The Dishcast with Andrew Sullivan

Arthur Brooks, a Harvard professor and expert on happiness, delves into the science of joy and personal fulfillment. He shares how half of our happiness is genetically determined, while also discussing his own struggles with his mother's mental illness. Brooks reveals his journey from a musician to an academic, and highlights the importance of focusing on local connections to maintain emotional balance amid chaos. He encourages embracing creativity and warns against the pitfalls of screen obsession, advocating for a life of integrity over superficial success.

In this engaging discussion, clinical psychologist Simon Rogoff delves into the nuances of narcissism, drawing from over 20 years of experience. He explores the spectrum of narcissistic traits, from healthy self-regard to severe dysfunction, highlighting childhood patterns that breed narcissism, such as emotional neglect and the embrace of achievement over vulnerability. Rogoff also examines famous figures like Churchill and Lennon, revealing how their wounds shaped their complex personalities, while noting how narcissism can both drive ambition and create deep interpersonal issues.

Shadi Hamid, a Washington Post columnist and senior fellow at Georgetown University, dives into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, discussing the National Security Strategy and America's global leadership. He reflects on his mixed identity and its influence on his worldview. Highlights include a critique of Bush's idealism leading to chaos in Iraq, the consequences of 9/11 on his faith, and the tension between Islam and liberalism. Shadi advocates for promoting democracy in the Middle East while respecting cultural diversity, making a case for a nuanced American power.

George Packer, a journalist and novelist known for works like The Unwinding, shares his insights on modern America. He reflects on his Stanford upbringing and personal losses, revealing how they shaped his political views. Packer discusses the impact of Orwell's clarity in writing and chooses fiction to explore the failures of contemporary politics in his new novel, The Emergency. He critiques societal divides, youth grievances, and the rise of moralism, warning about a collapsing competence in institutions.

Michel Paradis, a seasoned human rights lawyer and historian, explores the complexities of Dwight Eisenhower's life and career. He sheds light on Eisenhower's underestimated leadership during D-Day and his unique relationship with FDR. Paradis shares personal anecdotes about Eisenhower's challenging upbringing and pivotal mentorship under Fox Conner. Discover how Eisenhower's moderation and strategic alliances shaped postwar efforts, and why he stands in stark contrast to modern political figures.

Mark Halperin, a veteran political journalist and author known for his work with ABC News and TIME, shares captivating insights from his career. He reflects on covering Bill Clinton, emphasizing the former president's charisma and capacity to sway opposition. The conversation dives into the insular nature of Washington media, the rise of partisanship influenced by figures like Rush Limbaugh, and the challenges of today's journalistic landscape. Halperin also highlights the potential for restoring civility in media through independent, nonpartisan content.

Fiona Hill, a former U.S. intelligence analyst and expert on geopolitics, shares her insights on Russia's imperial ambitions and the resurgence of populism. She discusses the impacts of industrial decline in northern England and the changing identity of regions. Hill explores how Putin’s miscalculation exacerbated the war in Ukraine while highlighting innovative Ukrainian military strategies. The conversation touches on the complexities of immigration, nationalism, and the international implications of corruption in Ukraine, providing a nuanced view of today’s geopolitical landscape.

Cory Clark, a behavioral scientist and executive director of the Adversarial Collaboration Project, explores fascinating aspects of sex differences and their societal implications. She discusses the distinct personality traits between men and women, highlighting trends in neuroticism and risk aversion. Clark also delves into the evolving landscape of education and workplaces, illustrating how institutional feminization shifts priorities toward care and protection. The conversation further uncovers the dynamics of gender roles, from women in military positions to the rise of HR, all within the context of cultural changes.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comDavid is a journalist and novelist. He’s been at the Washington Post since 1986, serving as editor of the Sunday Outlook section, foreign editor, assistant managing editor for business, and now a foreign affairs columnist. He’s also written 12 espionage thrillers — including Body of Lies, which became an A-list movie.For two clips of our convo — on the extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean, and calling out the Biden coverup — head to our YouTube page.Other topics: his dad a WWII vet who became Secretary of the Navy; leaving Harvard to live in Haight Ashbury; covering steel workers for the WSJ; covering the Mideast in the early ‘80s; witnessing the bombing in Beirut; espionage; his first novel turned down by every US publisher; Graham Greene a mentor as writer; his long friendship with Tom Friedman; the US as a unipolar power; the Clinton decade of coasting; the trauma of 9/11; Saddam’s torture regime; the Iraq invasion; US torture and black sites; international law waning today; personality cults on the rise; Erdoğan; Trump’s “emergencies”; going to war with Venezuela; Hegseth vs. the rules of engagement; the execrable Eddie Gallagher; IDF strikes and AI; Europe reclaiming its security; Putin’s covert war against NATO; China and the tariff war; the abdication of Congress; Vought; when democracies become dictatorships; razing the East Wing; the media bubble; Dems unable to call out their failures; lawfare under Biden and Trump; and watching Slow Horses and The Diplomat.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy. Coming up: Cory Clark on feminized culture, Mark Halperin on US politics, Michel Paradis on Eisenhower, Fiona Hill on Putin’s war, and Arthur Brooks on the science of happiness. As always, please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.

Tech journalist Karen Hao, known for her work at MIT Technology Review and Wall Street Journal, delves into the complexities of AI. She explores the environmental impact of AI and its implications for democracy. The conversation also covers the rise of OpenAI, the contrasting leadership styles of Sam Altman and Elon Musk, and the unique threats AI poses to white-collar jobs. Hao warns about misinformation in AI training data and critiques the competitive pressures driving the industry, emphasizing the need for balance between innovation and democratic values.