Jerusalem Demsas, a journalist and author focused on housing crises, explores the deep-rooted issues behind America's housing shortage. They discuss the emotional toll of unattainable homeownership on younger generations and the complications of local zoning laws. Gentrification is analyzed with humor, revealing misconceptions and the need for balanced urban development. The importance of community involvement in housing politics is emphasized, advocating for reforms that tackle classism and ensure tenant protections.

Osita Nwanevu, a columnist known for his insights on progressive politics, shares his views on the Democratic Party's current state. They discuss the party's shift to the left, with Harris’s new running mate and AOC's rise in prominence. However, key progressive issues like climate change and Gaza ceasefire remain sidelined. The conversation delves into how the party can better align its progressive values with voter sentiment, stressing the need for compassion in addressing issues like crime and homelessness while sustaining activist pressure for meaningful change.

Politicians are meant to serve the people, but let’s be real—sometimes they just end up serving whoever’s got the deepest pockets, even if those pockets are overseas. Believe it or not, foreign powers have been messing with our political system for years through entirely legal means: good old-fashioned lobbying. This week, Adam sits with Casey Michel, author of Foreign Agents: How American Lobbyists and Lawmakers Threaten Democracy Around the World, to dive into how our politicians are getting sold off to the highest bidder—and what that means for all of us. Find Casey'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.

(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!) Why does it feel like America hates college students? We saddle them with crushing debt, label them as "snowflakes," and even deploy SWAT teams when they dare to use the very educations they’ve received. While recent news has highlighted this with student protests over the war in Gaza, the truth is this is part of a much larger, decades-long, covert war against higher education.Visit https://ground.news/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.

Elle Reeve, a journalist and author known for her work on online extremism, dives into the disturbing influence of internet culture on modern politics. They discuss how misogyny and white nationalism have seeped into Republican rhetoric, fueled by online anonymity. Reeve explains the rise of the alt-right and how events like GamerGate shaped extremist beliefs, while reflecting on the complexities of women in white nationalist movements. The conversation highlights the dark side of internet humor and its serious political implications, emphasizing the urgent need for respectful discourse.

Dr. Arik Kershenbaum, an expert on animal communication and author of 'Why Animals Talk,' joins to illuminate the fascinating ways animals communicate. He challenges the notion of human superiority, revealing that many species have complex languages and social structures. The discussion covers advancements in AI interpretations of animal sounds, the intricate songs of whales, and the sophisticated vocalizations of dolphins and elephants. Kershenbaum encourages listeners to see animals' perspectives, fostering a deeper appreciation for their cognitive abilities.

Explore the world of nootropics and the grand myth of magic pills for cognitive enhancement. This discussion dissects the cultural obsession with self-improvement and highlights the potential dangers of unregulated supplements. With a humorous touch, it critiques the belief that these pills can boost productivity and urges listeners to prioritize real-life experiences over health scams. Discover why the pursuit of improvement shouldn't come from dubious sources but rather through genuine, healthy habits.

Nathalie Cabrol is an expert in astrobiology and planetary science, as well as the director of the Carl Sagan Center at SETI. In this engaging conversation, they delve into the exciting possibility of discovering life on Mars thanks to NASA's Perseverance rover. They discuss how recent findings challenge our understanding of life’s origins, both on Earth and elsewhere. Cabrol also explores the philosophical implications of defining life and the concept of a 'shadow biosphere' that hints at undiscovered forms right here on our planet.

Stephen Pyne, a world-renowned fire historian and author, delves into our intricate relationship with fire, revealing how it has shaped humanity's evolution. He discusses the dual nature of fire as both a creative force and a catalyst for destruction, connecting it to modern issues like climate change. Pyne emphasizes the need to revisit our ways of managing fire, advocating for sustainable practices that honor its role in ecosystems. The conversation highlights the historical significance of fire and urges a reevaluation for a more harmonious future.

Rick Perlstein, a political historian known for his insights on American conservatism, delves into the absurdity of the 2024 election cycle. Discussing Biden's debate missteps and the attempted assassination of Trump, he draws parallels between today’s turbulence and the chaos of 1968. Perlstein also critiques Project 2025, which threatens non-partisanship, and examines the internal conflict within the Republican Party on divisive issues like abortion. This conversation highlights the fragility of American politics and historical lessons that resonate now.