Plain English with Derek Thompson

Conor Sen, a Bloomberg financial columnist, shares his insights on the current economic landscape marked by a disappointing jobs report and a global stock market downturn. He dives into the implications of the Federal Reserve's decision to pause interest rate hikes amidst rising unemployment fears. The conversation also explores the yen carry trade's influence on global markets and rising concerns about an AI investment bubble. Throughout, Sen emphasizes the delicate balancing act the Fed faces while navigating these tumultuous economic conditions.

Joshua Bercu, the executive director of the Industry Traceback Group, dives into the epidemic of robocalls, revealing that the average American is bombarded with spam calls daily. He explains clever tactics used by scammers, such as neighbor spoofing, which make it hard to trace them back. Bercu also discusses measures taken to battle the spam crisis, like industry collaborations and innovative technologies. Additionally, the conversation touches on Kamala Harris and gender trends in the upcoming election, highlighting the intersection of technology and political polarization.

Greg Lukianoff, President and CEO of FIRE and co-author of 'The Coddling of the American Mind', dives into the intriguing happiness divide between conservatives and progressives. He reveals that despite growing institutional distrust, conservatives report higher life satisfaction than progressives, who are experiencing increased anxiety and depression. The discussion highlights how modern progressivism has shifted from optimism to negativity, impacting social justice efforts. Lukianoff also explores cognitive distortions and their role in shaping perceptions, advocating for resilience in the face of challenges.

Austan Goolsbee, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, shares his insights on America's economic future. He addresses the possibility of interest rate cuts and discusses how high rates are impacting housing production. Goolsbee debunks the notion that Trump's high tariffs could solve current economic challenges. The conversation dives into the complexities of the Federal Reserve's dual mandate and the mixed signals in the labor market, revealing a surprising resilience in the economy despite rising rates.

Mike Simonsen, the data-driven mind behind Altos Research, and Lance Lambert, co-founder of the insightful Residential Club newsletter, dive into the perplexing U.S. housing market. They explore why prices remain sky-high despite plummeting demand and debate the eerie 'locking effect' of low mortgage rates stemming from existing homeowners. The duo analyzes regional discrepancies, the effects of rising interest rates, and the growing influence of individual investors, unpacking a market that seems both bizarre and unpredictable.

In this discussion, Mark Leibovich, a Staff writer at The Atlantic, and Alex Thompson, political correspondent for Axios, dive into the fallout from Joe Biden's recent debate performance. They analyze the Democratic Party's 'Project Bubble Wrap' strategy aimed at shielding Biden, examining the tension between optimistic portrayals and public skepticism about his age. They also tackle the hypocrisy of Democrats in privately acknowledging concerns about Biden while maintaining public silence, as well as the speculation surrounding Kamala Harris's potential candidacy.

In this engaging discussion, guest James Alan Fox, a renowned criminologist and author, delves into the shocking rise and sudden decline of serial killers in America. He explores historical trends, revealing how societal changes and technological advancements transformed criminal investigation. Fox contrasts the Hollywood portrayal of these criminals with their often mundane realities. He also discusses the evolution of DNA technology and its impact on solving cold cases, shedding light on the complex relationship between crime and changing cultural narratives.

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.