KERA's Think

The early 2000s preached “girl power” to the masses — but that often looked like sex and plastic surgery. Sophie Gilbert, staff writer at The Atlantic, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss what coming of age in the early aughts meant for young women in an atmosphere of highly sexualized body image, how porn manifested itself into pop culture, and what society had to say about powerful women. Her book is “Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The difference between top performers and the rest of us can often be traced back to an ability to maximize potential. Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist at the Wharton School, and he joins host Krys Boyd to discuss strategies for Average Joe’s to excel. His book is “Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things.”This episode originally aired, November 13th 2023. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

If A.I. can write a song with just you in mind, will you still be able to share that musical experience with others? Joshua Rothman, a staff writer for The New Yorker, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss what happens to culture when we rely on A.I. to generate visual art or music, what it means for engaging in difficult subjects, and what machine-generated art means for our very human desires. His article is “A.I. Is Coming for Culture.”This episode originally aired October 1st, 2025. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

One thread, often barely acknowledged, always present in violent extremist attacks: misogyny. Cynthia Miller-Idriss is a sociologist and professor in the School of Public Affairs and the School of Education at American University, where she is the founding director of the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL). She joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why we need to confront misogyny head on to prevent future acts of violence, and why attackers so often blame women for their hateful beliefs. Her book is “Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Gilbert Cruz, the editor of the New York Times Book Review, shares his insights on the best fiction and nonfiction of 2025. He explains the criteria for selecting top books and discusses emerging publishing trends, notably the rise of romantic fantasy. Listeners will be intrigued by his takes on diverse titles, from a visceral WWI horror tale to a touching narrative about a marriage tested at sea. Gilbert also highlights the impactful stories behind significant figures and social issues, making this a must-listen for book lovers.

Larissa MacFarquhar, a staff writer for The New Yorker and expert on human behavior, delves into aphantasia, a condition where individuals cannot visualize mental images. She discusses the emotional impact of this inability, from curiosity to profound loss, and its historical obscurity. Larissa reveals how aphantasia affects memory and daily life, including challenges with face recognition and its potential ties to trauma. She also explores increasingly vivid imagery in hyperphantasia and shares insights on the search for treatments, highlighting the variety of human experiences.

Michelle Carr is the director of the Dream Engineering Laboratory and a sleep science expert. In this enlightening conversation, she explores why we dream and the fascinating world of nightmares. Discover the social simulation theory behind common dream themes and the science of sleep paralysis. Learn about lucid dreaming techniques that can help you control nightmares and even enhance creativity. Carr also shares practical tips on dream journaling and the importance of understanding dreams for mental well-being.

Caleb Gayle, a journalist and author, explores the fascinating life of Edward McCabe, who aimed to establish a Black state in Oklahoma after the Reconstruction era. They discuss the debates surrounding Black migration and self-governance, highlighting McCabe's ambitions and struggles in politics. Gayle sheds light on the community-building efforts in Nicodemus, the challenges faced due to Jim Crow laws, and McCabe's later plans for emigration. His legacy continues to shape Oklahoma's Black communities, underscoring the importance of political power in the quest for freedom.

Emma Ashford, a foreign policy and international security expert at the Stimson Center, dives into the complexities of a multipolar world dominated by new powers like Russia and India. She critiques U.S. strategies and discusses how choices made by the U.S. have accelerated the decline of unipolarity. Ashford highlights the rising influence of BRICS nations, the limits of Biden's bipolar framing, and the importance of allies increasing their defense spending. She emphasizes that multipolarity can stabilize international relations while urging practical strategies for the U.S. moving forward.

Mary Roach, a science journalist and bestselling author known for her captivating explorations of human anatomy, joins guest host Paige Phelps. They delve into cutting-edge advancements in organ replacement, including the use of genetically modified pigs and chimerism for personalized organ sources. Roach shares insights on biodressings for severe burns, comparing autografts and allografts, and the challenges of immune acceptance. The conversation also touches on the intriguing future of hair regeneration and the complexities of bioprinting tissues.