Radio Atlantic

Eleanor Mak, the founder of Jilly Bing, aims to empower Asian American children through representation in dolls. She shares her journey and the challenges posed by tariffs that threaten her vision. Martha Gimbel, director of the Budget Lab at Yale, discusses the broader implications of such tariffs on small businesses and consumer choices. The conversation delves into nostalgia, the impact of economic policies on childhood, and the emotional ties we have to the toys that shape our identities.

Annie Lowrey, an Atlantic staff writer focused on the economy and politics, discusses the dramatic shift in Donald Trump's stance on cryptocurrency, revealing potential threats to the financial system. She examines the proposal for a Bitcoin reserve, likening it to oil reserves, and worries about its implications. The volatility and risks of crypto are scrutinized, with parallels drawn to past financial crises. As political attitudes shift, Lowrey warns that without essential regulatory reforms, only a major economic downturn may compel necessary changes to safeguard consumers.

Join Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, who faced Donald Trump in the Oval Office, and Atlantic staff writers Michael Scherer and Ashley Parker, as they unravel Trump's fascinating political journey. They discuss the surprising warmth of their Oval Office encounter despite past insults. The trio delves into Trump's evolving strategies since his time in the political wilderness and how he relishes his second term as a grand adventure. They also touch on the implications of his controversial social media presence and the complexities of engaging with powerful political figures.

Patrick George, Editor in Chief of InsideEVs, dives into the troubling state of Tesla and Elon Musk's evolving challenges. He discusses the stark 71% drop in profits reported by Tesla, reflecting a significant shift in public sentiment from admiration to skepticism. George highlights the fierce competition Tesla faces from emerging players and the struggles in navigating a polarized reputation. He also examines how Musk's ambitious visions clash with the current technological realities, leaving the future of Tesla uncertain.

Sarah McBride is a groundbreaking figure as the first openly trans member of Congress and a passionate advocate for transgender rights. In this engaging conversation, she shares her childhood dreams, including meeting Joe Biden, and reflects on navigating Congress amidst rising anti-trans sentiment. McBride discusses the complexities of representation, challenges of misgendering, and the importance of empathy in advocacy. Highlighting the dichotomy of hope and despair among younger generations, she emphasizes resilience and the critical need for inclusive political action.

Justin Wolford, an economist from the University of Michigan, discusses the recent turmoil in the stock market, sparked by President Trump's tariff announcements. He dives into how a sudden reversal of these tariffs led to a significant market rebound. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between investor sentiment and political decisions, exploring the psychological impacts of such announcements. Wolford also examines the broader implications for economic stability, warning of potential pitfalls for businesses amid growing uncertainty.

Adam Harris, a senior fellow at New America, shares insights on how the Trump administration's policies mirror tactics seen in Hungary under Viktor Orbán. He discusses the rising trend of conservative activists aiming to reshape universities, illustrating how attacks on diversity and academic autonomy are reshaping the educational landscape. Harris also explores the emergence of a conservative elite, highlighting institutions like Hillsdale College as models of patriotic education, and reflects on the implications for democracy in the U.S.

Shane Harris, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the intricacies of classified information and national security. He unpacks a controversial Signal chat revealing sensitive military plans related to Yemen, discussing the implications of such leaks. Harris highlights the administration's contradictions and delves into potential repercussions for officials involved in the breach. The conversation also covers international fallout and allies' skepticism, emphasizing the vulnerabilities faced by U.S. officials and the urgent need for improved security protocols.

Jeffrey Goldberg, the Editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, and Shane Harris, a national security reporter, dive into a bizarre incident where Goldberg ends up in a group text with top Trump administration officials discussing military plans. They dissect the surreal nature of governmental communication failures and the risks of using informal messaging platforms for sensitive discussions. The pair also explore the implications of leaked texts on national security and the chaotic dynamics within the administration, highlighting the importance of confidentiality in government operations.

In this insightful discussion, Katie Wu, a Staff Writer at The Atlantic specializing in science, delves into the looming threat of bird flu amidst growing public health concerns. She highlights the devastating impacts on poultry farms, including the loss of millions of hens and soaring egg prices. Wu emphasizes the U.S.'s inadequate preparedness compared to the COVID response, while exploring the evolving nature of the virus and implications for food safety. The conversation also addresses the vaccine debates, stressing the importance of clear public health messaging to combat misinformation.