KERA's Think

Samuel Wang, a neuroscience professor and leader of Princeton's Gerrymandering Project, discusses the intricate dance of gerrymandering in Texas and nationwide. He explores how redistricting efforts, spurred by political pressures, potentially stifle voter representation. Wang analyzes strategies like 'cracking' and 'packing' that manipulate district shapes, and highlights innovative solutions like ranked choice voting to combat these issues. The conversation delves into the implications for democracy and the role of primary elections in shaping politicians.

Martin Dubin, a clinical psychologist, entrepreneur, and business coach, dives into the paradox of strengths that can hinder career growth. He discusses how traits like conscientiousness might restrict leadership flexibility. The conversation emphasizes the power of self-awareness in emotional regulation and its impact on team dynamics. Dubin also explores the importance of diverse intelligence types and the significance of engaging with team perspectives to boost effective leadership.

Curtis Bram, a political scientist at The University of Texas at Dallas and author of "Elitism versus Populism," delves into the intricate dance between elitism and populism in modern politics. He explores whether politicians truly trust voters to make informed choices and discusses the implications of political polarization and gerrymandering. Bram challenges the notion that political elites are the true guardians of democracy, while also addressing how fear influences voter behavior and engagement. The conversation raises critical questions about representation and accountability in today's political landscape.

Jennifer Senior, a staff writer at The Atlantic specializing in social issues and mental health, shares her insights on sleep anxiety and the challenges of achieving restful sleep. She discusses the paradox of sleep tracking technology, which may heighten anxiety instead of helping. Highlighting personal experiences, Senior delves into insomnia's emotional toll and the stigma around sleep aids. She also critiques societal expectations of sleep duration and advocates for a compassionate approach to those struggling with sleeplessness.

 A diagnosis of schizophrenia is devastating — but what if the doctor got it wrong? New Yorker staff writer Rachel Aviv joins host Krys Boyd to discuss a woman diagnosed with severe mental illness for years before doctors realized it was an autoimmune response, her hard road back to health and the difficult process of repairing relationships once she was well. Her article is “Mary Had Schizophrenia — Then Suddenly She Didn’t.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

 Workers are reluctant to go back into the office five days a week, but hybrid arrangements still need mastering. Peter Cappelli is the George W. Taylor Professor of Management at the Wharton School and the director of its Center for Human Resources. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why hybrid work holds workers back in terms of promotions, employee management and collaboration – and to offer suggestions for maintaining flexibility for employees while also maximizing their productivity. His article, written with Ranya Nehmeh, is “Hybrid Still Isn't Working” was published in the Harvard Business Review.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The violence in El Salvador has come to American attention with the deportation of accused gang members to a notorious prison there. Viet Thanh Nguyen, professor of literature at the University of Southern California, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss his trip to El Salvador, which coincided with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s trip, and how their versions of American greatness differ immensely as they look to immigration and violence in the region. His article “Greater America Has Been Exporting Disunion for Decades” was published in The Nation.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Ciarán Donnelly, SVP for International Programs with the International Rescue Committee, sheds light on the dire starvation crisis in Gaza. He reveals the alarming state of food insecurity, especially among children, and discusses the overwhelming challenges faced by aid organizations amidst ongoing conflict. Insights into the complexities of refeeding malnourished children and the long-term health implications paint a stark picture. Donnelly emphasizes the urgent need for a ceasefire to deliver effective humanitarian aid and support.

 The English language is full of words that both communicate and confound. Martha Barnette, co-host of the popular radio show and podcast “A Way with Words,” joins host Krys Boyd to discuss her love of language and all the myriad ways words bring us joy, how words can surprise and delight us, and why the meaning of some words can often be tricky to determine. Her book is “Friends with Words: Adventures in Languageland.”  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Organ transplants save lives, but rushing into them could harm donors nearing the end of their own lives. Brian M. Rosenthal, investigative reporter at The New York Times, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how some donors, thought to be deceased, have shown signs of life just before vital organ harvesting, why one particular harvesting method could be part of the problem, and how government regulation might up the risks. His article is “A Push for More Organ Transplants Is Putting Donors at Risk.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices