The New Yorker Radio Hour

Thelma Golden, the influential Director and chief curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem, shares insights from her pivotal role in reshaping the institution. She discusses the importance of art in community spaces, highlighting Lorraine O'Grady’s work and its societal implications. The conversation touches on the museum's mission to uplift artists of the African diaspora amid cultural challenges. Golden also reflects on the ambitious $300 million rebuild and how her early career shaped her vision for museums as spaces for engaging identity and ideas.

Andrew Ross Sorkin, a leading financial journalist and co-anchor of CNBC’s Squawk Box, discusses the worrying parallels between the economic crises of 1929 and today’s AI boom. He warns of a potential bubble fueled by excessive borrowing to support AI infrastructure without guaranteed returns. Sorkin highlights the risks from shadow banking and private credit, while advising individual investors on strategies amid current market volatility. He also reflects on the growing distrust in capitalism and the implications of economic inequality on political dynamics.

Patti Smith, renowned singer, poet, and memoirist, reflects on her vibrant career and personal evolution. She shares the decade-long struggle behind her latest memoir, "Bread of Angels," revealing a profound family secret uncovered through DNA testing. Smith discusses her formative influences—from literature to music—and the transformative power of blending poetry with performance. With a candid look at grief, domestic life, and her return to music, Patti inspires with her resilience and creative spirit.

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.