Plain English with Derek Thompson

In this insightful discussion, Jason Furman, a Harvard professor and Obama administration economist, shares his accurate inflation predictions from last year. He unpacks the complexities behind the current economic climate, including labor shortages and the Great Resignation. Furman discusses how pandemic stimulus measures have impacted inflation and consumer behavior. He also challenges misconceptions about millennials and job stability, revealing their surprising tenure length at jobs. Tune in for valuable economic insights and predictions for the near future!

Shira Ovide, author of the On Tech newsletter from The New York Times, brings her tech expertise to discuss the world's largest tech companies. She reveals why Norway might hold the key to Tesla’s future. Ovide argues that Microsoft is vastly underrated despite its broad gaming portfolio. The conversation highlights how Apple maintains its unique position among giants while questioning the sustainability of Google's advertising dominance. They delve into Amazon's complex global strategy and the essential role of convenience in online shopping.

Jordan Weissmann, Senior Editor at Slate.com, digs into America's staggering $1.7 trillion student debt crisis. He discusses the emotional and economic toll student loans take on individuals and society at large. The conversation includes robust arguments for and against debt cancellation, highlighting its implications for younger voters and marginalized communities. Weissmann also tackles objections to debt forgiveness and compares the U.S. system to more efficient models abroad, making a case for reforming education financing.

Morgan Housel, bestselling author of 'The Psychology of Money' and partner at Collaborative Fund, dives deep into the tumultuous stock market landscape. He explores the dramatic rise and fall of Peloton, the emotional underpinnings of crypto volatility, and how historical market crashes mirror today's dynamics. Housel critiques the reliance on narratives over real profits, shedding light on how economic instability has shaped a generation's financial outlook. Join him for insights into the psychology behind investment decisions and the impact of market hype.

James Fallows, a legendary journalist and former speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter, shares his insights on the current political landscape. He dives into the challenges of the filibuster and its impact on passing the Voting Rights Act. The discussion highlights growing voter disillusionment with Biden, particularly amid negative media narratives. Fallows also addresses the historical context of voting rights and the urgency of protecting democratic processes, plus the complexities of presidential power during tough economic times.

Rich Greenfield, partner and media technology analyst at LightShed, joins to discuss the uncertain future of movie theaters and ESPN's challenges amidst the streaming boom. He highlights the fierce competition in streaming, particularly how platforms like Apple TV Plus are rising with quality content, while Disney rethinks its strategy. They also explore the impact of media fragmentation on shared cultural experiences and what these shifts mean for audience engagement in the evolving entertainment landscape.

Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson, both finance experts and co-hosts of the Animal Spirits podcast, dive deep into the recent surge in inflation rates, marking the highest in 40 years. They dissect how numerous analysts—including the Biden administration and the Federal Reserve—misjudged these economic shifts. The duo highlights 'meatflation' and critiques the blame on processors while unveiling complex factors driving food price hikes. Their engaging discussion also explores corporate pricing strategies and the psychological impacts of inflation on consumer behavior.

John Burn-Murdoch, Chief Data Reporter for the Financial Times, sheds light on the latest Omicron data and the contrasting emotional responses to the pandemic. He discusses the rise of the 'Vaxxed and Done' movement and provides insights on how Omicron's milder effects affect public health strategies. The conversation dives into disparities in ICU admissions between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, and what these trends might mean for the future management of COVID-19. It's a fascinating blend of data analysis and human emotion!

Eli Dourado, an economist and tech expert, joins the conversation filled with optimism about the future of innovation. He discusses the resurgence of supersonic travel and flying cars, alongside game-changing advancements in satellite technology. Dourado highlights the transformative potential of mRNA beyond vaccines, including revolutionary cancer treatments. They explore how crises like COVID-19 can accelerate medical breakthroughs and touch on innovative solutions to combat climate change, emphasizing the promise of carbon capture technologies.

David Frum, an Atlantic staff writer and former speechwriter for George W. Bush, dives into the nuances of America's political polarization. He discusses how race, gender, and education shape voter behavior and party loyalty. The conversation highlights the historical shifts in political identity, particularly the urban-rural divide that intensifies tensions. Frum also examines the impact of gender dynamics and vaccine hesitancy, revealing how intertwined these issues are with our current political climate.