Factually! with Adam Conover

Karen Hao, author of EMPIRE OF AI and a reporter covering the AI industry, joins to explore the god-like aspirations of tech leaders like Sam Altman at OpenAI. The discussion highlights how narratives shape perceptions of AI, revealing the stark contrasts between utopian dreams and harsh realities. Hao discusses the ethical implications of AI's evolution, drawing parallels with historical empires and addressing the powerful alliance between tech companies and government. She raises critical questions about resource exploitation and the need for responsible tech leadership.

The discussion highlights the rise of pronatalism in right-wing circles, particularly with Elon Musk's alarming views on declining birth rates. It critiques various impractical policies to boost birth rates while suggesting immigration as a more effective solution. The podcast also tackles the vital role of immigration in economic growth and challenges media bias surrounding this topic. Finally, it envisions a shift in economic strategies to adapt to population stagnation, advocating for resource reallocation from militarization to social welfare.

In this engaging conversation, Kate Manne, a Cornell philosopher and author of 'Unshrinking: How to Face Fatphobia,' delves into the origins and impacts of anti-fat bias. She discusses how societal attitudes mislink morality and fatness, revealing the psychological mechanisms behind disdain for larger bodies. Manne also explores the historical roots of fatphobia, its intersection with racism, and the importance of body diversity and acceptance. This thought-provoking dialogue encourages listeners to challenge preconceived notions and promotes inclusivity.

Navigating online dining reviews can lead to funny mishaps, as shared through a humorous Amsterdam experience. Star ratings often distort quality and can harm creators through review bombing. The philosophical implications of ratings oversimplify complex artistic experiences, highlighting biases and the need for accountability. A call to find joy in ordinary moments suggests we prioritize personal connections over the search for perfection in experiences. Additionally, the podcast presents diverse themes from other shows, inviting listeners to explore new narratives.

In this engaging conversation, anthropologist Brian Goldstone, author of *There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America*, sheds light on the unsettling reality that a significant portion of homeless individuals are employed yet cannot afford housing. He discusses the myths surrounding homelessness and the flawed perceptions that underestimate its complexity. Goldstone emphasizes systemic issues like wage stagnation and the inadequacies of current data, advocating for viewing housing as a fundamental right instead of a luxury.

Delve into the chaotic world of group chats within the Trump administration, where digital banter led to major scandals and security breaches. Explore how influential conservative figures shape public narratives through private conversations, exposing political contradictions. The discussion critiques the childish antics of those in power and emphasizes the importance of online privacy. Witness how group chats can be both engaging and divisive, impacting societal interactions. Lastly, discover the significance of face-to-face communication in building trust, highlighted by insights from a new podcast on friendships.

Ezra Klein, a New York Times columnist and author of 'Abundance', teams up with Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic and co-author of the same book, to discuss America's stagnation in building and innovation. They explore the idea that many of the nation's biggest challenges could be tackled by simply building more. From the failures of the healthcare system to urgent housing crises, Klein and Thompson urge a reevaluation of policies and practices holding America back from progress.

For over 75 years we’ve lived in a world DEFINED by American economic supremacy. With the chaos of Trump’s tariffs and the rise of China it’s worth asking, is this era coming to a close? Today Adam is joined by Mark Blyth, a professor of international economics at Brown, and coauthor, along with Nicolo Fraccaroli of Inflation: A Guide for Users and Losers. Find Mark's book at factuallypod.com/booksEXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/adamconover Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!--SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factually! on:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/factually-with-adam-conover/id1463460577» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fK8WJw4ffMc2NWydBlDyJAbout Headgum: Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com.» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum» FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/» FOLLOW us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headgum» Advertise on Factually! via Gumball.fmSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

(In addition to your weekly Factually! episode, this week we're bringing you a monologue from Adam. This short, researched monologue originally aired on the Factually! YouTube page, but we are sharing audio versions of these monologues with our podcast audience as well. Please enjoy, and stay tuned for your regularly scheduled episode of Factually!)Trump's deportations aren't just illegal, they're a signal that he intends to erase anyone who opposes him.Visit https://groundnews.com/factually to stay fully informed, see through biased media and get all sides of every story. Subscribe for 40% off unlimited access through my link.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why does it so often feel like the more society claims to value a job, the slimier it is? Why are so many brilliant minds funneled into the tech industry, only to spend their days optimizing ad clicks instead of solving real societal problems? What if jobs were desirable not because of how much money they pull in, but because they made the world better a better place? Today, Adam sits down with Dutch historian Rutger Bregman—author of MORAL AMBITION: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference—to explore how we can rethink work, purpose, and the pursuit of impact. Find Rutger's book at factuallypod.com/booksSUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factually! on:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/factually-with-adam-conover/id1463460577» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fK8WJw4ffMc2NWydBlDyJAbout Headgum: Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com.» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum» FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/» FOLLOW us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headgum» Advertise on Factually! via Gumball.fmSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.