Radio Atlantic
The Atlantic
The Atlantic has long been known as an ideas-driven magazine. Now we’re bringing that same ethos to audio. Like the magazine, the show will “road test” the big ideas that both drive the news and shape our culture. Through conversations—and sometimes sharp debates—with the most insightful thinkers and writers on topics of the day, Radio Atlantic will complicate overly simplistic views. It will cut through the noise with clarifying, personal narratives. It will, hopefully, help listeners make up their own mind about certain ideas.The national conversation right now can be chaotic, reckless, and stuck. Radio Atlantic aims to bring some order to our thinking—and encourage listeners to be purposeful about how they unstick their mind.
Episodes
Mentioned books
50 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 35min
18 Minutes From Nuclear Annihilation
Screenwriter Noah Oppenheim, known for "A House of Dynamite," and Tom Nichols, a national-security expert, dive into the nail-biting reality of nuclear command decisions. They discuss the terrifying 18-minute time frame for U.S. presidents in crises, emphasizing human fallibility amid rehearsed procedures. Nichols warns of irrational leaders exacerbating risks, while Oppenheim highlights the film's portrayal of rational decision-makers to showcase systemic flaws. They also touch on the current state of nuclear proliferation and the need for public engagement to reduce the threat.
29 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 35min
If the Voting Rights Act Falls
Vann Newkirk, a staff writer at Atlantic focusing on voting rights, and Stacey Abrams, a renowned voting rights activist and former Georgia governor candidate, dive deep into the implications of the Supreme Court's recent discussions on the Voting Rights Act. They explore how dismantling Section 2 could lead to racially discriminatory redistricting and erosion of democracy. Stacey warns this could endanger minority representation and sees it as part of a broader trend against civil rights. Both highlight urgent calls for action to safeguard voting rights.
39 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 29min
Saudi Arabia Gets the Last Laugh
Helen Lewis, an Atlantic staff writer who attended the Riyadh Comedy Festival, shares firsthand observations of this cultural event. Vivian Salama, also from the Atlantic, provides insights on Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, elaborating on the kingdom's efforts to modernize and attract tourism while grappling with its controversial past, including the Khashoggi murder. The discussion dives into comedy's potential to incite social change amidst censorship, the festival's atmosphere, and contrasting reactions from performers on the moral implications of participating.
53 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 41min
Weaponizing the Justice Department
Quinta Jurecic, an Atlantic staff writer known for her insights into legal matters, teams up with Benjamin Wittes, editor in chief of Lawfare, to delve into the current weaponization of the Justice Department. They examine how the Trump administration may exploit DOJ norms to target political enemies. The discussion covers the implications of indictments, the breakdown of post-Watergate reforms, and potential threats to less-protected individuals. They also explore the chilling effects of executive directives and the role of civil society in counteracting potential abuses.
Sep 25, 2025 • 41min
An American Education | 2. Testing Teachers for 'Wokeness'
Ryan Walters, Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction, shares his controversial approach to education, including a new ideological 'purity test' for teachers. He criticizes the inclusion of perceived left-wing materials in schools, claiming it hinders education. Walters also defends the emphasis on teaching American exceptionalism and navigating recent political tensions. Two Oklahoma teachers, facing censorship and personal dilemmas, offer contrasting perspectives on adapting to the new standards and the emotional toll it takes on their careers.
29 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 41min
Live from The Atlantic Festival: ‘2026 Is the Battlefield’
Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer-finalist staff writer and scholar on authoritarianism, and Garry Kasparov, a former world chess champion and democracy advocate, delve into urgent political issues. They discuss the pressing significance of the upcoming midterms, with Kasparov warning that losing the House could make 2028 a mere formality. They also highlight the dangers of modern censorship and the subtle manipulations of electoral processes by autocrats. Furthermore, they explore how U.S. instability impacts global alliances, particularly with authoritarian regimes.
41 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 22min
David Letterman on the Threats to Late-Night Hosts
David Letterman, the iconic late-night host known for his political comedy, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with editor Jeffrey Goldberg. He addresses the recent suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show as a grave threat to free speech. Letterman critiques the pressure from the FCC, reflecting on how he has navigated such challenges over the decades. He warns about the dangers of 'managed media' and authoritarianism, emphasizing the necessity for comedy's independence and the importance of defending constitutional norms in today's landscape.
9 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 45min
An American Education | 1. Is Oklahoma Breaking Public Schools?
Summer Buamier, a former Oklahoma public school teacher, shares her tumultuous experience with Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters' controversial policies. She discusses her efforts to defend her classroom library against new restrictive laws, including a public cry against perceived censorship. The conversation highlights her classroom's transformation amid a broader cultural battle over education, with Walters pushing for biblical teachings and an ideology test for teachers, raising concerns about academic freedom and the true intent of public education.
9 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 33min
Rupert Murdoch Gets His Succession Finale
McKay Coppins, a staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the dramatic conclusion of the Murdoch family saga—a real-life version of Succession. He explores the intense rivalries among Rupert Murdoch's children, focusing on Lachlan's conservative ascension as heir. Coppins shares insights into the familial tensions exacerbated by media ambitions and legal struggles. The conversation highlights the implications of Lachlan's rise for the future of the Murdoch media empire, and the personal costs that come with blending family and business.
23 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 30min
Welcome to the Vaccine Free-for-All
Katie Wu, a science writer at The Atlantic, delves into the chaotic landscape of vaccine politics as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. disrupts national vaccine policies. She discusses how states like California and Oregon are rallying for unified vaccine approaches, while Florida's shocking reversal of mandates ignites controversy. The conversation reveals the uphill battle to restore public trust in vaccines and the fragmented infrastructure still grappling with political influences. Wu emphasizes the need for clear, evidence-based practices in a turbulent health environment.
