Apple News In Conversation

Evan Osnos, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'The Haves and Have-Yachts', digs into America's fixation on the ultra-wealthy. He discusses the stark wealth divide and how today’s billionaires are both envied and resented. Osnos explores opulent super yachts as symbols of this new Gilded Age, critiques CEO pay disparities, and reveals the veiled influence of billionaires in politics. He also reflects on what future historians might learn from today's symbols of affluence and the societal values they represent.

In this engaging discussion, national-security reporter Garrett Graff delves into his recent book on UFOs, revealing how the Pentagon has spread disinformation about sightings to protect secret operations. He questions whether we've truly been visited by extraterrestrial life and examines the implications of recent congressional hearings on UFO phenomena. Graff also explores humanity's mathematical likelihood of encountering alien life and reflects on the profound cultural obsession with UFOs and the resulting distrust in government narratives.

In this engaging discussion, journalist Megan Greenwell, author of "Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream," sheds light on the often opaque world of private equity. She reveals how acquisitions can devastate communities, using poignant stories like that of a former Toys R Us employee. The episode also highlights grassroots efforts, like those in Riverton, Wyoming, where locals fight to reclaim healthcare services. Greenwell calls attention to the pressing need for transparency and regulatory reform in the private equity landscape.

Joseph Kosinski, known for directing high-octane films like Top Gun: Maverick, and legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, discuss the making of F1: The Movie. They share insights into filming real F1 races for authenticity and the rigorous training actors underwent to drive Formula cars. The duo emphasizes the emotional storytelling inherent in motorsport and the thrill of high-speed racing. They hope the film inspires new fans and filmmakers, capturing the exhilarating essence of Formula 1 like never before.

Scott Payne, a retired FBI agent, spent over two decades infiltrating dangerous extremist and criminal groups, including neo-Nazis and motorcycle gangs. He shares gripping accounts of the emotional toll his work took on him while navigating the dark world of hate. Payne exposes the alarming recruitment strategies of extremist groups and describes harrowing events, such as extremist hate camps. His insights stress the urgent need to understand and combat the growing threat of domestic extremism in America.

Rob Sheffield, a Rolling Stone journalist and author of 'Heartbreak Is the National Anthem,' discusses Taylor Swift's transformative influence on the music industry. He highlights her groundbreaking journey from country to pop, emphasizing her songwriting and empowering female artists. The conversation covers her recent reclaiming of master recordings and the emotional depth of songs like 'Dear John.' Sheffield also reflects on the astonishing success of the Eras Tour, showcasing Swift's unique bond with fans and her innovative storytelling techniques.

David Armstrong, a ProPublica health-care reporter battling a rare blood cancer, dives into the shocking pricing of the cancer drug Revlimid. He reveals how this lifesaving medication, costing mere cents to produce, is sold to patients for nearly $1,000 per pill. Armstrong discusses the monopolistic tactics of pharmaceutical companies that keep prices high and access low. He also explores the troubling history of related drugs and the broader implications of America's drug pricing crisis, urging a need for reform in the healthcare system.

Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and co-author of 'Original Sin', teams up with Axios' White House correspondent Alex Thompson to unveil the concealed truth about Joe Biden's cognitive decline. They discuss how his inner circle masked serious health concerns amidst a looming re-election campaign. The two journalists reveal the turmoil within Biden's team following key debates, highlighting internal struggles and the need for media accountability. Their insights emphasize the importance of transparency in the health of public figures and its implications for democracy.

Mariah Blake, an investigative journalist and author of 'They Poisoned the World', dives into the alarming world of PFAS, or forever chemicals, and their pervasive presence in our lives. She reveals their links to serious health issues like cancer and infertility, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and activism. Blake also shares inspiring stories of grassroots movements pushing against these toxic substances and offers practical tips for reducing exposure in our daily lives. A call to action for informed living in a chemically laden world!

In this gripping discussion, Madeleine Baran, host and lead reporter of the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative podcast In the Dark, delves into the Haditha massacre, where U.S. Marines killed 24 Iraqi civilians in 2005. She reveals the chaotic realities surrounding the incident and the failures of military justice in holding anyone accountable. Baran highlights the chilling dehumanization of victims during trials and portrays the profound emotional trauma experienced by survivors. The podcast calls for greater transparency and accountability in military actions.