Inside the Hive

Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and co-author of "Original Sin," teams up with Alex Thompson, Axios political correspondent and co-author, to dissect President Biden’s controversial decision to run for re-election. They reveal startling insights about Biden's health and the dynamics of his inner circle. The duo discusses the media's role in addressing narratives around Biden's cognitive decline and the challenges journalists face in maintaining truth amidst political pressures. Their conversation sheds light on the implications this has for the Democratic Party’s future.

The scandal-scarred Defense Secretary is hanging on—but for how long? On this episode, Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones, along with executive editor Claire Howorth and Hive editor Michael Calderone, discuss Pete Hegseth’s pugilistic style and tumultuous tenure atop the Department of Defense. Plus, special correspondent Gabriel Sherman joins the conversation to provide perspective from inside Trumpworld and reveals why the president is reluctant to break with his friend from Fox.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Keach Hagey, a Wall Street Journal reporter and author of 'The Optimist,' joins to unveil the complex persona of Sam Altman, the influential figure in AI. They explore Altman's friendships and feuds, especially with Peter Thiel and Elon Musk. The conversation touches on his brief exit from OpenAI and his vision for AI as essential as water, alongside reflections on economic disparities and the necessity of universal basic income. Hagey also highlights Altman's evolving political influences, especially regarding AI regulation in the current landscape.

It may seem like an odd time to party in Washington, but journalists and politicos will gather again this weekend at the White House Correspondents Dinner (and slew of late-night soirees and boozy brunches.) Host and Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones, along with executive editor Claire Howorth and Hive editor Michael Calderone, decode this long-running media ritual, which plays out this year as Donald Trump shatters precedents with the press and puts a chill on speech.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

When protesters converged this past weekend across America, they seized on two central villains: Donald Trump and Elon Musk. On this episode, host and Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones, along with executive editor Claire Howorth and Hive editor Michael Calderone, discuss how perceptions of Musk have radically shifted from rocket-building billionaire to government hatchet man and right-wing troll. Contributing editor Zoe Bernard joins the show to discuss how Musk’s ethos reflects Silicon Valley and whether his more libertarian views on tariffs could hasten his exit from Washington.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

While the Democratic Party is in the doldrums, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders are packing arenas and electrifying crowds with a clear message of opposition to greed and corruption. On this episode, host and editor-in-chief Radhika Jones, along with executive editor Claire Howorth and Hive editor Michael Calderone, discuss the 35-year-old Congresswoman’s political skills, social media prowess, and ability to persevere in the face of right-wing media mockery and violent threats. Michelle Ruiz, who profiled AOC in 2020 for Vanity Fair, joins the show to reflect on that cover story and what’s transpired since.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As “masculine energy” pulses through the manosphere, it’s time to take a look at the women of the right, from Fox News-friendly Trump officials to Gen-Z YouTube talkers to nap dress-clad lifestyle influencers. Host and Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones, along with executive editor Claire Howorth and Hive editor Michael Calderone, unpack what it means to be a MAGA woman today, whether that's wielding power in Washington or amassing followers on TikTok—and what these political and cultural roles say about the state of feminism in America.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Gavin Newsom is venturing into the podcasting arena, even chatting with Steve Bannon. The discussion dives into how this bold move could reshape his political future and whether it helps or hinders his ambitions for a presidential run. They reflect on his groundbreaking stance on gay marriage and revisit a notorious rug photo that sparked controversy. The hosts explore the challenges of reaching young voters shifting right, alongside the complexities of engaging in today’s polarized political climate through innovative communication strategies.

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett, once a Roe-killing conservative darling, triggered the Trump faithful with a post-speech side-eye and ruling against the president who appointed her. On this episode, host and Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones, along with executive editor Claire Howorth and Hive editor Michael Calderone, explore Barrett’s path to the high court, her judicial philosophy and faith, and the right's re-framing of RBG’s replacement as a “DEI” hire. Plus, legal affairs contributor Cristian Farias joins the show to break down how Donald Trump and Elon Musk are causing constitutional chaos—and what role Barrett, and her fellow justices, could play in reining them in.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Step inside Vanity Fair’s exclusive Oscars party with host and editor-in-chief Radhika Jones, who, along with executive editor Claire Howorth and Hive editor Michael Calderone, dish on what A-listers were wearing and eating. (Spoiler: In-N-Out burger). They also discuss the political dimensions of Hollywood’s biggest night and how the culture is responding to a second Trump presidency.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices