Plain English with Derek Thompson

Nate Cohn, chief political analyst at the New York Times, dives into the worrisome polling numbers for Joe Biden, especially in swing states. He discusses the notorious poll showing Trump ahead and the importance of taking polls seriously, despite the election still being months away. Cohn highlights Biden's age as a multi-faceted issue and introduces the 'engagement gap'—a critical yet underexplored aspect affecting voter behavior that might reshape the political landscape as 2024 approaches.

Kevin Roose, a tech columnist for The New York Times and host of 'Hard Fork,' shares insights on the practical applications of generative AI in everyday jobs. He discusses how AI is reshaping roles in journalism and software development, enhancing productivity while raising ethical questions. Roose highlights the balance between leveraging AI tools and maintaining human creativity, emphasizing their impact in medicine and creative industries. With a focus on navigating the AI revolution, he explores both the challenges and opportunities this technology presents.

Morgan Housel, a partner at Collab Fund and author of 'The Psychology of Money,' dives into timeless truths amid constant change. He discusses why many successful people feel miserable and the paradox of wealth and happiness, noting that money enhances contentment but doesn't guarantee joy. Exploring the perils of social media fame and the natural limits of growth, Housel also reflects on the impact of luck in life, emphasizing the need for humility in success and the challenges of creativity in our modern age.

Sally Abed, a Palestinian-Israeli activist with Standing Together, brings a vital perspective on the Israel-Palestine conflict. She discusses the 'psychosis' faced by Palestinians in Israel and the challenges of identity amidst ongoing discrimination. The conversation navigates the complexities of leadership and safety, critiquing both Hamas and Israeli policies. Sally emphasizes the importance of building coalitions for peace and challenges listeners to consider what happens after a ceasefire, advocating for genuine political change and grassroots unity.

Conor Sen, a Bloomberg columnist known for his incisive economic analysis, dives into the state of the U.S. economy. The discussion highlights the surprising resilience of economic growth despite looming threats like high interest rates and a cooling housing market. Sen identifies five major risks to future growth, including the fallout from a recession in apartment construction. He also explores the correlation between rising rates and shifting dynamics in the housing and auto industries, making predictions for 2024 that could shape financial strategies.

Benny Morris, an eminent Israeli historian with a focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is joined by Zachary Foster, a historian of Palestine analyzing the rise of Hamas. They discuss the origins of the conflict from antiquity to present-day tensions. Morris highlights the historical issues leading to violence, while Foster examines Hamas's transformation from charity to militant group. Both experts reflect on Israel's military response and the challenges posed by the absence of moderate voices on both sides, offering nuanced perspectives on the future of this enduring conflict.

In this discussion, Adam Grant, a bestselling author and psychologist renowned for his insights on human potential, explores the dynamics of cultivating our abilities. He discusses the pitfalls of assessing talent, the role of coaching in personal growth, and the intriguing 'Lemieux effect' in sports. Grant also dives into the historical impact of the Protestant Reformation on literacy and individual empowerment. Throughout, he emphasizes the importance of varied training and the need for a shift in how we measure success to unlock hidden potential.

In this engaging discussion, Georgetown University professor Daniel Byman, a leading expert on counterterrorism, tackles Israel’s precarious situation. He explores the moral complexities of Israel's right to defend itself while facing the harsh realities of civilian casualties. Byman emphasizes the need for a balanced counterterrorism strategy and political solutions to pave the way for future peace. The conversation sheds light on Gaza’s unstable political landscape and the challenges faced by the U.S. in crafting effective peace strategies for the region.

Peter Beinart, a professor at CUNY and a noted voice on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, joins to explore the emotional and moral complexities of this deeply divided issue. He highlights the challenges of holding two contradictory truths: the defensibility of Israel and the inexcusable nature of some of its actions. The discussion delves into the concept of apartheid, shifts in Israeli politics under Netanyahu, and the roles of Palestinian citizens. Beinart emphasizes the necessity for nuanced dialogue amidst polarized perspectives.

Zeke Faux, author of 'Number Go Up,' provides a captivating insider view of the ongoing trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, the fallen crypto mogul. He discusses the shocking evidence against Bankman-Fried and the emotional turmoil faced by courtroom witnesses. Faux highlights the complexities of accountability in the crypto world and contrasts the glamorous facade of FTX with the darker realities of the industry. Tune in for insights on Bankman-Fried's controversial defense and the broader implications for the future of cryptocurrency.