Plain English with Derek Thompson

Ben Thompson, a tech writer and author of the popular Stratechery newsletter, joins to unpack Elon Musk's audacious bid to buy Twitter. He highlights Twitter's undervaluation and its vital role in global communication. The conversation dives into Musk's vision for the platform, exploring a potential shift towards subscription services and how he might reshape user engagement. They also discuss the broader implications of corporate governance and the concentration of power in the tech world, sparking intriguing predictions about the future.

Casey Newton, author of the insightful newsletter 'Platformer,' joins the discussion on the chaotic saga of Elon Musk's erratic Twitter antics, including his rise as a major shareholder and bizarre tweets. Paul Poast, a political science professor at the University of Chicago, analyzes the grim reality of the Ukraine war, revealing Russia's strategic miscalculations and the potential for a bloodier conflict ahead. The conversation dives into the geopolitical complexities and the implications of military support for Ukraine amidst heightened tensions.

In this engaging discussion, Olga Khazan, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for her keen insights into social trends, sheds light on America's alarming rise in bad behavior. She explores how chronic stress and the COVID-19 pandemic have fueled violent crime and antisocial actions. The ripple effect of rudeness in high-stress situations is revealed, alongside the impacts of political rhetoric and isolation on societal norms. Khazan provides a thought-provoking analysis on how these factors have made communities more unruly.

Matthew Yglesias, author of the Slow Boring newsletter and 'One Billion Americans,' dives into the alarming drop in U.S. population growth. He discusses how the pandemic has led to higher death rates, lower birth rates, and decreased immigration. Yglesias argues for the benefits of a growing population, not only for America but also for global well-being. He explores political failures in addressing family policies and immigration, while advocating for optimistic approaches to foster growth and balance environmental concerns.

Taylor Lorenz and Drew Harwell, journalists from The Washington Post, dive into Facebook's underhanded tactics to tarnish TikTok's reputation. They discuss how leaked documents reveal Meta's campaign to blame TikTok for harmful trends while deflecting attention from its own controversies. The conversation highlights the irony of Facebook's smear strategy and raises crucial questions about data privacy related to TikTok's Chinese ownership. Both guests urge listeners to consider the broader implications of social media rivalries in the fight for user trust.

In this engaging conversation, Dana Goldstein, a New York Times education reporter, and Matt Belloni, co-founder of Puck News, delve into Florida's controversial 'Don’t Say Gay' law. Goldstein breaks down the law’s implications for LGBTQ+ discussions in schools, highlighting its potential chilling effects on educators. Belloni discusses the heated cultural clash at Disney, detailing how the company grapples with employee discontent and the pressures of corporate accountability in the face of rising activism. Their insights reveal the ongoing tension between social issues and corporate strategies.

In this enlightening discussion, bestselling author Anne Applebaum, an expert on Ukraine and Russia, shares her deep insights into the ongoing conflict. She examines Zelensky's global appeal and strong leadership, which contrast with Putin's imperial ambitions rooted in history. Applebaum highlights Ukraine's resilience against Russian failures and the complexities of defining victory in this war. She also navigates the challenges of diplomatic solutions and the implications for future governance, emphasizing the importance of understanding both sides.

In this discussion, Jason Furman, former chief economic adviser to President Obama and a Harvard professor, tackles the U.S. economy's current turmoil. He explores the confluence of inflation, rising gas prices, and the geopolitical crisis stemming from the Ukraine war. Furman discusses the Federal Reserve's struggle to manage inflation without tipping the economy into recession. He draws historical parallels to the 1970s and evaluates fiscal policy options that the Biden administration might consider in these turbulent times.

Rob Lee, a leading expert on Russian military affairs, shares his insights into the flawed strategies behind Putin's invasion of Ukraine. He discusses how despite Russia's overwhelming military advantages, Ukraine's unexpected resilience has stunned the world. The podcast delves into the strategic miscalculations made by Russia and the crucial military support from the U.S. that has bolstered Ukraine's defense. Lee emphasizes the determination of the Ukrainian people and how their national identity fuels their fight against foreign aggression.

Join Robert Wright, a best-selling author and foreign policy commentator, as he navigates the complex landscape of establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine. He debates the potential benefits versus the catastrophic risks of this military intervention, particularly regarding its historical context and moral ramifications. Wright critiques U.S. foreign policy missteps, examines NATO's expansion, and warns against oversimplified views of global politics. The conversation raises the stakes on whether such measures could escalate into a global crisis.