The Excerpt

Coltan Scrivner, a psychologist from Arizona State University and author focused on morbid curiosity, dives into our attraction to dark content. He reveals how horror and true crime connect to survival instincts, fostering resilience against fear. Scrivner discusses the evolutionary roots of this curiosity, likening it to gazelles' vigilance in the wild. Surprisingly, he shares research showing that fans of horror can exhibit heightened empathy. The conversation also touches on how digital media influences our fascination with darkness and the need for balance in consumption.

Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and education activist, shares her journey of resilience and self-discovery. She discusses her transformative years at Oxford, where she embraced a sense of normalcy and friendship. Balancing studies and global advocacy proved challenging, leading to moments of vulnerability. Malala opens up about her struggles with mental health, including confronting PTSD and beginning therapy. She also reflects on her role as an unofficial relationship mediator among friends and highlights the importance of education and therapy for girls in conflict zones.

Joined by Zach Schermele, a USA TODAY Congress reporter, the discussion dives into the ongoing government shutdown, now nearing a record length. Zach explains the gridlock between parties and pinpoints Obamacare subsidies as a key negotiation hurdle. He highlights how daily life for millions is disrupted, from flight delays due to unpaid air traffic controllers to looming hunger crises as SNAP funding runs short. With federal workers facing layoffs and uncertainty around military pay, Zach emphasizes that urgent decisions may be on the horizon.

Daniel de Visé, a personal finance reporter for USA TODAY, dives into the whirlwind of the stock market. He analyzes how AI-powered tech giants are propelling record highs and whether this mirrors past market bubbles. Daniel explains the CAPE ratio, suggesting current stock valuations might be overstated. He discusses the implications of a potential bubble, contrasting today's market with the dot-com boom. Listeners also hear about the surge in money market funds as a hedge against volatility, plus practical strategies for navigating this uncertain terrain.

Mark Giannotto, a sports reporter for USA TODAY, dives deep into a sensational gambling scandal involving the NBA and organized crime. He reveals the shocking indictments against over thirty people, including NBA figures like Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones, tied to rigged poker games. The alleged use of sophisticated cheating technologies, along with mafia connections, adds layers to this unfolding saga. Giannotto also discusses potential impacts on the NBA's integrity and the murky motivations behind players' involvement in these schemes.

Rachel Hale, a Mental Health reporting fellow at USA TODAY, shares her eye-opening experience at Camp Social, an adult sleepaway camp designed for adults seeking connection. She discusses the unique atmosphere of these retreats, where 99% arrive solo and leave with friends. Rachel explores the nostalgic pull of childhood camps, the demographics of attendees, and the health implications of loneliness. Her adventure includes thrilling activities like cold plunges and archery, highlighting the potential for forming lasting friendships in a fun, supportive environment.

In this discussion, Daniel Costa, a labor and immigration policy expert from the Economic Policy Institute, dives into recent changes to the H-1B visa program. He highlights a new $100,000 application fee and its potential effects on the U.S. tech sector. Costa explains how this could shrink the talent pool and possibly hinder innovation. He also explores the link between H-1B misuse and high unemployment among computer science graduates, advocating for policy reforms like better wage requirements and green-card pathways.

Martin West, Academic Dean at Harvard Graduate School of Education and researcher on student achievement, sheds light on alarming trends in U.S. education. He discusses how students' dwindling reading and math scores predate the pandemic and the potential distractions of technology and social media. West also explores the faster decline of girls' scores and emphasizes the need for political accountability in education policy. He warns that these educational failures pose long-term risks to economic success and the nation's global standing.

Nancy Armour, a USA TODAY sports columnist and expert in basketball culture, joins Cydney Henderson to discuss the intricate dynamics surrounding the WNBA's contract negotiations. They explore the pressing issues that could lead to a season cancellation and how players might adapt. From minimal impacts on attendance due to star injuries to the uncertain futures of new expansion teams, the conversation dives into potential alternatives for players if a season is delayed. They also reflect on memorable moments from the past season and predict the WNBA's promising future.

Join Sarah D. Wire, a seasoned political reporter at USA TODAY, as she discusses the pivotal California Proposition 50 election. Voters are frustrated and eager to push back against political tides, and Sarah delves into its national implications. She highlights the high stakes of the $283 million election, the lineup of supporters and detractors—including celebrities and Trump—along with the differences in redistricting approaches between California and Texas. Voters voice their hopes and concerns about representation in this charged political landscape.