Plain English with Derek Thompson

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.

David Deming, a Harvard economist specializing in education and the future of work, dives into the alarming rise in unemployment rates for recent graduates, reaching a four-decade high. He discusses the struggles faced by business school grads and the transformative impact of AI on job markets. The conversation explores how AI might reshape the need for college degrees while addressing the essential skills future workers must develop to thrive amidst these changes. Unpacking these complex dynamics, Deming sheds light on the evolving challenges young professionals face today.

Holden Thorp, editor-in-chief of Science, discusses the alarming cuts to funding at NIH and NSF that are crippling American science. Bhaven Sampat, a historian at Arizona State University, sheds light on the historical context of these reductions. Pierre Azoulay from MIT emphasizes the urgent need for reform to revitalize the American scientific ecosystem. The trio delves into the impact of political decisions on research productivity, the importance of federal support, and innovative funding models that could drive America back to the forefront of global research.

Kurt Campbell, Chairman of The Asia Group, and Rush Doshi, Director of the China Strategy Initiative at CFR, dive into the implications of China's rise as a global superpower. They discuss China's dominance in technology, naval capabilities, and industrial strength, painting a picture of a new geopolitical landscape. The duo also highlights the urgency for the U.S. to reassess its strategies amidst China's rapid advancements, exploring the potential for a Chinese century versus American resurgence. Their insights reveal a complex interplay of competition, cooperation, and innovation.

Paul Tough, a journalist known for his insightful essays, discusses ADHD's complexities and the potential for overdiagnosis. He revisits a 1937 experiment that showcased how amphetamines transformed children’s behavior, challenging traditional views. The conversation dives into rising ADHD diagnoses among adults, particularly women, and examines the intricate links between ADHD, anxiety, and modern distractions like smartphones. Tough advocates for a broader understanding of ADHD, emphasizing the importance of holistic treatment approaches.

Sara Seager, an MIT astrophysicist and expert in exoplanets, discusses the groundbreaking discovery of potential signs of alien life on K2-18b, a planet 120 light-years away. She explains how scientists detect exoplanets and analyze their atmospheres using spectroscopy and unique gas signatures. The conversation dives into the implications of finding life-signifying chemicals and the philosophical questions surrounding life beyond Earth. Seager also shares her insights on the evolving search for extraterrestrial life and the challenges involved.

In this engaging conversation, Molson Hart, CEO of Viahart—a toy manufacturing company producing items in China, Indonesia, and Vietnam—sheds light on the adverse effects of Trump’s tariffs on his industry. He argues that while he supports the administration's manufacturing goals, the tariffs could devastate businesses like his. Molson discusses the ethical dilemmas companies face, the challenges of shifting supply chains, and the uncertainty entrepreneurs navigate. He provides a unique perspective on the complexities of American manufacturing and trade policies.

In this conversation, Jason Miller, a Michigan State professor specializing in global supply chains, discusses the evolving trade war dynamics between the U.S. and China. He reveals how deeply intertwined both economies are, especially in electronics and essential goods. The challenges of re-industrialization in America and the uncertainties surrounding tariffs are explored. Miller emphasizes that while tariffs are intended to protect American interests, they often harm the very industries they aim to support, highlighting the complex nature of global trade.

Douglas Irwin, an esteemed economist and historian from Dartmouth, delves into the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff and its catastrophic role in deepening the Great Depression. He discusses how this 1930 legislation, intended to protect American farmers, backfired spectacularly, illustrating the pitfalls of misguided protectionism. Irwin reflects on Herbert Hoover’s struggle between party loyalty and economic reality, the tariff's international repercussions, and the complex legacy it left that still resonates in today's economic debates.

Matthew Klein, author of ‘The Overshoot’ newsletter and coauthor of ‘Trade Wars Are Class Wars,’ joins to dissect Donald Trump's tariff strategy. Klein illuminates how these tariffs disrupt global markets and examines their intended outcomes amidst economic turmoil. They discuss the flawed methodologies behind the tariffs, critique their effectiveness in fostering American manufacturing, and explore alternatives like the Bipartisan Chips and Science Act. The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding trade dynamics within a historical context.