With the movie adaptation of “Nickel Boys” in theaters, Colson Whitehead’s celebrated novel is reaching new audiences. Whitehead joins host Krys Boyd to talk about his story of two boys assigned to a 1960s juvenile reformatory, bound by the trauma around them as they swing between hope and cynicism. “Nickel Boys” earned Whitehead his second Pulitzer Prize.

Of the thousands of books published each year in English, The New York Times has the task of winnowing that list down to the very best. Times Book Review editor Gilbert Cruz joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the best nonfiction and fiction books of 2024, from an 800-page biography of a president to a funny romantic comedy — there’s a book for everyone to enjoy. The list is “The 10 Best Books of 2024.”

 You can’t watch American sports without a barrage of commercials about sports betting — and it’s changing how fans interact with the action. Rolling Stone writer David Hill joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how new sports betting laws have opened up the market for all kinds of wagers and types of gamblers, the people who can’t stop, and the ways professional sports is changing because of the new money involved. His article is “Is the $11 Billion Online Sportsbook Bubble About to Burst?” 

Mithu Storoni, a physician and neuroscience researcher, shares insights on optimizing brain function in the modern workplace. She discusses the mismatch between our brains and the traditional 9-to-5 work structure, advocating for flexible schedules that align with natural cognitive rhythms. Mithu explores the importance of using mental 'gears' for productivity and highlights how walking can enhance creativity. She also examines the nuanced role of caffeine in different phases of creative work and emphasizes finding intrinsic motivation in tasks we might not enjoy.

Genetic tests can help predict future health risks or just be a fun way to learn about your ancestry – but is that information just for you? Kristen V. Brown, staff writer at The Atlantic, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss giant loopholes in anti-discrimination laws that might allow disability and long-term care providers to exploit genetic testing results — even if a person never gets sick — and what that means for those told by a physician they should get tested. Her article is “Genetic Discrimination Is Coming for Us All.”

In this insightful conversation, Malcolm Gladwell, author and co-founder of Pushkin Industries, revisits his classic theories from 'The Tipping Point.' He connects social contagion concepts to today’s realities, discussing everything from the resurgence of bank robberies in the 1980s to current healthcare disparities in Vermont. Gladwell also highlights the cultural factors behind Medicare fraud in Miami and critiques elite education practices, shedding light on how community dynamics and expectations impact societal well-being.

 For scientists to solve the mysteries of the ocean, they need to start with questions like “how do fish float?” Duke University biology professor Sönke Johnsen joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the wonders of vertical migration, why sharks must keep swimming to stay alive, and the clues offered to biologists that help piece together the questions of aquatic life evolution. His book is “Into the Great Wide Ocean: Life in the Least Known Habitat on Earth.” 

President-Elect Trump has tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Health and Human Services department with promises that dismay many public health officials. Yasmin Tayag, staff writer at The Atlantic, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss RFK Jr’s strategy to “Make America Healthy Again,” his distain for everything from vaccines to fluoride to processed foods – and his approach to managing a $1.7-trillion agency. Her article is “‘Make America Healthy Again’ Sounds Good Until You Start Asking Questions.”

Emily Bazelon, a New York Times Magazine staff writer and author of "America’s Split Screen on Abortion," discusses the puzzling trend where states supporting Trump also backed abortion protections. She talks about the inconsistencies in Trump's messaging around this issue and examines its implications for ongoing legal battles. Bazelon highlights how voter demographics affect support for abortion rights and explores the evolving narratives in the face of restrictive laws. The conversation unveils the complex interplay of politics and personal beliefs surrounding reproductive rights.

Josh Cowen, a Professor of education policy at Michigan State University and author of "The Privateers," sheds light on the contentious debate surrounding school vouchers. He unpacks the history and motivations behind school choice, linking it to prominent figures like Milton Friedman and the Koch family. Cowen explores how this movement signals distrust in public schools and deepens educational segregation, revealing the interplay of economic and religious politics. He also critiques the effectiveness of vouchers and their implications for educational equity.