Radio Atlantic

Olga Khazan, a staff writer and author of 'Me, But Better,' undertook a bold experiment to change her personality, aiming to become more likable. She shares her intense journey through activities like improv and meditation, ultimately striving for greater extroversion while grappling with her own neuroticism. Additionally, she discusses the significant impact of motherhood on her personality transformation. Khazan's insights reveal the potential for personal growth amidst life's challenges, making for a refreshing conversation about self-improvement.

Tom Nichols, a seasoned military analyst and staff writer for The Atlantic, explores the implications of a politically charged military parade. He discusses how Trump’s tactics might be shaping public perception of the military and the dangers of politicizing its role. Nichols addresses the complexities of deploying troops to LA during protests, unveiling the tensions in federal-state relations. The conversation also highlights how such crises may be engineered to influence civic engagement, urging the importance of active participation in democracy.

Helen Lewis, an Atlantic staff writer and author of The Genius Myth, delves into Elon Musk's reputation downfall. She discusses how he alienated both environmentalists and Trump supporters. The conversation explores the historical relationship between society and the idea of 'genius,' linking figures like Musk to Edison. Highlights include the dangers of self-identifying as a genius and the societal implications of genius narratives, particularly regarding gender. Lewis also contemplates Musk's potential paths forward amid public controversy.

Tamir Pardo, the former head of Mossad from 2011 to 2016, shares his critical views on the ongoing war in Gaza, calling it a ‘useless’ endeavor. He emphasizes the urgent need for diplomacy over military action amid rising public dissent. Pardo discusses the losses endured and the importance of prioritizing the return of hostages. He also reflects on the broader implications of military strategies, urging a reassessment of Israel’s approach to conflict resolution and healing in society.

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.