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
28 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 35min
Purge Now, Pay Later
Jonathan Chait, a political analyst for The Atlantic, joins Shane Harris, an FBI and national security expert, to dissect the constitutional implications of recent government dismantling. They discuss how executive overreach is reshaping federal authority and the fragile state of governance, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. The conversation delves into Trump's controversial requests related to the FBI's January 6th investigation and highlights the political fallout from drastic budget cuts targeting social welfare programs.
155 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 37min
The War for Your Attention
In this engaging discussion, Chris Hayes, MSNBC host and author of 'The Siren's Call,' delves into the critical issue of attention as a scarce resource. He reveals how modern technology exploits our innate desires, affecting our relationships and emotional well-being. Hayes discusses the deceptive nature of the attention economy and its impact on personal connections, as well as the emotional toll of public scrutiny. He also analyzes how figures like Trump and Musk manipulate attention in politics, prompting a vital conversation about healthier engagement models.
23 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 18min
The Chaos of Blanket Pardons
The podcast dives into the sweeping blanket pardons issued for over 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6 riots. It captures the emotional journeys of families affected by these decisions, showcasing their mixed feelings of relief and societal turmoil. The complexities of justice and accountability are examined through personal stories, reflecting on the broader implications of political violence. Insights into the aftermath reveal fears and resilience, raising critical questions about the potential precedents set by such actions.
27 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 34min
January 6 and the Case for Oblivion
Linda Kintzler, a junior fellow at the Harvard Society of Fellows, dives deep into the complex legal and societal aftermath of January 6, 2021. She theorizes on the role of oblivion in shaping collective memory, complicating the notions of justice and forgiveness. Highlighting historical parallels, Kintzler stresses the importance of narratives in healing a divided nation and questions whether pardons could foster true reconciliation or merely mask deeper issues. Her insights challenge us to reflect on how we remember and confront our political past.
38 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 35min
Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Coalition Starts to Fracture
Ali Breland, an Atlantic staff writer focusing on internet, technology, and politics, joins Rogé Karma, an economics expert also from Atlantic, to explore the cracks forming in Trump's anti-immigrant coalition. They discuss the clash over H-1B visas between Silicon Valley's tech proponents and nativist factions. Breland reveals the internal conflicts, while Karma shares research debunking myths that immigrant labor harms American workers. Together, they delve into the broader economic impacts of immigration and the ideological rifts that could redefine political strategies.
25 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 24min
Me, My Future, and I
Hanna chats with Pat Patronutaporn, a researcher at MIT and writer for Netflix's Tomorrow and I. They dive into the Future You project, exploring the psychological impacts of envisioning one's future self. The discussion touches on how this visualization can shift our priorities and enhance personal growth. Pat highlights the paradox of technology meant to humanize, yet may lead to dehumanization, emphasizing the importance of balance. They also reflect on the power of self-reflection in overcoming past struggles and embracing life's journey.
17 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 23min
The Books We Read in High School (Part 2)
High school books aren't just assignments; they're lifelong companions. The speakers share how classics shaped their personal growth and sparked a passion for literature. J.D. Salinger's 'Franny and Zooey' reveals insights on spirituality and intellect. The nostalgia for youthful pretentiousness and joy in storytelling shines through. From Faulkner to Wharton, these tales forge deeper connections with humanity and reflect the evolution of their readers. Discover how these narratives resonate long after the last bell rings.
33 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 25min
The Books We Read in High School (Part 1)
Rose Horowitch, an Atlantic writer, discusses the declining reading habits of college students, prompted by her reporting on their struggles with full-length books. She examines the impact of distractions like cell phones and standardized tests. Guests share personal reflections on high school literature, highlighting transformative works like Milan Kundera’s 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' and John Donne's poetry. They argue for the enduring value of these readings amidst a changing academic landscape, emphasizing the profound emotional and intellectual growth they inspire.
44 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 33min
“We Live Here Now” and Trump’s Retelling of January 6
As Trump aims to reshape the narrative of January 6, the podcast delves into the personal stories of those affected by that day. The complexities of community dynamics are examined, reflecting on one family's connection to a victim. Emotional encounters with supporters and the impact of conspiracy theories come to light. Narratives of accountability and differing perspectives swirl in a politically charged atmosphere, illustrating how personal connections are tested amid deep divisions.
22 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 41min
How Fragile Is Our Vaccine Infrastructure?
Daniel Engber, an Atlantic science writer, and Arthur Allen, a health journalist and author of "Vaccines: The Controversial Story of Medicine’s Greatest Lifesaver," dive deep into the precarious state of vaccine infrastructure. They discuss the historical roots of anti-vaccine sentiment and its current political amplification. With figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gaining prominence, they explore potential risks to public health policies and vaccine distribution. The conversation underscores the fragility of trust in health institutions amidst rising skepticism and historical context.
