Plain English with Derek Thompson

Paul Poast, a war strategy expert from the University of Chicago, joins to discuss Ukraine's dynamic counteroffensive reminiscent of D-Day. He delves into Russia’s military struggles, highlighting issues like corruption and troop shortages. The conversation navigates the economic toll on Russia caused by sanctions and the potential game-changing impact of Western support. Poast also considers various scenarios for the war's future, balancing optimism with the challenges Ukraine faces, suggesting that victory might not be out of reach.

Duncan Weldon, Britain economics correspondent at The Economist and author of '200 Years of Muddling Through,' joins to delve into the UK's current economic woes. He discusses how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has skyrocketed energy prices and inflation, leaving the UK facing a severe recession. The conversation reflects on historical economic stagnation, the impacts of Brexit, and the political chaos surrounding recent leadership. Weldon also considers how Queen Elizabeth II's death may shift the nation's political landscape amidst these crises.

Heather Schwartz, a senior policy researcher at the Rand Corporation specializing in K-12 education, challenges the alarmist narrative surrounding America's teacher shortage. She argues that while teacher morale is declining, the supposed nationwide crisis is exaggerated. Schwartz discusses the disparities in teacher needs across states and the complexities of hiring qualified educators. Surprisingly, she highlights declining student enrollment as a more pressing concern, driven by demographic changes rather than a lack of teachers.

Nate Silver, founder of FiveThirtyEight, dives into the unexpected twists of the midterm elections. He explores why Democrats' fortunes have surged despite a turbulent political landscape. Key topics include shifts in voter sentiment, the surprising implications of special elections, and the impact of polarized education on polling accuracy. Silver analyzes crucial Senate races, particularly Fetterman vs. Oz, and discusses the struggles facing Republican candidates influenced by Donald Trump's legacy. It's a riveting look at an evolving electoral scenario.

Join Jerusalem Demsas, an Atlantic writer specializing in economic and political issues, as she dives into the hot-button topic of student loan forgiveness. They explore whether forgiving $20,000 in debt genuinely helps low-income Americans or just masks deeper problems. The discussion reveals the inequities in how student debt is treated versus mortgage debt and the call for systemic reform. Legal complexities surrounding executive action on this policy are examined, along with the political implications and public sentiment about prioritizing student debt relief.

Join Matt Belloni, host of 'The Town' and founding partner at Puck News, as he dives into the chaotic summer of the media industry. He reveals the struggles of traditional movie theaters amidst blockbuster success and discusses HBO Max's drastic cuts to tackle finances. Explore the streaming landscape, where platforms are vying for dominance, and CNN's pivot towards a less partisan identity. With a sprinkle of restaurant metaphors, Matt sheds light on how these shifts may redefine Hollywood's future.

Raj Chetty, a prominent economist known for his research on upward mobility in America, dives deep into the decline of the American Dream. He reveals that a child's chance of surpassing their parents’ income has drastically decreased over the decades. Chetty introduces captivating concepts such as 'father presence' and 'Lost Einsteins,' highlighting how local environments influence economic opportunities. He also contrasts neighborhoods like Minneapolis, thriving with potential, versus others where poverty persists generationally. Chetty’s insights challenge us to rethink success and inequality.

Bestselling author Chuck Klosterman dives into the cultural phenomenon of negativity and cynicism in modern society. He discusses how the internet has given rise to both fervent fans and fierce anti-fans, creating a polarized environment. Klosterman reflects on the waning of monoculture and the shift from admiration to antipathy towards celebrities, driven by reality TV and social media. He also examines how media shapes perceptions of reality, contributing to a broader cultural decline since the 1990s.

Juliette Kayyem, a CNN analyst and former Homeland Security official, dives into the intense investigations surrounding Donald Trump. They discuss the FBI's search of Mar-a-Lago and the implications of the Espionage Act regarding classified documents. Kayyem reveals complexities of national security and the legal ramifications of mishandling sensitive information. The conversation also touches on the political fallout and how legal troubles could paradoxically strengthen Trump's support among voters. Get ready for a riveting exploration of law and politics!

Heather McGhee, a writer and policy advocate focused on race and economic policy, discusses how racism in America hinders collective progress. She shares insights from her book, emphasizing the 'Solidarity Dividend'—the idea that unity across racial lines can lead to shared benefits. The conversation touches on a poignant metaphor of a drained pool in Alabama, symbolic of exclusion, and critiques how current policies might not appear explicitly racist but perpetuate inequality. McGhee calls for critical reflection and collective action to achieve social justice.