On with Kara Swisher

Margaret Atwood, the acclaimed Canadian author of The Handmaid's Tale, discusses her first memoir, Book of Lives. She explores the reasons for writing it in her 80s, revealing how her personal experiences shaped her creative process. Atwood shares insights on her love for nature, the duality of her identities as a writer and nature-lover, and the themes of hope within her dystopian narratives. She offers thoughts on politics, the evolution of social media, and the dark undercurrents of her writing, all while maintaining a hopeful perspective despite challenging times.

Beth Macy, award-winning reporter and author, shares insights from her memoir and discusses the opioid crisis and community decline. Jacob Silverman, an independent journalist, examines the link between tech billionaires and rural America under the MAGA umbrella. They explore the role of social media in political polarization, the decline of upward mobility, and how non-political activities can mend family ties. Their conversation also touches on tech elites' accountability and strategies for bridging divides between different social groups.

Tig Notaro, a multi-talented comedian, actor, and producer, shares her journey through grief following the loss of her friend, spoken word poet Andrea Gibson. She discusses creating a documentary, 'Come See Me in the Good Light', to celebrate Andrea’s life and humor. Tig reflects on her own battles with cancer and how those experiences shaped her views on grief. Their conversation touches on the evolution of comedy, the importance of personal narratives on stage, and Tig's exciting plans for an all-lesbian action film.

Independent journalist Jessica Yellin, former CNN chief White House correspondent and founder of News Not Noise, discusses the evolving landscape of media. She addresses how Trump's rhetoric has fueled public skepticism and the challenges posed by opaque algorithms. Yellin advocates for a certification system for evidence-based creators and suggests collaborations between legacy media and independent creators. She also emphasizes the role of AI as a tool for journalism, celebrating diverse voices while warning against the influence of money on responsible reporting.

Jennifer Welch, co-host of the provocative political podcast I've Had It, shares her journey from the Bible Belt to political commentary. She reveals her frustrations with centrist Democrats, sees potential in red state outreach, and critiques Trump’s media strategies. Welch discusses Marjorie Taylor Greene’s possible future and her insights on viral moments with political figures like Rahm Emanuel and Cory Booker. She emphasizes the need for Democrats to be authentic and engage with independent media to reclaim ground in overlooked regions.

Scott Jennings, a longtime Republican political operative and CNN commentator, shares insights from his new book about Trump’s presidency. He discusses his role on CNN's debate panels, likening the format to wrestling, and explains his complex relationship with Trump. Jennings explores the MAGA base's frustrations, the impact of the Epstein files, and the challenges of maintaining Trump's coalition. They also debate what 'common sense' means in Trump’s agenda and reflect on how Trump has transformed the GOP.

Ken Burns, the acclaimed documentary filmmaker known for his historical series, teams up with Sarah Botstein, a co-director of 'The American Revolution.' Together, they discuss the complexities of America's founding, highlighting George Washington's moral flaws amidst his leadership. The duo explores how enslaved African Americans perceived the British as a beacon of hope, challenging the notion of all Loyalists as traitors. They also stress the importance of uncovering nuanced history and civic engagement, revealing reasons to find hope in America's past.

Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneering machine learning researcher and Nobel laureate, shares his insights on the AI landscape. He discusses the existential risks posed by AI, including the threat of surveillance and misinformation. Hinton warns about the potential loss of jobs due to AI advancements and emphasizes the need for strict policies to regulate its use. He also explores the unique risks of superintelligence and the importance of creating AIs that prioritize human well-being. Finally, Hinton urges public involvement in shaping future AI policies.

Nick Foster, a futures designer and former head of design at Google X, explores the complexities of AI in this engaging conversation. He critiques the current AI hype cycle and emphasizes the need for practical approaches to technology. Foster advocates for a grounded mindset in futurism, discussing the balance between optimism and critical thinking. He warns against viewing AI solely as an efficiency tool and envisions a future where AI seamlessly integrates into daily life, designed with everyday users in mind.

In this engaging conversation, investigative journalist and five-time Pulitzer Prize winner Carol Leonnig discusses her insights on how Trump reshaped the Department of Justice. She explores the structural damage caused by political pressures, the missed FBI warnings before January 6, and how partisanship influenced the actions of figures like Bill Barr. Leonnig emphasizes the importance of restoring the DOJ's independence and highlights the dangerous implications of a politicized justice system, stressing the need for integrity moving forward.