KERA's Think

To set some world records, you need buy-in from a lot of people – and it’s harder than you might think to get thousands together just to play a kazoo. Lauren Larson, senior staff writer at Texas Monthly magazine, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the difficulty of setting wacky world records today, when lackadaisical participants prefer to stay at home post-lockdown and Guiness Book of World Records rules are stringent. Her article is “They Want You to Get Off Your Couch, and Go Set a World Record” was published in The New York Times Magazine.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Former CDC director and now CEO of Resolve to Save Lives Dr. Tom Frieden joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why we need the political will to transform an ailing system. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

An at home DNA test might be a fun window into the past, but they can go sideways — so much so that a cottage industry has sprung up to deal with the fallout. Jennifer Wilson is a staff writer at The New Yorker, and she joins host Krys Boyd to discuss when home DNA kits like 23andMe reveal paternity secrets, children who feel like this new information has led to a “re-birth” and why anger is fueling a call for paternity testing at birth. Her article is “The Family Fallout of DNA Surprises.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Laila Petrie, Director General of Future Earth Lab and author focused on sustainable fashion, dives deep into the environmental impacts of clothing. She reveals how fast fashion fuels climate change and the misleading nature of sustainability claims. The conversation highlights the importance of thoughtful fashion choices and rethinking clothing donations, which often end up in landfills. Laila advocates for mindful purchasing, exploring resale markets, and pushing for transparency in the fashion industry to empower consumers making eco-friendly decisions.

Jens Ludwig, a professor at the University of Chicago and director of the crime lab, shares insights from his book on the origins of gun violence in America. He argues that both the left and right misunderstand the issue, failing to implement effective policies. Ludwig delves into how impulsive behavior often leads to gun homicides and emphasizes the importance of community engagement in curbing violence. He discusses behavioral economics as a framework to understand decision-making and advocates for innovative, tailored interventions to foster safer neighborhoods.

Matthew Scherr is a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine, sharing insights on the loneliness epidemic and creative solutions. Jeremy Nobel, a physician and founder of the Foundation for Art and Healing, discusses using art as a therapeutic outlet. Marissa G. Franco, a professor and author, offers strategies for building and maintaining friendships. They explore loneliness's health risks, innovative community initiatives, the importance of platonic bonds, and how creativity can foster deeper connections.

Mike Isaac, a Silicon Valley and technology reporter for The New York Times, dives into the dramatic changes in Silicon Valley amidst the rise of A.I. He discusses how the pandemic transformed work culture and hiring practices, steering the focus from software to hard tech. Isaac sheds light on the growing intersection of technology and defense sectors, as well as the evolving political landscape. He also reflects on the unpredictable innovations in A.I. and their unexpected popularity, reshaping the future of work and tech employment.

In this discussion, Andrea Javor, a freelance writer and type 1 diabetes advocate, shares her candid experience with Ozempic and the letdown of not achieving weight loss. She dives into the emotional toll of societal pressures surrounding body image and dieting. Javor emphasizes the importance of understanding individual responses to weight loss medications and the complexities of managing diabetes. Her journey highlights the need for empathy in conversations about health and self-acceptance, challenging the narrative that weight loss equals success.

Megan C. Reynolds, editor at Dwell Magazine and author of "Like: A History of the World’s Most Hated (and Misunderstood) Word," dives into the significance of the word 'like' in modern communication. She argues that it’s a powerful expression of emotions and connection, despite critics calling it a filler. Reynolds discusses its evolving role in language, cultural perceptions, and the contrast between formal and informal speech, particularly among young urban women. She even explores how AI struggles to grasp these nuances in human interactions.

In this conversation, journalist Rachel Slade, author of "Making It in America," tackles the daunting challenges of domestic manufacturing. She discusses how small businesses struggle to source American-made products amidst cheaper foreign options. The impact of historical trade policies and labor unions on today's economic landscape is revealed, along with the ethical dilemmas of cheap fashion. Slade also emphasizes the importance of consumer awareness and fair compensation in creating a sustainable and equitable manufacturing future.