Apple News In Conversation

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.

Olivia Carville and Margi Murphy, investigative reporters from Bloomberg, delve into a disturbing deepfake-porn scandal affecting young women in Levittown, New York. They discuss the emotional trauma experienced by the victims and highlight the shortcomings of law enforcement in dealing with such digital crimes. The conversation explores the urgent need for legal reforms, particularly the controversial Take It Down Act, which aims to combat non-consensual digital content. Their insights reveal the dark intricacies of generative AI and its potential hazards in society.

Millions of Americans cannot afford housing despite working full-time jobs. They live in cars, shelters, or extended-stay hotels and often don’t qualify for assistance programs. Journalist and anthropologist Brian Goldstone follows five Atlanta families who are stuck in this cycle in his new book, There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America. Goldstone reveals how these parents and children are prevented from securing housing by steep rents, red tape, and predatory schemes. He spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about how this crisis arose and ways to address it. Listen to the full interview on Apple Podcasts. Correction: A previous version of this episode misstated when the federal minimum wage was last raised. We have removed that line from the interview. The last federal minimum-wage raise was in 2009, not the 1990s.

Michael S. Roth, President of Wesleyan University, critiques the Trump administration's interference with academic freedom. He discusses how recent investigations into top universities impact diversity programs and threaten funding. Roth emphasizes the importance of defending free speech and the necessity for universities to embrace ideological diversity. He highlights the challenges faced by international students amid political pressures and urges the importance of resilience in defending personal liberties for future generations.

Jonathan Blitzer, a seasoned immigration staff writer for The New Yorker and author of 'Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here', sheds light on the troubling deportation of Venezuelan migrants. He highlights the harrowing journey of Andrew, a gay makeup artist, wrongfully detained for supposed gang affiliations. Blitzer critiques ICE's practices, revealing the lack of criminal records among deportees. The discussion exposes political silence amid community efforts to support those affected, emphasizing the urgent need for advocacy in the face of injustice.