Apple News In Conversation

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.

Irin Carmon, a journalist and author of 'Unbearable: Five Women and the Perils of Pregnancy in America,' explores the shocking maternal mortality rates in the U.S. and highlights that over 80% of these deaths are preventable. She discusses the historical roots of maternal health care, racial disparities in treatment, and the dehumanization many face during childbirth. Irin shares powerful stories, like those of Maggie and Christine, revealing systemic gaps and the urgent need for change while offering hope for expectant parents through advocacy and improved care.

Andy Kroll, an investigative reporter known for his in-depth profiles, joins to discuss Russell Vought’s substantial influence in shaping Trump’s second term. He reveals Vought's strategy to weaken federal agencies and believes in a dismantling of what he terms a 'deep state.' Kroll explains Vought's Christian nationalist ideology and the implications for policy, as well as his role as 'shadow president' through budget control. The conversation also touches on Vought's preparations for a potential second Trump administration and his ultimate goal of permanently altering government structure.

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.