Hello!Today we talk with the authors of “In Covid’s Wake: How our Politics Failed Us” by Stephen Macedo and Frances Lee. We talk about what we got wrong during the pandemic, how to battle groupthink, especially when it comes to science, and why so many people were willing to accept one version of public health without proper debate or questioning. This was an informative and thought-provoking episode, one that made us rethink a lot of what we knew about what was happening in the early months of 2020. Thanks! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodbye.substack.com/subscribe

The podcast dives into a theatrical political showdown featuring Zelensky and the duo of Trump and JD Vance, sparking speculation about Trump's future actions. It critiques the Democrats' passive approach, likening their strategy to a waiting game before a dramatic comeback. Discussions include the impact of tariffs on markets, the effectiveness of protests, and the complex realities of the Ukraine war. The speakers express frustration with political disillusionment and advocate for a more engaged political landscape to drive genuine change.

Hello!Today we talk about Elon’s gambit to get everyone to respond to a work email on a weekend, the Eagles will they/won’t they trip to the White House, the Trump administration’s vague crackdown, and we talk for a long time for some reason about leap years and how they’re weird. ENJOY! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodbye.substack.com/subscribe

Kyle Paoletta, author of "American Oasis," reveals the unique challenges facing Southwestern cities like Albuquerque and Las Vegas amid climate change. He discusses the historical significance of these regions, sharing lessons from indigenous agricultural practices that could inform sustainable urban development. Paoletta highlights the need for resilience in the face of wildfires, emphasizing community solutions over individualistic approaches. Dive into the rich cultural narratives and how they might guide America’s future in adapting to environmental realities.

A spirited fantasy draft ponders which celebrities might run for President in 2028, featuring humorous picks like Mr. Beast and Eminem. Discussions touch on political discontent with the current administration and the fascinating media dynamics between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. The conversation also dives into the funding tensions in academia and how unconventional candidates could reshape political engagement. Finally, insights into DOGE's fluctuating trends unravel the broader implications of financial rhetoric in a changing landscape.

Ryan Mac, a New York Times reporter and co-author of "Character Limits: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter," shares his insights on Elon Musk's tumultuous takeover of Twitter. He discusses Musk's management style and the resulting impact on company culture and political discourse. The conversation delves into the societal implications of Musk's immense wealth and influence, especially regarding democracy. Mac also humorously addresses the controversial rebranding of Twitter to X, revealing how these changes affect public perception.

Karen Hao, a journalist for The Atlantic and an expert on AI's socio-political impacts, joins to discuss the revolutionary Chinese AI model DeepSeek. This model's launch has sparked significant market turmoil, including major losses for NVIDIA. They explore the astronomical $500 billion Project Stargate and the ensuing rivalries between tech giants like Elon Musk and Sam Altman. The conversation dives into the ethical dilemmas and public perceptions surrounding AI, alongside humorous insights on Tesla's Cybertruck culture.

The discussion dives into Biden's controversial pardons and the criticism surrounding them, exploring their effects on the Democratic Party's reputation. Trump's engaging yet sleepy speech is analyzed, alongside the eerie silence from the left. The impact of social media on political discourse is scrutinized, especially in light of prominent figures like Trump and Musk. Voter dissatisfaction is evident, sparking conversations about the potential for outsiders to shake up the political landscape. Historical reflections provide a humorous yet thoughtful endnote.

Maya Vinokour, an Assistant Professor of Russian Studies at NYU, dives into the curious intersection of wellness culture and right-wing politics. She unpacks the concept of 'lifestyle fascism' and how everyday health choices can lead to radical beliefs. The conversation navigates the evolution of wellness since the 1970s, poking fun at modern food trends, and critiques the anxiety surrounding health narratives in our tech-driven world. Plus, she highlights the psychological toll of the optimization craze and the nihilism creeping into youth political engagement.

Hello!Today we have a belated 1/6 anniversary special with repeat guest John Ganz, whose great book “When the Clock Broke” can be ordered here and whose essential substack can be read here. We discuss how the public will remember January 6th and whether it might already be fading from the collective memory. What do we make of it today after last November’s election? How do we think Trump will treat 1/6, whether the people in jail who are now pleading for pardons or the lasting imprint it may have placed on the public trust? We also talk about Trump’s “plans” to annex Greenland. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goodbye.substack.com/subscribe