Plain English with Derek Thompson cover image

Plain English with Derek Thompson

Latest episodes

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118 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 53min

Is Crypto Entering a New Golden Age—or Just a New Era of Failed Promises?

Austin Campbell, a seasoned finance professional and adjunct professor at Columbia Business School, dives deep into the complex world of crypto. He discusses the implications of Bitcoin trading above $100,000 and the controversy surrounding the 'war on crypto.' Austin also unpacks the history of debanking practices and the regulatory landscape, particularly the influence of political shifts on the crypto narrative. Plus, he highlights the crucial role of stablecoins in economically challenged regions, showcasing their significance in areas facing instability.
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187 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 50min

Megapod: Why Is There So Much BS in Psychology?

In this engaging discussion, Adam Mastroianni, a social psychologist critiquing his field, and Dan Engber, a journalist at The Atlantic, delve into the troubling replication crisis in psychology. They explore how numerous landmark studies have been debunked, questioning the scientific rigor of the discipline. Mastroianni reflects on whether psychology truly teaches us anything, while Engber uncovers a scandal involving academic fraud that has rocked business school psychology. Their insights illuminate the urgent need for reform in psychological research.
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26 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 41min

Vaccine Conspiracies, Fluoride Myths, and America’s Broken Public-Health Discourse

Emily Oster, a professor of economics at Brown University, dives into the murky waters of vaccine conspiracies and fluoride myths. She discusses the shifting trust from established institutions to figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Oster emphasizes the importance of clear, data-driven communication in combating misinformation. The conversation highlights the complexities of public health messaging, particularly around vaccines, and the urgent need to rebuild trust with skeptical audiences. The episode is an insightful look at today's public health challenges.
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52 snips
Nov 15, 2024 • 1h 11min

The Self-Driving Revolution Is Real—and It Could Be Spectacular

Timothy Lee, author of "Understanding AI" and expert on self-driving cars, dives into the revolutionary world of autonomous vehicles. He discusses how companies like Waymo and Tesla are shaping the future of transportation. Lee highlights the impressive safety records of self-driving cars compared to human drivers, with Waymo achieving no fatalities over 25 million miles. He envisions vast changes in urban planning and public safety, while also addressing potential career shifts in driving occupations due to automation.
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57 snips
Nov 8, 2024 • 54min

How Trump Won: Young Men’s Red Wave, the Blue-City Flop, and the Incumbency Graveyard

Kristen Soltis Anderson, a Republican pollster and co-founder of Echelon Insights, joins to discuss the surprising rightward shift of the electorate in 2024. She highlights how Trump attracted various demographics, particularly young men, influenced by inflation and cultural backlash. The conversation also dives into strategic challenges for Democrats as they navigate this evolving political landscape and the growing skepticism towards traditional institutions. Expect insights on how these trends may shape future elections!
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Nov 4, 2024 • 47min

How to Watch Election Night Without Falling for Conspiracy Theories or False Hope

David Wasserman, a renowned political analyst from the Cook Political Report, shares his expertise on navigating the complexities of election night. He warns against falling for misleading narratives and emphasizes the need for patience in interpreting results. Key topics include the importance of understanding demographic shifts, the significance of Baldwin County as a bellwether, and the evolving political dynamics in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Wasserman also sheds light on the role of exit polls, debunking their perceived importance in a rapidly changing electoral landscape.
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22 snips
Nov 1, 2024 • 57min

This Small Pennsylvania Town Explains the 2024 Election

George Packer, a staff writer for The Atlantic known for his insightful political analysis, explores Charleroi, Pennsylvania, and its relevance to the 2024 election. He discusses Trump's controversial claims about immigration and how they contrast with the town's revitalization brought by Haitian immigrants. Packer highlights the complexities of local fears versus economic benefits, and the intersection of nativism, working-class decline, and corporate greed shaping political sentiments. This deep dive reveals how a small town mirrors national electoral trends.
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34 snips
Oct 25, 2024 • 49min

Why Is Every Recent Presidential Election So Close?

Join Matt Yglesias, author of the 'Slow Boring' newsletter and political analyst, as he explores the surprising phenomenon of consistently tight presidential elections. He discusses how contemporary races starkly contrast with previous landslide victories, analyzing voter dynamics and shifting coalitions. Yglesias delves into the influence of demographics and the evolving appeal of political parties. He also examines the implications of these trends for democracy, shedding light on why modern elections are more nail-biting than ever.
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32 snips
Oct 18, 2024 • 56min

Is Radical Human Life Extension Possible?

In this enlightening conversation, Professor S. Jay Olshansky, a public health expert and author of a key paper on life extension, delves into the science of human longevity. He discusses the remarkable increase in life expectancy from 47 to 79 years and the biological hurdles that still limit radical life extension. The dialogue critically examines how innovations in health have improved survival rates, yet highlights the complex interplay of aging, disease, and societal factors that challenge further progress. Olshansky humorously explores theoretical anatomical changes for better longevity, underscoring the need for scientific rigor amidst speculative claims.
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64 snips
Oct 11, 2024 • 50min

America's Young Men Are Falling Behind—and Shifting Right

Richard Reeves, President of the American Institute for Boys and Men, shares insights on the struggles young men face today. He explores the decline in educational and economic opportunities, with more young men living at home while women advance. Reeves discusses the psychological impact of feeling unneeded and the importance of community for male identity. He highlights a political divide, noting how young men are increasingly leaning right, feeling excluded by progressive politics. The conversation reveals how cultural and economic factors intertwine in today's shifting landscape.

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