Plain English with Derek Thompson

Judd Cramer, a Harvard economist and co-author of a paper on inflation metrics, challenges common economic perceptions. He explains how traditional inflation measures overlook the staggering impact of soaring interest rates on everyday costs. As housing prices rise, the true cost of living, especially in terms of mortgages and loans, is often misrepresented. Cramer argues that this disconnect fuels economic anxiety and questions the validity of current economic indicators, offering a fresh perspective on what really drives consumer sentiment.

Michael Bang Petersen, a Danish political scientist, explores the intriguing concept of the 'need for chaos' in American politics. He discusses how cynicism towards institutions has fueled a chaotic political landscape where conspiracy theories thrive. The conversation delves into the psychological motivations behind this trend, highlighting a 'chaos cohort' that spans political divides. Petersen emphasizes the roots of anti-elite sentiment and how economic inequality and social exclusion have intensified political unrest, challenging traditional norms.

Eric Klinenberg, a sociologist and director at NYU's Institute for Public Knowledge, dives into America’s alarming decline in face-to-face socializing. He reveals that from 2003 to 2022, interactions plummeted by 30%, especially among teens. Klinenberg discusses how digital media affects loneliness and the surprising idea that Americans may not be lonelier than ever. He also highlights the importance of social infrastructure and community connectivity, drawing lessons from past crises to emphasize the need for rebuilding social ties.

Dr. Arindrajit Dube, an economics professor at UMass Amherst, dives into real wage growth and its implications for inequality. He shares insights on how real wages for the poorest workers are rising, leading to a shrinking Black-white wage gap. Dube emphasizes a significant shift in the American workforce, likening it to changes seen in the mid-20th century. They discuss how job mobility affects wage growth and the enduring value of college education, despite economic discontent among many workers.

Charles Duhigg, bestselling author of 'The Power of Habit' and 'Supercommunicators,' dives into the art of difficult conversations. He emphasizes how effective communication can transform relationships—be it in marriage or politics. Duhigg shares techniques like 'looping for understanding' to enhance dialogue and the importance of asking deep questions to foster intimacy. He also explores connecting shared values and emotions to navigate tough political discussions, highlighting empathy as a vital tool for productive dialogue in divisive times.

Celine Halioua, CEO and founder of Loyal, is on a mission to extend the lives of our furry companions with groundbreaking biopharmaceuticals. The discussion dives into her innovative drug, LOY-1, which slows aging in large dog breeds and hints at possible benefits for humans. Celine shares insights on the intriguing link between dog size and lifespan, along with the ethical dynamics of life extension. Plus, she sheds light on the unique challenges her biotech company faces in the pet health market.

In this engaging discussion, Darby Saxbe, a clinical psychologist and USC professor, dives into the complexities of anxiety in the digital age. She explores how social media can both destigmatize mental health conversations and exacerbate anxiety by transforming personal struggles into commodified content. Saxbe critiques algorithm-driven media for increasing rumination and distress while questioning if our open dialogue about mental health has gone too far. Tune in for insights on navigating anxiety and the future of mental health discussions online.

Nathaniel Bullard, an independent climate researcher from Singapore and former Bloomberg expert, dives into the transformative power of solar and battery technologies in addressing climate change. He discusses how these innovations are reshaping energy generation and outpacing predictions. Despite the challenges presented by political dynamics and infrastructure, Bullard highlights a bright future for renewable energy, particularly in places like Texas. Listeners will discover how investment in clean energy is creating a pathway towards a more sustainable world.

Alice Evans, a visiting fellow at Stanford University, dives into the intriguing gender divide within Gen Z. She discusses the sharp liberal shift among young women contrasted with a subtle rightward movement among young men globally. This growing polarization raises questions about societal cohesion and implications for gender equality. The conversation also explores how cultural and economic factors influence these trends, the evolving political identities, and the unique challenges faced by young men, especially in different regions like South Korea.

Hannah Ritchie, a data scientist and deputy editor of Our World in Data, dives deep into the surprising truths about food and the environment. She challenges the effectiveness of local and organic foods, showcasing that technological advancements in farming may offer better sustainability. The conversation highlights the carbon impact of meat and dairy, the myths of returning to pre-modern food systems, and the necessity of a shift towards plant-based diets to combat climate change. Ritchie also emphasizes improving food distribution and addressing food waste as vital to feeding a growing global population.