After Words

Environmentalist Bill McKibben argued that solar and wind power offer the best path for addressing climate change. Politics and Prose bookstore in Washington, D.C., hosted this event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

British journalist Piers Morgan argued that there has been a global rejection of "wokeism" and discussed what he thinks a post-woke world will be like. He spoke at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum in Yorba Linda, California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michelle Young, journalist and author, dives into the riveting history of Rose Valland, a female spy during WWII. Young highlights Valland's journey from a modest upbringing to her crucial role at the Jeu de Paume museum, where she covertly documented Nazi art looting. The conversation reveals Valland's secret espionage methods, her challenging postwar life, and the complex legacy of her contributions to art restitution. Young sheds light on the reasons Valland's remarkable story has been overlooked, making for a compelling exploration of bravery and sacrifice.

David Gelles, an award-winning New York Times correspondent and author of 'Dirtbag Billionaire', shares insights about Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard. He reveals how Chouinard built a purpose-driven empire and ultimately gave it away for environmental causes. Gelles discusses the company's unique culture, pivotal choices like the organic cotton pivot, and the complexities of corporate responsibility. He also contrasts Chouinard's mission with Doug Tompkins' methods and contemplates Patagonia's future governance after Chouinard's departure.

Kenneth P. Vogel, a New York Times reporter and investigative journalist, dives into the murky waters of foreign lobbying in D.C. He reveals the historical roots of lobbying, tracing back to the 1930s and the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Vogel discusses the ironic legacy of FARA's author, Congressman Dickstein, while highlighting how figures like Paul Manafort revolutionized influence peddling. He also dissects Hunter Biden's complex ties, Rudy Giuliani's controversial diplomacy, and the evolving landscape of political influence under Trump's presidency.

Jill Dougherty, former CNN Moscow bureau chief and author, shares her decades of experience covering Russian leaders like Gorbachev and Putin. She discusses her deep connection to Russian culture and the transformational shift from Yeltsin’s chaotic politics to Putin’s controlled regime. Jill also reflects on the evolution of Russian media under Putin's grip and how U.S. foreign policy has shaped Russia's post-Soviet trajectory. With insights on Putin’s psychology and Russia's future, she highlights the complexities of understanding today’s Russia.

George Selgin, professor emeritus at the University of Georgia and author of False Dawn, dives into the New Deal's implications on economic recovery. He critiques FDR's policies, arguing they hampered recovery rather than helped. Selgin highlights how the 1933 gold revaluation initially sparked a boom but quickly faded. He muses on missed monetary opportunities and the complexities of banking regulations. Adding a personal touch, he shares anecdotes about his time volunteering with donkeys in Spain, blending economic insights with charming life stories.

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd shares insights from her latest book, Notorious. She discusses the intertwining of celebrity culture and politics, revealing how Shakespeare shapes her observations on power. Dowd shares stories of interviewing guarded stars like Denzel Washington, exploring their public masks versus private vulnerabilities. The chat dives into the origins of AI and its impact on society, alongside profiles of influential figures like Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, capturing the evolving relationship between tech and politics.

Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, talked about growing up as a Trump and his family's involvement in business and politics. This event was held at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist Karen Hao discussed her reporting on OpenAI under the leadership of Sam Altman. The Commonwealth Club of California hosted this event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices