Plain English with Derek Thompson

Anastasia Berg and Rachel Wiseman, co-authors of 'What Are Children For?', delve into the dramatic cultural shifts impacting America’s declining birth rate. They discuss the rise of 'parenthood ambivalence' and how changing attitudes towards dating and family planning reveal a disconnect in modern relationships. With insights on feminism, environmental concerns, and evolving gender roles, they challenge traditional views on parenting, urging a reflection on what family means in today's world. Their analysis opens a dialogue about the emotional complexities of modern parenthood.

James Nestor, author of 'Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art,' dives into the fascinating science of breathing. He discusses how human evolution has led to poor breathing habits and the dangers of mouth breathing. Nestor reveals the surprising benefits of nasal breathing and shares techniques to enhance sleep quality, including mouth taping. He explores how proper breathing patterns can reduce anxiety and stress, offering listeners effective methods to improve their health and well-being.

Jerusalem Demsas, a staff writer at The Atlantic and host of the podcast Good on Paper, dives into media biases that skew public perception. She discusses the alarming trend of negativity in news reporting, emphasizing that audiences share the blame for sensationalism. Demsas critiques misguided narratives around maternal mortality and highlights how misinformation impacts public trust, especially during crises like COVID-19. Her insights reveal the importance of critical evaluation of news, urging listeners to seek out grounded, factual discourse.

Philip Landrigan, an epidemiologist and pediatrician from Boston College, discusses the alarming prevalence of microplastics and their potential harm to human health. He explains how these tiny particles can infiltrate our bodies, highlighting their links to cardiovascular diseases. The conversation delves into the inefficacy of recycling practices and what steps individuals and governments can take to mitigate exposure. Landrigan emphasizes the need for urgent research and systematic changes to combat plastic pollution for a healthier future.

John Ourand, a sports correspondent with Puck News, delves into the NBA's incredible new $76 billion media rights deal despite declining viewership. He tackles the paradox of rising revenue in a fragmented media landscape, contrasting it with the NFL's stable influence. Ourand discusses the complexities of sports contracts in the age of cord-cutting and highlights the growing prominence of the WNBA and other women's sports, emphasizing the need for new broadcasting agreements to harness their surging popularity.

David Leonhardt, a seasoned writer and editor at The New York Times, discusses a transformative moment in American economics. He highlights a growing bipartisan consensus on government intervention in trade and technology, especially regarding China. The conversation reveals how infrastructure subsidies, tariffs, and technology restrictions are reshaping economic policy. Leonhardt also connects current shifts to historical crises that have sparked innovation, pointing to the need for a neopopulist approach to better align with working-class concerns.

Kirk Goldsberry, author of ‘Hoop Atlas,’ dives into the evolution of basketball strategy and the players who transformed the game. He highlights how Michael Jordan's reluctance to embrace three-point shooting paved the way for a revolution in the sport. The conversation explores the cultural impact of stars like Allen Iverson and Manu Ginóbili, while also discussing the rise of versatile centers like Nikola Jokic. Goldsberry explains the shift from mid-range games to today's 'sprawl ball,' illustrating how these players shaped modern basketball.

Joining the discussion is David Wallace-Wells, a bestselling science writer and columnist for The New York Times, renowned for his insights on climate and societal challenges. The conversation tackles the contentious link between smartphones and rising teenage depression, especially among girls. David emphasizes the need for a nuanced perspective, arguing that cultural factors and increased mental health awareness contribute significantly to the crisis. The debate explores whether the impact of screen time is truly as detrimental as often portrayed, urging listeners to reconsider common narratives.

Gideon Lewis-Kraus, a New Yorker staff writer and expert on flying car technology, dives into the tantalizing yet frustrating history of flying cars. He explores why these futuristic vehicles have remained elusive, despite advances in technology. Lewis-Kraus discusses the fascinating gap between society's expectations and reality, shining a light on innovative possibilities like urban air taxis. He also unpacks regulatory hurdles and niche applications, arguing that a flying car revolution might be closer than we think.

In this insightful conversation, Sean Illing, known for his work on the Gray Area podcast, explores how modern society has adopted cult-like dynamics. They discuss the allure of devotion in fandoms, using Taylor Swift's dedicated following as a prime example. Sean highlights the shift from casual fandom to intense allegiance and how identity is becoming more significant in politics. He also dives into the psychological impact of media on building exclusive communities, illustrating how today’s cultural trends reflect the characteristics of traditional cults.