David Leonhardt, a New York Times columnist known for his sharp economic insights, joins the discussion on the widening gap between American prosperity and citizens' quality of life. He highlights the paradox of economic growth not equating to better well-being, addressing social isolation and income inequality. The conversation also touches on the interplay of influential political figures and their rapidly shifting governance, alongside contentious immigration policies and their broader implications on the economy and society.

Jonathan Rauch, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of "Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy," joins the discussion. He delves into the relationship between evangelical communities and politics, exploring the emergence of a 'Church of Fear.' The conversation also touches on the implications of AI advancements, specifically China's DeepSeek technology, and its impact on competition in the market. Additionally, the chaos surrounding federal funding freezes under the Trump administration is critically analyzed, highlighting its effects on vital programs.

The hosts dive into Trump's executive orders on immigration and the federal workforce, exploring their implications. They discuss the significance of recent pardons related to January 6th and the political fallout. The complexity of presidential pardons is examined, alongside the evolving symbolism of inaugurations and their impact on political leadership. A fascinating side discussion covers animal rights in a Colorado zoo, tying in ecological themes. It's a whirlwind of political insights and surprising connections!

Emily Bazelon talks with author Yael van der Wouden about her debut novel, The Safekeep. They discuss why Yael chose a queer love story, how Yael’s own Dutch and Jewish heritage influenced her writing, the history of dispossession after World War II, and more. Tweet us your questions @SlateGabfest or email us at gabfest@slate.com. (Messages could be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)Podcast production by Cheyna Roth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast dives into the Senate confirmation hearings for Trump's Cabinet nominees, examining their qualifications and the political implications. A discussion on the January 6th report reveals tensions around accountability and insurrection charges. The legacy of President Biden is scrutinized, highlighting both achievements and challenges. Personal anecdotes about cheese and humor add a light-hearted touch to the serious political discourse.

Juliette Kayyem, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and author, joins the discussion to unpack the latest twists in Donald Trump's legal saga and the cozy ties between tech magnates Zuckerberg and Musk with politics. She explores the devastating wildfires in LA and the ongoing implications of climate change on disaster response. The conversation also navigates the failures of the legal system and tech companies' ethical lapses, raising questions about accountability and resilience in today's political landscape.

Nick Romeo, a staff writer for The New Yorker focused on American politics, joins the discussion. They dive into Jimmy Carter's complex legacy, examining his humanitarian efforts and moral leadership in contrast to his presidency's challenges. The conversation also addresses the fierce divide within the GOP over immigration and the innovative potential of citizen assemblies in revitalizing democracy. They explore how these assemblies encourage civic engagement and tackle local issues like youth homelessness, emphasizing the importance of diverse representation.

The discussion kicks off with quirky moral dilemmas and hilariously imaginative scenarios about historical figures and animals. A deep dive into historical decisions showcases their effect on modern healthcare, particularly reproductive rights. The hosts creatively ponder the transformative power of literature on historical events and band identities. They humorously critique education's focus, emphasizing practical skills, and explore unique political systems. Finally, they reflect on parental insights and the contrasting food regulations in the US and EU.

David Greenberg, author of the biography "John Lewis: A Life," shares insights into the life of civil rights icon John Lewis. They discuss Lewis's evolution from a young activist in Alabama to a key figure in Congress, powered by his commitment to non-violence and mentorship from civil rights leaders. Greenberg reveals new documents that shed light on Lewis's moral courage, including his powerful confrontation with President Bush Sr. His story highlights lasting impacts on social justice and modern activism.

Julie Huygen, a researcher for the Slate Political Gabfest and former national security lawyer, dives into pressing topics. She unpacks the surrender of House Republicans during the government shutdown and analyzes the complex intersection of media and politics, particularly under Trump's influence. The discussions also delve into the legal challenges facing TikTok regarding national security and free speech, sparking questions about the future of social media regulation and U.S.-China relations.