The New Yorker Radio Hour

Governor J.B. Pritzker, an outspoken critic of the Trump administration, shares his views on aggressive immigration sweeps in Illinois that he believes do not reduce crime but create chaos. Joined by Peter Slevin, they discuss the legal battles against federal actions, racial profiling in these raids, and the community's grassroots resistance tactics. Pritzker emphasizes the importance of judicial support while confronting political retaliation and explores the limits of state power against federal overreach.

Heidi Blake, an investigative journalist, delves into the infamous Whitehouse Farm murders that haunted Britain in the 1980s. She uncovers shocking details about the Bamber family's history, including June's mental health struggles and Sheila's tragic descent. As Blake interviews key figures, she reveals inconsistencies in the evidence and questions the narrative that painted Sheila as the killer. The story takes a dramatic twist as suspicion turns toward Jeremy Bamber, leading to his conviction. Blake's revelations challenge the very integrity of the U.K.'s legal system.

Jon Stewart, the witty comedian and former host of The Daily Show, dives headfirst into the evolving landscape of late-night comedy and its political implications. He discusses the chilling effects of corporate control, citing recent pressures that have rattled the industry. Stewart critiques both political parties for their failures and urges reflection on how credibility in media has dwindled. The conversation also touches on the rise of podcasts and the dangers of censorship, all while Stewart maintains a glimmer of hope for America's resilience.

Cory Doctorow, a writer and technology activist known for coining the term 'shittification,' discusses the alarming decline of tech platforms. He highlights a Google strategy to intentionally degrade search results to promote ads, revealing this isn’t just perception but a calculated tactic. Doctorow offers hope through potential political coalitions against surveillance, advocating for stringent privacy laws to transform the tech landscape. He also touches on new alternatives like Kagi and the implications of AI in this evolving dilemma.

Zadie Smith, an award-winning novelist and essayist known for her debut, White Teeth, explores the intersection of technology and politics. She discusses her new essay collection, Dead and Alive, highlighting how digital platforms manipulate our thoughts and political discourse. Smith provocatively argues that acknowledging this manipulation is crucial for understanding our society. She reflects on the evolution of her writing, the importance of essays in her creative process, and the need for regulating children's screen time, framing it as a collective responsibility.

Richard Linklater, acclaimed director behind iconic films like Boyhood and Dazed and Confused, shares insights on his two new works, Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague. He explores the emotional depths of Lorenz Hart's life in Blue Moon, emphasizing its heartbreaking themes. Linklater also delves into the challenges of recreating Jean-Luc Godard's innovative style in Nouvelle Vague, discussing the significance of the film you envision in your head. His reflections on the state of independent cinema reveal a passion for unique storytelling despite industry shifts.

Emma Green, a Staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the Trump administration's aggressive approach toward higher education. She highlights the shift from subtle changes to a muscular enforcement strategy targeting elite institutions. The discussion includes insights from Mae Mailman about the conservative stance on academic freedom and federal funding. Green also addresses public dissatisfaction with university value, the push for cultural change, and the ideological imbalances in academia. The podcast sheds light on how federal power is being leveraged to reshape educational policies.

John Carpenter, the acclaimed filmmaker behind cult classics like Halloween and The Thing, dives into his artistic evolution from directing to composing. He discusses his joy in live performances and shares insights into his minimalist synth style. Carpenter highlights the impact of scores like Bernard Herrmann's Vertigo and Bebe and Louis Barron's work on Forbidden Planet. He also reflects on future collaborations, including a potential project with Bong Joon-ho, showcasing his enduring passion for film and music.

Zohran Mamdani, a rising Democratic socialist and former State Assembly member, shares his journey from obscurity to leading the New York City mayoral race. He discusses his views on housing as a human right and the challenge of appealing to diverse voter bases, particularly among immigrants and young people. Mamdani outlines his ambitious agenda for affordability, including a rent freeze and universal childcare, while preparing for potential federal backlash from Trump. His confidence shines as he confronts deep-rooted political interests with a vision for change.

Lionel Richie, award-winning singer-songwriter and former lead of the Commodores, shares insights from his five-decade career and his memoir, Truly. He discusses how daydreaming and listening to his inner voice have influenced his creativity. Songwriting emerges as a way to confront personal insecurities, while lessons from icons like Tina Turner and Marvin Gaye shaped his journey. Richie reveals his unique approach to crafting love songs and reflects on the personal costs of stardom, including the impact of divorce and the importance of daily rituals.