Keen On America

John Seabrook, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'The Spinach King', shares a gripping tale of his family's agricultural empire. He reveals how his grandfather, C.F. Seabrook, revolutionized farming yet ultimately harmed both workers and family through rampant capitalism. The discussion dives into the unresolved labor issues in agriculture, the generational dysfunction within the Seabrook family, and the dark side of ambition that shaped their legacy. Seabrook's perspective combines personal revenge with a critical critique of American capitalism.

In conversation with Keith Teare, publisher of That Was The Week, a tech newsletter, the discussion revolves around the coming age of abundance driven by AI and automation. Teare argues that these advances will cut production costs, allowing people to shift from jobs to hobbies. However, he faces challenges over who will control AI-generated wealth and the potential for massive corporate tax rates for redistribution. The debate touches on whether this technological shift will liberate society or concentrate power in the hands of a few.

James Kimmel Jr., a lawyer and lecturer at Yale, delves into the concept of revenge as America's deadliest addiction. He explains how revenge activates the same dopamine circuits in the brain as substances do, making it incredibly enticing. Kimmel argues that perceived victimization drives societal violence, while forgiveness serves as a powerful antidote. He suggests innovative public health approaches to tackle revenge addiction, and highlights how embracing forgiveness can dramatically alter our emotional landscapes and lead to healing.

Greg Lukianoff, an attorney and free speech advocate, discusses the alarming threats to free speech from both the left and right in America. He critiques campus cancel culture while also addressing Trump's coercive tactics against law firms and media companies. Lukianoff reveals how major law firms and media outlets have responded under pressure, emphasizing the fragile nature of free speech. He also highlights the impacts on international students and underscores the critical role of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) in defending free expression.

Tim Jackson, an ecological economist and director of the Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity, boldly challenges capitalism's growth obsession. He advocates for a 'care economy' that prioritizes health and well-being over GDP. Jackson critiques the exploitative cycle of Big Food and Big Pharma, which profits from unhealthy products. He emphasizes redefining prosperity as health, explores public policy solutions for chronic diseases, and calls for a unifying political movement that harmonizes health with economics.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Kimmage, a former history professor and director of the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute, shares his experiences navigating the tumultuous landscape of Trump's Washington. He highlights the abrupt closure of vital institutions like the Wilson Center, reflecting on the eerie silence of its once-bustling library. Kimmage warns that the loss of expertise creates an 'abyss' in governance, where the consequences of neglecting knowledge can ripple through international relations. His insights underscore the urgent need to preserve cultural legacies.

In this discussion, Paul Elie, a writer and scholar at Georgetown University, shines a light on the vibrant cultural landscape of the 1980s. He argues for the concept of 'crypto-religious' art, where artists like Bob Dylan and U2 reinterpreted religious imagery in innovative ways. Elie posits that this period marked the rise of a 'post-secular' society, where religion remained culturally significant despite declining traditional belief. The conversation critiques the emergence of aggressive atheism and reveals how the 80s have shaped contemporary views on faith and art.

Zaakir Tameez, a Yale Law School graduate and author of a biography on Charles Sumner, delves into the legacy of this unsung hero of the Civil War. He paints Sumner as a model of moral ambition who prioritized racial justice over a lucrative law career. Tameez discusses Sumner's pioneering efforts in school integration, critiques of slavery as an economic system, and his role in mentoring future civil rights leaders. The conversation highlights the enduring relevance of moral leadership in today’s society, paralleling historical challenges with contemporary issues.

Freelance journalist Matthew Hongoltz-Hetling, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, discusses the alarming decline of trust in science among Americans. He explores how the pandemic intensified skepticism, leading individuals toward fringe beliefs like bigfoot hunting and spiritualism. Hongoltz-Hetling suggests that while these beliefs may seem innocuous, they splinter communities and impede collective problem-solving. His provocative idea of licensing psychics highlights a unique approach to restoring societal cohesion in an increasingly distrustful world.

Marcus Alexander Gadson, a legal scholar and author of the book Sedition, delves into America's recurring patterns of political violence rooted in its revolutionary origins. He highlights historical crises like the Buckshot War and Bleeding Kansas, showcasing how disputed elections often led to armed conflict. Gadson draws unsettling parallels to the January 6th Capitol attack, warning that insufficient consequences for such actions could embolden future violence. His examination sheds light on the fragile nature of American democracy and the ongoing debates over sedition.