Decoder with Nilay Patel

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.

Tech reporter Casey Newton, known for his deep insights into Facebook's moderation, joins Louie Swisher, who reflects on his digital experiences during the pandemic. They dive into the rising influence of tech giants like Facebook and Amazon and discuss the complexities of remote learning. Newton shares the harrowing effects of content moderation on workers, leading to a notable settlement. The conversation also touches on the future of virtual interactions and the ongoing debate over the relevancy of movie theaters in a streaming-dominated world.

Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian, shares his insights on resilience during crises in American history. He discusses his new podcast, highlighting the parallels between past events like the Great Depression and the 1918 flu pandemic with today's challenges. Meacham cautions against viewing history as simpler times, reflecting on the politicization of current issues and its implications for democracy. He also ponders Joe Biden’s potential impact and reveals what he's writing next, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the future of American leadership.

In this engaging chat, Maye Musk, a seasoned model, dietitian, and author, discusses her memoir, offering insights on living beautifully and adventurously. She delves into ageism in modeling, the pitfalls of trendy diets, and her role as a supportive figure to her entrepreneurial children, including Elon Musk. Maye shares personal stories about resilience, adapting to challenges, and the significance of family during tough times. Plus, she contemplates the wild idea of joining Elon on a Mars mission!

Joe Walsh, a former Republican Congressman and author of "F*ck Silence," shares his journey from supporting Trump to challenging him during the 2020 primaries. He describes the Republican Party as a "cult" and discusses the true impact of Trump on future elections. Walsh believes the pandemic is awakening voters to the need for change and predicts a conservative third party led by disillusioned Republicans. He also stresses the importance of Biden selecting a well-known vice presidential candidate to galvanize support in the upcoming election.

Scott Galloway, an NYU professor and co-host of Pivot, shares his insights on the disruptive potential in healthcare and higher education. He discusses his new show on Vice TV, shedding light on media’s evolving landscape, and critiques higher ed elitism while advocating for reforms like abolishing tenure. Galloway also anticipates how COVID-19 will reshape cities and industries, emphasizing the role of big tech in revolutionizing healthcare. The conversation is peppered with humor and personal reflections, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.