The Brian Lehrer Show

David Remnick, the longtime editor of The New Yorker and host of its Radio Hour, shares insights on the magazine's centennial journey. He reveals how it transformed from a simple comic paper into a cultural powerhouse. Remnick discusses the magazine's evolution during key historical moments, particularly post-World War II. Listeners share personal stories of how The New Yorker has influenced their lives, intertwining humor with political commentary, and reflecting on its legacy as a literary mentor and educational resource.

U.S. Senator Andy Kim from New Jersey discusses pressing issues like his questioning of RFK Jr. regarding health policy. He reflects on his family's health struggles that drive his advocacy for enhanced Medicare support. The senator also critiques the impact of USAID cuts on global stability and highlights concerns over vaccine skepticism during confirmation hearings. Additionally, he navigates the complexities of the Senate confirmation process and the political challenges affecting infrastructure projects in New Jersey.

The China-based AI startup 'DeepSeek' has sent shockwaves throughout the American tech and financial sector since its release. Reed Albergotti, technology editor at Semafor, explains what DeepSeek is and what it means for the future of American global dominance of the tech industry.

The White House budget office ordered a pause on federal loans and grants, only to issue a reversal days later. Kate Shaw, professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, co-host of the Supreme Court podcast Strict Scrutiny and a contributing opinion writer with The New York Times, offers legal analysis of the move — and the Trump administration's attempts to expand executive power in general.

New York State Senator Jessica Ramos (D, District 13, Queens) talks about the session in Albany, responds to the ICE raids in NYC, and discusses her challenge to Mayor Adams for the Democratic nomination for mayor in the June primary.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on Joe Rogan's podcast recently that "masculine energy" is good, and that culture should celebrate aggression. Listeners of all genders call in to share what masculinity means to them today, and whether they identify with Zuckerberg's comments. 

Daniel Griffin, MD, PhD, chief of infectious disease for Island Infectious Diseases, the largest physician-owned Infectious Disease Specialist Group on Long Island, an infectious disease specialist and clinical instructor of medicine at Columbia University and president of Parasites Without Borders and co-host of the podcast "This Week in Virology", offers commentary and analysis of the Senate Finance Committee confirmation hearing for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., President Trump's nominee to lead the United States Department of Health and Human Services.  

Clare Malone, staff writer at The New Yorker covering politics, previews the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s first of two confirmation hearings as President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Then, Ian Ward, reporter at POLITICO, where he covers the conservative movement and the American right for POLITICO Magazine, discusses the confirmation hearing of Brooke Rollins, President Donald Trump’s agriculture secretary nominee and her priorities for USDA.

In this engaging discussion, journalist and author Peter Beinart delves into his upcoming book on calling for a reckoning regarding Israel. He addresses the humanitarian impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, offering emotional reflections and critiques of political rhetoric. Beinart explores complexities surrounding Jewish identity and the need for equality and coexistence. He also emphasizes the importance of recognizing Palestinian humanity while advocating for reconciliation through a dual-state solution. A thought-provoking journey into empathy and understanding ensues.

Listeners tell us how their relationships with the social media platforms have changed in this second Trump era.