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
Mar 14, 2024 • 24min
Inside a Hospital’s Abortion Committee
A maternal-fetal medicine doctor in Tennessee discusses the challenges of managing pregnancies in a state with strict abortion bans. She gives insight into the formation of an 'abortion committee' to determine exceptions post the Dobbs decision. The episode explores ethical dilemmas faced by the committee in complex health cases and the internal struggles of doctors balancing legal constraints and patient care.
Mar 7, 2024 • 23min
The Sound of Cruelty
Sound designer Johnnie Burn discusses creating a soundscape of horrors for 'The Zone of Interest' by collecting real sounds from Europe. Close analysis of key film scenes highlights the impact of sound in conveying cruelty. The podcast delves into the challenges of crafting authentic sounds for Auschwitz and explores the moral weight of portraying real events in film.
Feb 29, 2024 • 32min
The Lost Boys of Big Tech
Tech journalist Kara Swisher shares cringey stories from Silicon Valley's early days, highlighting the idiosyncrasies of tech titans. Her memoir 'Burn Book' reveals insights on powerful figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, shaping the world we live in now.
18 snips
Feb 22, 2024 • 30min
Maybe You Should Quit Therapy
Dr. Richard Friedman discusses the idea of quitting therapy, exploring the emotional complexities of ending treatment and therapy terms influencing everyday language. The podcast delves into the evolving understanding of trauma and therapy, questioning the balance between receiving help and promoting self-reliance.
Feb 15, 2024 • 33min
What If Your Best Friend Is Your Soulmate?
The podcast explores the lost history of friendship and the significance of deep platonic friendships. It discusses the limitations of the term 'best friend' and the challenges faced by individuals in unrecognized deep friendships. The episode also delves into the historical changes in societal perceptions of same-sex friendships and explores the evolving expectations and difficulties in maintaining friendships amidst career priorities and family life.
Feb 8, 2024 • 30min
The Rise of Techno-Authoritarianism
This episode explores the rise of techno-authoritarianism in Silicon Valley, discussing its impact on politics, culture, and democratic values. It delves into the early days of the tech industry, the consequences of technological advancements, and the need for more innovation. The chapter also explores government regulation's role in controlling technology and preserving the value of its use.
Feb 1, 2024 • 28min
The ‘Coward of Broward’ Re-Examined
The podcast discusses the school resource officer who became known as the 'Coward of Broward' during the deadliest high school shooting in U.S. history. It explores the legal consequences he faced and the emotional impact of the trial. The episode also features an interview with a hero who confronted a shooter in a Texas church, highlighting the importance of firearms training. Additionally, the podcast discusses the need for more training for police officers in effective response to active shooter situations. It raises questions about perception of innocence and explores the emotional repercussions for the officer after the trial.
Jan 25, 2024 • 29min
Fatigue Can Wreck You (Redux)
Exploring the severity of fatigue in long COVID and ME, the challenges of understanding and managing this condition, the association between productivity and worth, the importance of pacing for managing fatigue, and improving understanding and support for chronic fatigue conditions
9 snips
Jan 18, 2024 • 31min
The Last Days of the Barcode
Explore the surprising history and impact of barcodes in the grocery business, their role in remaking our consumer habits and appetites, and how they allowed grocers to stock infinite varieties of everything. The podcast also discusses the efficiency and importance of barcodes in modern society, their origins and designs, and the transformative power of QR codes as a replacement.
Jan 11, 2024 • 28min
Nikki Haley Could Surprise Us
Nikki Haley, a potential surprise candidate in the Iowa caucus and Republican primaries, is discussed. The podcast explores the likelihood of her winning the nomination, the impact of the Iowa caucuses, and the potential emergence of alternative candidates. It also examines Nikki Haley's performance in debates, her evolving attitude towards Trump, and the possibility of her becoming Trump's running mate.
