Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast

Jia Tolentino, a staff writer at The New Yorker, shares insights on the impact of AI-generated content on our perception of reality. She discusses the mental toll of navigating disinformation and the erosion of shared civic reality. The conversation dives into the challenges journalists face in maintaining integrity amid rampant misinformation and explores how technology affects human connections and adolescent friendships. Tolentino highlights the need for authentic interactions and the emotional health benefits of in-person relationships.

Leah Greenberg, co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible, discusses the evolution of grassroots organizing in response to political challenges. She shares insights from Indivisible’s ‘Practical Guide to Democracy on The Brink’ and emphasizes the need for strategic mobilization ahead of the 2026 elections. The conversation covers the power of public opinion, the importance of unity among movements, and lessons learned from past political strategies. Greenberg inspires hope as she highlights ways ordinary people can fight back in a polarized landscape.

Joe Wiesenthal, co-host of Bloomberg's Odd Lots podcast, is an expert in finance and economics. In this discussion, he breaks down recent market volatility and its real-world implications. The conversation covers how tariffs shape trade dynamics and the complexities of current economic policies under Biden and Trump. Wiesenthal also examines the evolving critiques of globalization and the paradox of wealth in America, highlighting the disconnect between market narratives and the challenges faced by the workforce today.

Karen Hao, an award-winning journalist and author of "Empire of AI," dives deep into the world of OpenAI and its transformative impact on society. She discusses how ChatGPT changed public perception of AI, the ambitious motives of key figures like Sam Altman, and the ethical dilemmas within the tech industry. The conversation touches on AI's potential to disrupt job markets, the societal implications of advancements, and questions whether the current AI bubble will burst. Hao provides a compelling narrative on the complexities and futures of artificial intelligence.

Anna Galland, former executive director of MoveOn Civic Action and now a pro-democracy advocate, dives into the urgent political landscape following the recent election. She discusses the necessity of standing up for marginalized communities and advocates for courageous grassroots activism. Galland emphasizes coalition-building among progressive movements globally to resist authoritarianism and reflects on the importance of community support in overcoming challenges. Throughout the conversation, she instills a sense of hope and empowers listeners to engage actively in political discourse.

Arjun Singh, co-host and senior producer of the Lever Time podcast, digs into the evolving landscape of Republican tax policy. He highlights how Trump's unorthodox approach has fragmented traditional party lines and sparked a modern tax revolt. Singh discusses the historical context behind tax cuts, the political identity crisis within the GOP, and how voter sentiments are shifting. He also sheds light on the complexities of Medicaid and the implications for future tax legislation, painting a vivid picture of the current political minefield.

David Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America," dives deep into the ramifications of Trump 2.0. He discusses how Project 2025 is redefining government roles and influencing policy, especially in science and healthcare. With skepticism towards established research on diseases like cancer, Graham highlights the rising distrust born from the pandemic. He also addresses strategies affecting abortion rights, the risks of authoritarian governance, and the need for a reevaluation of democracy in light of these changes.

Erica Chenoweth, a political scientist from Harvard, dives into the dynamics of civil resistance and the vital role of nonviolent protests. With evidence suggesting just 3.5% participation can thwart authoritarian attempts, she explores the stagnation of U.S. protests and the resilience of civil society. Chenoweth analyzes global comparisons, discussing the effectiveness of strikes and boycotts, and highlights the importance of community support for impactful movements. Her insights into navigating political turmoil shine a light on the necessity of hope and activism in preserving democracy.

Letitia James, the New York Attorney General, dives into the ongoing legal battles against former President Trump. She argues that Trump can't simply bypass laws with executive whims and emphasizes the crucial role of checks and balances. James discusses the resilience of state attorneys general in resisting authoritarianism and highlights the implications of Trump's so-called "revenge tour". She also reflects on the prospects for upholding the rule of law as America navigates its politically charged landscape.

The United States is pretty intertwined with Latin America. So why has it historically been seen as more of a European outpost as opposed to a nation in the Western hemisphere that is part of the broader Americas? Our guest this week points out that there are other ways to understand the history and identity of the U.S., aside from the narrative that is so often a part of contemporary discourse. Greg Grandin is the C. Vann Woodard Professor of History at Yale and the author of “America, América: A New History of the New World.” He joins WITHpod to discuss rethinking our conceptions of the “New World,” democratic backsliding in the U.S., why he says we should rethink hemispheric history and more.