The Gray Area with Sean Illing

Peter Pomerantsev, a journalist and expert on Russian disinformation, dives deep into the complexities of propaganda surrounding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He discusses how Putin shapes narratives for the Russian public and the psychological effects of state-sponsored misinformation. Pomerantsev analyzes the manipulative tactics used in the propaganda war, the chaotic media landscape, and Ukraine's fight for truth under President Zelensky. He also highlights the broader implications of these strategies on global power dynamics and public perception.

Jamil Smith welcomes Robert Glasper, a four-time Grammy-winning musician renowned for blending R&B, gospel, and rock. They dive into the cultural significance of Glasper's latest album, Black Radio III, and the transformational role of music in society. Glasper shares insights on the joy of collaborating with top-notch artists, the emotional healing power of music, and the importance of maintaining authenticity amidst industry pressures. He reflects on the resonant themes and personal stories that shape his unique sound, providing a compelling look at contemporary music.

Dan Saladino, a food journalist and author of "Eating to Extinction," shares captivating tales about rare foods and cultures. He delves into the alarming loss of biodiversity, revealing stories like the last soybean garden and unique 16-foot corn that produces its own fertilizer. Saladino emphasizes the importance of preserving culinary heritage against globalization's tide. Listeners are taken on a journey through the histories of traditional farming practices and the intricate relationships between people and nature, highlighting the urgency to protect diverse flavors before they vanish.

In this engaging conversation, David Sirota, a journalist and co-writer of the film Don't Look Up, delves into the film's societal critiques centered on climate change and institutional failures. He discusses how real-world events shaped the film's narrative and its reception. Sirota emphasizes the importance of collective action over individual heroes in tackling systemic issues. They also explore the erosion of trust in public institutions and the unsettling themes in the film, ultimately challenging our optimism about the future.

Lee Drutman, a senior fellow at the New America Think Tank and author of 'Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop,' delves into America's two-party system crisis. He discusses the historical evolution of this system and its role in escalating political polarization. Drutman advocates for radical electoral reforms, including ranked choice voting, drawing inspiration from successful models abroad. With an urgent emphasis on the need for inclusivity and coalition-building, he explores innovative paths to preserve democracy and mitigate authoritarian risks.

Johann Hari, author of 'Stolen Focus,' discusses the alarming impact of technology on our attention spans. He reveals how Big Tech exploits our psyches and changing societal norms to keep us distracted. Hari delves into the effects of unhealthy dietary choices and how social media algorithms further contribute to our focus issues. He also advocates for an 'attention rebellion' and offers actionable strategies to reclaim our cognitive abilities in a rapidly distracting world, urging a collective response to counter the attention crisis.

Ross Douthat, an Opinion columnist for the New York Times, dives into the state of American democracy and its potential crises. He argues that fears of imminent civil war are overblown, pointing out the limited interest in violence among the public. The discussion also explores the role of extremist groups and the implications of voting restrictions, questioning if they signify a drift towards authoritarianism. Douthat provides a nuanced perspective on current political tensions, emphasizing that while polarization is real, it doesn't necessarily lead to a breakdown of democratic governance.

Dan Pfeiffer, co-host of the Pod Save America podcast and a former senior advisor to President Obama, discusses the pressing issues facing the Democratic Party today. He highlights the 'Democratic messaging deficit' and the disconnect between public perception and legislative achievements. The duo explores how media bias impacts the party’s narrative, emphasizing the need for more emotional messaging to connect with voters. As midterms approach, Pfeiffer urges Democrats to adapt their strategies to effectively mobilize their base amidst challenges like inflation and healthcare.

Bart Nickerson, co-creator of Showtime's 'Yellowjackets', dives into the show's exploration of teenage trauma and survival. He discusses crafting characters across two timelines and the unsettling interplay of innocence and savagery. The conversation highlights the metaphorical significance of cannibalism in girlhood relationships and the unique storytelling dynamics in the writers' room. Nickerson also shares insights into fan engagement and theories, generating excitement for what’s to come in future seasons.

David R. Hamilton, a scientist and author, shares insights on alternative practices like meditation and the law of attraction, advocating for their scientific merit. He delves into the placebo effect, emphasizing how belief can influence healing. The discussion includes the mind-body connection, the power of positive thinking, and even the role of crystals in meditation. Hamilton also confronts the divide between genuine spiritual practices and exploitation, urging a holistic approach to well-being that embraces both traditional and alternative methods.