The Brian Lehrer Show

Jelani Cobb, dean of the Journalism School at Columbia University and a staff writer at The New Yorker, talks about the 2025 duPont-Columbia award winners, plus the inauguration and the Trump administration's expected treatment of journalists.

Russell Contreras, Justice and Race reporter at Axios, discusses President Donald Trump's sweeping executive order revoking decades of diversity and affirmative action practices in the federal government and how it might impact the private sector. 

As Americans migrate from TikTok to the Chinese app RedNote, a unique cultural connection emerges between average citizens. Steffi Cao reveals how this new platform fosters diplomacy amid concerns over data privacy. The conversation highlights personal experiences in digital cultural exchanges and the growing user trust in global interactions. However, tensions loom as skepticism about authenticity and espionage hangs over these interactions. It's a fascinating look at how social media shapes international relationships.

Jimmy Vielkind, New York State Issues reporter for WNYC, reviews what Gov. Hochul proposed in her $252 billion budget for the state, which now gets negotiated with the legislature.

Mayor Adams holds one off-topic press conference per week, where reporters can ask him questions on any subject. Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter, recaps what he talked about at this week's event. Topics this week include the City's response to early actions taken by the Trump administration, Adams' attendance at Trump's inauguration, Adam's surprise interview  on Tucker Carlson, and more.  

Paul Bloom, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto and a Yale emeritus, dives into a century of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. He discusses Freud's immense influence on modern psychology and critiques his traditional methods, especially regarding sensitive topics. Bloom also highlights the resurgence of Jungian therapy and the pivotal role of psychiatric medication versus talk therapy. Ultimately, he calls for innovative approaches in psychotherapy to adapt to evolving mental health needs.

Jason Marczak, vice president and senior director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at the Atlantic Council, and Peter Bergen, CNN's national security analyst, vice president for Global Studies and Fellows at New America and host of the Audible/Fresh Produce Media podcast "In the Room with Peter Bergen," offer analysis of President Trump's statements in his inaugural address about taking back the Panama Canal.

Amidst another cold snap this season, listeners share their hacks and hard-won knowledge for keeping warm at work or play during periods of plunging temps and high winds. 

Jon Favreau, host of Pod Save America, Offline with Jon Favreau, and co-founder of Crooked Media, and Jon Lovett, host of Pod Save America and co-founder of Crooked Media, round up the latest news from Washington, including how Democrats should, and are, responding the day after President Donald Trump's slew of first day executive orders.

John Wilkerson, a Washington correspondent for STAT who writes about the politics of health care, and Jael Holzman, senior reporter at Heatmap, discuss President Donald Trump's first day in office and his administration's actions regarding health and climate, including on wind farms and the World Health Organization.