Apple News In Conversation

Garrett Graff, a national-security reporter, shares his findings from his book 'UFO: The Inside Story of the US Government's Search for Alien Life Here — and Out There'. He explores the history of UFO sightings, categorizes different types of sightings, discusses the probability of alien life and contact, exposes government cover-ups, and emphasizes preserving our planet and fostering curiosity.

Journalist Tim Alberta discusses the increasing politicization of the evangelical church in his latest book. He explores the intertwining of religion and politics, the rise of pastors preaching Christian nationalism, and the reasons behind evangelical support for Donald Trump. Alberta also discusses the generational clash within the church and reflects on the purpose of the church in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Esther Perel, relationship expert, shares insights on the true motivations behind couples' fights and the challenges of modern love. She explores the unrealistic expectations in relationships today and offers tips for resolving disagreements. The importance of embracing contradictions in relationships and navigating parenthood with a supportive community is also discussed.

Shankar Vedantam, host of Hidden Brain, discusses how our brains resist change and offers strategies to embrace change as opportunities. Topics include talking about grief and death, finding purpose in career decisions, navigating major life transitions, the power of self-compassion, and making promises to our future selves.

Rainn Wilson, actor and author of Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution, explores spirituality and its role in finding joy, despite struggles with mental health. He discusses the pursuit of happiness in Iceland through his docuseries, 'The Geography of Bliss'. The power of gratitude is emphasized as a tool to combat resentment and rewire the brain. Wilson also highlights the significance of daily routines, spirituality, and building community to discover meaning and purpose in life.

Elizabeth Keating, a trained anthropologist, shares tips for conducting interviews with family members to uncover personal histories. She discusses the significance of ordinary life experiences and the importance of asking the right questions. Keating emphasizes the benefits of creating a more individualized picture of family members through interviews. By reflecting on memories, older people combat loneliness and bridge generations.

Explore strategies retailers use to get you to buy more stuff and learn how to have a more sustainable holiday. Discover the psychological tactics and environmental consequences of online shopping, and find tips for mindful shopping. Learn about the negative impacts of excessive packaging, returns processes, textile waste, and expedited shipping. Embrace secondhand shopping to shop sustainably and reduce waste. Get tips for gift-giving with consideration for others and the environment, emphasizing creativity and personalization.

Rachel Maddow, best known for her show on MSNBC and a serious history buff, discusses the rise of fascism in America during World War II, exploring the pro-fascist movement, Henry Ford's promotion of anti-Semitism, Father Coglin and the Christian Front, Nazi propaganda in America, and the importance of confronting the ugly moments in our history to address similar challenges in the future.

Gender expert Kate Mangino discusses the unequal division of household responsibilities in different-sex relationships. She emphasizes the need for partners to balance the mental and physical labor of running a home, including negotiating and sharing the cognitive load. Strategies for avoiding gender roles and norms, as well as challenging gender norms in household tasks, are discussed. The importance of open conversations about expectations regarding the division of labor at home is also highlighted.

Former astronaut and technical advisor discusses the alternate history premise of the TV series 'For All Mankind', the future of space travel, differences between NASA and SpaceX, realism of space scenarios portrayed in the show, and themes of tribalism and allegory in the upcoming season.