The Brian Lehrer Show

Listeners share inspiring stories of resilience and comebacks, kickstarted by a tennis player's remarkable recovery after a heavy loss. The discussion dives into personal experiences of overcoming adversity, drawing parallels between sports and life lessons. One heartwarming narrative highlights a caller's journey through COVID-19, culminating in a triumphant 100-mile bike ride that showcases the spirit of determination and community support. These tales celebrate the strength found in defeat and the courage to rise again.

Elizabeth Kim, a reporter for Gothamist and WNYC, and Errol Louis, political anchor for Spectrum NY1 News, dive into the nuances of the New York City mayoral race. They discuss Zoran Mamdani's rise in polls and his innovative public safety proposals. The conversation explores Donald Trump's lingering influence on candidates, as well as the growing interest in socialism among younger voters. They also touch on the complexities of bail reform and its implications for community safety, painting a vivid picture of the city's political landscape.

Ben Casselman, Chief Economics Correspondent for The New York Times, sheds light on startling job market revisions showing 911,000 fewer jobs created before March 2025. He discusses the challenges of accurately capturing labor data amidst political influences and budget constraints. Listeners share their anxieties about job security, reduced hours, and inflation's impact. The conversation also touches on the delayed effects of tariffs on pricing and the complex relationship between AI and job displacement, revealing a dynamic and shifting economic landscape.

Emma Platoff, a political enterprise reporter at The Boston Globe, dives into Boston's intense mayoral race. She outlines the nonpartisan primary process, explaining how voter selection impacts turnout. Platoff features the candidacy of incumbent Mayor Michelle Wu and her progressive initiatives, like the Green New Deal, while contrasting her strategies with those of her opponent, Josh Kraft. The discussion also touches on broader themes, including how President Trump is influencing local races, highlighting the election's national significance.

Peter Hotez, a leading advocate for vaccines, and Michael Mann, a climate science expert, team up to tackle the ongoing war against anti-science movements. They discuss how wealthy individuals and corporations distort public understanding of vital issues like vaccines and climate change. The duo highlights the dire consequences of misinformation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasize the need for grassroots activism to push back against these anti-science forces. Their insights shed light on the urgent call for public engagement in scientific discourse.

The discussion dives deep into the concept of ghosting, revealing its roots in modern technology and personal relationships. Listeners share their ghosting stories, highlighting the emotional toll on both sides. The impact of digital communication on our expectations is examined, including experiences in therapy. A compelling exploration of a caller's unsettling ghosting by a repair person sparks a broader dialogue about communication's intricacies. Contrasting views on ghosting as a potential blessing or curse open up reflections on simplifying social connections.

Lindsay Nash, an Associate and Clinical Professor of Law at Cardozo School of Law, dives into the recent Supreme Court ruling allowing ICE to conduct racial profiling in Los Angeles. She discusses the implications for civil rights and the troubling practices of immigration enforcement. Nash highlights the dissent from Justice Sotomayor and raises concerns about the impact on Latino communities. The conversation also touches on the disconnect between stated immigration priorities and actual practices, urging for urgent reforms in the face of growing public concern.

Brigid Bergin, a senior political correspondent for WNYC and Gothamist, and Dana Rubinstein, a New York Times reporter covering NYC politics, dive into the potential fallout of Mayor Adams possibly exiting the mayoral race for a role in the Trump administration. They discuss the implications of a secret meeting raising eyebrows and the pressure on Adams amid heightened scrutiny. The conversation also touches on voter engagement dynamics and the nuanced shifts in the political landscape as candidates vie for support in a rapidly evolving election climate.

Cristian Farias, a legal journalist writing for Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, explores the legal quagmires faced by the Trump administration. He discusses the tensions between military and civilian law enforcement, shedding light on controversial deployments in cities like Chicago. Farias also examines court rulings that challenge presidential powers, especially regarding emergency measures and immigration policies. The episode delves into how these legal battles reflect broader concerns about democracy, power consolidation, and citizen advocacy.

Fred Kaplan, Slate’s War Stories columnist and author of the upcoming novel A Capital Calamity, dives into President Trump's bold decision to rename the Department of Defense the 'Department of War.' He discusses the symbolic and real-world implications this change could have on U.S. military policy and global perception. Kaplan also tackles the legality of a recent U.S. military operation against a Venezuelan boat linked to drug trafficking, sparking debates on military engagement and the evolving terminology of war.