Plain English with Derek Thompson

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg entertainment reporter, and Matthew Ball, an investor and author of 'The Metaverse', dive into the future of media. They discuss whether Netflix can maintain its streaming dominance against rivals like Disney and Apple. The resilience of movie theaters post-pandemic is also examined, alongside TikTok's disruptive influence on traditional media. Shaw and Ball speculate on the metaverse's potential and its implications for education and social interaction, offering a fascinating look at where entertainment might be headed.

Elon Musk's tumultuous journey with Twitter takes center stage as he attempts to back out of the acquisition. The discussion delves into his claims about misinformation and spam bots, revealing the messy fallout for both parties. As Twitter's valuation plummets, the complexities of Musk's negotiations emerge, highlighting legal hurdles he faces. With three potential scenarios examined, the podcast captures the chaos and uncertainty surrounding this high-stakes drama, leaving listeners pondering the future of both Musk and Twitter.

Noah Smith, an economic writer known for his insightful newsletter Noahpinion, delves into the pressing questions of peak inflation. He discusses the recent decline in prices across various sectors like retail and oil, suggesting that we might be witnessing a pivotal moment in disinflation. The conversation highlights the implications of reduced prices on the future of the U.S. economy, the role of the Federal Reserve, and how current trends could shape consumer behavior and political landscapes ahead of the 2024 elections.

Jeff Asher, a crime analyst and co-founder of AH Datalytics, dives into the alarming drop in murder clearance rates in the U.S., where nearly half of all murders go unsolved today. He discusses the stark contrasts with the 1960s, the complexities of modern evidence standards, and the ethical challenges police face. The conversation also highlights the racial disparities in solving murders, particularly those involving Black victims, and how technology impacts these investigations. Asher offers crucial insights into the systemic issues plaguing law enforcement.

In this discussion, Margot Sanger-Katz, a New York Times writer and expert on abortion and healthcare policy, offers vital insights into the transformative impact of abortion pills on the current debate. The conversation dives into how these pills, now widely accessible, complicate regulatory efforts in conservative states. Sanger-Katz highlights the ethical dilemmas of digital surveillance for abortion access and the changing dynamics within the pro-life movement, emphasizing that the battle over abortion pills might soon define the next cultural conflict.

Conor Sen, founder of Peachtree Creek Investments and economic columnist for Bloomberg, challenges the prevalent doom-and-gloom narrative surrounding the U.S. economy. He points out that recent income growth and robust job markets are often overshadowed by fears of recession. The discussion dives into the resilience of the banking system and the shift from goods to services, highlighting the booming leisure economy. Sen also addresses the complexities of urban redevelopment amidst rising costs, providing a fresh perspective on the current economic landscape.

Margot Sanger-Katz, a New York Times reporter specializing in health policy and economics, discusses the monumental Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. She highlights the widespread political and social ramifications, including shifts in public opinion and upcoming elections. The conversation dives into disparities in abortion access across states, focusing on the challenges poorer women face. Sanger-Katz also addresses how corporate policies and fertility practices could evolve in a post-Roe landscape, as well as comparisons with global abortion rights.

Scott Keyes, founder of Scott's Cheap Flights, dives into the chaos plaguing the airline industry amid post-pandemic recovery. He explains how a surge in travel demand, coupled with a shortage of pilots and staff, led to widespread flight cancellations. Keyes highlights the decline of business travel and the shift toward leisure trips, revealing how budget airlines are thriving while traditional carriers struggle. The conversation also touches on the impacts of seasonal storms and the complex economics at play as airlines adapt to the current chaotic landscape.

Skanda Amarnath, the Executive Director at Employ America and co-author of an innovative plan to enhance oil capacity, joins the discussion. He highlights the urgent need to tackle skyrocketing gas prices, now a major economic and political issue. The conversation explores the role of government policies in stabilizing the energy market and suggests strategies like using the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Amarnath also emphasizes the importance of balancing immediate economic relief with long-term climate goals in managing oil supply.

Julia Hobsbawm, author of 'The Nowhere Office,' dives deep into the remote work revolution. She highlights that office occupancy remains low, prompting questions about who actually benefits from this shift. The conversation also touches on the Great Resignation, noting how women and younger employees are reevaluating their work-life balance. Hobsbawm discusses the impact on traditional office spaces and real estate, suggesting a hybrid model could be the future. She emphasizes the importance of psychological safety in remote teams for fostering collaboration.