On with Kara Swisher

Heather Cox Richardson, a Boston College historian and author of "Letters from an American," delves into the historical roots of Donald Trump's rise and America's current democratic challenges. She shares insights from her book, connecting today's political climate to past authoritarian trends. Richardson discusses her evolving views on President Biden and the critical upcoming Iowa caucuses. Additionally, she addresses her newsletter's future amidst controversies surrounding Substack and reflects on the complexities of free speech in today's political landscape.

Joe Green, co-founder and president of the Psychedelic Science Funders Collaborative, dives into the vibrant world of psychedelics. He discusses the therapeutic potential of MDMA and psilocybin, while also addressing recent controversies surrounding drug use. Green calls for accountability in the burgeoning psychedelic industry, emphasizing the need for transparency and responsible use. He highlights personal narratives of healing through psychedelics, exploring their transformative effects on mental health and shedding light on the regulatory challenges facing this evolving landscape.

In a compelling discussion, Fei-Fei Li, a Stanford computer scientist renowned for her pioneering work on ImageNet, delves into the vital need for humane AI development. She contrasts the varying perspectives within the AI community, advocating for increased diversity and ethical considerations in tech. Li highlights the transformative power of ImageNet while addressing societal issues like disinformation and biases. With a focus on the importance of education reform and human dignity in healthcare, she calls for a balanced approach in navigating AI's rapid advancements.

Maggie Haberman, a senior political correspondent for the New York Times, joins legal analyst Ian Millhiser from Vox and ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl to dissect Donald Trump's 2024 strategy. They delve into Trump's legal troubles, campaign tactics, and the dangers of his escalating rhetoric. The discussion highlights Trump's use of legal challenges to rally his base and the potential implications for American democracy. With reflections on his anti-establishment messaging, the panel paints a vivid picture of the election landscape ahead.

Donald G. McNeil Jr., a former New York Times global health reporter and author of "The Wisdom of Plagues," discusses the lessons of COVID-19 four years on. He delves into the origins of the virus, including the contentious lab leak theory, and advocates for a dedicated global pandemic response unit. McNeil also reflects on his own controversial exit from The Times and the delicate balance between public health measures and individual freedoms. With insights into vaccine mandates and the role of misinformation, this conversation is a deep dive into our pandemic preparedness.

The discussion dives into the dramatic shifts at OpenAI, highlighting leadership changes and ethical challenges in AI. Political dynamics heat up as Biden and Trump prepare for a contest, with voters growing restless with traditional candidates. Insights into Elon Musk reveal his immense influence on tech and society, alongside concerns about misinformation and public opinion. The evolving landscape of technology in politics is examined, underscoring the need for responsible media to counter misleading narratives as the 2024 elections approach.

Mark Chiusano, author of "The Fabulist," joins Preet Bharara to dissect the outlandish tale of George Santos, a politician notorious for his web of lies. They discuss Santos's rise to power and the failures of the vetting process that enabled his deceitful career. The conversation also touches on the psychological factors behind such political dishonesty and how it mirrors broader trends in American politics, raising concerns about the implications for public trust and accountability.

Randy Rainbow, a four-time Emmy and Grammy-nominated musical comedy sensation, shares his journey of using humor to challenge anti-LGBTQ+ figures and political absurdities. He discusses how his South Florida upbringing and familial influences shape his creative expression. Rainbow describes the blend of live performance and digital content, revealing his thoughts on humorous political discourse and its role in bridging divides. He even teases what an 'Elon the Musical' would sound like, showcasing his knack for satire across political landscapes.

Rajiv Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation and former head of USAID, dives into big bets on climate change and global challenges. He explores whether world hunger and pandemics are truly fixable or just manageable. Shah shares insights from the recent UN Climate Conference in Dubai, emphasizing the dominance of fossil fuel interests. He also argues for revamping global institutions like the World Bank and IMF, questioning the efficacy of billionaire philanthropy. Ultimately, he highlights the need for ambitious, collaborative solutions to benefit vulnerable communities.

Tim Alberta, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "The Kingdom, The Power, and the Glory," dives deep into the evangelical church's profound influence on American politics. He shares insights from his upbringing as a pastor's child and how that shaped his understanding of faith and politics. Alberta discusses the dynamics of evangelical support for Trump, the tension within families over this allegiance, and the emerging cautious voices among younger Christians. His reflections uncover the moral complexities and shifting landscapes of today's evangelical movement.