Decoder with Nilay Patel

Ben Hubbard, Beirut bureau chief for The New York Times and author of "MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed bin Salman," dives into the controversial reign of Saudi Arabia's crown prince. He discusses MBS's unexpected ascendancy, the chilling aftermath of Jamal Khashoggi's murder, and the use of technology in controlling dissent. Hubbard also explores the dynamics of U.S.-Saudi relations under Trump, the implications of ambitious projects like NEOM, and the ongoing challenges of reforming a tightly controlled regime.

Andrew Yang, former 2020 presidential candidate and founder of Humanity Forward, dives into the pressing need for universal basic income, especially during the pandemic. He discusses his plans to send checks to the working poor in NYC and the potential for future government cash distributions. Yang also reflects on his campaign experiences, speculates about a role in a Biden administration, and underscores the urgent need for bold economic reforms. He emphasizes the need for a dedicated government role in tech governance, highlighting its impact on society.

Join director Andrew Rossi, known for his insightful documentary work, alongside Brian Stelter, CNN's chief media correspondent, and co-producer Adam McGill as they dive into the world's struggle with disinformation. They unravel the Pizzagate conspiracy's origins and discuss how misinformation impacts marginalized communities. Insightful analysis on Russian interference in elections, the emotional toll on victims, and the blurred lines around 'fake news' reveal the profound effects of social media. Their call for media literacy underscores an urgent need for solutions to combat the chaos.

Maggie Haberman, the White House correspondent for the New York Times, delves into the chaotic political landscape during the coronavirus outbreak. She discusses Trump's controversial response and the growing trust issues affecting his credibility. The conversation touches on the contrasting management styles of state leaders versus the federal approach, as well as the crucial role of public health experts like Dr. Fauci. Haberman also explores the implications for Trump's re-election campaign amidst these crises, revealing the internal dynamics of the White House during turbulent times.

Ron Klain, former White House Ebola Response Coordinator and co-host of the Epidemic podcast, dives into the intricacies of the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses how Trump's downplaying affected public trust and the gig economy's struggle. Klain explains the limited effectiveness of travel bans and the healthcare system's imminent strain. He also reflects on Biden's campaign successes amid his verbal missteps, asserting the need for transparency in public health communication and the lessons learned from past epidemics.

Dr. Lloyd Minor, the Dean of Stanford University's School of Medicine, sheds light on the COVID-19 response and his book on precision health. He advocates for individualized care across the U.S. healthcare system and argues for universal health insurance. The conversation dives into how technology, like smart mirrors, could transform health monitoring and the ethics around medical data privacy. Minor emphasizes the need for preventive health measures and the pioneers in tech changing healthcare access for all.

In this engaging discussion, Mark Lemley, a Stanford Law professor specializing in tech and innovation, dives deep into Silicon Valley's obsession with startup acquisitions over IPOs. He argues that this trend stifles creativity and competition, raising critical points about antitrust issues facing tech monopolies. Lemley also explores potential legal challenges in emerging fields like robotics and autonomous vehicles. Delving into the future of independent companies, he questions whether they can remain innovative after being acquired by giants like Google or Facebook.

Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox, and Jesse Levinson, CTO and co-founder, dive into the future of autonomous vehicles. Evans shares how she transitioned from Intel to Zoox after a pivotal leadership change. They discuss their innovative design for a fully autonomous robo-taxi aimed at urban ride-sharing, intentionally avoiding pitfalls like the Uber Pool problem. The duo also tackles the significant funding challenges in the competitive auto industry and explores how Zoox plans to revolutionize urban mobility with safety and efficiency in mind.

Dan Pfeiffer, co-host of Pod Save America and former senior advisor to President Obama, discusses his new book, Un-Trumping America. He talks about the drastic changes in the Republican Party since Trump’s presidency and why simply defeating him won't fix deeper issues. Pfeiffer reflects on how Democrats can effectively engage younger voters and navigate a digital landscape that favors conservative narratives. He also shares insights on the political strategies needed to revive democracy and the impact of social media on today’s electoral dynamics.

Jason Calacanis, CEO and co-founder of Inside, and host of This Week in Startups, shares his insights on the tech landscape. He discusses Uber’s struggles post-IPO and suggests a tech giant should buy Tesla. Calacanis critiques tech journalism and argues for a ban on TikTok despite a potential American spin-off. He also expresses concerns about billionaire accountability and calls for compassion within capitalism, emphasizing the need for empathy in the growing influence of tech firms.