Allie Volpe, a senior reporter at Vox known for her insights on modern friendships, discusses the alarming trend of cutting ties with friends over minor issues. She explores how the rush to ‘protect your peace’ can lead to emotional isolation and warns against abandoning the discomfort that comes with meaningful relationships. The conversation delves into the costs of social media's influence on our connections and the necessity of open dialogue to maintain emotional resilience and healthy interactions in a time when estrangement is increasingly common.

Hiroshi Motomura, a law professor at UCLA specializing in immigration, dives deep into the contentious topic of birthright citizenship. He explains the historical roots of this policy and how President Trump's challenges are testing its constitutional foundations. The discussion highlights the Supreme Court's role in shaping citizenship rights and the potential impact on children of undocumented parents. Motomura also critiques the harmful language used in immigration discourse, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of what it means to be American.

Derek Thompson, a staff writer for The Atlantic, tackles the intriguing issue of why our social interactions are declining. He discusses the shift from communal dining to takeout culture, revealing how technology fosters isolation. They explore the alarming effects of screen time on youth, raising concerns about rising anxiety. The conversation also delves into how remote work contributes to loneliness and the eerie role of AI companions in replacing human connections. Ultimately, it’s a thought-provoking look at our changing social landscape.

Keon West, a social psychologist from Goldsmiths, University of London, dives deep into the science behind racism. He discusses how scientific methods reveal the persistence of racist beliefs and behaviors since the Civil Rights era. The conversation touches on racial discrimination in hiring practices and its profound effects on children's perceptions of identity. West also tackles systemic biases in police interactions and critiques workplace diversity training, advocating for informed strategies to foster genuine change in combating racism.

Shigehiro Oishi, Marshall Field IV Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago, discusses the concept of 'psychological richness,' emphasizing that fulfillment often comes through curiosity and diverse experiences rather than traditional happiness. He explores generational differences in life choices and highlights the negative allure of extremist ideologies that provide false meaning. Oishi illustrates how small daily changes can foster a richer perspective and encourages embracing spontaneity to enhance personal growth and resilience.

Imani Perry, a National Book Award–winning author and Harvard professor, explores the deep significance of the color blue in Black culture. She discusses the historical roots of indigo cultivation and its link to resilience during enslavement. The conversation dives into blues music's emotional power and the complexities of Black identity. Perry highlights how the color blue intersects with social movements, like the contrasting narratives of 'Blue Lives Matter' and 'Black Lives Matter,' weaving a rich tapestry of cultural symbolism and historical struggle.

In this engaging discussion, Joshua Keating, a senior correspondent at Vox specializing in foreign policy, explores President Trump's controversial interest in acquiring Greenland. He delves into the geopolitical significance of the island amid melting Arctic ice, raising concerns about resource exploitation and military tensions. The conversation touches on historical notions of 'manifest destiny' and contemporary territorial expansion, while emphasizing the complex feelings of Greenland's inhabitants towards U.S. ownership and the broader implications for international sovereignty.

To build affordable housing you need land — and the federal government has an ample supply. Michael Albertus, professor of political science at the University of Chicago, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the plusses and minuses of an idea that’s been floated in many administrations: selling federal lands to cities and developers to address the affordable housing crisis. His article “The U.S. Government Is Sitting on a Possible Solution to the Housing Crisis” was published by Bloomberg. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Earlier this month, then U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for alcoholic beverages to feature cancer-warning labels similar to the ones on packs of cigarettes. Dr. Ernest Hawk is vice president and head of the division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and holds the T. Boone Pickens Distinguished Chair for Early Prevention of Cancer. He talks with host Krys Boyd about the ways alcohol causes cancer and what your risk might be. And later in the hour, Isabella Cueto, who covers chronic disease for Stat, talks about the fight the alcohol lobby is waging to stop this idea. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

John Vaillant, author of "Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World," explores the alarming rise of wildfires linked to climate change. He discusses how affluent communities face the illusion of safety amidst growing risks. The conversation covers the devastating phenomena of fire whirls and tornadoes, the challenges wildland firefighters encounter, and ethical dilemmas surrounding incarcerated firefighters in California. Vaillant emphasizes the need for community resilience and sustainable practices to combat escalating wildfire threats.