Apple News In Conversation

Guest-hosted by David Greene: The NFL accounted for 93 of the top 100 U.S. broadcasts in 2023, according to Nielsen ratings. But not that long ago, the league was reeling from controversies around head injuries, allegations of racism in its hiring practices, and players protesting police brutality. To better understand the NFL’s staying power, Apple News In Conversation guest host David Greene spoke with sports journalist Pablo Torre, host of the podcast Pablo Torre Finds Out. They dig into the league’s ups and downs, America’s obsession with football, and the Taylor Swift effect.

Kevin Blackistone, ESPN panelist and Washington Post columnist, discusses the financial benefits received by college athletic directors compared to the lack of compensation for athletes. The podcast explores the racial dynamics of college sports, proposes solutions such as separate business models for football and basketball, and emphasizes the need to support the well-being of college athletes.

Roz Chast, a celebrated figure in the cartoon world, talks about her distinctive style and humor. Topics include following artistic intuition, popularity of New Yorker cartoons, and her collection of canned goods.

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.