It's Been a Minute

Elaine Castillo, author of 'How to Read Now,' and Abdullah Shihipar, a research associate at Brown University, dive into the alarming decline of reading in America. They discuss how digital distractions monopolize our attention and hinder comprehension. The duo also explores the emotional benefits of reading, from fostering intimacy to the joy it brings amid challenges. Strategies for revitalizing reading habits and fostering a community around literature are shared, highlighting the positive effects reading can have on mental well-being.

Anti-intellectualism is increasingly prevalent, especially within Republican politics. The conversation dives into the backlash faced by an academic after sharing her thesis, highlighting societal divides around knowledge and education. The decline of humanities programs is explored, emphasizing their importance for democracy and civic engagement. Contrasting views on Black education from historical figures showcase ongoing discussions about identity and access to knowledge in today's society.

Carter Sherman, a reproductive health and justice reporter at The Guardian, discusses why Gen Z is having less sex. She highlights how societal shifts, including the Me Too movement and the COVID-19 pandemic, contribute to their anxiety about intimacy. The impact of digital culture and misinformation creates fears around unintended pregnancies and societal judgment. The conversation also examines the complexities of masculinity and the influence of incel and femcel cultures, revealing how these dynamics reflect broader societal issues.

Nathan Lean, a professor of religion at North Carolina State University, joins the discussion to unpack the political implications of Islamophobia in the context of Zohran Mamdani's mayoral candidacy. They explore how both parties weaponize Islamophobia, viewing Muslims through the lens of 'good' versus 'bad.' Lean highlights the historical roots of these biases and the progressive pushback against them. The conversation also touches on the empowering role of younger voters and social media in reshaping narratives around Islamophobia.

Imara Jones, a journalist and founder of TransLash Media, joins the conversation to unpack the alarming connections between figures like Trump and JK Rowling and the roots of transphobia. They delve into the inspiring journey of Sandy Stone, a trailblazer in the music industry who faced backlash for her identity. The discussion also highlights the dangers of anti-trans rhetoric from far-right groups and the ongoing fight for trans rights, emphasizing the critical role of community, representation, and historical context in understanding today's debates.

Jamila Michener, a professor and author, dives into the implications of proposed Medicaid cuts targeting 83 million low-income individuals. She debunks stereotypes about Medicaid recipients, arguing that these misconceptions affect everyone. The discussion highlights the urgent need for Medicaid as essential health insurance, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and seniors. Michener emphasizes that cuts not only jeopardize individual health but also strain community well-being, illustrating the broader ripple effects of health policy on society.

Kelsey McKinney, a writer at Defector Media, and Sarah Hagi, co-host of Scamfluencers, dive into the chaotic world of the latest season of Love Island USA. They explore how the show reflects modern dating woes, criticizing the disconnect between contestants and the lack of genuine romance. The guests discuss the impact of reality TV on viewers' perceptions of love, emphasizing the psychological toll on participants from public scrutiny. Through laughter and insight, they tackle the complex dynamics of attraction and emotional vulnerability in today’s dating scene.

Kelly McEvers, host of NPR's Embedded, dives into Brazil's complex landscape of reproductive health. She shares the inspiring story of grassroots networks empowering women to access safe abortions despite legal obstacles. The conversation highlights the historical struggles of Brazilian feminists during a dictatorship and the impact of Catholicism on women's health. Listeners are also introduced to the grim realities faced by women in Recife seeking unsafe abortions, contrasting that with improved practices that significantly reduced maternal mortality rates.

In this discussion, Max Rivlin-Nadler, a local news site co-publisher, and Christian Paz, a senior politics reporter at Vox, tackle the surprising primary victory of progressive candidate Zohran Mamdani over centrist Andrew Cuomo in New York City. They analyze the rising progressive energy, the generational divides in voter support, and how grassroots movements are reshaping strategies within the Democratic Party. The conversation explores potential parallels to the Republican Tea Party moment and what it could mean for future elections.

Gideon Lewis-Kraus, a staff writer at The New Yorker, joins to discuss the intriguing trend of declining birth rates. He explores how societal fears have shifted from overpopulation to a pressing need for higher fertility. The conversation digs into cultural influences on family size and critiques current pronatalist policies, such as financial incentives. Gideon advocates for a more optimistic view of humanity's future, emphasizing the value of individual creativity and diversity as key components in addressing these demographic challenges.