Radio Atlantic

Join Jocelyn Frank, a producer for Atlantic known for her insights on aviation safety, as she delves into why pilots often forgo vital mental health care. The discussion reveals the unintended consequences of FAA regulations that create barriers to treatment. Hear about the stigma surrounding mental health in the cockpit, the financial burdens pilots face from mandatory medical tests, and the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect both pilots and passengers. Frank’s report uncovers a critical gap in aviation safety that could affect us all.

Eric Garcia, author of 'We're Not Broken' and a political reporter at the Independent, takes a bold stand against myths surrounding autism. He dismantles the false link between vaccines and autism, while challenging the narrative of an 'autism epidemic', attributing rising diagnoses to increased awareness rather than an actual rise in cases. Garcia shares his personal journey as an autistic individual, highlights the importance of combating stigma, and advocates for a better understanding of the diverse needs within the autism community.

Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute and expert in Middle East policy, dives into Trump’s warm relations with Gulf leaders like Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They discuss the implications of Trump's silence on Saudi human rights violations and the unusual Qatar jet gift. Ibish elucidates how this camaraderie could affect U.S. dealings with Israel amid escalating tensions in Gaza, highlighting a potential shift in American foreign policy and regional alliances shaping the future of the Middle East.

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.