Good on Paper

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.

In this insightful discussion, Jens Ludwig, a University of Chicago economist and author of "Unforgiving Places," dives into the complex roots of gun violence in America. He emphasizes that many gun deaths stem from impulsive actions rather than premeditated plans. Ludwig advocates for innovative crime prevention strategies and highlights how urban design and community dynamics can fuel violence. The conversation challenges listeners to rethink their understanding of crime, considering psychological and environmental factors that shape behavior in different neighborhoods.

Danny Funt, a journalist for The Washington Post and author exploring the effects of sports betting, dives into the consequences of state-sanctioned gambling following a landmark Supreme Court ruling. He discusses how states, driven by financial necessity, rushed to legalize sports betting, leading to unforeseen issues like increased debt and problem gambling. Funt highlights the dramatic evolution of societal attitudes towards betting and the implications of online gambling's rise, advocating for stricter regulations to protect vulnerable populations.

Jennifer Pahlka, a senior fellow at the Niskanen Center and founder of Code for America, discusses the need for bipartisan government reform. She argues that Democrats must engage in reform efforts rather than sidelining them, emphasizing systemic inefficiencies. The conversation dives into the importance of modernizing hiring practices and policies, while addressing challenges in government efficiency. Pahlka also highlights the distinction between state capacity and political will, advocating for a refined approach to governance to ensure effective outcomes.

Aidan Toner-Rodgers, a PhD candidate at MIT, dives into the intriguing interplay between AI and scientific productivity. His research reveals how AI revolutionizes material science, boosting discovery rates by 44%. He discusses the 'streetlight effect,' showcasing AI's potential to foster creativity rather than merely replicate past solutions. The conversation also tackles the emotional toll of automation on scientists, weighing increased productivity against diminishing job satisfaction. Ultimately, it’s a thought-provoking look at AI’s double-edged impact on innovation.

David Broockman, a political scientist at UC Berkeley, challenges the conventional views of NIMBYism by emphasizing the role of deep-seated beliefs about symbols like cities rather than mere self-interest. He explores the surprising support for housing density among homeowners and highlights how public perceptions are influenced by generational attitudes and biases against large developers. Broockman also discusses the YIMBY movement's rise and the significance of policy evaluation to address housing needs for lower and middle-income families.

Dr. Rachael Bedard, a pro-vaccine physician with experience treating diverse populations, delves into the complexities of vaccine skepticism and public health. She champions the importance of finding common ground with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. despite his controversial stance on vaccines. The discussion addresses the need for transparent communication to rebuild trust in public health, particularly in vulnerable communities. Bedard also highlights the ethical dilemmas faced in FDA approval processes, emphasizing patient safety amid urgent health crises.