Good on Paper

Zeve Sanderson, the Executive Director of NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics, sheds light on the complexities of age-verification laws meant to protect minors from online pornography. He discusses how teens often find ways to circumvent these regulations, raising questions about the effectiveness of such measures. The conversation delves into the unintended consequences of these laws, highlighting the need for better sex education and responsible parental guidance. Sanderson also addresses the tension between privacy rights and access to adult content in the digital age.

Ethan Kaplan, an economist from the University of Maryland whose research focuses on the impacts of policy interventions like school desegregation, discusses a groundbreaking study on school busing in Louisville. He reveals how busing changed the political identities of students, making them more likely to align with the Democratic Party and support unions. Kaplan also explores the complex relationship between educational policies, personal growth through discomfort, and long-term political attitudes shaped by formative experiences in diverse settings.

Saul Newman, a longevity researcher from the University of Oxford and University College London, challenges the widely accepted blue zones theory of aging. He uncovers flaws in data supporting claims of extraordinary lifespan in these regions, highlighting issues like clerical errors and pension fraud. The conversation dives into the real drivers of longevity, from environmental factors to cultural influences, debunking myths and encouraging a critical examination of what we thought we knew about long life.

Political scientist Jack Lucas dives into the intriguing dynamics between voters and politicians, revealing a troubling view politicians have about voter intelligence. Based on a comprehensive study across 11 democracies, he discusses how voters see themselves as informed decision-makers, often clashing with politicians’ assumptions. Lucas explores sociotropic versus egocentric voting, offering insights into how economic perceptions shape voter behavior. He also touches on how political engagement varies globally, highlighting disparities in responsiveness among politicians.

Ezra Klein, a political writer for the New York Times, and Derek Thompson, an economic analyst for The Atlantic, dive into themes from their book, 'Abundance.' They tackle the fear-driven scarcity mindset in politics and advocate for a culture of abundance. The duo explores how outdated regulations stifle innovation in housing and clean energy and discuss the importance of constructive dialogue amidst political polarization. They also touch on the role of education in fostering critical thinking and leadership necessary for tackling today's complex societal issues.

Cyrille Rossant is a neuroscience researcher and a leading skeptic of shaken baby syndrome after facing accusations against his own child. In this fascinating discussion, he dives into the complexities and controversies surrounding the diagnosis of abusive head trauma. Rossant challenges the scientific validity of long-held beliefs, examines the role of coerced confessions in wrongful accusations, and reflects on the emotional toll this issue takes on families. His unique perspective sheds light on the urgent need to reevaluate how we approach child abuse allegations.

Michelle Goldberg, a New York Times columnist known for her sharp analysis of political and social dynamics, joins host Jerusalem Demsas for a thought-provoking discussion. They dive into the evolution of 'wokeness,' examining its roots in social justice movements and shifts in public perception. The conversation highlights the impact of social media on contemporary activism, explores generational divides in feminist thought, and reflects on the political ramifications of moving away from 'wokeness'. It's a critical look at what might be lost amid changing narratives.

Johannes Krause, a genetics researcher at the Max Planck Institute, dives into the fascinating world of human evolution and our ancient relatives, the Neanderthals. He discusses how recent paleontological and genetic discoveries reveal the timeline of interbreeding between humans and Neanderthals. Krause also highlights the unique traits that led Homo sapiens to prosper, including adaptability and cultural diversity. Additionally, he touches on the surprising genetic links affecting modern human health, particularly in relation to COVID-19, emphasizing the value of curiosity in research.

Agustina Paglayan, a political scientist at UC San Diego and author of "Raised to Obey," delves into the dark origins of public education. She discusses how, over 200 years ago, governments prioritized social control over democratic ideals in shaping education systems. Paglayan critiques the traditional view of education's rise, revealing its ties to elite interests and responses to unrest. She also explores the inequalities intertwined with educational access and how modern reforms often reflect political ideologies rather than genuine progress.

Sahil Chinoy, a Harvard economics PhD and co-author of the influential paper on political sorting in the U.S. labor market, discusses the surprising political segregation in workplaces. He reveals how education and industry characteristics shape this phenomenon and examines the trade-offs workers make for ideological alignment. The conversation also touches on how partisan language in job ads targets specific political ideologies and the impact of workplace dynamics on political activism, particularly among different generations.