses the mayor's navigation of pandemic challenges and the city's reopening. Ben Max analyzes Adams' policy moves, including literacy reforms and housing initiatives. The discussion also centers on the ongoing migrant crisis, examining its impact on the administration's image and operations. The guests unravel public perception, mixed successes, and the complexities of Adams' legacy in New York City.

Diane Ravitch, an education historian and former NYU professor, shares her remarkable turnaround on school choice and testing in her latest conversation. She recounts her childhood in segregated schools, revealing how it shaped her views on equity. Ravitch critically examines charter school failures and the pitfalls of standardized testing, arguing they perpetuate inequality. She highlights the need for community schools and better support for disadvantaged students, advocating for systemic changes to enhance public education.

Listeners share exciting in-person holiday shopping events, from craft fairs to pop-up shops. Discover unique offerings like custom-stitched stockings and floral subscriptions. Explore Awesome Brooklyn for local goods and attend the Long Island Craft Guild fair for fine crafts. Enjoy affordable art gifts at Deep Space Gallery and check out a curated market in Grand Central featuring 50 small businesses. Massage therapy sessions are also highlighted as thoughtful gifts for stressed shoppers.

Jonathan Cohn, a health policy journalist and author, delves into the current state of ACA subsidies and Republican divisions over the issue. He highlights who relies on these subsidies and explains the 2021 enhancements that improved access. Cohn also discusses Trump's mixed proposals to extend support and the challenges of routing funds directly to individuals. As he explores Democratic negotiations and enduring health care cost issues, listeners gain insight into the complex landscape of American health care reform.