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
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.
15 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.
85 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 36min
A Blueprint for Military Takeovers
In this discussion, experts delve into the delicate balance of military involvement in urban law enforcement, especially under President Trump's controversial proposals. They explore legal barriers to deploying the National Guard, highlighting the tensions between federal and state powers. Immigration enforcement's role is also examined, revealing how it impacts local communities. The dialogue critiques the implications of military presence during protests, raising concerns about democracy and authoritarianism in America.
23 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 33min
Peace in Ukraine Is Not a Real-Estate Deal
Vivian Salama, a politics and national security writer, and Anne Applebaum, a seasoned reporter on Russia and Ukraine, unpack the complexities of international diplomacy in the Ukraine conflict. They explore President Zelensky's pivotal visit to the White House amid escalating tensions and dissect the evolving dynamics between Trump and Putin. The conversation dives into the urgent need for effective communication and the shifting alliances affecting U.S.-Russia relations, stressing that peace isn't as simple as a real-estate deal.
31 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 38min
No Easy Fix | 3. A Golden Opportunity
Ethan Brooks, a reporter for The Atlantic, dives deep into the complexities of homelessness and addiction in San Francisco. The discussion highlights the pressing issue of involuntary treatment through the lens of a heartbreaking search for Evan, a missing person grappling with addiction. It critiques the effectiveness of current policies and debates the ethics of forced treatment. Personal stories reveal the emotional toll on loved ones and the struggles between recovery autonomy and the desperate need for help. A powerful exploration of hope amidst despair.
19 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 35min
No Easy Fix | 2. Tolerance
Ethan Brooks, a reporter for The Atlantic, dives deep into the complexities of addiction and recovery in San Francisco. He discusses the city's innovative harm reduction strategies, such as needle exchanges, which have evolved from radical ideas to accepted practices. The conversation explores the challenges posed by opioid addiction, shifting public perceptions, and creative campaigns addressing fentanyl risks. Brooks highlights the critical intersection of personal rights and social justice in the fight against addiction, revealing the stark realities faced by those like Evan in their path to recovery.
24 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 33min
No Easy Fix | 1. Vanishing Point
Ethan Brooks, a reporter for The Atlantic, dives into the heart of San Francisco's homelessness and addiction crisis. He tells the poignant story of Evan, a mechanic battling addiction, who reflects on the city's decline from nurturing to troubled. The discussion highlights contrasting paths of friendship impacted by addiction, the challenges faced by the new mayor in tackling these issues, and the inspiring efforts of individuals striving for connection and recovery. It's a compelling exploration of personal and societal struggles in urban America.
17 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 28min
A New Kind of Family Separation
Nick Miroff, an Atlantic staff writer on immigration, joins Asiya Sarwari, managing attorney at the International Rescue Committee, to dissect the evolving landscape of immigration policies affecting undocumented minors. They discuss the unique challenges faced by unaccompanied minors in immigration courts, emphasizing the trauma and legal hurdles they navigate. The conversation also highlights the critical role of legal representation and the moral imperative to support families seeking asylum against recent restrictive measures that threaten family unity.
74 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 29min
Epstein Conspiracy, or Epstein Conspiracy Theory?
Julie K. Brown, an investigative reporter for the Miami Herald and author of 'Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story', joins to dissect the intricacies of the Epstein case. She reveals the significant implications of Trump's recent decision to withhold government files on Epstein. Brown addresses the blurry lines between fact and fiction surrounding the scandal and debunks myths about the infamous client list. The discussion also highlights the ongoing trauma victims face and critiques the failures of the justice system in bringing justice for those affected.
15 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 31min
Should You Be Having More Babies?
Dean Spears, an economist at UT Austin and co-author of 'After the Spike', dives into the complex conversation surrounding global depopulation. He breaks down how the decision to have children intertwines with political beliefs and societal pressures. Spears highlights the implications of declining birth rates in wealthier countries, advocating for a stable population to ensure future progress. He also discusses the need for equitable gender roles in parenting and explores the emotional landscape new parents navigate amidst these societal changes.
