Plain English with Derek Thompson

Listeners are pulled into the gripping tales of five Ukrainians facing life-or-death decisions amid war. Stories of emotional escapes reveal the resilience and hope of families, highlighting a father-daughter journey through chaos. One individual recounts staying in Kyiv to maintain normalcy despite relentless threats. A poignant narrative of a businessman captures transformation as he returns to fight for his homeland. Together, these accounts showcase the profound impact of conflict on human lives and the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people.

In this engaging discussion, Paul Poast, a University of Chicago professor and war expert, analyzes the current military strategies in the Ukrainian conflict, emphasizing the psychological challenges faced by Russian forces. Robin Wigglesworth, a Financial Times correspondent, dives into the unprecedented financial sanctions against Russia, detailing their impact on the economy and international relations. Both guests address the future of Putin's regime, exploring potential outcomes and the moral dimensions of the West's economic warfare.

In this engaging discussion, Nicolas Véron, a French economist with deep expertise in international economics, delves into the swift sanctions imposed on Russia due to its actions in Ukraine. He highlights the chaos erupting in Russia, including bank runs and currency devaluation. The conversation also covers China's cautious stance, the targeted sanctions aimed at Russian oligarchs, and the long-term impacts on Russia's defense industry. Ultimately, they ponder the unforeseen consequences for Putin's regime and what a post-Putin Russia might look like.

Paul Poast, an associate professor of political science at the University of Chicago, dives into the complex outcomes of the Ukraine conflict. They discuss scenarios from potential regime change to the risk of a disastrous quagmire. Poast emphasizes Putin's imperial ambitions and the challenges they pose for U.S. foreign policy. The conversation touches on the impact of military accomplishments on political goals, raising important questions about the cascading effects of the war both regionally and globally.

Explore the historical milestones influencing Putin's Ukraine invasion, revealing his ambitions tied to Soviet legacies. Experts discuss the war's ripple effects, including potential crises in energy, migration, and global geopolitics. The podcast dives into how Russian energy exports impact Europe and the risks posed by sanctions. Delve into the agricultural repercussions, particularly in wheat production, and how this could trigger political instability. Lastly, the evolving dynamics between global powers like China and the implications for a new Cold War are analyzed.

Josh Wolfe, co-founder of Lux Capital, dives into the art of picking tech winners. He shares his four mottos for cutting through BS and finding value in chaotic markets. The discussion touches on the current struggles of tech stocks and explores innovative ideas inspired by frustrations, like Uber. Josh and Derek also play a fun game of 'Overrated or Underrated?' assessing buzzworthy topics like the metaverse and NFTs, blending skepticism with excitement over SpaceX's potential.

Join Ryen Russillo, host of the Ryen Russillo podcast, as he dives into the most stunning sports achievements in U.S. history. The debate heats up around Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point game and Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hit streak. Russillo and Derek Thompson dissect the iconic milestones of athletes like Jerry Rice and Tom Brady, exploring their legacy in the context of their sports. The duo even takes a surprising twist by naming a non-American as the single most impressive sports accomplishment ever!

David Frum, a staff writer at The Atlantic, sheds light on the recent Canadian protests, revealing they transcend simple anti-vaccine sentiments. He discusses the diverse motivations behind the movement, including frustrations with government and economic issues like inflation. Frum examines the impact of Prime Minister Trudeau's Emergency Act on national order and the tension between civil liberties and public health. Additionally, he critiques media framing of protests, emphasizing the need for accurate representation in coverage.

Dan Pink, bestselling author of 'The Power of Regret,' explores the transformative role of regret in our lives. He challenges the 'no regrets' mindset, advocating for embracing regrets as opportunities for growth. The conversation shines a light on common regrets related to careers and education, revealing a tendency to regret missed risks more than bold choices. Pink also discusses the impact of moral regrets and connection regrets, emphasizing the importance of understanding these emotions to build meaningful relationships.

Kevin Roose, a technology columnist for The New York Times, dives into the complexities of media and culture. He discusses the scrutiny surrounding Joe Rogan's podcast and the challenges of balancing free speech with responsibility amidst misinformation. Roose highlights Meta's struggle to regain user engagement against rising competition from TikTok, while also unpacking the controversial world of crypto anonymity and its implications for privacy. His insights reveal a shifting media landscape full of ambition and uncertainty.