Plain English with Derek Thompson

David Kessler, former FDA commissioner and author of 'Diet, Drugs, and Dopamine,' teams up with Eric Topol, cardiologist and author of 'Super Agers.' They dive into America's alarming obesity epidemic, linking it to an industrialized food environment and chronic inflammation. The duo discusses the evolution of our food response, unveiling how ultra-processed foods sabotage health. Excitingly, they explore GLP-1 drugs as potential game changers in reversing these trends and fostering healthier lifestyles.

Kevin Klatt, a research scientist at UC Berkeley and nutritionist, dives into America's alarming health crisis. He discusses how the prevalence of ultra-processed foods correlates with rising chronic illnesses and shorter lifespans compared to other wealthy nations. Klatt shares insights from his personal journey with diet and metabolism, highlighting the complexities of nutritional science. The conversation unpacks misconceptions about dietary habits and addresses the impact of environmental factors on our eating behaviors, all while framing the urgent need for better food choices.

Jay Van Bavel, a psychology and neuroscience professor at NYU, dives deep into the relationship between smartphone use and mental health. He discusses a groundbreaking survey of over 200 experts that reveals contrasting opinions on the impact of technology on anxiety and depression. Van Bavel addresses the rising smartphone usage among teens, its implications for mental health, and the polarization surrounding these findings. He emphasizes the importance of expert consensus in navigating the complex landscape of technology's effects on well-being.

Richard Evans, a leading historian on Nazi Germany and author of 'Hitler's People,' reveals how Hitler dismantled German democracy in just six months. He discusses the personal narratives of those affected, including a poignant story of a Jewish child's escape. Evans criticizes contemporary revisionist histories that downplay Hitler's true intentions and antisemitism. He uncovers the ideological foundations of Nazi expansionism and the ordinary individuals who participated in the regime, challenging perceptions of them as mere psychopaths.

Eric Zwick, an economist from the University of Chicago specializing in tax policy, joins Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, to dissect the recent tax and spending bill. They discuss its sweeping impact, from eliminating certain taxes on overtime and tips to creating new child savings accounts. The duo critically examines how this legislation extends tax cuts benefitting the wealthy while slashing funding for Medicaid and SNAP, raising pressing questions about inequality and its implications for national debt.

Dr. Kiran Musunuru, a gene-editing researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, shares an inspiring story about baby KJ, the first patient to receive personalized gene-editing therapy for a rare genetic condition. They discuss the urgency and complexity of developing this life-saving treatment, emphasizing the collaborative efforts among researchers. Musunuru explains the potential of gene therapy for rare diseases and the hurdles faced in advancing these technologies. The conversation highlights the transformative power of personalized medicine and the need for continued research funding.

Eli Finkel and Paul Eastwick are both esteemed professors specializing in the psychology of attraction and romance. They dive into whether people truly have 'a type' when it comes to love and the pitfalls of online dating, highlighting how it may lead to over-filtering for attraction. The duo discusses declining dating rates among young people and the heightened expectations modern couples have for marriage, which can impact relationship satisfaction. Their insights reveal how societal narratives shape our romantic experiences.

Charles C. Mann, a journalist and author, dives into the impactful story of Norman Borlaug, the father of the Green Revolution. Mann discusses how Borlaug developed disease-resistant wheat that revolutionized agriculture and alleviated fears of impending famine. He reveals how, despite warnings of mass starvation in the 1960s, innovations in farming practices led to a dramatic decrease in global hunger. The conversation emphasizes the legacy of Borlaug's work, which has saved potentially a billion lives, and the ongoing importance of agricultural innovation in tackling modern food security challenges.

Jason Abaluck, a health economist at Yale, dives into America's perplexing drug pricing crisis. He reveals that while the U.S. makes up just 4% of the global population, it accounts for nearly 50% of pharmaceutical spending. The discussion centers on why Americans pay exorbitantly for new drugs and the irony of cheaper prices for older ones. Abaluck also explores the delicate balance between innovation funding and affordability, proposing creative solutions to ensure life-saving treatments are accessible without stifling research.

Spencer Kornhaber, a Staff writer at The Atlantic known for his insights on pop culture, dives deep into the current state of American entertainment. He discusses the stagnation in pop culture, highlighting the prevalence of sequels and nostalgia-driven media. The conversation explores the rise of 'brain rot' and consumer isolation in music, and the challenges of modern artistic expression. Kornhaber also reflects on the illusion of innovation and the cyclical nature of creativity, suggesting that these trends might not be as dire as they seem.