Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast

Dive into the first chapter of a new book that unpacks how our attention has become a prized, yet endangered resource. The narrative weaves a timeless tale, comparing modern distractions to Odysseus’ mythical battle against the Sirens. It touches on the intersection of technology and anxiety, revealing the impact of smartphones on our mental health. Moreover, it critiques how corporations prioritize capturing consumer attention, often at the expense of quality, prompting a deeper reflection on the value of focus in our information-saturated world.

Introducing “Trumpland with Alex Wagner.” On “Trumpland,” MSNBC’s Alex Wagner takes a break from the anchor chair to get out into the field and speak with the people on the frontlines of Trump’s policies—and promises.  Listen to the full first episode here, as Alex travels to DC—but not for the inauguration. Hours after President Trump was in sworn into office for the second time, he began issuing a series of presidential pardons for the January 6th insurrection. Listen along as Alex speaks to the inmates, their families, and the police officers who survived one of the most violent attacks on the Capitol in our nation’s history. Catch new episodes of “Trumpland with Alex Wagner” on Thursday evenings during Trump’s first 100 days. You can find the show in the “Alex Wagner Tonight” feed.  Remember to follow the show so you don’t miss a single episode. And sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen without ads.

Kate Conger, a New York Times reporter and co-author of "Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter," joins to discuss Elon Musk's unprecedented political influence alongside major tech developments. They explore Musk’s role as a co-president, the SEC lawsuit against him, and how these dynamics are reshaping the tech and political landscape. Conger reveals the consequences of unchecked power, the legal scrutiny faced by Musk, and the evolving norms of content moderation on social media platforms under new leadership.

Nicholas Reville, co-founder of the Center for Addiction Science, discusses innovative approaches to combat addiction. He explores how GLP-1 weight loss drugs, initially for diabetes, may help curb cravings for substances like alcohol and opioids. Reville emphasizes the urgent need for new treatments amid the opioid crisis and examines Big Pharma's troubled history in addiction management. He calls for collaborative efforts and effective frameworks to advance addiction research and improve treatment outcomes.

Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, shares her insights on grassroots political organizing in response to the impending second inauguration of Donald Trump. She discusses the origins and impact of Indivisible, emphasizing community engagement and accountability for elected officials. The conversation highlights the importance of strategic narratives and coalition-building to resist controversial legislation. Greenberg also reflects on the successes and challenges of past political strategies, stressing the need for unity among progressives in today’s complex landscape.

Jiaying Zhao, an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of British Columbia, discusses the revolutionary potential of unconditional cash transfers in tackling homelessness. She highlights her study demonstrating that direct cash transfers can lead to net societal savings over time. Zhao shares insights on the 'cognitive tax' of poverty, revealing how financial stress impacts decision-making. The conversation also challenges stereotypes surrounding homelessness and advocates for more nuanced, evidence-based policy responses to aid vulnerable populations.

Elizabeth Rhodes, research director for the Unconditional Cash Study, and David Broockman, political science professor at UC Berkeley, delve into the intriguing outcomes of $1,000 monthly unconditional cash transfers. They reveal how these transfers impacted political views without shifting leanings and discuss surprising findings about work attitudes. The guests explore the dual nature of financial support on economic stability while addressing societal perceptions of self-sufficiency. They challenge stereotypes around welfare use, highlighting broader implications for social participation and well-being.

Wright Thompson, a senior writer for ESPN and author of "The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi," dives into the haunting legacy of Emmett Till's 1955 murder. He uncovers shocking truths often omitted from history, revealing personal connections and the broader societal implications. The conversation touches on Willie Reed's courageous testimony and the struggle against the 'big lie' that distorts memory. Thompson's insights challenge listeners to confront Mississippi's troubled past and its ongoing impact on contemporary identity and community.

Steve Levitsky, a Harvard professor and a bestselling author, delves into the pressing issue of democratic backsliding. He discusses the critical role of societal memory in resisting authoritarianism, drawing on examples from South Korea and the U.S. Levitsky explores competitive authoritarianism, highlighting how modern leaders manipulate public support while undermining democracy. He critiques presidential systems for fostering division and emphasizes the urgency for bipartisanship to safeguard democratic principles in turbulent times.

Donnie Holloway, Producer of the podcast and a keen observer of political evolution, interviews Chris Hayes to explore the implications of Trump 2.0 on democracy. They dive into the parallels between past presidencies and today's political landscape, touching on economic inequality and the shifting ideologies within the Republican Party. Discussions about the crisis of attention and its societal impacts also emerge, along with insights from Chris's latest book and the dynamics of social media in shaping political discourse.