Apple News In Conversation

Eric Lach, a staff writer at The New Yorker, profiles Zohran Mamdani, a rising star in New York City's mayoral race. The discussion delves into Mamdani's ambitious campaign promises like a rent freeze and universal childcare. Lach explores how Mamdani's unique upbringing in Uganda and South Africa shaped his political outlook and savvy social media strategies. They also tackle the feasibility of his proposals and the implications of his campaign on national politics, highlighting his strong stance on Palestinian rights as a pivotal aspect of his victory.

Jonathan D. Cohen, author of Losing Big: America’s Reckless Bet on Sports Gambling, explores the explosive rise of sports betting since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling. He discusses how apps create a seamless betting experience that hooks users, likening it to social media addiction. Cohen reveals the gambling industry's influence on state legislation and the cultural shift that allowed sports leagues to embrace betting. He also confronts the human cost of addiction and critiques the industry's approach to responsible gambling, stressing the need for better safeguards.

Brinda Adhikari, a journalist focused on building trust, and Maggie Bartlett, a virologist from Johns Hopkins, discuss the declining trust in U.S. public health. They explore the Make America Healthy Again movement and the necessity of dialogue between grassroots supporters and health experts. The duo emphasizes the importance of humanizing conversations, clarifying that many MAHA supporters have nuanced views on vaccines. They also address the impact of COVID on public perceptions of health authority and advocate for transparent, empathetic communication in science.

Vauhini Vara, a contributing writer for Bloomberg Businessweek, dives into the transformation of U.S. classrooms as they embrace AI. She reveals how schools shifted from blocking tools like ChatGPT to integrating them for lesson planning and student feedback. Vara discusses the influence of tech companies, the potential risks of privacy and critical thinking, and what AI means for teachers and students’ futures. She highlights the mixed outcomes of AI use, in both excitement and dependence on educators, while sharing her own experiences with AI in her writing.

Sean Westwood, an Associate Professor at Dartmouth College and expert on political violence, discusses the current state of political unrest in the U.S. He emphasizes that most Americans reject violence, despite media narratives suggesting otherwise. Westwood explains how perceptions of increasing violence are skewed by isolated incidents and explores the complex motivations behind attackers. He also argues for the importance of calm discourse, suggesting that promoting constructive leaders and stepping back from divisive rhetoric can help lower political tensions.

In this engaging discussion, historian Jill Lepore, author of We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution, shares insights on the challenges of amending the U.S. Constitution. She explores how infrequent amendments contribute to current political crises, from polarization to court battles. Lepore examines the historical context of constitutional changes and reveals why social movements have increasingly turned to courts instead of seeking amendments. Her findings shed light on the significance of Article V for American democracy's future.

Rachel Aviv, a staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the unexpected remission of schizophrenia symptoms in a woman after cancer treatment. She reveals the impact this has on the family and their relationships. Aviv discusses the evolving understanding of schizophrenia and how autoimmune conditions could be linked to psychotic symptoms. This conversation urges a reevaluation of psychiatric practices and highlights the importance of empathy and communication in healing family dynamics after such a long struggle with mental illness.

Shoshana Walter, author of *Rehab: An American Scandal* and investigative reporter, dives into the flawed U.S. addiction treatment system. She reveals how profit-driven rehab programs often neglect patient care, making recovery a grueling challenge. Walter contrasts historical treatment methods and emphasizes the need for accessible medications like Suboxone. She discusses the risks of unregulated facilities and the emotional toll on individuals seeking help. With a call for reforms, Walter highlights the importance of community support in achieving lasting sobriety.

Emily Nussbaum, a New Yorker staff writer and reality TV expert, dives deep into the fascinating world of reality television. She discusses the evolution of the genre, tracing its roots from early radio to iconic shows like 'Queer Eye'. Nussbaum reveals the behind-the-scenes realities of popular series and explores contestant struggles, including exploitation in shows like 'Love Is Blind'. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas viewers face while consuming these often-manipulative programs, challenging perceptions of authenticity in modern entertainment.

Anne Applebaum, a Staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "Autocracy, Inc," shares her firsthand accounts from Sudan, where the civil war has devastated civilians. She discusses the dire humanitarian crisis, driven by military factions, leading to famine and displacement. The conversation highlights the decline of U.S. diplomatic focus on Africa and critiques superficial peace negotiations that fail to address the conflicts meaningfully. Applebaum emphasizes the resilience of Sudanese civilians and activists in their struggle for power-sharing solutions and lasting peace.