Decoder with Nilay Patel

Join MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle, a former investment banker turned media powerhouse, as she dives deep into the issues we often overlook. Ruhle candidly discusses the overlooked Trump voters and urges Wall Street to confront its fears regarding Elizabeth Warren. She reflects on her unusual career path, critiques media narratives on economic recovery, and tackles the implications of social media. Plus, Ruhle highlights the vital need for honest discussions about gender dynamics and calls for accountability from tech giants. A refreshing take on today's pressing issues!

Stephanie Parker, a policy specialist and Google walkout co-organizer, shares insights on organizing within tech giants. Meredith Whittaker, co-director at the AI Now Institute, discusses the impact and aftermath of the walkout. Claire Stapleton opens up about facing retaliation post-protest. Nicole Moore, a part-time Lyft driver, highlights gig workers' challenges for rights, while Ben Gwin, a union leader, talks about the struggles for contractor protections. Together, they emphasize the ongoing fight for equity and systemic change in the tech industry.

Edward Snowden, the former NSA contractor and whistleblower, shares his transformative journey from government patriot to privacy advocate. He discusses his motivations for leaking classified info in 2013 and the mislabeling of whistleblowers versus leakers. Snowden critiques the evolution of the internet into a space dominated by surveillance capitalism and warns against the dangers of government overreach. He also highlights the essential role of journalism in holding power accountable and the importance of protecting personal digital rights.

Ben Horowitz, co-founder of the influential venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, dives into tech's evolving landscape and company culture. He discusses the ramifications of SoftBank's massive Vision Fund and why he's skeptical about investing in social or mobile startups today. Horowitz shares insights on Uber’s cultural missteps and highlights the importance of authenticity in workplace values. He emphasizes the need for true inclusivity in tech and critiques superficial diversity initiatives, advocating for meaningful change in company culture.

Bill Kristol, a conservative analyst and director of Defending Democracy Together, discusses the current political crisis with insights on the impeachment efforts against Trump. He warns of a 'crisis of truth' fueled by media and social platforms, stressing the need for election integrity ahead of 2020. Kristol suggests that Trumpism may persist beyond Trump, raising concerns for future elections. He also highlights China's growing technological influence and expresses skepticism about the Republican Party's future viability.

Gary Cohn, former Director of the National Economic Council and ex-chief economic advisor to President Trump, shares insights from his post-administration life. He discusses his investment in a mobile security company focusing on protecting sensitive information and advancing digital wallets. Cohn critiques the overvaluation of companies like WeWork and reassures listeners about the economy's stability despite recession fears. He also reflects on Trump's social media presence and the regulatory challenges facing big tech.

Heidi Schreck, renowned for her play 'What the Constitution Means to Me', digs deep into how the Constitution affects marginalized communities. Sharyn Rothstein and Seema Sueko, creators of 'Right to Be Forgotten', tackle the complexities of online reputation and the rights individuals should have to erase their past misdeeds. Together, they explore the intersection of personal narratives and technological dilemmas, emphasizing storytelling's power in addressing societal issues while considering the evolving nature of communication in the digital age.

Ronan Farrow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of 'Catch and Kill,' joins the conversation to delve into his groundbreaking work exposing sexual abuse in Hollywood. He shares the challenges he faced while revealing the Harvey Weinstein story, shedding light on the powerful efforts to silence victims. Farrow discusses the systemic issues in media organizations that failed to protect women and offers insights into the ongoing struggle for accountability. He also reflects on the Me Too movement and hints at potential adaptations of his compelling book.

Ken Burns, an acclaimed documentarian known for his deep dives into American history, discusses his latest series on country music. He reveals the genre's storytelling power and highlights the significant contributions of women like Dolly Parton. Burns explores the cultural intertwining within country music, emphasizing its diverse influences and emotional depth. He also introduces his online platform Unum, which curates historical narratives, and shares insights on the technological evolution of documentary filmmaking and hints at exciting upcoming projects.

Brittany Kaiser, former business development director at Cambridge Analytica and whistleblower, shares insights from her book, TARGETED. She narrates her journey from supporting Barack Obama's campaign to realizing the dark side of data usage in politics. Kaiser discusses the ethical pitfalls of online campaigning, the implications of Facebook’s data mishandling during the 2016 election, and warns that the 2020 elections could be even worse. She highlights the urgent need for regulatory reforms to protect democracy from misinformation and data exploitation.