Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast

Kate Shaw, a constitutional law professor at Cardozo, joins fellow legal experts Melissa Murray and Leah Litman to dissect recent Supreme Court rulings and the court's evolving ideology under Trump. They analyze landmark cases like Medina v. Planned Parenthood, diving into their implications for Medicaid and parental rights. The trio addresses the tension between individual freedoms and state intervention, while also critiquing the judicial system's integrity and calling for urgent reforms to preserve democracy and uphold the rule of law.

Zeke Faux, a Bloomberg News reporter and author of 'Number Go Up: Inside Crypto's Wild Rise and Staggering Fall', dives into the chaotic world of cryptocurrency. He discusses the Trump administration's evolving stance on crypto, especially the controversial meme coins tied to Trump and Melania. Faux breaks down the mechanics of meme coins, their speculative nature, and how viral personalities leverage them for profit. He also critiques the risks involved and the broader implications of government involvement in the crypto market.

Robert Malley, a Yale lecturer and lead negotiator of the 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal, brings valuable insights into the latest US-Iran conflict. He discusses the complexities surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions and the ramifications of recent military actions. Malley reflects on the historical context of the 2015 deal and its unraveling under Trump's presidency. He also dives into the emotional dynamics of diplomatic negotiations and the fragile state of the Iranian regime, shedding light on the prospects for future peace.

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.