KERA's Think

In the 2024 election, Democrats lost the presidency and control of the Senate. What now? Katie Glueck covers American politics with an emphasis on the Democratic Party for The New York Times. She joins guest host John McCaa to discuss why the Blue Wave never materialized, the current mood of a party marked by in-fighting, and strategies Democratic Party leadership might employ heading into the 2026 mid-terms. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

If knowledge is power, withholding an education is also a way of denying power. University of South Carolina School of Law professor Derek W. Black joins guest host John McCaa to talk about the history of Southern leaders withholding literacy from Black people from the end of the Civil War through Reconstruction and beyond – and about the lengths that Black Americans have gone to get an education. His book is, “Dangerous Learning: The South’s Long War on Black Literacy“. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Science journalist Rachel Nuwer joins to discuss the intriguing world of near-death experiences (NDEs) and their implications for our understanding of consciousness. She explores the common characteristics of NDEs, their impact on individuals' perspectives on life and morality, and the ongoing scientific investigations into these phenomena. Nuwer also highlights the fascinating intersection of science and spirituality, revealing how NDEs may challenge traditional views on death and consciousness.

Faith Hill, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the surprising decline of teenage dating and its implications. She discusses how Gen Z's reluctance towards traditional relationships leads to increased 'situationships' and emotional complexities. The conversation highlights the societal pressures teens face in the digital age and the impact of parental anxiety on their dating experiences. Hill argues that while early dating may seem less crucial, understanding personal growth and emotional health can shape their future romantic dynamics.

Daniel Pink, an author known for his bestselling books and insightful writings, tackles the inadequacies of traditional grading systems. He explores the history and evolution of grades, revealing how they undermine true motivation and learning. Pink argues for a shift away from letter grades, suggesting new assessment methods like narrative evaluations that focus on personal growth rather than mere compliance. He also discusses the implications of grade inflation and advocates for a culture that prioritizes genuine education over superficial measures of success.

Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch and author of "Righting Wrongs," discusses the crucial tactics of exposing human rights abuses through public embarrassment. He highlights the blind spots in American awareness regarding global freedoms and emphasizes the importance of accountability, especially for oppressive regimes. Roth dives into the power of personal stories in human rights reporting and the evolving interplay between environmental issues and human rights advocacy. His insights shed light on the complexities of engaging with world leaders and the significance of public morality in driving change.

David Leonhardt, editorial director at The New York Times, explores Denmark's surprising immigration policies that uphold its liberal values. He discusses how the Center-Left party argues that limiting immigration and fostering quick assimilation is crucial for sustaining welfare programs. The conversation addresses the implications for U.S. Democrats and the evolving views on immigration, alongside moral dilemmas and economic disparities. Leonhardt also sheds light on the broader trends in global migration and their impact on democratic values.

Rebekah Taussig, author of "Sitting Pretty" and Time magazine writer, shares her journey of navigating life in a wheelchair while advocating for disability rights. She discusses the challenges of personal branding, feeling pigeonholed by her identity, and the complexities of representation in parenting as a disabled mother. Taussig highlights the societal pressures surrounding ableism and the ongoing struggles in the DEI landscape, emphasizing the need for authentic narratives that encompass the richness of diverse experiences.

Close to 100,000 people will wait for a donated kidney this year – and 1 in 5 perfectly healthy candidates will be passed over. Brian M. Rosenthal is an investigative reporter at The New York Times. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the problems with the system of organ donation, why healthy matches are routinely skipped and what can be done to fix a broken process. His article is “Organ Transplant System ‘In Chaos’ as Waiting Lists Are Ignored.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Legally immigrating to the United States involves red tape, legalese, mounds of paperwork, money and a lot of finger crossing. Felipe Torres Medina is a Peabody and Writers Guild of America Award–winning writer for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss his seemingly impossible journey to obtain a green card, why navigating the system can feel Kafkaesque, and what a proposed option for the rich to buy their citizenship could mean for the American Dream. His book is “America, Let Me In: A Choose Your Immigration Story. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices