Michelle Goldberg, a New York Times columnist known for her incisive political commentary, discusses the evolution and backlash of 'wokeness.' She explores how social movements have shifted in recent years, focusing on language versus tangible change. The conversation highlights challenges in progressive activism and the role of social media in shaping discourse. Goldberg questions whether we might miss 'wokeness' if it fades away, while analyzing its implications for movements, policy, and the current political landscape.

Political commentator Matt Yglesias discusses the nuances of vice-presidential picks, specifically examining Kamala Harris's choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He explores whether this selection can truly sway undecided voters and critiques traditional electoral strategies. Yglesias dives into the complexities of identity politics, especially for female candidates, and reflects on the evolving nature of political communication in the digital age. He even shares insights on leadership challenges from his experience at Vox.com.

Saloni Dattani, a researcher at Our World in Data, dives into the alarming rise in maternal mortality rates in the U.S. She reveals that this spike might stem from measurement changes rather than a true increase in deaths. The discussion unpacks how historical data classifications and pandemic influences shaped current statistics. Saloni emphasizes the importance of accurate data interpretation and effective communication to address misconceptions, stressing the need for transparency in public health narratives.

Jesse Jenkins, an assistant professor at Princeton University and a renowned expert in energy systems, delves into Texas's surprising leadership in renewable energy. He discusses how Texas's regulatory advantages and natural resources outpace California's bureaucratic hurdles. The complexities of wind energy development, the pitfalls of environmental litigation, and the contentious role of hydrogen in the energy landscape are also explored. Jenkins calls for a balanced approach to overcome these challenges and achieve ambitious clean energy goals.

Professor Arthur Brooks discusses the role of religion in happiness, arguing that the 'nones' are unhappier. The podcast explores the decline in personal connections, the 'free market for souls' in the US, trends in religious affiliation, and the pursuit of happiness through religion.

Economist Christopher Campos discusses a school choice experiment in LAUSD where public high schools competed for enrollment, narrowing achievement gaps and boosting college enrollment. The impact of school choice programs and parent decisions on school quality and student outcomes are explored, along with the effects of gentrification on school composition. The podcast also delves into the balance between educational benefits and health risks during school closures amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Exploring the unintended consequences of increased mental health awareness, the effectiveness of school-based mindfulness training, the evolution of mental health discourse in society, balancing overdiagnosing vs underdiagnosing mental health concerns in children, legal frameworks and student suicides, the evolution of mental health diagnosis, and a transition from fiction to psychology writing.

Economist warns that the coming labor shortage may not be good news. Discussion on benefits and concerns of a tightening labor market. Exploring full employment, aging population impacts, historical parallels, and economic consequences of labor shortages.

Dr. Alice Evans from Stanford University discusses why young men are turning away from egalitarianism. Topics include attitudes towards gender equality, impact of social media on prejudices, changes in dating norms, and societal influences on gender dynamics in Qatar, Indonesia, and South Korea.

Economist Nick Papageorge challenges assumptions about protesters in BLM and anti-lockdown movements, revealing surprising overlaps. The discussion explores frustrations with government decision-making, trade-offs in public health, and the impact of protest movements on public opinion. It emphasizes the significance and agency of protesters, cautioning against dismissing them.