Eugene Kontorovich is a Professor of Law at George Mason and his father Vladimir Kontorovich is a Professor of Economics at Haverford. Eugene and Vladimir have observed that topics which were forbidden to be discussed can now be debated openly, and that this parallels the Gorbachev-era in the Soviet Union. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe

Nicholas Eberstadt, a leading expert on global demographics, dives into the alarming trend of declining birth rates worldwide. He discusses how this fall impacts various sectors such as business and housing, and even influences warfare strategies. Eberstadt highlights regional differences in family planning influenced by social and economic factors, and the historical context of population replacement. He also examines the challenges faced by women in East Asia, caught between caregiving and personal aspirations amid shifting family dynamics.

John Ellis is the former Dean of the Graduate School at The University of California at Santa Cruz. He is also the author of a new book entitled A Short History of Relations Between Peoples: How the World Began to Move Beyond Tribalism. John will explain why this subject is verboten in American university classrooms, graduate work, and history journals. I want to learn how British imperialism made the world a better place. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe

Vicky Collison recounts her harrowing experiences fighting the Palisades fires, offering a gripping firsthand account of bravery and community collaboration. Gerald Posner dives into public policy failures in fire mitigation, critiquing the impact of Trump's DEI executive order on safety and inclusivity. He discusses the stark decision-making issues faced by officials during wildfires and highlights the emotional toll of evacuation on residents. Together, they explore the urgent need for better preparation and support systems in fire-prone areas.

Ed Glaeser, a Harvard Professor of Economics and author of Triumph of the City, discusses the challenges in rebuilding Los Angeles, particularly the Pacific Palisades after devastating fires. He examines the complexities of zoning laws and the impact of insurance fraud on pricing. Glaeser advocates for innovative redesigns to increase urban density and improve resilience. The conversation highlights the need for effective fire safety regulations and community responsibility, while promoting a pragmatic, compassionate approach to urban recovery and development.

Scott Turow is the author of the newly released courtroom thriller Presumed Guilty and the best selling book Presumed Innocent that was made into a movie and recently into a TV series. I want to learn from Scott about why the jury is biased against the defendant, how race influences the legal strategy, what it costs these days to defend in a murder case, and why you should not take the stand in your own defense.Darren Schwartz is the What Happens Next culture critic. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe

H.W. Brands, a historian and author of "America First: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War," delves into America's historical isolationism before World War II. He highlights the influential debate between Roosevelt and Lindbergh, discussing Lindbergh's arguments for staying out of foreign conflicts. Brands examines how public sentiment shaped foreign policy and reflects on today's political divides. He also makes connections to Trump's America First approach, exploring how past debates influence current foreign policy discussions.

Jim Zelter, co-president of Apollo, shares insights on the booming private credit markets and how they are reshaping corporate financing. He discusses the vital need for long-term capital in building infrastructures like chip factories and energy projects, emphasizing that these shouldn’t rely on short-term bank deposits. Zelter also contrasts American and European banking models and explores the risks and rewards of private credit investments, offering a glimpse into the transformative landscape of finance.

Michael Vickers, former top civilian military intelligence officer under Obama and author of "By All Means Available," shares riveting insights from his career. He discusses the intricate decision-making behind the bin Laden operation, highlighting military and intelligence dynamics. Vickers also challenges enhanced interrogation techniques and their ethical implications. The conversation delves into U.S. cybersecurity vulnerabilities and modern disinformation tactics from global adversaries, offering a thought-provoking look at intelligence in today's world.

Darren Schwartz is the What Happens Next Movie Critic. Darren and I will discuss all aspects of the blockbuster movie Wicked including, the decision to split the movie into two parts, whether the 2-hour 40-minute run time was appropriate, as well as the key casting decisions. We will also debate Wicked’s Oscar chances, compare it to other classic films, and generally cause mayhem. Let’s get started. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe