KERA's Think

Harvey Weinstein is once again in a Manhattan courtroom defending himself against sex crimes charges – allegations that came to light after deep investigative work by New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor. The best-selling co-author of “She Said” joins host Krys Boyd to talk about her work uncovering consequential stories, when she knows a story is ready for print, and what attracts her to stories that hold powerful people to account. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Investigative reporter Adam Entous from The New York Times delves into the U.S. military's clandestine efforts in aiding Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. He reveals the complexities of U.S.-Ukrainian military dynamics and the evolution from skepticism to cooperation. Entous discusses the careful balance of military assistance and intelligence sharing, highlighting frustrations from Ukrainian officials regarding delays. Additionally, the episode features Kharkiv's mayor, who passionately urges Americans to remember his city and its challenges during wartime.

It’s not every day a serious academic espouses belief in the unexplained — maybe more should? Jeffrey Kripal holds the J. Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss UFOs, souls, déjà vu and how these universal concepts make us more human. His book is “How to Think Impossibly: About Souls, UFOs, Time, Belief, and Everything Else.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

It was a 900-page policy paper that President Trump disavowed during the campaign, but now Project 2025 is changing life in America. David Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the document that offers a blueprint for the second Trump administration, how it wants to align the DOJ with the oval office’s desires, and how it envisions the country changing socially and economically. His book is “The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jonathan Blitzer, a staff writer at The New Yorker focusing on immigration and the U.S. court system, dives into the troubling impact of deportation policies under the Trump administration. He discusses how innocent Venezuelans, including one misidentified due to tattoos, face catastrophic consequences. Blitzer critiques the fast-paced deportations enforced under the Alien Enemies Act, showcasing the judicial system's struggle to keep up. The conversation raises urgent questions about individual rights versus public safety and the ongoing immigration crisis.

Pope Francis has been recently hospitalized with respiratory problems, and now Catholics worldwide watch for news from the Vatican. Christopher White is the Vatican correspondent for National Catholic Register, and he joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the current pontiff’s health and history – and what being the first pope from Latin America means for his legacy and the church going forward. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Though they are located at the ends of the Earth, glaciers really do affect your daily life. As part of a conversation on the mysteries and importance of glaciers, host Krys Boyd talks with Dr. Twila Moon, deputy lead scientist and science communication liaison at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, part of the University of Colorado Boulder’s Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES); and Dr. Heïdi Sevestre, an internationally renowned glaciologist whose specialization focuses on glacier dynamics, tropical glaciers and solutions to preserve the cryosphere. We’ll hear about the role of glaciers in climate science and what is being done to preserve these precious assets. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A decision as simple as deciding what to wear in the morning can be stressful — what will people think? But our brains are wired this way for a reason. Emily Falk is professor of communication, psychology and marketing at the University of Pennsylvania and the vice dean of the Annenberg School for Communication, where she directs the Communication Neuroscience Lab and the Climate Communication Division of the Annenberg Public Policy Center. She joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how our behavior is shaped by the opinions of those around us and the benefits of evolving this way – plus we’ll hear tips on how to make sound decisions and create healthy habits. Her book is “What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Aziz Huq, a law professor at the University of Chicago and an expert in constitutional law, discusses the gradual rise of authoritarianism, drawing lessons from the Nazis' ascent to power. He examines the complacency of society during the Holocaust and the implications of a 'dual state' in today's governance, where laws are selectively enforced. Huq also addresses controversial pardons related to the January 6th insurrection and explores the resurgence of populism worldwide, emphasizing the need for collective action to safeguard democracy.

Deep DOGE cuts to the FAA have hit the agency hard. Is the public still safe to fly? Isaac Stanley-Becker, a staff writer at The Atlantic, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why DOGE layoffs mean safety technicians and other critical roles are understaffed – and why a smoothly running airport system in America is beneficial for the nation’s bottom line. His article is “The FAA’s Troubles Are More Serious Than You Know.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices