The New Yorker Radio Hour

The Republican Susan Collins has held one of Maine’s Senate seats for nearly thirty years, and Democrats, in trying to take it away from her, have a lot at stake. Graham Platner, a combat veteran, political activist, and small-business owner who has never served in office, seemed to check many boxes for a progressive upstart. Platner, who says he and his wife earn sixty thousand dollars a year, has spoken passionately about affordability, and has called universal health care a  “moral imperative.” He seemed like a rising star, but then some of his past comments online directed against police, L.G.B.T.Q. people, sexual-assault survivors, Black people, and rural whites surfaced. A photo was published of a tattoo that he got in the Marines, which resembles a Nazi symbol, though Platner says he didn’t realize it. He apologized, but will Democrats embrace him, despite ugly views in his past? “As uncomfortable as it is, and personally unenjoyable, to have to talk about stupid things I said on the internet,” he told David Remnick, “it also allows me to publicly model something I think is really important. . . . You can change your language, change the way you think about stuff.” In fact, he frames his candidacy in a way that might appeal to disappointed Trump voters: “You should be able to be proud of the fact that you can turn into a different kind of person. You can think about the world in a different way.”New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour drop every Tuesday and Friday. Join host David Remnick as he discusses the latest in politics, news, and current events in conversation with political leaders, newsmakers, innovators, New Yorker staff writers, authors, actors, and musicians.

Gabrielle Calvocoressi, a National Book Award finalist for her collection The New Economy, delves into the profound themes of grief, love, and community. She explores how poetry can act as a vessel for healing and examines her experience with her mother's suicide, balancing candor with joy in her work. Calvocoressi discusses the influence of walking and musical repetition in her creative process, and reflects on the sense of place in her life in Durham, North Carolina, weaving personal narratives into universal experiences.

Leon Panetta discusses the troubling legality of Navy strikes on civilian boats in Venezuela and the responsibilities of the Secretary of Defense. He criticizes the military's misuse as a political tool, emphasizing the need for law enforcement approaches to drug trafficking. Panetta reflects on historical interventions in Latin America, urging for alliance-building instead of coercion. He also highlights the importance of U.S. strength in supporting Ukraine and Taiwan while addressing domestic dysfunction as a significant threat to national security.

Marshall Curry, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, and Judd Apatow, acclaimed director and producer, delve into the making of the documentary on The New Yorker’s centenary. They discuss Curry's unique 'tasting menu' approach to depict a century of journalism, and Apatow's efforts to capture the magazine's sensibility. They reflect on their personal connections to the magazine, share anecdotes about its staff, and explore the challenges of maintaining an engaging narrative from diverse, disconnected stories. Humor and a commitment to rigorous journalism remain central themes.

Chloé Zhao, the Academy Award-winning director of Nomadland, joins Michael Schulman to discuss her latest film, Hamnet, based on Maggie O'Farrell's novel about Shakespeare's grief. She shares how nature informs her filmmaking, both as a spiritual refuge and a visual language. Zhao reflects on her creative process, including the impact of neurodivergence and sensory sensitivities. She also details the unique challenge of adapting Shakespeare, capturing his depth and emotion while avoiding reverence in his dialogue.

Adam Schiff, the U.S. Senator from California and key figure in the Trump impeachment, delves into why Trump targets him, asserting it stems from effective media presence. He discusses a federal inquiry into his mortgage, criticizes the politicization of legal investigations, and questions the impact of the Epstein files on Trump's resilience to scandal. Schiff underscores the dangers of undermining elections and highlights the importance of citizen action to protect democracy, all while expressing cautious optimism in the fight against authoritarianism.

Filmmaker Noah Baumbach, celebrated for character-driven stories like Marriage Story, discusses his latest film, Jay Kelly, starring George Clooney. He reveals how a tough shoot on White Noise led him to question his passion for filmmaking. Collaborating with Greta Gerwig on Barbie rekindled his love for the craft. Baumbach delves into themes of aging and self-identity, highlighting how the opening lines of his films encapsulate their essence. He also humorously critiques Hollywood's quirks, using cheesecake as a metaphor for deeper identity issues.

Ian McEwan, the acclaimed British novelist known for works like Atonement, shares his thoughts on his latest novel, which envisions a world after disasters. He introduces the idea of 'nuanced optimism,' highlighting the resilience of humanity amid catastrophe. McEwan critiques modern fiction, lamenting the trend of self-focused narratives while advocating for the power of the realist novel to express complex human emotions. He also reflects on the importance of pleasure in writing and discusses his immersive research experiences, which deepen his storytelling.

Rich Logis, founder of Leaving MAGA, shares his eye-opening journey from a dedicated MAGA activist to advocating for those looking to leave the movement. He discusses the emotional challenges associated with exiting a political identity that provides a sense of belonging. Logis explains how trauma, misinformation, and strong cultural narratives fuel the loyalty to MAGA, despite evidence against it. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling for healing and reconnecting with loved ones, while addressing the complexities of community and accountability in the process.

Chris Van Hollen, the U.S. Senator from Maryland, dives into pressing issues facing the Democratic Party and the leadership crisis in Washington. He discusses the urgent need for Congress to address the Epstein files and rebuild trust in government. Van Hollen also touches on party unity, critiquing colleagues' reluctance to support diverse candidates. He emphasizes the importance of accountability over merely focusing on economic messaging, stressing that Democrats must boldly tackle wealth inequality while preparing for future political battles.