Decoder with Nilay Patel

Jill Lepore, a Harvard history professor and New Yorker staff writer, dives into the quest for truth in her new podcast, The Last Archive. She discusses the importance of addressing America's complex history, especially in light of recent social movements. Lepore critiques traditional narratives of American history, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach. The conversation also explores the interplay between technology, data, and social justice, revealing how these elements shape modern understanding. Plus, she speculates on the legacy of 2020 from a historian's perspective.

Bart Gellman, an award-winning journalist and author of 'Dark Mirror,' shares his insights on Edward Snowden and the American surveillance state. He recounts his journey connecting with Snowden before the famous leaks, revealing the enormity of the U.S. government's digital surveillance. Gellman discusses the lasting impact of these revelations on privacy and the tech industry, emphasizing that concerns over data collection remain critical. He also argues that debates on Snowden's loyalty distract from essential discussions on individual rights and technology's role in society.

In this engaging conversation, Andy Puddicombe, co-founder of Headspace, shares insights on meditation and strategies for better sleep during stressful times. Robin Arzon, VP of fitness programming at Peloton, discusses how to stay fit and focused while exercising at home, emphasizing control over what you can manage. Spiritual thought leader Marianne Williamson reflects on the 'great reckoning' in America, linking personal healing to systemic change. Together, they explore the intersection of mental health, fitness, and societal transformation.

Frances Frei, a Harvard Business School professor renowned for her expertise in leadership and organizational culture, engages in a lively discussion with Kara Swisher. They delve into her new book on empowering leadership, tackling the systemic challenges faced by women and people of color in corporate settings. Frei shares insights from her experiences at Uber and WeWork, emphasizing the need for unapologetic leadership. The conversation also reflects on the moral responsibility of CEOs in promoting ethical workplace cultures amid evolving societal expectations.

Daniel Schreiber, CEO and co-founder of Lemonade, revolutionizes the insurance industry with AI-driven solutions. He discusses how Lemonade allocates customer premiums for COVID-19 relief and the company's push for transparency and community support. Schreiber emphasizes the importance of ethics in business, comparing his approach to Ulysses’ wisdom instead of Zuckerberg’s pitfalls. He also shares insights on automation in insurance and the necessity of fostering trust amid changing consumer demands.

Jon Mooallem, a writer-at-large for the New York Times Magazine and author of 'This Is Chance!', delves into the 1964 Alaska earthquake and the vital role of radio journalist Genie Chance in uniting the community. He discusses the significance of resilience during crises and draws parallels between Anchorage's recovery and today's responses to COVID-19. The conversation also explores the evolution of storytelling and the challenges of communicating during emergencies in a digital age, emphasizing the power of trusted voices in times of chaos.

Phil Howard, director of the Oxford Internet Institute and author of Lie Machines, teams up with Emily Bell, director of Columbia University's Tow Center for Digital Journalism, to delve into the troubling rise of disinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. They dissect the viral conspiracy theories like 'Plandemic' and the shifting narrative around public figures like Bill Gates. The duo also critiques big tech’s efforts, particularly Facebook’s struggles with misinformation, highlighting the urgent need for better management and regulation in the digital landscape.

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber and former Expedia leader, dives into Uber's bold adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic. He reveals how UberEats boomed while ride-sharing plummeted, alongside the challenges of recent layoffs. Khosrowshahi discusses the controversies surrounding delivery fees for restaurants and hints at potential acquisitions like GrubHub. He also touches on the evolving gig economy, advocating for better protections for workers, and explores how urban mobility trends may shift as travel preferences change.

Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, shares insights on leading his company through the pandemic's hurdles. He discusses returning to Airbnb's roots and the shift toward smaller destinations as remote work flourishes. Chesky reflects on the compassionate handling of layoffs, emphasizing generous severance packages and support for affected employees. He defends raising $2 billion in debt during tough times and ponders how the future of travel will evolve with a less centralized workforce. Plus, he's got a humorous pitch for why 'Pittsburgh is the new Paris!'

Gene Sperling, former economic advisor to Presidents Clinton and Obama, dives into the pressing issues of economic dignity and essential labor during the pandemic. He discusses the need for laws protecting gig workers and critiques the federal response to COVID-19. Sperling shares insights on the moral obligation to support essential workers and calls for antitrust action against Big Tech, particularly companies like Facebook. His perspective sheds light on the intertwining of health and economic recovery, advocating for inclusive policies that prioritize worker dignity.