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
Jul 22, 2024 • 36min
Biden Steps Aside. How Might Harris Step Up?
Staff writers Franklin Foer and Elaina Plott Calabro discuss Biden's shocking announcement to back Kamala Harris for the 2024 Democratic Presidential candidacy. They explore Harris's challenges, communication skills, and potential as a presidential nominee against Donald Trump. The podcast dives into Biden's decision, Harris's policy debates, and the evolution of her political identity.
Jul 18, 2024 • 30min
Trump’s Wholesale Renovation of the Republican Party
Tim Alberta, GOP campaigns chronicler, discusses Republican Party's renovation under Trump. Topics include RNC confidence, Trump's narrative strategy, Christian nationalism impact, and Trump's evolving vulnerabilities and assets.
Jul 15, 2024 • 24min
The Long Simmer of Political Violence in America
Guests Anne Applebaum and Adrienne LaFrance discuss the history and implications of political violence in America, reflecting on recent events like a shooting at a Trump rally and the January 6th insurrection. They explore the normalization of violence, the impact on democracy, and the need to focus on concrete issues rather than identity clashes to prevent further escalations.
Jul 11, 2024 • 31min
A Crisis for Democrats
Staff writers Mark Leibovich and Elaine Godfrey discuss the crisis facing Democrats after Biden's debate performance. They explore the potential consequences for the party's future, criticisms of Biden, and the impact on the election dynamics with Trump.
4 snips
Jul 4, 2024 • 45min
Who Really Benefits From Remote Work?
Labor economist Natalia Emanuel discusses the complexities of remote work based on a study of software engineers. The podcast delves into tradeoffs for employees working remotely or in the office, exploring age, experience, and gender factors. The Great Remote-Work Experiment's success is debated, offering insights on the impact of remote work on productivity, collaboration, and career growth.
Jun 27, 2024 • 28min
Britain’s Conservatives Are About to Lose Big
Rishi Sunak discusses the bleak outlook for Britain's Conservatives in upcoming elections, potential shifts in power dynamics, and lessons for American politics. The podcast analyzes challenges faced by the Conservative Party, transformations in Labour's ideology, and the impact of culture wars and economic challenges in UK politics. It also explores the populist right force, voter inclinations, and common influences on UK and US political contexts.
Jun 20, 2024 • 27min
The Airport Lounge Arms Race
Former Atlantic staff writer Amanda Mull dives into the fascinating history and evolution of airport lounges, from exclusive social spaces to ubiquitous luxury hideaways. She explores the involvement of credit card companies, customer loyalty perks, and the competitive landscape in shaping the modern airport lounge experience.
Jun 13, 2024 • 33min
What Cities Can Teach Us About Life Online
Researcher danah boyd discusses how the challenges of transitioning to city life parallel the struggles of moving online. The podcast explores similarities in social dynamics, privacy, and community building between physical cities and digital spaces. It delves into the concept of civil inattention, Stanley Milgram's research, and the potential for shaping a more constructive future online.
Jun 6, 2024 • 27min
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Homelessness?
Jerusalem Demsas, Atlantic writer and Good on Paper host, discusses the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on homelessness. The podcast explores the criminalization of sleeping in public spaces and the escalation of homelessness since the 1980s. It highlights the impact of rising housing costs on homelessness and challenges prevailing beliefs about the root causes of the issue.
May 30, 2024 • 28min
Is Sasha Velour in Danger?
Sasha Velour discusses taking her drag act to Murfreesboro, TN & Bartlesville, OK. The podcast explores drag culture, legal challenges faced by drag performances, controversy in Murphiesboro, the power of drag shows for acceptance, LGBTQ visibility & safety in communities, and the cultural impact of drag performances.
