The Daily

Joumana Khatib and Sadie Stein, editors at The New York Times Book Review, dive into the world of holiday gifting through books. Joumana praises the evocative writing in Annika Norlin's "The Colony" and highlights Kiran Desai's sweeping immigrant epic. Sadie recommends thought-provoking titles like "Perfection" and quirky options for those hard-to-shop-for friends. They share strategies for personalized gifts and celebrate cozy mysteries for moms, while exploring culinary-themed books and unique finds for dads. Plus, a fun quiz wraps up their recommendations!

Join Jeff Roth, the dedicated archivist at The New York Times, as he takes you on a fascinating journey through the newspaper's extensive morgue, housing clippings and photos dating back to the 1800s. Discover the serendipitous finds that inspire reporters and learn about the archive's quirky filing system. Jeff shares his passion for preserving history, recounts the evolution of archival practices, and reflects on how the Internet has transformed the usage of this treasure trove. It's a captivating glimpse into the heart of journalism's past.

Simon Cowell, the iconic television producer and talent-show judge, opens up about his transformation from 'king of mean' to a more introspective version of himself. He candidly discusses his experiences with therapy, fatherhood, and the pressures of fame on young artists like Liam Payne. Simon reflects on significant moments in his career, including his regrets over the Spice Girls and the creation of One Direction. He also shares his mixed feelings about AI in music and emphasizes the importance of staying engaged with new talent in a rapidly changing industry.

In this engaging conversation, Steven Rinella, a passionate hunting advocate and author, shares his transformative journey from a youthful antagonist of environmentalists to an 'environmentalist with a gun.' He highlights the deep connection between hunting, conservation, and food, emphasizing the ethics of eating what you kill. With stories from his Michigan childhood and a memorable duck hunt in Montana, Rinella showcases the visceral joy of wild food and the cultural significance of hunting in conservation efforts.

In this fascinating discussion, Kim Barker, a New York Times reporter on the Ukraine war, shares the intense Ukrainian backlash against a controversial peace plan perceived as pro-Russian. She highlights the deep sense of capitulation felt by Ukrainians and connects it to ongoing corruption scandals affecting President Zelensky's leadership. David E. Sanger analyzes the plan's Kremlin-like origins and the internal U.S. divisions that influenced its creation. Together, they explore the diplomatic complexities and the urgent need for a viable solution amid a turbulent backdrop.

A federal judge on Monday tossed out separate criminal charges against the former F.B.I. director James B. Comey and New York’s attorney general, Letitia James.The manner in which the judge dismissed the Comey indictment could now lead to a legal fight over whether the government can try to refile the charges with another grand jury.Devlin Barrett, who covers the Justice Department and the F.B.I. for The New York Times, discusses President Trump’s campaign of retribution against his perceived enemies and walks us through the judge’s rulingsGuest: Devlin Barrett, a New York Times reporter covering the Justice Department and the F.B.I..Background reading: The cases against Mr. Comey and Ms. James are dismissed.Photo: Drew Angerer for The New York TimesFor more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.  Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

Azeen Ghorayshi, a science reporter for The New York Times, dives into the complexities of rising autism diagnoses, emphasizing that shifting definitions, not just environmental factors, drive the trends. Kathy Lord, a seasoned clinical psychologist, reflects on the historical views of autism and the implications of expanding criteria. They discuss the growing neurodiversity movement, resource competition for services, and the controversial proposal for a 'profound autism' category. The conversation raises critical questions about identity, representation, and care within the autism community.

Kyle Buchanan is a pop culture reporter for The New York Times and an expert on awards season, while Madison Malone Kircher reports on internet culture and is a longtime Wicked fan. They explore the impact of the new film, Wicked: For Good, discussing the challenges of adapting its second act and how audience expectations shape the narrative. The duo debates the film's political messages, the chemistry between stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, and the overall reaction from fans who have followed the franchise. They also reflect on the marketing strategies and fandom that fuel its ongoing success.

Join bestselling author and YouTube creator John Green as he dives into the complexities of hope and suffering. He shares profound insights from his time as a children's hospital chaplain, reflecting on how witnessing pain reshaped his understanding of the human experience. John also discusses the challenges of online fame, the power of YA fiction, and his ambivalence towards social media. With a new adult novel in the works, he emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in both writing and life.

In this thought-provoking discussion, the parents of Allie, a transgender teen, bravely share their journey of relocation from Tennessee to Connecticut for their child's safety and care. They recount the challenges of navigating gender-affirming treatments amidst governmental pushback, personal fears, and the emotional toll on their family. From early signs of Allie's identity to the struggle for medical options and eventual triumph in a supportive community, their story highlights resilience in the face of adversity.