The Atlantic Out Loud

A new book describes the challenges and joys of life as a letter carrier. By Tyler Austin Harper From the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠September 2025 issue⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The institution has adapted, and is showing new signs of resilience. By Brad Wilcox From the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠September 2025 issue⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The agency once projected America’s loftiest ideals. Then it ceded its ambitions to Elon Musk. By Franklin Foer From the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠September 2025 issue⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the enchanting world of Corfu, where a mysterious woman captures the attention of an observer. Explore the island's rich history as a haven for spies, illustrated through the eyes of MI6 agent Magnus. Discover how personal identity intertwines with Corfu's colonial past, revealing tensions between tradition and modernity. Delve into the legacy of John le Carré, whose experiences in Greece shaped his writing amidst the island's chaotic beauty. Each tale weaves together themes of memory, espionage, and self-discovery.

Dive into the alarming encounter with Google's AI chatbot, Gemini, where a simulated minor tests its features. Discover unsettling responses that raise urgent questions about child safety in tech. The conversation highlights the need for stronger safeguards to protect young users from the darker side of AI interactions. This thought-provoking dialogue challenges us to reflect on the implications of letting machines interact with minors.

Discover how Hollywood shaped a generation's fear of nuclear catastrophe. The podcast dives into the lasting cultural legacy of nuclear anxiety in films and comics, revealing how these mediums reflect societal fears. Key cinematic works like 'Failsafe' and 'Planet of the Apes' are discussed, showcasing their impact during the Cold War. It also explores how pivotal films like 'The Day After' have influenced public discourse and the potential for new narratives to spark critical conversations about nuclear threats.

Explore the emotional fallout of evacuation from Terminal Island after Pearl Harbor, shedding light on the personal and collective trauma of wartime America. Discover the injustices of Executive Order 9066 and the bravery of Japanese Americans, who served in military roles despite facing systemic racism. Delve into the complex struggles of identity and loyalty, revealing the harsh realities for a Japanese-American soldier amid discrimination. Uncover the challenges of internment and the legacy left behind, highlighted by the Manzanar Uprising.

As tensions rise with North Korea and China, countries like South Korea and Japan face a nuclear dilemma. Historical resentments linger, influencing their military strategies. The podcast dives into the unsettling possibility of nuclear armament as the global landscape shifts, questioning the reliability of international agreements. With the escalating nuclear capabilities of China and Russia, the conversation is urgent: what happens if proliferation dramatically increases in East Asia?

Delve into the moral dilemmas faced by military personnel, highlighting a gripping incident involving a wounded Taliban fighter. Explore the complexities of military leadership, contrasting idealized visions with stark realities in decision-making. The conversation navigates controversial military actions and the tension surrounding accountability among veterans. Additionally, examine the duality of the warrior ethos, emphasizing the need for moral alignment and strategic integrity in military endeavors.

Dive into a personal journey of battling the omnipresence of plastic in everyday life. Discover the health risks posed by microplastics and learn about the pervasive chemicals like PFAS lurking in our bodies. The challenges of reducing plastic use are explored, particularly when it comes to children’s attachments to their favorite plastic items. Personal stories and practical tips illuminate the struggle to navigate a world dominated by plastic, blending humor and critical reflections on consumer culture.