Connie Chung, the first Asian American to anchor a national news program in the U.S. and co-anchor of the CBS Evening News, shares her groundbreaking journey in journalism. She candidly discusses the rampant sexism of the 70s and 80s, her rise from a secretarial role to prominent broadcaster, and the emotional challenges of covering major events. Chung also reflects on her dual identity and the importance of representation in media, revealing her struggles with self-acknowledgment despite her countless achievements.

Lucia Knell and Gabriel Reilich, co-authors of "Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity" and key figures at Upworthy, dive into inspiring tales of kindness. They share heartwarming stories, like a son's 2,500-mile journey to save a dog and a compassionate airport janitor's act of comfort. Discussing the importance of positive storytelling in countering negativity, they highlight how small gestures can create a ripple effect, fostering empathy and community during challenging times.

Joshua Citarella, an artist and internet culture writer, dives into how the manosphere is shaping young men's political views, particularly after recent elections. He discusses the spectrum of content found in this online space, from benign advice to extremist ideologies. The conversation highlights how casual podcasts can radicalize young men and the impact of misinformation in male-centric media. Citarella emphasizes the urgent need for open dialogues about gender dynamics and the interplay between digital culture and politics in today's society.

Join john a. powell, Director of UC Berkeley’s Othering & Belonging Institute, as he delves into societal divisions and the pressing need for connection. He discusses the concept of 'othering' and how it contrasts with our innate desire for belonging. Navigating political polarization, powell emphasizes the power of empathetic listening over debate. He advocates for storytelling as a bridge to understanding diverse perspectives, highlighting shared humanity as a means to foster genuine connections—even during heated political times.

Claire Cain Miller, a New York Times reporter specializing in gender and family issues, joins clinical psychologist Keith Sutton to delve into the escalating crisis of parental burnout. They discuss how the rise of intensive parenting has led to unprecedented stress. Miller highlights that working mothers invest as much time with their kids as stay-at-home moms did decades ago. Sutton emphasizes the mental health implications, especially amplified during the pandemic, prompting a call for systemic support and community connection to counteract this trend.

Joining the discussion are Kadia Goba, a seasoned politics reporter at Semafor, and David Graham, a staff writer at The Atlantic. They dive into Trump's tumultuous early days in office, exploring his cabinet choices and the fallout from Matt Gaetz's withdrawal. The conversation highlights the GOP's internal conflicts, the challenges of passing legislation, and the complexities of Trump's immigration agenda. They also analyze how loyalty will affect Trump's policies in the unpredictable landscape of Congress.

In this engaging discussion, Ann Patchett, award-winning author of 'Commonwealth' and the beloved 'Bel Canto,' shares her journey revisiting her iconic novel. She reflects on the growth in her understanding of opera since its initial release and discusses the dual emotions of admiration and critique as she adds her annotations. Patchett explores how time and personal experiences can shift perspectives on familiar stories, revealing the emotional depth and complexity of her narrative as it relates to contemporary issues.

LaRussell, a prolific musician from Vallejo, California, sheds light on his independent journey and the creation of Good Compenny, a collective uplifting local artists. He shares heartwarming stories from his vibrant community and how these experiences shape his music. The conversation dives into the transformative power of a school anthem project, personal battles with addiction, and artistic evolution during the pandemic. With a dynamic live performance, LaRussell radiates energy, resilience, and gratitude, illustrating the deep connection between music and community.

Zoë Schlanger, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for her thought-provoking environmental pieces, joins Desiree LaBeaud, a global health expert at Stanford, to tackle a pressing concern: the dangers of black plastic kitchenware. They discuss a recent study revealing harmful flame retardants in these products and the risks they pose when heated. Listeners are encouraged to consider alternatives like silicone, while exploring the broader implications for health and the environment. Together, they highlight the need for increased awareness and responsible choices.

Victor Diaz, owner of Renegade Running, shares his journey of building a community-focused running store in Oakland. Angela Tsay, from Oaklandish, discusses crafting a brand that embodies Oakland spirit through clothing. Tomra Palmer of Gravel + Gold highlights the importance of championing local crafts and women’s fashion in San Francisco. Together, they navigate the hurdles of rising costs, crime, and regulatory challenges, while emphasizing the resilience and community support that empower small businesses to thrive amidst adversity.