The Brian Lehrer Show

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them.Tariff Chaos (First) | When Family Members Believe Conspiracy Theories (Starts at 41:36) | How to Compost in NYC (Starts at 1:05:21)If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here.

Sally Goldenberg, senior New York editor at Politico known for her exclusive interview with Mayor Eric Adams, discusses the shifting landscape of the New York City mayoral race. Mayor Adams' bold decision to run as an independent is a key focus, raising questions about his past choices and voter support. The challenges posed by Andrew Cuomo's lead and the strategies of progressive candidates are also explored. Discussions on electoral reforms and the implications of the closed primary system shed light on the dynamics affecting independent voters.

John McWhorter, a Columbia University linguistics professor and author of Pronoun Trouble, delves into the fascinating evolution of English pronouns. He traces the historical journey of the singular 'they', highlighting its acceptance among literary greats while addressing resistance to gender-neutral language. The conversation explores the flexibility of English grammar, the decline of 'thou', and the importance of inclusivity in modern pronoun usage. McWhorter’s insights reveal how language adapts to cultural shifts, making this discussion both enlightening and engaging.

Stephen Nessen, a transportation reporter for WNYC, dives into the MTA's new subway map that revives the colorful 70s-era style. He discusses how the redesign prioritizes functionality and accessibility, especially for those with visibility challenges. Listener reactions are mixed, with some praising the modern look while others voice concerns about navigation difficulties and accuracy. Nessen also touches on the broader context of changes in city transit, including the transition from MetroCard to Omni card, highlighting the importance of effective maps for commuters.

Catherine Ann Edwards, an economist and economic policy consultant, breaks down the chaos following President Trump's new tariffs. She analyzes the predicted $2.4 trillion loss in S&P 500 stocks and how these tariffs will squeeze consumers. Edwards highlights the struggles faced by small businesses amid rising costs and unpredictable rates. Delving deeper, she discusses the impact of automation on job losses, and the disconnect between policymakers and those directly affected. Listeners are encouraged to advocate for their financial security.

Karen Yi, a reporter for WNYC and Gothamist specializing in homelessness and poverty, sheds light on alarming potential cuts to SNAP that could leave 1.8 million New Yorkers, including over half a million children, facing increased hunger. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for food assistance and the real-life stories of those impacted. Yi critiques media narratives surrounding wealth redistribution, urging listeners to reflect on the harsh realities of food insecurity and the vital role of community support in addressing these pressing challenges.

Allie Volpe, a senior reporter at Vox, dives into the often misunderstood concept of boredom. She elaborates on how boredom can actually unlock creativity and mindfulness when embraced. The conversation touches on the dual nature of boredom, revealing how it can inspire artistic expression yet also lead to negative behaviors. They discuss the adverse impact of social media on attention spans and how technology distracts us from engaging with meaningful activities. Ultimately, Volpe encourages listeners to see boredom as a pathway to deeper fulfillment.

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.