Journalist Zach Harris discusses the world of pro bowling, his personal connection to the sport, and how he tells stories that connect with a wider audience. From skateboarding connections to surprising pitches, the podcast explores the unique journey of a bowling prodigy and the challenges of merging technology, business, and politics in storytelling.

The podcast discusses Rozina Ali's impactful journalistic works, including stories on Afghan women, the Marine adoption case, and the erasure of Islam from Rumi's poetry. Ali reflects on the challenges of reporting on terrorism, civil liberties violations, and navigating identity in journalism. The episode also explores Ali's motivations for complicating narratives on war, conflict, Arabs, and Muslims.

Derek Thompson discusses his passion for solving mysteries in various subjects. From loneliness to the economy, he explores dark corners in society. His shift from a theater actor to an economics reporter showcases his adaptability. He delves into the challenges of making predictions and the complexity of writing a book.

Tessa Hulls discusses her graphic memoir 'Feeding Ghosts,' blending personal and historical narratives in a graphic novel, navigating the creation process, and balancing objectivity and authenticity in documenting personal stories. She also shares insights on political sensitivities in research and the intersection of artistic creation and seasonal breaks.

Author Sloane Crosley discusses her new memoir 'Grief Is for People' and reflects on the sacrifices of sharing personal stories. She touches on the complexities of grief, relationships, and the impact of loss on creativity. The podcast explores themes of writing, obituaries, and personal anecdotes in a humorous yet insightful manner.

Lauren Markham discusses her book on storytelling and journalism, myths in culture, authenticity in reporting. Topics include the migrant crisis in Greece, challenges of writing about familiar subjects, injustice faced by Afghan children, and exploring ancient Greece's influence on modern-day issues.

Managing editor Zoë Schiffer discusses writing 'Extremely Hardcore: Inside Elon Musk’s Twitter,' the challenges of investigative reporting in tech, establishing source relationships, the book writing process, transitioning between platforms, and maintaining balance in a fast-paced industry.

Chris Ryan, editorial director at The Ringer, discusses the challenges of consuming digital content, the appeal of quality production, and the evolution of sports writing and podcasting. He reflects on career changes, balancing personal and professional life, and the importance of creative autonomy in the media industry.

Trauma journalist Patricia Evangelista shares her experiences covering the dark realities of the drug war in the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of centering trauma in reporting. She discusses the challenges of covering stories involving massive trauma and the need to avoid minimizing the pain experienced by the people she interviews. Evangelista also touches on the impact of language manipulation in justifying violence and the profound effect a book can have on resisting autocracy.

Susan Glasser, former editor of Politico and Foreign Policy, talks about her experience covering politics, providing unique perspectives on the political landscape. They discuss the chaos of the Trump era, the events of January 6th, and the state of journalism in today's society.