Plain English with Derek Thompson

Natan Sachs, Director of the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings, breaks down the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. He discusses the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, where tens of thousands of civilians have been killed and millions displaced. Sachs explores the complexities of ceasefire negotiations and whether Hamas's leadership seeks the kind of peace that global protests demand. He also tackles the implications of U.S. military aid to Israel and the recent shift in Iran-Israel tensions, revealing a deeper geopolitical landscape.

Omar Wasow, a political science professor at UC Berkeley and a key voice on the history of protests, shares insights on the current wave of protests sweeping across college campuses in response to the Gaza war. He discusses how the dynamics of protests have evolved since the 1960s, highlighting the impact of media coverage on public opinion. Wasow explains why some protests succeed while others backfire, and the critical role of peaceful activism in shaping societal change. His analysis draws parallels between past and present movements, shedding light on strategies for effective engagement.

Ravi Agrawal, editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy magazine, dives deep into India's shifting political landscape under Prime Minister Modi. He highlights India's rise as the world's most populous nation and its implications for global dynamics. The discussion reveals the surge of Hindu nationalism and its contrast with India’s historical values. Agrawal also examines the legacy of past violence, the rapid digital transformation, and the growing pains of democracy amid a flourishing digital economy. This multifaceted analysis paints a vivid picture of a nation in flux.

In this entertaining discussion, exercise scientist Steve Magness and health contributor Brad Stulberg tackle trendy health topics like VO2 max and the hype around supplements. They critique the decline in trust towards health authorities and the obsession with complex fitness metrics. The duo warns against blindly following wellness trends while advocating for simplicity and practicality in health routines. They also delve into the regulatory chaos surrounding supplements, highlighting effective options like creatine amidst a sea of myths.

Jason Furman, a Harvard economics professor and inflation expert, dives into pressing economic issues. He explains why home and auto insurance prices have surged dramatically. Furman also reveals why inflation stagnated in 2024, debunking misconceptions from previous forecasts. He discusses the persistent high prices that hinder disinflation and speculates on the future trajectory of interest rates, predicting they may remain elevated for years to come. His insights shed light on the complex relationship between consumer sentiment and economic realities.

Political commentator Josh Barro, known for his newsletter 'Very Serious', discusses the paradox of the 2024 election being crucial yet surprisingly dull. He highlights voter disengagement and the overshadowed importance of key issues like abortion, inflation, and economic growth. Barro elaborates on the stark policy differences between Biden and Trump, particularly in immigration and fiscal strategies. Their chat dives into the roots of voter ambivalence and what a second Trump term might imply for America’s future.

Jay Van Bavel, a psychology and neural science professor at NYU, unpacks the mechanics behind our online interactions. He reveals the 'dark laws' that fuel negativity and extremism in digital spaces, shedding light on why we often see the worst in ourselves online. Exploring the allure of rivalry, he explains how schadenfreude shapes fans’ emotional responses. Van Bavel emphasizes the role of group dynamics and the media's bias, illustrating how these elements impact our perceptions and relationships in today's polarized environment.

In this insightful discussion, Nat Malkus, a former teacher and deputy director of education policy at the American Enterprise Institute, delves into the surging rates of school absenteeism, particularly highlighting alarming statistics from D.C. where 60% of high school students are chronically absent. Malkus explores how the pandemic has exacerbated this trend, leading to a cultural shift in attitudes towards education. He offers potential solutions for teachers and lawmakers, emphasizing the urgent need for a cultural change in attendance expectations.

Daniel Lieberman, a Harvard evolutionary biologist and expert in mismatch theory, joins the discussion to unveil what our ancient hunter-gatherer past can teach us about modern health. He stresses that exercise is the ultimate miracle drug and critiques the popular 10,000 steps guideline, revealing its marketing origins. Lieberman also challenges misconceptions around sleep and sitting, emphasizing the unique contexts of these activities. He advocates for incorporating strength training into our routines, urging a return to a more active, engaging lifestyle.

In this discussion, Robinson Meyer, the founding executive editor of Heatmap and co-host of Shift Key, sheds light on the misperceptions surrounding electric vehicles. He argues that while EV sales are thriving, America's Big Three automakers face serious challenges from China's competitive market. Meyer emphasizes the need for the U.S. to embrace EV production domestically, especially as consumer hesitance and inadequate charging infrastructure pose obstacles. It's a fascinating dive into how geopolitics and technology intertwine in the auto industry.