Plain English with Derek Thompson

Giana Amador, Co-founder and policy director of Carbon180, dives into the critical role of carbon removal technologies in combating climate change. She explains the bathtub analogy for the Earth's atmosphere and highlights the urgent need for solutions like direct air capture to manage excess carbon. Giana discusses the gap between technology and real-world impact, critiques surrounding carbon sequestration, and emphasizes the importance of policy and private investment in driving innovation. Exciting changes are on the horizon!

Listeners dive into the myths surrounding monkeypox transmission, with a call for clearer public health communication. Millennials face unique economic challenges yet enjoy significant global advancements. The conversation highlights their struggles with affordability while noting cultural progress. Finally, the podcast explores the implications of declining birth rates, challenging overpopulation fears and showcasing the potential benefits of population density in urban centers like Tokyo.

Ted Gioia, a prominent music critic known for his thought-provoking essay, delves into why older songs dominate today’s playlists. He highlights the rise of nostalgia, like Kate Bush's ‘Running Up That Hill’ re-entering the spotlight, and discusses the alarming trend where over 70% of streamed music is older than 18 months. Gioia also examines the shift in the music industry toward data-driven decision-making and the implications for creativity. Lastly, he envisions a hopeful future for music innovation amidst these challenges.

Robinson Meyer, a journalist from The Atlantic known for his insightful analysis, discusses the groundbreaking climate bill by the Democrats on clean energy. He highlights record investments in renewable technologies and the potential for economic revitalization. The conversation dives into the bill's innovative tax credits and government support for clean technology, emphasizing incentives over punishments. Meyer also explores how this legislation could reshape America's energy landscape and create a legacy of sustainable practices for future generations.

Austan Goolsbee, an economics professor at the University of Chicago and former chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, dives into the complexities of assessing America's economic state. He discusses the latest GDP report and its unexpected implications amid a strong job market. Goolsbee also unpacks the difficulties in defining a recession, the impact of external events like the pandemic and the Ukraine crisis on supply chains, and how public perception often conflicts with economic realities.

In this engaging discussion, Packy McCormick, a popular author known for his Not Boring newsletter, debates the future of cryptocurrency and Web3. He explores the practical applications of blockchain technology, questioning its advantages over traditional systems. The conversation dives into the complexities of crypto culture, financial risks, and the distinction between genuine ventures and speculative schemes. They also examine the potential of stablecoins and the aftermath of gaming phenomena like Axie Infinity, providing a balanced view of crypto’s evolving landscape.

Molly Wood, a financial journalist turned venture capitalist and host of 'This Week in Startups', shares her critical view on cryptocurrency. She argues that crypto is a significant environmental threat and highlights its unregulated nature, which invites Ponzi-like schemes. Molly also points out the disparity between crypto's grand promises and its actual use cases. With recent scandals like the insider trading case at Coinbase, she emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues while exploring the potential evolution of the financial landscape.

Ian Bremmer, a political scientist and founder of Eurasia Group, explores the tumultuous state of global politics. He discusses the chaotic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war on global trade and Europe's economy. Inflation and crises in Sri Lanka, Turkey, and El Salvador highlight vulnerabilities in developing nations. Additionally, Bremmer delves into China's COVID-19 mismanagement and India's shifting energy policies. This geopolitical landscape suggests we are at a historical crossroads, signaling both an end of an era and the dawn of something new.

David Wallace-Wells, a New York Times writer and author of 'The Uninhabitable Earth,' dives into the dire realities of climate change. He discusses unprecedented heatwaves and the lackluster response of governments. However, there’s a silver lining: advancements in solar energy and battery tech are paving the way for a cleaner future. Wallace-Wells emphasizes the urgent need for new construction and infrastructure to adapt, while advocating for innovative solutions that can unite various political views in the fight against climate change.

In this insightful discussion, Brian Quinn, a law professor at Boston College specializing in mergers and acquisitions, unpacks the chaotic saga of Elon Musk’s tumultuous Twitter takeover. They dive into the ever-shifting power dynamics between Musk and Twitter, and what Musk's impulsive actions signal for his legal standing. Quinn explains Twitter's strategies, the implications of specific performance in contract law, and outlines three possible outcomes of this bizarre legal drama. It's a wild ride through corporate law and high-stakes negotiations!