What Happens Next in 6 Minutes

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

Craig Symonds is a Maritime History Professor at the US Naval Academy and the author of the book Nimitz at War. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe

Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, discusses the themes from his novel set during World War II, particularly focusing on the Pacific War. He dives into the vital role of junior officers in shaping military leadership and the moral dilemmas they confront. Stavridis emphasizes the strategic significance of geography in naval warfare, contrasting Chinese and American naval experiences. He also highlights India's democratic vitality, technological advancements, and the importance of women's empowerment in shaping the future.

Our speaker is Trump’s former National Security Advisor John Bolton. We are going to hear about the next administration’s foreign policy and why Israel should attack Iran’s nuclear facilities before Trump even takes the oath of office. Get full access to What Happens Next in 6 Minutes with Larry Bernstein at www.whathappensnextin6minutes.com/subscribe