The New Yorker Radio Hour

Brandy Clark, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, discusses her transition to a solo artist in Nashville and the challenges of being a lesbian in the conservative country music industry. She shares her journey of authenticity and the influence of producer Brandi Carlile. The podcast explores the distinction between country and Americana music, and Clark performs live in the studio.

Liz Cheney, Republican royalty and conservative stalwart, warns of Trump’s dictatorial aspirations. She discusses her break with Trump, concerns about Mike Johnson’s loyalty, and the left’s alienation of potential voters. Despite frustrations, Cheney maintains faith in institutions and supports Trump going to jail if convicted.

Jelani Cobb, Evan Osnos, and Jill Lepore discuss the fragility of American democracy, touching on the historical foundation of the country and the impact of politically biased interpretations of the past. They also explore the disengagement of citizens from the political system, reflecting on the Capitol insurrection and the challenges ahead for democracy. The conversation includes comparisons between different eras of American history, the undemendability of the Constitution, and the counter-majoritarian nature of American democracy.

Country music icon Dolly Parton discusses her first rock album, 'Rockstar,' and the desire to make the rock community proud. She shares her unique voice and the inspiration behind her song 'World on Fire,' addressing dark subjects. Parton also expresses regret over missed collaborations and emphasizes the role of music in advocating for change.

Bradley Cooper, actor and filmmaker, discusses his new film 'Maestro' which delves into the complex personal life of Leonard Bernstein. Cooper reflects on the challenges of making the movie, including rejection from major studios. He also talks about his fearlessness in creating the film and capturing Bernstein's music. Despite initial skepticism, 'Maestro' has received rave reviews and is set for an awards-season run.

Geoffrey Hinton, the godfather of A.I., expresses his concerns about the risks of artificial intelligence and its potential to surpass human intelligence. He discusses the rapid knowledge sharing among A.I. systems and the difficulty of limiting their intentions and goals. Despite the downsides, Hinton emphasizes the usefulness and opportunity for good that A.I. presents. The podcast also explores the similarities and differences between A.I. and human minds, the dangers of bad actors using A.I. for harmful purposes, and the importance of aligning A.I. goals with human interests. Additionally, they discuss the concept of humans as complex machines and the revolution of intellectual labor being replaced by machines.

Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, a noted historian of antisemitism, discusses the surge in violence and threats against Jews, coming from all ends of the political spectrum. She expresses concern about sentiments that deny Israel's right to exist, particularly on college campuses. Lipstadt highlights the connection between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, and challenges the notion that a living Jewish state should disappear. The podcast explores the rise of antisemitism, its presence in academia, the left and the right, and the challenges of addressing and policing it without stifling free speech.

Emerald Fennell discusses her transition from acting to writing and directing, her dark and perverse storytelling, and the divisive ending of her film 'Promising Young Woman'. They also explore the importance of casting and the house in her new film, 'Saltburn', and discuss her interest in making superhero movies and franchise films.

The podcast explores the influence of Amazon on American life and the claims of monopoly by the Federal Trade Commission. It discusses rising prices, harmful practices, and the need for open markets. The podcast also examines the history of antitrust law, potential remedies for dominant companies like Amazon, and the influence of tech companies in government. It highlights the bipartisan recognition of harmful monopoly power and the push for reinvigorated antitrust efforts.

David Remnick talks with Brooke Gladstone about reporting on the Israel-Palestine conflict, discussing personal identities and how they influence storytelling. They explore the complexities of the situation, analyze propaganda and the intensity of the conflict, and delve into the challenges of reporting in Israel, including the influence of Hamas.