Apple News In Conversation

In this engaging discussion, Jacob Soboroff, a senior reporter at MS NOW and author of Firestorm, shares his firsthand account of the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires. He reveals the chaotic evacuation process and the heartbreaking personal losses he witnessed. Jacob unpacks the political tensions surrounding recovery efforts, misinformation from prominent figures, and the challenges of rebuilding in the aftermath. Despite the devastation, he highlights community resilience and innovative solutions emerging from this crisis.

Jonathan Blitzer, a New Yorker staff writer known for his insights on immigration and foreign policy, dives into the complexities of U.S. military actions in Venezuela. He discusses how political motivations shifted the Trump administration's focus to Venezuela and critiques the administration's framing of the 'war on drugs.' Blitzer also analyzes how oil plays a symbolic role and highlights the risks associated with Delcy Rodríguez's new position. He emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding U.S. demands and the implications for both Venezuela and Venezuelans in the U.S.

Martinus Evans, an author and running coach, shares his inspiring journey from over 300 pounds to marathon finisher in his memoir, Slow AF Run Club. He recounts the pivotal moment when a doctor's harsh advice pushed him to run. Martinus discusses confronting rejection as a bigger runner, finding joy in the process instead of focusing solely on weight loss. He highlights the importance of self-compassion, naming your inner critic, and adopting a beginner's mindset for sustainable running. Ultimately, he emphasizes running as a joyful pursuit.

Scott Payne, a retired FBI agent, spent over two decades infiltrating organized crime and extremist groups. In this gripping conversation, he shares thrilling accounts of his time undercover with the Outlaws motorcycle gang and the white-supremacist group, the Base. Payne discusses the ethical dilemmas of forming connections with dangerous individuals, the shocking rituals he witnessed, and the pressing threat of extremism in America today. His insights are a stark reminder of the thin line between hate speech and criminality.

Join Sam Sanders, a public radio host known for his sharp cultural insights, and Anne Helen Petersen, a culture critic and author, as they dive into the standout art of 2025. They unpack recurring themes of nostalgia and social regression, celebrate Noah Cyrus's evocative music, and discuss Lizzo’s surprising turn. From analyzing Bad Bunny's global impact to critiquing Netflix's surprises and Hollywood's risk aversion, their lively conversation paints a rich picture of the year's trends and the creative landscape ahead.

Michael Scherer, a staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the complexities of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s life and his evolving role as Health and Human Services Secretary. He discusses Kennedy's early trauma, his fight against addiction, and how these experiences have shaped his controversial approaches to public health. Scherer also explores Kennedy's shift in political alliances, his scrutiny of vaccination policies, and the implications of his focus on parental autonomy in health decisions. The conversation reveals the layers behind Kennedy's convictions and their impact on public discourse.

Join historians Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland as they explore pivotal moments in American history. Sandbrook, known for his narrative-driven storytelling, and Holland, a popular history commentator, discuss why the fall of the Aztecs is a crucial starting point for American history. They delve into Lincoln’s complex character and his exhausting final days, as well as the tumultuous year of 1968, examining its parallels with today's political climate. Their engaging insights and lively banter make history not just informative, but truly captivating.

Clinical psychologist Joshua Coleman, an expert on family estrangement and author of The Rules of Estrangement, shares insights on the rising trend of family rifts, especially during the holiday season. He reveals the complexities behind estrangement, including relationships impacted by divorce and political divides. Joshua critiques standard therapist advice as often unhelpful and emphasizes the importance of empathy and vulnerability in conversations. He also discusses his own estrangement, offering practical tips for reconnecting with loved ones.

Samin Nosrat, acclaimed chef and author of the bestseller Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, shares her insights on cooking and holiday gatherings. She explores how personal loss reshaped her cooking approach, emphasizing joyful, shareable meals in her new book, Good Things. Samin critiques traditional Thanksgiving flavors, advocating for bold accents and textures. She also offers practical tips to alleviate hosting stress, encouraging delegating tasks and early prep. Plus, she stresses the importance of creating a signature dish rooted in passion.

Lynsey Addario, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist and MacArthur Fellow, shares her gripping experiences covering global conflicts. She discusses her empathy-driven photography, capturing emotional truths amidst chaos. Addario highlights the ethical dilemmas of publishing graphic images and the impact of her work on international policy, particularly in maternal health. Balancing her dangerous career with motherhood, she candidly reveals the challenges and compromises of this dual life while aiming to showcase women's stories in war zones.