On with Kara Swisher

Join Lauren Greenfield, a renowned documentary photographer known for her work on American adolescents, Matt Richtel, a New York Times health reporter exploring tech's social impact, and Jack Thorne, an award-winning playwright tackling themes of toxic masculinity and social media. They delve into the alarming rise of mental health issues among teens exacerbated by technology. The conversation covers the fine line between connection and loneliness, the vulnerabilities of the adolescent brain, and essential strategies for parents to navigate this digital landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Robert Reich, former Labor Secretary and author, addresses the Democrats' abandonment of the working class, spotlighting how Trump’s populism exploits this disconnect. He advocates for an economic populist message that challenges corporate power. Reich also delves into the Democratic Party's past ties with Wall Street, the necessity for reforms to combat fascism, and the vital role of youth activism in effecting change. Listeners can expect insightful critiques and a call to action from this seasoned policy expert.

In this engaging discussion, Oliver Darcy, founder of the media newsletter Status and former CNN reporter, Katie Drummond, global editorial director at Wired, and Dave Jorgenson, creator of Local News International and The Washington Post's former TikTok Guy, explore the shifting dynamics of media. They dive into the challenges faced by legacy journalism, the rise of creator culture, and the financial aspects of independent media. The trio also tackles the impact of AI on journalism and the importance of maintaining authentic audience connections.

Julie K. Brown, an investigative reporter for the Miami Herald, and Donie O'Sullivan, CNN's senior correspondent, dive deep into the fallout from Jeffrey Epstein's association with Donald Trump. They discuss the recent Justice Department memo that debunked key conspiracy theories surrounding the Epstein case, highlighting the rift within the MAGA base. Additionally, they unpack the implications of Trump’s name appearing in Epstein’s files and the broader impact of misinformation in shaping political narratives.

Bruce Holsinger, an author and University of Virginia professor, dives into the ethical labyrinth AI creates in today's society. He discusses his novel, Culpability, which centers on a tragic accident involving an autonomous vehicle and the pressing questions of accountability that arise. The conversation touches on AI companionship, the dual nature of AI as both aid and threat, and the historical impact of innovations like the printing press, highlighting the balance between progress and responsibility in an increasingly automated world.

Adam Aleksic, a Harvard-educated linguist and author of Algospeak, dives into the fascinating ways social media is reshaping our language and identities. He discusses the emergence of euphemisms and new vocabularies designed to navigate censorship, like 'unalive' for sensitive topics. The impact of TikTok on political communication is also explored, highlighting how it connects voters to modern figures more effectively than traditional politicians. Aleksic emphasizes the role of humor and relatability in political discourse while examining the ownership of language in the digital realm.

Join E. Jean Carroll, a writer and former advice columnist known for her bold accusations against Donald Trump, and Roberta Kaplan, her civil rights attorney famous for winning landmark cases. They dive into the tumultuous legal battles over sexual assault allegations, unveiling potential evidence tied to Jeffrey Epstein. The conversation tackles courtroom absurdities, emotional turmoil, and the complexities of presidential immunity. With reflections on resilience and the power of collective action, it’s a captivating discussion on justice in high-stakes law.

Join astrophysicist and journalist Adam Becker as he critiques the outlandish promises of Silicon Valley, from colonizing Mars to creating god-like AIs. He argues these fantasies serve as distractions for a power grab by tech billionaires. Becker delves into the gap between altruistic claims and reality, discussing the limitations of artificial intelligence and the dangers of unchecked tech oligarchs. Their conversation highlights the need for skepticism towards tech narratives and calls for a focus on real social issues rather than speculative solutions.

Robert Garcia, a California Congressman and the newly appointed ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, shares his journey from being an undocumented immigrant to a rising political leader. He discusses the importance of transparency in government, the urgent investigations into Trump family corruption, and the need for youthful leadership in Congress. The conversation also highlights changing dynamics in Latino voter support and strategies for the Democratic Party to reconnect with young constituents. Garcia's insights showcase a fresh perspective on modern governance.

Join reporters Isaac Arnsdorf, Josh Dawsey, and Tyler Pager as they dissect Trump's surprising return to the presidency. They delve into the chaos of the election with insights on Biden's age-related struggles and strategic errors, as well as Kamala Harris's cautious campaign approach. The trio discusses Trump's political maneuvers, the internal dynamics of the Republican Party, and the Democrats' disconnect with voters. Expect a blend of sharp analysis and engaging anecdotes on what led to this dramatic political landscape.