The Brian Lehrer Show

William Sharp, director of the Multidisciplinary Feeding Program at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and a pediatric nutrition expert, joins author Caitlin Moscatello to discuss ARFID, an eating disorder characterized by extreme pickiness. They explore the significant emotional toll ARFID takes on families and emphasize the need for tailored treatments, especially for children on the autism spectrum. Personal stories reveal the challenges of navigating traditional treatment methods and highlight the importance of awareness and accessibility in care for those affected.

Elizabeth Kim, a savvy reporter from Gothamist and WNYC, dives into the intricacies of the New York City mayoral race. She discusses the mixed reactions from national Democrats regarding candidate Zohran Mamdani, revealing deep rifts within the party. The conversation highlights criticisms from Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Adams about Mamdani's stance on policing. Kim also explores the impact of tragic events on candidates’ child care proposals, showcasing how issues like inflation are reshaping connections with working-class voters in an evolving political landscape.

Eleanor Mueller, a Congress reporter at Semafor, dives into the recent challenges faced by GOP representatives as they defend their records during town halls. She reveals the heated atmosphere when Congressman Mike Flood confronted constituents on budget issues. The discussion also touches on the impact of the Jeffrey Epstein case on congressional engagement and the division within the GOP over Medicaid cuts. Additionally, Mueller examines the repercussions of economic data changes on legislative efforts amid a polarized political climate.

Patrick Willingham, Executive Director of the Public Theater, discusses the thrilling reopening of the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. He shares insights about the upcoming production of 'Twelfth Night' and its significance in New York's public arts scene. The conversation highlights themes of immigration and gender identity in Shakespeare's work. Willingham emphasizes the importance of accessibility, including the innovative lottery ticket system, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic of free theater.

Listeners share their experiences of meeting partners in person, emphasizing the frustrations with dating apps. Spontaneous interactions at concerts and social events reveal how engaging in group activities can foster meaningful connections. Personal stories illustrate the power of aligning hobbies with social circles, creating opportunities for romance. The discussion also highlights alternative ways to meet partners in real life, focusing on genuine connections formed through everyday encounters.

Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor and author known for his insights on economic policy, delves into his view that the baby boomer generation has 'come up short.' He shares personal experiences with childhood bullying, linking them to wider issues of economic inequality. Reich critiques the corporate profit-driven ideology while advocating for social responsibility within businesses. He also examines the impacts of NAFTA and discusses the need for accurate economic data, especially under politically charged circumstances.

Lauren Osborne, M.D., is the vice chair of Clinical Research at Weill Cornell Medicine and a leader in reproductive psychiatry. She discusses the recent FDA panel's controversial stance on SSRIs during pregnancy, highlighting the backlash from medical professionals. Osborne emphasizes the need for evidence-based treatment to improve maternal mental health amid rising distrust in pharmaceutical practices. Personal stories reveal the emotional struggle pregnant women face in managing their mental health, showcasing the complexity of navigating treatment options.

Alex Zimmerman, a dedicated education reporter at Chalkbeat New York, dives into the stark racial disparities in admissions to NYC's specialized high schools. He reveals alarming statistics: only 3% of offers went to Black students and 6.9% to Latino students. The conversation highlights the role of the SHSAT in perpetuating these inequalities and explores proposed reforms for greater equity. Zimmerman also discusses how political candidates' evolving views on these issues reflect broader societal changes and the urgent need for systemic reform in education.

Isabella Gomez Sarmiento, an NPR music reporter, brings her expertise to the table as she explores the hunt for this year’s 'Song of the Summer.' She discusses the shifting cultural landscape of summer anthems, highlighting tracks like Alex Warren's 'Ordinary' and Pink Panthers’ viral hit 'Illegal.' The impact of social media on music trends, along with nostalgic favorites and emerging British artists, adds depth to the conversation, making listeners reflect on their own summer soundtrack.

Ritchie Torres, U.S. Representative for New York's 15th congressional district, dials into pressing national issues and the NYC mayoral race. He reflects on his shifting views regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing bipartisan support for peace. Torres discusses the challenges facing his Bronx district, particularly the impact of federal policies on essential services. He also tackles the rising costs of prescription drugs and advocates for reforms to limit presidential powers, highlighting the complex interplay of local and federal governance.