KERA's Think

Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard professor and columnist for The Atlantic, shares valuable insights on achieving happiness. He discusses the power of embracing failure as a pathway to personal growth and the balance needed between virtual communication and in-person connections, especially in remote work. Listeners learn how procrastination can spark creativity and the dual nature of rumination, offering techniques like journaling to manage anxiety. Brooks also explores the intersection of money and happiness and the importance of honest communication during midlife transitions.

Ross Anderson, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into a pressing issue: the brain drain of top U.S. scientists. He explains how funding cuts and strict immigration policies have made foreign opportunities more appealing. Anderson draws parallels between current events and historical scientific setbacks, such as those faced during the Soviet era. He emphasizes the importance of federal funding for scientific advancement, arguing that without it, the nation's leadership in innovation is at risk.

Elaina Plott Calabro, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Canada Is Killing Itself," dives into the complexities of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Canada. She reveals startling statistics showing one in 20 deaths is now due to euthanasia, surpassing deaths from Alzheimer's and diabetes. The discussion highlights the unexpected acceptance of MAID, the emotional experiences of medical professionals, and the controversial expansion of euthanasia laws to include individuals with mental health issues, raising profound ethical questions.

Tekendra Parmar, a contributing writer and editor at Inc., delves into the tumultuous world of immigration law, revealing the pressures immigration attorneys face due to evolving policies. He discusses the emotional toll on both lawyers and clients in an increasingly hostile environment. Parmar highlights the rise of pro bono efforts and the role of technology in easing legal processes, while also addressing the staggering costs of representation. Through personal stories, he underscores the urgent need for effective legal guidance amid a confusing immigration landscape.

Rutger Bregman, a historian and co-founder of The School for Moral Ambition, dives into the concept of 'moral ambition'—the pursuit of meaningful change through our careers. He challenges the prevalent feeling that jobs lack purpose and encourages listeners to focus their talents on pressing global issues. Bregman discusses historical examples of activists like Thomas Clarkson and the crucial impact of community in resisting oppression. He emphasizes that real change comes from strong coalitions and prioritizing impactful efforts over mere busywork.

 The modern notion of the ideal man involves a lot of lean muscle mass — but why does our culture demand so much bulk from men whose lives for the most part no longer revolve around manual labor? Washington Post classical music critic Michael Andor Brodeur is a lifelong lifter, and he joins host Krys Boyd to discuss his examination of modern masculinity, why the gym took over after the Industrial Revolution, and what building muscle means for healthy — or unhealthy — identities. His book is “Swole: The Making of Men and the Meaning of Muscle.”This episode originally aired June 21st, 2024.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Nick Keppler, a freelance writer known for his article on narcissism, explores the complexities of narcissistic personality disorder. He discusses the challenges narcissists face in seeking change and why society struggles to offer them compassion. The conversation touches on the nuances of self-awareness, love bombing, and the dynamics of relationships with narcissists. Keppler also highlights the experiences of self-identified narcissists in therapy and how humor and social media play into modern perceptions of narcissism.

Eyal Press, a contributing writer for The New Yorker and author of 'Dirty Work,' discusses the hidden impacts of the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' on tipped workers. He reveals that eliminating tip taxes may actually lower service wages, benefitting restaurant owners more than employees. The conversation explores the complexities of the restaurant industry's minimum wage, the powerful lobby influencing these dynamics, and the challenging path towards fair wages for tipped workers. Press also highlights the ongoing debate around the One Fair Wage Movement and systemic inequalities in tipping.

Drew Harwell, a technology reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the intersection of AI and obituary writing. He discusses how AI tools are transforming this intimate practice, adopted eagerly by funeral homes. The conversation reveals the challenges of finding the right emotional words through automated means. Ethical concerns also come to light, questioning if a machine can genuinely honor a human life. As personal narratives evolve, Harwell emphasizes the enduring need for human touch in memorializing our loved ones.

Transportation reporter Ian Duncan from The Washington Post dives into the alarming shortage of air traffic controllers and the dismal completion rates of FAA training programs. He reveals the intense pressures trainees face and discusses the toxic culture within the training environment, including biases that affect women and minorities. Ian highlights the urgent need for reform to retain new recruits and shares insights on what makes the training process so challenging and stressful, impacting both the future of air travel and safety.