Apple News In Conversation

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.

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.