The Brian Lehrer Show

Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and former Supreme Court clerk, dives deep into the current Supreme Court landscape. She discusses how political vibes heavily influence court decisions, often prioritizing political outcomes over constitutional principles. Litman critiques strategies aimed at restoring power dynamics for conservative ideologies and explores the impact of organizations like the Heritage Foundation on judicial appointments. Additionally, she highlights crucial court cases affecting First Amendment rights and due process.

U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D NJ) talks about his work in the Senate and the issues in New Jersey, including the arrest of Rep. McIver after an incident at an ICE facility, what President Trump is saying about Putin and Ukraine and more.

As our centennial series continues, Katie Thornton, host of The Divided Dial, a series on WNYC's On the Media, independent journalist, public historian, and Fulbright fellow, talks about the new season of her 4-part series, about the history of shortwave radio.

CUNY recently lost federal funding for more than 70 research grants. Denis Nash, professor of epidemiology at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy and executive director of CUNY’s Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, talks about the funding he recently lost on research related to COVID vaccine uptake, plus comments on the changes coming to how the COVID vaccine is rolled out for the next season.

As we observe Memorial Day, enjoy some of our favorite recent conversations from the centennial series:Katherine Sharp Landdeck, professor of history and director of Pioneers Oral History Project at Texas Woman's University and the author of The Women with Silver Wings: The Inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II (Crown, 2020), talks about American women in the military over the last century.David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker and the host of The New Yorker Radio Hour, talks about another centenarian, The New Yorker, which published its first issue on February 21, 1925.Phil Brown, University Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Health Science at Northeastern University, founder and president of the Catskills Institute and the author of several books, including Catskill Culture: A Mountain Rat's Memories of the Great Jewish Resort Area (Temple University Press, 1998), takes us through the last 100 years in The Catskills -- the hotels, the camps and the people.Sam Barzilay, creative director & co-founder of Photoville, looks at the history of street photography, from the invention of the Leica hand-held 35mm camera which made capturing "the decisive moment" possible, to the challenges presented by AI and smartphone technology of today. These interviews were lightly edited for time and clarity; the original web versions are available here:100 Years of 100 Things: Women in the Military (Apr 30, 2025)100 Years of 100 Things: The New Yorker Magazine (Jan 31, 2025)100 Years of 100 Things: Catskills Hotels (Aug 14, 2024)100 Years of 100 Things: Street Photography (Apr 22, 2025)

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them.100 Years of 100 Things: New York Films  (First) | 100 Years of 100 Things: Best Sellers (Starts at 17:31) | Summer Culture Calendar: Classical Music (Starts at 31:42)If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here.

Mark Mather, a demographer at the Population Reference Bureau, delves into a century's worth of shifts in U.S. birth and mortality rates, revealing the impact of societal changes. Liza Donnelly, a long-time New Yorker cartoonist, discusses the evolution of iconic cartoons and their cultural reflections. Douglas Barnes, a roller coaster expert, takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the history of roller coasters, from the beloved wooden rides to modern steel marvels, sparking fond memories of thrills and excitement.

Dive into a fun musical quiz challenge where listeners test their knowledge of Billboard hits! From the iconic tracks of the 60s and 70s to exploring the milestones of the 50s, each clip sparks nostalgic excitement. Participants engage in a lively discussion about the cultural significance of classic songs like 'Sir Duke.' With opportunities to win prizes, it's a heart-pumping journey through decades of chart-toppers filled with fascinating insights into music history.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, representing New York, shares her passionate insights on Donald Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill,' particularly its implications for Medicaid and essential services. She raises alarms over cuts to food assistance and healthcare that could severely affect vulnerable communities. The senator also discusses a new bipartisan initiative ensuring insurance coverage for childbirth expenses, while advocating for fair tax policies to support families rather than the wealthy, emphasizing the importance of protecting democracy and constitutional rights.

Latif Nasser, co-host of Radiolab, dives into the fascinating tale of Thermus aquaticus, a heat-loving bacterium that revolutionized our understanding of life and led to the invention of PCR technology. He discusses the profound impacts of federally-funded scientific research and the perils of recent funding cuts. Nasser warns that critical projects, including a NASA telescope and vital clinical trials, face bleak futures without continued support, emphasizing the importance of investing in science for advancements in healthcare and technology.