What Happens Next in 6 Minutes

Christine Rosen, author of "The Extinction of Experience," dives into the troubling impact of technology on mental health and well-being. She discusses how smartphones limit meaningful interactions and contribute to the decline of personal connections. Rosen also highlights the challenges remote work poses to workplace culture and mentoring, emphasizing the need for in-person connections. Additionally, she examines the effects of technology on education, advocating for the preservation of critical thinking skills amidst growing digital distractions.

Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead recently in their Santa Fe home. Today I am joined by The What Happens Next Culture Critic Darren Schwartz to evaluate Hackman’s performances in some of his most popular movies. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe

H.W. Brands, a Professor of History and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, explores the intriguing parallels between Andrew Jackson and Donald Trump. He delves into Jackson's transformation of American democracy and his controversial policies, including the Indian Removal Act and the push for expanded democracy. Brands highlights the complexities of Jackson’s legacy, illustrating how historical populism resonates with today’s political landscape. The conversation reveals essential insights into the nature of democracy and the echoes of past leadership styles.

James Danckert is a cognitive neuroscientist and a Professor of Psychology at the University of Waterloo. James is the co-author of the book Out of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom. I want to learn from James about the relationship between boredom and personal agency. And I want to discuss how using new technologies like the smartphone to alleviate boredom might be problematic.  Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe

Nicholas Griffin is the author of a Year of Dangerous Days. Miami was not the beautiful and successful metropolitan city that it is now 45 years ago. I want to find out from Nick why the Columbians used Miami as their US entry point for distributing cocaine and why that resulted in so much violence. I want to learn about what caused a massive race riot in Miami that led to the burning of over 200 buildings. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe

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.