Plain English with Derek Thompson

Morgan Housel, a partner at Collaborative Fund and author of 'The Psychology of Money,' joins the discussion to debunk major U.S. economy myths. He tackles misconceptions about inflation, highlighting the gap between personal experiences and aggregated data. Housel reframes the 'Great Resignation' as a 'Great Reshuffling' where workers seek better opportunities. He also explores the shifting power dynamics in labor relations and addresses the modern retirement crisis, all while providing insights on personal growth and reflections on leadership.

Kevin Roose, a New York Times tech columnist, dives into the fascinating world of Elon Musk and the peculiar behaviors of tech founders. He discusses Musk's transformative contributions to electric vehicles and space exploration while pondering the contradictions of his public persona. The conversation shifts to how rising tech titans are exploring new realms like crypto and the metaverse, as well as the effects of remote work on communication and creativity. Roose also critiques the anti-work movement, provoking thoughts on work's role in identity.

Rebecca Jarvis, ABC News chief business, technology, and economics correspondent, delves into the sensational trial of Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos. She discusses the most jaw-dropping evidence presented, including cringeworthy text messages and dramatic courtroom moments. The trial's impact on women entrepreneurs and venture capital is explored, alongside the intricate relationship between Holmes and her former partner. Listeners will gain insight into the ethical dilemmas faced by witnesses and how perceptions of Holmes vacillate between visionary and fraud.

Bryan Curtis, co-host of The Press Box on The Ringer, joins to deliver grades on the media's coverage of current events. They discuss the shift in media bias towards President Biden compared to Trump, and how this challenges accountability. Curtis critiques the media's portrayal of the Omicron variant's complexities. They delve into the ethical quandaries surrounding Chris Cuomo's firing and his family ties. Finally, they explore the intricate nature of celebrity profiles, focusing on Jeremy Strong and the impact of social media on public perception.

Anne Helen Petersen, a journalist and author known for her insights on modern work culture, joins for a deep dive into America's work landscape. They discuss the blurred lines between personal and professional life in remote work settings. Anne shares her own journey from academia to digital journalism in Montana, examining work-life balance amid nature. The conversation critiques biases in traditional office environments and highlights the importance of community connection and flexible work arrangements in fostering a healthier work culture.

Andrew Yang, former presidential candidate and Forward Party founder, joins for an insightful discussion on democracy and the economy. They tackle 'kaboomflation'—the duality of economic growth and inflation—along with the labor market's evolution post-pandemic. The impact of remote work on urban economies is explored, alongside technology's role in shaping media and civic engagement. Yang highlights the need for diverse political representation and the appeal of Universal Basic Income as a solution to political polarization.

In a gripping conversation, Anne Applebaum, a Staff Writer at The Atlantic and expert on global democracy, explores the disturbing rise of authoritarianism in places like Russia, China, and even the U.S. She discusses the emerging 'Autocracy, Inc.' network, where dictators collaborate to quash democratic movements. Applebaum highlights Turkey's shifting stance on the Uyghur community due to economic ties with China and examines how social media fuels illiberalism. The urgency for reform in American democracy is emphasized as autocratic tactics grow more prevalent.

Dr. Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor University, shares his expert insights on the Omicron variant of COVID-19. He discusses what we know about its genetic mutations and the risks of a winter surge, emphasizing the necessity of booster shots. Hotez critiques travel bans and stresses the importance of global vaccination efforts. He highlights advancements in vaccine technology and calls for cohesive leadership to tackle misinformation and improve vaccine distribution worldwide.

Amanda Mull, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for her insights on consumer habits, joins to dive into hot topics stemming from the pandemic. They tackle the future of Peloton, weighing its market challenges against emerging interest. The discussion also dissects changing fashion trends, favoring comfort over formality. Mull shares insights on the lingering effects of pandemic anxiety on health perceptions and how social behaviors, like mask-wearing, are becoming political statements. Finally, they ponder the fate of movie theaters as viewing habits evolve.

Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson, experts in wealth management and asset management respectively, dissect the current economic landscape, focusing on rising prices and labor shortages. They discuss how rapid demand exceeds supply, leading to inflation. The duo highlights the psychological shifts in consumer behavior and impacts on wage growth, particularly for low-income workers. They also explore the political implications of these economic challenges, emphasizing the need for clearer communication from the Biden administration to address public concerns.