Plain English with Derek Thompson

David Kessler, a physician and former FDA commissioner, shares his personal struggles with weight and the alarming impact of ultra-processed foods on obesity. He explains how our brains are hardwired for scarcity in a world overflowing with calorie-dense options. Eric Topol, a cardiologist, discusses the concept of inflammaging, highlighting how chronic inflammation can lead to serious diseases over time. They also delve into the promising role of GLP-1 drugs, which not only help control appetite but may also reduce inflammation, offering a potential new avenue for health improvement.

In this insightful discussion, Nick Epley, a behavioral science professor at the University of Chicago, delves into the paradox of human isolation. He highlights research revealing how people often misread social interactions, leading to unnecessary solitude. Epley shares experiments showing that small conversations can significantly enhance mood, challenging the expectation that solitude feels better. He emphasizes the importance of building social habits and suggests that intentional interactions can enrich our lives and foster deeper connections.

Laurie Santos, a Yale professor and cognitive scientist renowned for her work on happiness, delves into how we can reshape our approach to joy. She discusses cognitive time travel, the balance between present pleasures and future satisfaction, and highlights the transformative power of reframing stress. Laurie also explores how brief social interactions can boost happiness and explains why acting extroverted can enhance well-being. With insights on managing time afluence and the impact of technology on social connections, this conversation offers valuable tools for enhancing joy.

Adam Mastroianni, a psychologist and writer focused on cultural change, joins the discussion about modern cultural stagnation. They explore why contemporary culture seems 'stuck,' from uniform corporate logos to Gen Z's nostalgia for 90s TV. Adam explains how rising wealth and lower risks have fostered a risk-averse society, leading to fewer innovative ideas in music and film. They even connect the decline of serial killers to improved policing. The episode offers insights into how safety and security shape cultural creativity.

Kelsey Piper, a journalist focused on education policy, Rose Horowitz from The Atlantic, who covers literacy declines, and Joshua Goodman, an economics professor, dive into America’s troubling math crisis. They discuss alarming trends in grade inflation and the stark reality of incoming college freshmen needing remedial math despite good grades. Cultural pressures around easier grading and the impact of technology on learning are explored, along with the implications of accountability policies and standardized testing on student performance.

In this thought-provoking conversation, economist Anton Korinek from the University of Virginia dives into the implications of artificial general intelligence (AGI). He discusses the swift potential for AI to disrupt white-collar jobs, the urgency of proactive policies to prevent an 'AGI Great Depression,' and the distinction between quiet and loud AGI. Anton emphasizes the importance of measuring AGI's progress, how robotics will accelerate following cognitive automation, and the looming political risks of mass unemployment, urging for solutions to support those left behind.

Derek Thompson, a journalist and author known for his insightful essays on media and culture, dives into his thought-provoking essay, "Everything Is Television." He discusses how various media forms are evolving into episodic video, highlighting the convergence of podcasts, social media, and AI. The conversation also touches on the impact of TV-style flow on attention spans and literacy, the coexistence of short clips and long-form content, and the importance of clarity in messaging for media success. Derek shares insights on charisma and why he transitioned from The Atlantic to Substack.

Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson, co-hosts of the Animal Spirits podcast, dive into the challenges young people face in today’s economy. They discuss rising youth unemployment and housing market obstacles, highlighting how age and interest rates impact first-time buyers. The duo explores how AI might replace entry-level jobs and its dual potential to disrupt or transform the workforce. They also analyze the shift of younger investors towards stocks, driven by housing costs and the implications of these economic trends for future generations.

Matthew Yglesias, a prominent writer and founder of the Slow Boring newsletter, dives into the Democratic Party's recent electoral triumphs. He explores the new 'affordability theory' as a unifying message, discussing its strengths and weaknesses. Yglesias questions conventional affordability metrics while highlighting the struggles of low-income Americans. They also debate the importance of moderation in politics and how Democrats can effectively address cultural conservatism while appealing to diverse voters. It’s a fascinating look at strategy and the future of the Democratic Party!

Ken Burns, the award-winning filmmaker known for his impactful historical documentaries like 'The Civil War,' dives into the complexities of the American Revolution. He debunks the mythical portrayals of figures like George Washington and highlights the chaotic reality of 1776. Burns discusses the Revolution’s global influence, inspiring movements worldwide, and the importance of crafting nuanced narratives in storytelling. He also shares insights into his filmmaking techniques, including how to evoke history without photographs.