Decoder with Nilay Patel

Taffy Brodesser-Akner, a celebrated writer for the New York Times Magazine and author of the novel "Fleishman Is in Trouble," dives deep into her creative process. She shares insights on crafting compelling celebrity profiles and critiques wellness culture through her experiences with figures like Gwyneth Paltrow. The conversation also explores the evolution of modern relationships, the duality of motherhood, and the tension between fiction and reality, punctuated with her engaging anecdotes and advice for aspiring writers.

Carole Cadwalladr, an investigative reporter for The Guardian known for exposing the Cambridge Analytica scandal, discusses the intersection of tech and democracy. She highlights the alarming rise of political disinformation and the 'cancer' of far-right misinformation. Cadwalladr shares insights from her encounters with whistleblower Christopher Wylie and critiques Google's lack of accountability. With a focus on the implications of social media in political campaigns, she advocates for stronger press accountability and reflects on the precarious state of journalism today.

Eric Ries, founder of the Long-Term Stock Exchange and author of "The Lean Startup," engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ezra Klein from Vox. They explore the recent SEC approval of the LTSE and its mission to reshape public markets towards long-term sustainability. Ries discusses the cultural shift needed to prioritize long-term value over short-term gains, the role of corporate accountability, and how companies can better engage with all stakeholders. They also delve into the potential penalties for short-term investors and the future of innovation in a more patient investment climate.

Natasha Lyonne, the talented actress and co-creator of 'Russian Doll,' teams up with Cindy Holland, Netflix's VP of Original Content. They discuss the creative process behind 'Russian Doll,' highlighting its unique blend of personal experience and existential themes. Cindy shares insights on Netflix's innovative programming strategies and how they've revolutionized traditional storytelling. They also touch on audience engagement challenges, the dissolution of content barriers, and the balancing act between creative integrity and viewer preferences.

Raj Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, confronts pressing issues like rising inequality and the scrutiny of wealthy philanthropies. He questions the effectiveness of opportunity zones and urges billionaires to commit to social betterment. Meanwhile, David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, reflects on the post-financial crisis evolution of finance, tech IPO trends, and partnerships, like Apple’s credit card. He also discusses the implications of China's economic power and calls for diversity in the finance sector.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, shares insights into the state of the aviation industry, addressing the impact of the Boeing 737 Max crashes. He discusses innovative trends like facial recognition for tickets and RFID bag tracking. Bastian highlights Delta's investment in alternative fuels to tackle climate change while navigating the complexities of corporate activism on social issues. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of employee welfare, detailing significant pay increases and the evolution of Delta's loyalty program to better serve customers.

Joi Ito, Director of the MIT Media Lab, shares insights on the intersection of technology and society. He discusses the phenomenon of surveillance capitalism and its exploitation of user data. Ito critiques how tech often oversimplifies complex societal problems while emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in innovations like AI and CRISPR. He also reflects on the importance of integrating liberal arts into tech education and highlights the role of young tech workers in reshaping industry values for a more responsible future.

Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, shares insights about privacy shifts and the platform's future. Andrew Bosworth sheds light on Facebook's hardware developments and its evolving privacy strategies. Former Googler Jessica Powell discusses tech decision-making complexities, while Nicole Wong offers insider perspectives on industry dynamics. Antonio García-Martínez, a former Facebook employee, highlights the potential for antitrust action and critiques the company’s practices. Together, they explore the intersection of technology, user engagement, and the responsibilities of social media.

Stacey Abrams, a prominent Georgia politician and founder of Fair Fight Action, joins forces with CEO Lauren Groh-Wargo, her former campaign manager. They delve into the nuances of voter rights, highlighting the challenges marginalized communities face. The discussion tackles the implications of voter suppression across party lines and the urgency of grassroots advocacy. They also discuss the complexities of political change in Georgia, identity politics, and the impact of technology on voter engagement. Their insights make it clear: democracy requires ongoing effort and vigilance.

Jonathan Ryan, CEO of RAICES, and Erika Andiola, Chief Advocacy Officer, shine a light on the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. They discuss the harsh realities faced by asylum seekers and the ethical responsibilities of tech companies complicit in immigration enforcement. The duo argues for a compassionate approach and emphasizes the need for reform in the immigration system. They also tackle the damaging role of local police collaboration with ICE, advocating for sanctuary cities to protect vulnerable communities. Their insights invite critical reflection on systemic injustices.