The Brian Lehrer Show

Zach Mack, host of NPR's Alternate Realities, opens up about the personal challenge of addressing his father's deep-seated conspiracy theories. He highlights the complexity of navigating such beliefs within family dynamics, especially during the pandemic. Mack explores the psychological triggers behind these theories, particularly among older generations, and examines the impact of distrust in institutions. They discuss how social media and generational differences can exacerbate these beliefs, ultimately emphasizing the need for empathy and open dialogue.

Katie Glueck, a political reporter at The New York Times, dives into the Democratic Party's recent triumphs. She highlights strong performances in Wisconsin's Supreme Court election and special elections in Florida, suggesting a resurgence in voter engagement. Glueck also discusses Sen. Cory Booker's record-breaking speech, emphasizing the significance of these events for future political strategies. The conversation touches on grassroots activism and the necessity for Democrats to translate this enthusiasm into sustained support as they face upcoming challenges.

Margaret Talbot, a staff writer at The New Yorker known for her insightful reports on Wikipedia, discusses the platform's role in fighting disinformation. She explores Wikipedia's strict reliability standards and its collaborative editing process, which stands in stark contrast to the opacity of political narratives. Talbot addresses controversies surrounding Wikipedia's source reliability ratings and reflects on Elon Musk's contentious relationship with the site. Ultimately, she emphasizes how Wikipedia's efforts can serve as a bulwark against the spread of misinformation.

Angel Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, delves into the complexities of the college decision-making process. He highlights the impact of political changes and their implication on admissions, especially under a divisive climate. The conversation touches on financial concerns, safety, and diversity initiatives that shape student choices. Pérez also addresses the recent Supreme Court ruling banning race in admissions, stressing the importance of diversity in creating a more equitable future in academia.

Elizabeth Kim, a WNYC and Gothamist reporter specializing in NYC politics, shares insights on Mayor Adams' weekly press conference. She discusses the dropped federal corruption charges and their potential impact on his mayoral campaign. The conversation also dives into Adams' criticisms of Andrew Cuomo, the evolving political landscape, and public perceptions surrounding his policies. Additionally, listeners weigh in on the implications of ranked choice voting and how ongoing challenges shape the dynamics of the upcoming election.

Samantha Max, a criminal justice reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, discusses the contentious case of Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering a UnitedHealthCare executive. She explores Attorney General Pam Bondi's push for the death penalty and the legal ramifications this could have. The conversation touches on how Mangione has become a controversial figure—viewed by some as a folk hero—challenging notions of justice in a complex system. Max's insights also reveal the emotional weight and ethical dilemmas surrounding capital punishment.

Jonathan Cohen, a historian and author of Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling, discusses the explosive growth of legalized sports betting and its concerning effects on public health. He highlights alarming statistics about rising gambling addiction, particularly among young men, and the normalization of betting in sports culture. Cohen emphasizes the urgent need for awareness, education, and policy changes to address the hidden dangers of gambling addiction and promote responsible gambling discussions.

Kick off the baseball season with a playful discussion about the New York Yankees' new beard policy, turning a longstanding tradition on its head. The conversation takes a humorous dive into one host's wild dream of auditioning for the team, highlighting ageism in sports while poking fun at modern athletic trends. A witty April Fools' prank spirals into laughter as the hosts exchange tales of comedic antics and performance enhancement, proving that even in baseball, humor takes the lead.

Max Eddy, a writer at Wirecutter specializing in privacy, security, and software, discusses the implications of 23andMe's bankruptcy. He dives into the risks of genetic data misuse, especially concerning law enforcement access. The conversation highlights the ethical dilemmas users face regarding their personal information. Eddy also provides insights on navigating the complexities of deleting genetic data and emphasizes the importance of data privacy and informed consent in genetic testing services.

Steve Sweeney, former New Jersey state senator and president, is running for governor. He discusses key issues like pension funding and the budget crisis affecting residents. The talk delves into congestion pricing's impact on New Jersey drivers and the pressing housing shortage in the state. Sweeney also advocates for a constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights. Additionally, he tackles the complex rights debate regarding transgender athletes in school sports, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in a rapidly changing landscape.