Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast

Nate Cohn, chief political analyst at the New York Times, explores the complexities of polling, survey methodology, and systematic biases in politics. He discusses the limitations of polling in predicting election outcomes and the evolving role of polls in understanding campaigns and public sentiment.

Judith Butler discusses the fluid nature of gender and challenges to traditional norms, highlighting the relationship between gender, power dynamics, and societal structures. The podcast explores gender binaries, societal constructs, and the importance of embracing complexities outside traditional norms. The discussion also addresses controversies surrounding gender identity, debates on gender-affirming care for teenagers, and the importance of solidarity in combating discrimination.

Exploring TikTok's uncertain future in the US with Jacob Ward, touching on addictive nature, success factors, global security risks, AI influence, legislative challenges, and market dynamics. Delving into privacy concerns, cultural impact, and the impact of AI algorithms on user behavior.

Doug Pagitt, an activist challenging Christian nationalism, discusses engaging evangelical voters to sway election outcomes. He shares insights from nationwide tours and confronting the 'Army of God' at the border. The podcast explores evangelical voter shifts, immigration perspectives, and the impact of abortion on Christian faith and politics.

Discusses the crisis in the news industry with layoffs, changes in media consumption habits, and revenue models. Talks about the impact of evolving news technology, the importance of local news, and shifts in business models. Explores the shift from open to closed protocols on the internet, challenges in journalism, and the influence of social media on information consumption.

Nuclear power contributes to nearly 20 percent of the electricity generated in America, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Enormous growth has occurred since the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, which allocated more money towards climate, and green energy subsidies than any piece of legislation in American history. But a lot of work still remains. Jigar Shah is director of the Department of Energy Loan Programs Office, a role in which he oversees investing and scaling carbon free energy. Before this position, he was a clean tech investor. He joins WITHpod to discuss recent inflection points, the future of nuclear, the importance of remembering that “big things” can be done and why he’s more hopeful now about the space more than ever.

Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder discusses the fight for voting rights, redistricting concerns, and the impact of gerrymandering. He highlights the importance of fair mapping, the historical role of the Department of Justice, and the potential implications of former president Donald Trump's reelection.

Eric Klinenberg, a sociologist, discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the prevailing sentiment of loneliness and distrust in America. He explores the challenges faced by individuals in New York City, including increased crime rates and the lack of support from the government. Klinenberg also examines the effects of COVID-19 on communities, such as school closures and the radicalization of a bar owner. Through his book, '2020: One City, Seven People, and the Year Everything Changed,' Klinenberg offers a comprehensive analysis of the events of 2020 and their social implications.

Deepak Bhargava, a progressive movement expert, joins the podcast to discuss the trajectory of coalition movements, the state of the progressive movement in 2024, immigration reform, and more. They explore the power of organizing and collective action in addressing societal issues, the importance of inclusivity and institutions in building a cohesive society, and the role of immigration in renewing America. The podcast also introduces a new spinoff and mentions their social media presence.

Just a few weeks ago, Chris and his family visited the Big Island of Hawaii. While there, he was completely enthralled with learning more about how the first inhabitants got to such a remote place and surrounding areas. For more than a thousand years, Polynesians have called some of the most distant islands in the Pacific Ocean home. Where did they come from, how did they get there and how did a group of people conquer the largest ocean in the world a thousand years ago? It’s one of the greatest mysteries ever. Our guest this week, who has familial roots to the area, set out to understand more. Christina Thompson is editor of Harvard Review and author of “Sea People: The Puzzle of Polynesia.” She joins WITHpod to discuss what drew her to this story, what makes this mystery so complex, the impact of the arrival of European explorers, the limits of our understanding and more.