Plain English with Derek Thompson

Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford professor and remote work expert, dives into the hybrid work model's effects on lifestyle and urban living. He reveals that hybrid setups aren't as doomed as some fear, but they foster a shift toward suburbia, known as the 'donut effect.' Bloom discusses surprising survey findings, including younger workers' preference for hybrid over fully remote options, emphasizing the need for in-person interactions. He also explores innovative technologies shaping the future of remote work and addresses urban economic shifts stemming from these changes.

Kevin Roose, a New York Times writer focused on technology and culture, returns to discuss the seismic shifts in AI and its implications. They delve into Elon Musk's chaotic acquisition of Twitter and its unpredictable future. Roose highlights the transformative potential of AI, especially in creative sectors like journalism and art, while addressing the surprising threat it poses to creative jobs. They tackle Moravec's Paradox and explore how AI might personalize news content, raising critical questions about privacy and authenticity in our digital age.

Bill Simmons, a renowned sports writer and podcaster, dives deep into the contentious debate of baseball's home run kings—Aaron Judge versus Barry Bonds. He passionately discusses the legitimacy of records influenced by steroids, the joy of debating sports history, and how MLB's past missteps impacted fan engagement. Simmons reflects on the evolving analytics in baseball and the emotional ties that fans have to iconic moments, ultimately questioning the integrity of the Hall of Fame in preserving baseball's true narrative.

Kyla Scanlon, a savvy writer and economic explainer on TikTok and YouTube, dives into the Federal Reserve's role in the economy. They discuss how the Fed's attempts to tackle inflation could lead to global chaos, creating a 'dollar doom loop' affecting emerging markets. Kyla highlights the importance of simplifying economics, noting that understanding complex concepts can empower public engagement. They also unpack how rising interest rates impact housing affordability and challenge the balance between job stability and inflation control.

Scott Galloway, a speaker, podcaster, and author of 'Adrift,' dives deep into societal issues fueled by technology, discussing the struggles faced by lonely American men and the chaotic landscape of online interaction. He highlights the role of sensationalism in media, the impact of smartphones on Gen Z's mental health, and the frightening rise of misinformation. Galloway also critiques the need for educational reform and introduces potential paths for young men, alongside a take on the promises and pitfalls of emerging tech like crypto and the metaverse.

In this engaging discussion, Harvard economist and former top economic advisor to President Obama, Jason Furman, shares his insights on the implications of the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate hikes. He highlights the global ripple effects, including the plummeting British pound and risks of a worldwide downturn. Furman critiques the balancing act the Fed faces between controlling inflation and preserving job stability, while also examining the currency crises in Europe and the interconnectedness of U.S. monetary policy with international economies.

Richard Reeves, a Brookings Institution scholar and author of 'Of Boys and Men,' dives into the crisis of masculinity in America, highlighting that men represent less than 40% of new college graduates while facing alarming rates of overdose and gun violence. He discusses the gender gap in education and labor force, and how progressive visions of masculinity can be redefined. Reeves also explores the shifting roles of fatherhood and the widening political divide, emphasizing a need for an inclusive dialogue around men's challenges today.

Psychologist Ethan Kross, from the University of Michigan and author of 'Chatter,' discusses the intriguing science of self-talk. He explores how our inner voice can often turn critical, creating toxic mindsets. Kross shares insights on the emotional challenges faced by athletes experiencing the 'yips,' and emphasizes the superpower of harnessing our self-talk. He introduces effective strategies for transforming negative thoughts into constructive dialogues and discusses the role of belief in enhancing mental well-being.

Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, shares expert insights on the struggling U.S. housing market amid rising interest rates. He discusses the imminent correction and its potential impact on the broader economy. Zandi highlights critical trends in over 200 housing markets at risk of price declines and compares current conditions to the 2008 crash. Additionally, he explores the synchronized global housing market decline and how China's economic turmoil reverberates through the U.S., revealing interconnected risks and opportunities.

Bill Gates, founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, shares his insights on global health and development. He highlights encouraging trends, like the decline in poverty and child mortality rates, while emphasizing the need for continued progress. The conversation delves into the fascinating domain of genetics and its potential to revolutionize agriculture. Gates discusses innovative food technologies aimed at boosting food security in Africa and strategies to combat the impacts of climate change, especially for smallholder farmers.