Morning Meeting

This week, Eric Wilson, a journalist based in Hong Kong, dives into the chilling Abby Choi murder case, shedding light on the shocking details, suspects, and social implications in the wake of public outrage. In a lighter yet equally astonishing segment, Clara Molot unravels the tale of a determined student who crafted a fake identity to get into Yale, expertly bypassing verification systems and tailoring an impeccable application. Their insights together highlight the extremes people go to in pursuit of success—and the cultural repercussions that follow.

Michael Oreskes, a journalist, dives into how scientists are fighting back against attacks on their work, emphasizing the importance of defending scientific integrity. Gerard deGroot, an emeritus history professor, analyzes the cultural impact of Allen Ginsberg's poem 'Howl' and its relevance to today’s free-speech debates. Joan Juliet Buck, former editor of French Vogue, reviews a biography of Jane Birkin, exploring her influence on fashion and the fascinating story behind the iconic Birkin bag, a symbol of both style and irony.

This week, Jonathan Alter, a renowned journalist, dives into the jaw-dropping tale of Spiro Pavlovich, who posed as a Rockefeller for 40 years, infiltrating elite circles. Alter unpacks how Pavlovich's early frauds set the stage for his grand con, driven by the desire for status rather than wealth. Meanwhile, Christine Muhlke, a food and dining journalist, reflects on the iconic Union Square Cafe and its transformative 40-year journey under Danny Meyer, highlighting its unique hospitality culture and legacy in New York's dining scene.

Join John Moucherie, a musical aficionado, as he dives into the legacies of composers John Williams and Leopold Stokowski, revealing their vastly different public personas. The discussion also shifts to Gen Z's refreshing approach to dating, opting for in-person connections over apps, sometimes even at unconventional venues like funerals. These events have evolved into social spectacles where fashion and status play crucial roles, blending personal loss with a modern twist, all infused with humor and insight.

If you’re a fan of Curb Your Enthusiasm—and who isn’t?—you are surely a fan of Susie Essman, who played Susie Greene on the show. And this week she joins us with a rather Curb-like story about her encounter with Prince Andrew. Then our colleague James Wolcott discusses the return of perhaps the sharpest cultural and social satire going these days: South Park. And finally, Linda Wells remembers Giorgio Armani.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Nick Davies reveals his new findings about the phone-hacking scandal involving Rupert Murdoch that rocked the U.K. in the 2010s, and what it could mean for The Washington Post. Then Gracie Wiener tells us how Diaper Diplomacy has become social media’s new fixation. And finally, Carolina de Armas reports on the obsession of the summer: Bad Bunny’s residence in Puerto Rico.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Clara Molot reveals how Yale has managed to escape the wrath of Trump and his war on America’s universities. Then William D. Cohan has all the dirt and drama about how the 75 billionaires who take over Nantucket each summer are more than living up to expectations with their very bad behavior. And finally, Hayley Peppin joins us in a conversation about the newest trend in home design. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Greg Easley, a technologist and adjunct professor, dives into the political conflicts surrounding the University of Virginia, revealing how it became a battleground under Trump. Meanwhile, Linda Wells, founding editor of Allure, shares insights on beauty trends, from the renaissance of good carbs to health-boosting foods and the alarming return of tanning cultures. Also, discover how Gen Z is nostalgically embracing George W. Bush as a charming grandfather figure, thanks to viral moments and a unique TikTok-driven trend dubbed 'Bushcore'.

Cazzie David, a columnist and author, dissects how Gen Z's influence has transformed marriage proposals into a spectacle often lacking sincerity. Andrew Lownie, a historian, sheds light on the tangled financial dealings of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, revealing shocking ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Jonathan Mahler, a journalist, reflects on the chaotic vibrancy of late 1980s New York City and its implications for the current political climate. Together, they explore the intersection of tradition and modernity in relationships and society.

This week, Elena Clavarino reports from Italy on how a pasta king is in hot water thanks to his plans to build a Las Vegas–like spa at Lake Garda. Then Sarah Ditum looks at why viewers can’t quit reality-TV dating shows. And finally, Harold von Kursk has the incredible story of how a group of first-time crooks pulled off one of the most audacious heists ever, stealing $40 million worth of gold bars from a warehouse at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.