Plain English with Derek Thompson

Walter Borneman and Robert Merry, both accomplished authors on James K. Polk, dive deep into the surprisingly successful presidency of this often-overlooked leader. They explore Polk's bold goals, such as acquiring Oregon and California, and the complexities of the Mexican-American War. Discussions range from the political landscape of 1844 to the fervor of Manifest Destiny. With tantalizing insights, they assess the transformative impact of Polk’s presidency on American expansionism and identity, illustrating the gap between his achievements and modern perceptions.

In this discussion, Michael Geruso, an economics professor specializing in healthcare policy, and Tim Layton, a healthcare economics expert from UVA, delve into the chaos of recent federal government changes, highlighting Musk's controversial tactics. They unpack the inefficiencies in healthcare spending, particularly within Medicare Advantage, and the staggering amounts lost to waste and fraud. The guests emphasize the dire need for a reconstruction of federal aid programs, particularly in health care, while critically assessing the ethical implications of current practices.

Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author of 'Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious', dives deep into the changing landscape of faith in America. He discusses his own religious journey and how societal attitudes toward belief have shifted. The conversation touches on the scientific case for God's existence and the emotional drawbacks of that logic. Douthat also argues for the benefits of faith in fostering community and exploring existential questions, while reinterpreting the relevance of Christianity in modern life.

Charles Piller, author of 'Doctored,' exposes the dark realities in Alzheimer's research, revealing how esteemed scientists faced allegations of data manipulation. He shares the rise and fall of the controversial drug simufilum, initially thought to reverse memory loss. Piller discusses the historical amyloid hypothesis and its limitations, alongside the challenges of scientific integrity and groupthink in the field. Lastly, he emphasizes the need for renewed trust in scientific institutions amidst growing concerns over fraud and stagnation in effective treatments.

Nat Bullard, an independent energy analyst and author, shares insights into the complex landscape of global energy. He reveals that despite the rise of solar and battery technologies, fossil fuel demand remains high, with coal and oil production hitting record levels. The discussion highlights the unexpected resilience of energy sources like wood, while addressing the challenges of a green energy transition. Bullard emphasizes the potential of solar energy to mitigate climate change despite its competition with fossil fuels, painting a messy yet hopeful picture of the future.

In this engaging discussion, Sahil Bloom, author of 'The 5 Types of Wealth', shares his insights on redefining wealth beyond mere finances. He delves into concepts like time wealth, emphasizing the freedom to control schedules, and social wealth, which highlights the importance of deep relationships in an increasingly isolated world. Bloom also tackles the challenges of building authentic connections and aligns career choices with personal passions for a more fulfilling life. His wisdom encourages listeners to prioritize meaningful interactions and the true essence of well-being.

Ziyad Al-Aly, a physician-scientist from Washington University in St. Louis, co-authored a paper exploring the groundbreaking effects of GLP-1 drugs. The conversation highlights how these drugs extend beyond diabetes treatment, potentially aiding in reducing risks for substance abuse, neurocognitive disorders, and even conditions like Alzheimer's. Al-Aly discusses the implications of these findings on our understanding of free will and behavior. He also calls for more research to fully unlock the transformative potential of GLP-1 medications.

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Roose, a New York Times columnist and host of the Hard Fork podcast, sheds light on the controversial future of TikTok and its influence on Gen Z, particularly amidst its legal battles in the U.S. The conversation turns to the rapidly advancing world of AI, with experts predicting breakthroughs that could reshape technology. Roose also delves into the rise of meme coins in the crypto scene, exploring their implications on financial culture and governance amid national security concerns. A thought-provoking listen!

Candice Millard, a historian and author of the bestseller "Destiny of the Republic," dives into the unfortunate tale of President James Garfield. She explores Garfield's rise from humble beginnings to the presidency and the chaotic atmosphere of the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. The discussion highlights the intersection of innovation and medicine, revealing the medical failures that plagued Garfield following his assassination. Millard also brings Charles Gouteau's unsettling obsession into focus, illustrating how mental health and politics clashed in this tragic chapter of American history.

Tim Stockwell, a Canadian health researcher and advocate for scrutinizing moderate drinking's benefits, joins the conversation. He delves into the health implications of moderate alcohol consumption, challenging the traditional J-shaped curve theory. Stockwell highlights the complexities of observational studies, discussing their limitations in understanding alcohol's true effects. He also re-evaluates public health guidelines, particularly in light of new findings linking alcohol consumption to cancer risk, prompting listeners to reconsider their drinking habits.