Plain English with Derek Thompson

Richard Evans, a leading historian on Nazi Germany and author of 'Hitler's People,' reveals how Hitler dismantled German democracy in just six months. He discusses the personal narratives of those affected, including a poignant story of a Jewish child's escape. Evans criticizes contemporary revisionist histories that downplay Hitler's true intentions and antisemitism. He uncovers the ideological foundations of Nazi expansionism and the ordinary individuals who participated in the regime, challenging perceptions of them as mere psychopaths.

Eric Zwick, an economist from the University of Chicago specializing in tax policy, joins Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, to dissect the recent tax and spending bill. They discuss its sweeping impact, from eliminating certain taxes on overtime and tips to creating new child savings accounts. The duo critically examines how this legislation extends tax cuts benefitting the wealthy while slashing funding for Medicaid and SNAP, raising pressing questions about inequality and its implications for national debt.

Dr. Kiran Musunuru, a gene-editing researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, shares an inspiring story about baby KJ, the first patient to receive personalized gene-editing therapy for a rare genetic condition. They discuss the urgency and complexity of developing this life-saving treatment, emphasizing the collaborative efforts among researchers. Musunuru explains the potential of gene therapy for rare diseases and the hurdles faced in advancing these technologies. The conversation highlights the transformative power of personalized medicine and the need for continued research funding.

Eli Finkel and Paul Eastwick are both esteemed professors specializing in the psychology of attraction and romance. They dive into whether people truly have 'a type' when it comes to love and the pitfalls of online dating, highlighting how it may lead to over-filtering for attraction. The duo discusses declining dating rates among young people and the heightened expectations modern couples have for marriage, which can impact relationship satisfaction. Their insights reveal how societal narratives shape our romantic experiences.

Charles C. Mann, a journalist and author, dives into the impactful story of Norman Borlaug, the father of the Green Revolution. Mann discusses how Borlaug developed disease-resistant wheat that revolutionized agriculture and alleviated fears of impending famine. He reveals how, despite warnings of mass starvation in the 1960s, innovations in farming practices led to a dramatic decrease in global hunger. The conversation emphasizes the legacy of Borlaug's work, which has saved potentially a billion lives, and the ongoing importance of agricultural innovation in tackling modern food security challenges.

Jason Abaluck, a health economist at Yale, dives into America's perplexing drug pricing crisis. He reveals that while the U.S. makes up just 4% of the global population, it accounts for nearly 50% of pharmaceutical spending. The discussion centers on why Americans pay exorbitantly for new drugs and the irony of cheaper prices for older ones. Abaluck also explores the delicate balance between innovation funding and affordability, proposing creative solutions to ensure life-saving treatments are accessible without stifling research.

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.