Factually! with Adam Conover

Vivian Wilson, daughter of Elon Musk and a trans visibility icon, dives into a lively conversation with Adam Conover. They discuss her transformative journey, from rejecting her father's deadnaming to embracing her role in the spotlight. Vivian hilariously bullies Adam while touching on the complexities of fame, mental health, and online identity. Their chat weaves through nostalgic memories of dodgeball, the impacts of social media, and the challenges faced by the trans community, all served with wit and insight.

Bridget Read, a writer at New York Magazine and author of "Little Bosses Everywhere: How the Pyramid Scheme Shaped America," delves into the pervasive culture of multi-level marketing. She reveals how these schemes exploit hopes of financial freedom, particularly among vulnerable groups. The conversation highlights the psychological manipulations and cult-like dynamics of MLMs, contrasts them with collective bargaining, and emphasizes the importance of solidarity among individuals facing economic disparities. It's a sharp critique of the American dream gone awry.

Join Adam Conover and John Cassidy, a seasoned writer at the New Yorker and author of "Capitalism and Its Critics," as they dissect the entrenched problems within capitalism. They delve into historical critiques, exploring how perceptions of fairness and exploitation have evolved. Cassidy highlights the disconnect between media portrayals of business success and reality. The discussion also covers the urgent need for collective action on pressing issues like climate change, affordability, and the inequities inherent in the capitalist system.

Discover how Zohran Mamdani's unexpected victory in the New York Democratic primary is reshaping political campaigning. Focused on affordability, he connects with voters through relatable strategies, standing apart from traditional politicians. The discussion highlights innovative grassroots strategies that boost voter engagement, especially among younger demographics. With a call for honesty and prioritizing citizens' needs, this insightful dialogue blends personal stories with strategies for a new wave of political leadership.

Liz Pelly, a music writer and author of 'Mood Machine,' dives into the dark side of Spotify's impact on the music industry. She discusses how the platform's algorithm favors stock music and ghost artists, misleading listeners and compromising artistic integrity. Pelly unpacks the issues of poor pay for artists and the flattening of music discovery, raising concerns about listener identity. The conversation urges a cultural shift toward valuing diverse musical expression and supporting independent musicians in this digital age.

Discover the alarming rise of U.S. immigration enforcement and its implications, as resources shift towards a powerful internal deportation force. Delve into controversial legislation that prioritizes tax cuts for the wealthy while undermining healthcare for the vulnerable. Explore personal stories that illuminate the fear and societal shifts driven by aggressive immigration policies. Finally, hear about the inspiring resilience of communities uniting against militarization and standing up for their rights.

Jaz Brisack, an activist and author who played a pivotal role in organizing Starbucks workers in Buffalo, shares her insights on labor organizing. She discusses the innovative strategy of 'salting', where organizers infiltrate workplaces to advocate for unionization. Jaz highlights the importance of building solidarity among workers and the unique challenges they face against corporate tactics. Surprisingly, she even points out how cats can help foster community among coworkers. Together, they explore activism's role in promoting social justice.

The podcast delves into the troubling implications of a recent Supreme Court ruling on trans youth care, revealing its impact on individual rights. It reflects on the regression of LGBTQ rights since the legalization of gay marriage in 2015, questioning the sustainability of queer acceptance. The discussion also highlights pivotal moments in LGBTQ+ activism, notably the Stonewall Uprising, and emphasizes the rise of anti-trans sentiment in politics. Ultimately, it celebrates resilience and the importance of grassroots activism within the community.

Lina Khan, the former chair of the FTC and a pioneer in antitrust advocacy, joins to share her experiences combating corporate power. She discusses her groundbreaking efforts against tech giants and the need for consumer protection reform. Highlighting the challenges faced by independent businesses and deceptive corporate practices, Khan emphasizes the importance of public support and bipartisanship in creating a fairer economy. Her insights reveal not just victories, but a call to action for ongoing vigilance against corporate influence in our lives.

Dr. Eric Topol, a renowned cardiologist and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, dives into the current state of healthcare and longevity research. He discusses the paradox of significant medical advancements contrasted with political threats to research funding. The conversation covers the dangers of health misinformation, the intricacies of aging and immunity, and the transformative potential of mRNA vaccines. Topol also critiques the U.S. healthcare system while advocating for personalized medicine as a means to improve health outcomes.