KERA's Think

Journalist David Zweig, author of "An Abundance of Caution," discusses the lengthy school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic and their unforeseen impacts. He reveals the misconceptions about COVID-19 risks for children, comparing actual data to public perception. Zweig critiques pandemic responses, highlighting lessons from Italy and the effectiveness of different strategies. He emphasizes the need for evidence-based decision-making and explores how remote learning exacerbated educational inequalities, particularly for disadvantaged students.

Sophie Gilbert, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Girl on Girl," dives into the complexities of early 2000s girl power. She discusses how the era’s empowerment messages were often wrapped in sexualization and consumerism, impacting young women's self-image. The conversation explores the cultural fallout of pornography, the commercialization of feminist ideals in pop, and the influences of music icons like Madonna and Fiona Apple. Gilbert critiques how media narratives shaped female identities, revealing the tension between empowerment and objectification.

Faith Hill, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the pressing issues facing grandparents who are stepping into full-time childcare roles. She discusses the exhaustion that comes with this unexpected 'second shift' and how rising daycare costs are reshaping their golden years. The conversation reveals the emotional and logistical challenges these grandparents face, their struggle to say 'no' to family, and the impact on their own retirement dreams, highlighting a shift in expectations of grandparenting in modern society.

Ed Helms, comedian and actor known for his roles in The Office and The Hangover, dives into history's biggest blunders. He shares the wild story of cats trained as spies in the CIA's Operation Acoustic Kitty, and an absurd Cold War plan to nuke the moon. Helms also discusses the accidental nuclear bomb drop in South Carolina and the ambitious yet flawed Biosphere 2 project. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes humor's role in coping with humanity's mistakes and reflects on our fascination with history's screw-ups.

José Andrés, an Emmy Award-winning chef and humanitarian, shares his journey in using food as a source of hope for those in need. He discusses his dedication to combating hunger and the importance of community involvement in disaster-stricken areas. Listeners will be inspired by his nostalgic reflections on La Boqueria and the evolution of Washington D.C.'s culinary scene in the 90s. Andrés emphasizes finding purpose through self-acceptance and encourages culinary creativity while respecting cultural traditions.

Mary Annette Pember, a national correspondent for ICT News and author of "Medicine River," explores the painful legacy of Indian boarding schools. She discusses how these institutions aimed for forced assimilation, creating generational trauma among Native communities. Pember shares personal stories of hunger and abuse faced by children, highlighting the struggle for identity and cultural reclamation today. The conversation also contrasts U.S. efforts with Canada’s responses to historical injustices, examining the ongoing impacts of the past.

David V. Gioe, a British Academy Global Professor and intelligence expert, dives deep into the evolving landscape of international intelligence sharing. He discusses how recent security breaches, like the Pentagon leak, have eroded trust among allies, posing risks to national security. Gioe highlights the vital role of seasoned leadership in restoring confidence in partnerships. He also explores the complexities of reciprocity in intelligence exchanges and the impact of political communication on global trust dynamics.

The friendly, neighborhood library actually came about by centuries of rebellious acts. Director Dawn Logsdon joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how the public library came to be so ubiquitous in American life— and so loved, and the age-old efforts to limit the books they distribute. The documentary “Free for All: The Public Library” airs on PBS. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Harvey Weinstein is once again in a Manhattan courtroom defending himself against sex crimes charges – allegations that came to light after deep investigative work by New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor. The best-selling co-author of “She Said” joins host Krys Boyd to talk about her work uncovering consequential stories, when she knows a story is ready for print, and what attracts her to stories that hold powerful people to account. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Investigative reporter Adam Entous from The New York Times delves into the U.S. military's clandestine efforts in aiding Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. He reveals the complexities of U.S.-Ukrainian military dynamics and the evolution from skepticism to cooperation. Entous discusses the careful balance of military assistance and intelligence sharing, highlighting frustrations from Ukrainian officials regarding delays. Additionally, the episode features Kharkiv's mayor, who passionately urges Americans to remember his city and its challenges during wartime.