The Brian Lehrer Show

Franklin Foer, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into NASA's evolving partnership with SpaceX, led by Elon Musk. He discusses the potential identity crisis NASA faces as it leans more on commercial entities. The conversation explores Musk's ambitious vision for colonizing Mars and how it intertwines with American military strategy. Foer also contrasts Musk's approach with Jeff Bezos, highlighting the risks and benefits of privatizing space exploration. The implications of relying on a single contractor for such a critical frontier raise important questions for the future.

Bridget Bergin, a senior political correspondent for WNYC and Gothamist, joins fellow reporters Clayton Guse and David Brand to talk about a shocking investigation into Mayor Adams's re-election campaign. They uncover evidence of fake signatures submitted to get him on the ballot, raising serious questions about electoral integrity. The discussion highlights deceptive collection tactics, issues with voter registration, and the broader implications of these findings for trust in the election process.

Sarah Cliff, an investigative health care reporter, discusses the alarming rise in private insurers denying drug coverage, detailing frustrations faced by patients. Radley Horton, a climate professor, highlights extreme weather trends affecting urban areas, linking them to climate change and the need for better adaptation strategies. Marion Nestle, a nutrition expert, analyzes the sugar debate, focusing on the shift from high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar due to health and political reasons, while emphasizing the broader implications for public health.

Adolfo Carrión, Jr., New York City's Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce, discusses the city's multifaceted housing challenges. He dives into the pressing issue of affordable housing amid rising prices and new tariffs affecting the market. Key initiatives to construct 425,000 homes illustrate significant progress, but the need for public-private partnerships remains critical. Additionally, Carrión highlights the tensions surrounding street vending regulations and their impact on immigrant communities, revealing the complexities of urban policy.

Simon Close, a producer for All Of It, dives into the inspiring world of the Public Song Project, where artists create new music from public domain works. He discusses the creative process behind a fresh take on Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, revealing themes of anxiety and artistic freedom. Also highlighted are the unique interpretations by the Boston-based group Dream Glow, merging opera with neo-soul, as well as a concert featuring the project’s winning compositions at Brooklyn Public Library, celebrating shared cultural legacies.

John Cassidy, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author, dives into the current economic landscape shaped by Trump's upcoming tariffs and the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions. He discusses the latest jobs report, revealing a decline in job growth and rising unemployment, while raising concerns about stagflation. Cassidy highlights the impact of tariffs on American businesses, including a family toy maker in Illinois, and critiques the government's shift away from open trade, emphasizing broader implications for global relations and manufacturing.

Join investigative journalist Vicky Ward, known for her in-depth coverage of Jeffrey Epstein, and Jacob Shamsian, a legal correspondent at Business Insider, as they delve into the dark connections surrounding Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. They explore the implications of Trump's associations with Epstein, legal challenges faced by key figures, and the vital role of whistleblower Virginia Dufresne. Their discussion raises pressing questions about accountability, complicity, and the intricate web of high-profile relationships tied to Epstein's infamous case.

The podcast dives into how social media has shifted from personal sharing to a commercialized landscape dominated by influencers. Listeners share their evolving experiences with algorithms and engagement. Younger users express disenchantment due to outrage-fueled content, while older generations face challenges with misinformation. The discussion highlights generational differences in social media habits and invites reflection on how these changes impact what people choose to post or consume.

Sarah Kliff, an investigative health care reporter for The New York Times, delves into the alarming rise in prescription drug claim denials by private insurers. She highlights a staggering 25% increase in denial rates from 2016 to 2023, sharing personal stories of patients battling to access essential medications like asthma inhalers and diabetes treatments. Kliff explains the complex role of pharmacy benefit managers and stresses the importance of patient advocacy in navigating insurance challenges and appealing denied claims.

Radley Horton, a climate professor at Columbia University, discusses the stark realities of climate change impacting urban environments. He highlights how extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and wildfire smoke create serious air quality issues in NYC. The need for climate adaptation partnerships is critical, especially amid funding cuts for vital research. Horton emphasizes urban temperature disparities and the dangerous public health risks from wildfire particles. He advocates for renewable energy investments to improve air quality and combat these challenges effectively.