Decoder with Nilay Patel

Megan Rapinoe, co-captain of the US Women's National Soccer Team, is a fierce advocate for equal pay and a celebrated athlete. In this conversation, she shares the source of her confidence and her iconic celebration pose. She discusses the challenges faced by women's soccer and the ongoing fight for recognition and investment. Rapinoe dives into her clothing brand Re-inc, emphasizing gender expression in fashion. With candid reflections on resilience and her journey, she inspires by urging support for women's sports and considering a future in political leadership.

Steve Huffman, Co-founder and CEO of Reddit, discusses his journey from co-founding the platform to navigating its challenges after returning in 2015. He shares insights on Reddit's evolution, the delicate balance between free speech and content moderation, and the complexities of managing controversial communities like /r/The_Donald. Huffman also addresses tech biases, the role of AI in shaping discussions, and the importance of community involvement in creating a respectful online environment, all while contemplating the future of digital engagement.

Katrina Lake, Founder and CEO of Stitch Fix, shares her inspiring journey as a female tech leader. She discusses the rarity of women in executive roles, the challenges of raising venture capital, and the evolution of personal styling services. Lake delves into Stitch Fix's unique approach to integrating technology with fashion, the importance of understanding customer preferences, and the future of retail without physical stores. She also reflects on lessons learned, mistakes made, and the balance of authenticity in leadership.

Adam Schiff, U.S. Congressman and chair of the House Intelligence Committee, dives into pressing tech policy issues, particularly around the 2020 election and deepfake threats. He discusses the urgent need for tech regulation and the responsibility of platforms like Facebook and Google in combating misinformation. Schiff shares insights on Russian interference, the evolving political landscape since the Democrats gained a majority, and what he views as the greatest intelligence threats to the U.S. His candid thoughts on restoring political norms are both timely and crucial.

Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and founder of Venture for America, shares his bold vision for the country, spotlighting his Freedom Dividend proposal for universal basic income. He tackles the challenges of convincing skeptics about UBI and emphasizes the looming threat of job automation. Yang also critiques the current political landscape, addresses climate change, and discusses the need for a human-centered economy. His candid insights on social media's role in politics and the urgent call for data privacy regulations make for a thought-provoking conversation.

Michael Bennet, Senior U.S. Senator from Colorado, discusses the intersection of social media and politics, reflecting on his 2020 presidential run. He highlights the racial education gap in Denver schools and advocates for significant reforms in the public education system to boost innovation. Bennet also voices concerns about the influence of big tech on democracy, the need for regulatory changes, and the impact of Russian disinformation on American politics. He believes in a hopeful vision for a new administration that prioritizes universal health care and economic equality.

Pete Buttigieg, the former presidential candidate and mayor of South Bend, Indiana, discusses tackling systemic racism with his ambitious Douglass Plan. He talks about engaging black women voters and appealing to disenchanted Trump supporters. Buttigieg highlights key issues like climate change, gig worker rights, and the need for tech regulations. He shares personal insights on being openly gay in the military and emphasizes the importance of a political vision inspired by leaders like Abraham Lincoln.

Former Harley-Davidson CEO Matthew Levatich reveals the impact of trade wars and tariffs on the motorcycle industry. He discusses the company's shift towards electric bikes, showcasing a live demo of their first electric model. Levatich explains the challenges of maintaining U.S. manufacturing expertise and balancing tradition with innovation. He also explores the emerging scooter market and how Harley's omnichannel strategy adapts to changing consumer behaviors while addressing sustainability in transportation.

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.