The Daily

Join Dan Powell, the Creative Technical Manager at The New York Times, and Marion Lozano, a Senior Sound Designer and Composer, as they share insights into the musical backbone of the show. They discuss the essence of 'Daily' music, highlighting its energetic strings and modern feel. Hear about the clever use of minimal instrumentation, like piano and marimba, designed to complement the dialogue without overshadowing it. They even delve into the parallels between podcast scoring and club music, revealing how they craft tracks that resonate with listeners.

In this insightful conversation, legendary actor Anthony Hopkins reflects on his remarkable life and career. He shares his transformative moment of sobriety, discovering a powerful inner voice that changed his path. Hopkins recounts how personal experiences and inspirations shaped his acting journey, emphasizing the value of gratitude and treating life lightly. He discusses his creative process and the joy of working with younger actors while maintaining a sense of perspective about fame and success. With heartfelt insights on faith, family, and legacy, Hopkins offers a profound glimpse into his artistic and personal evolution.

Luke Broadwater, a White House reporter for The New York Times, dives into the controversial demolition of the East Wing. It was unexpected, despite previous assurances it would remain intact. The discussion highlights Trump's lavish new ballroom vision, the project's soaring costs, and the ethical concerns surrounding private funding. Broadwater stresses the impact of major donors on influence and access, and he examines how this renovation fits into Trump's legacy, raising questions about historical perception and the symbolism of rubble.

Anatoly Kurmanaev, a New York Times reporter focused on Russia and the Americas, dives into U.S. military actions in Venezuela. He discusses the aggressive approach from the Trump administration, which many believe aims for regime change. Kurmanaev reveals the tensions within the U.S. government about how to address Nicolás Maduro's influence, while Venezuelans express desire for change but reject foreign intervention. He cautions on the risks of labeling governments as criminal organizations, highlighting potential destabilization in the region.

Catherine Porter, a New York Times international correspondent based in Paris, delves into the shocking Louvre jewelry heist. She recounts the thieves' audacious tactics, using a truck-mounted ladder and tools to swiftly break in. The operation took only four minutes! Porter discusses the subsequent museum security measures and the public's outrage over cultural loss valued at 88 million euros. She highlights a troubling pattern of museum thefts in France and reveals the investigation's next steps in recovering the stolen jewels.

Nikole Hannah-Jones, a renowned domestic correspondent for The New York Times Magazine and creator of the 1619 Project, dives into how the Trump administration reshaped civil rights. She discusses early executive orders that targeted DEI, erasing multicultural histories from federal platforms. Hannah-Jones highlights the importance of civil rights offices and the alarming trend of diminishing protections, warning of a potential second Nadir for Black rights. Her insights reveal a troubling intersection of politics and civil rights that could redefine the future for marginalized communities.

Joe Rennison, a financial markets reporter for The New York Times, dives into the paradox of a surging stock market amid economic turmoil. He explains how tariffs and a cooling labor market haven’t deterred investor optimism, linking market strength to AI enthusiasm and clarity in trade policies. Joe also touches on potential bubbles and emerging warnings like rising consumer loan defaults. With insights on how institutional pressures affect stability, he gives a nuanced view of what could lie ahead for investors.

Lindsay Zoladz, a pop music critic for The New York Times, and culture reporter Joe Coscarelli dive into the world of music biopics. They explore the focus of the new Springsteen film on the making of 'Nebraska' and its themes of mental health. The duo discusses the common tropes in musician biopics, the economics behind them, and the thrill of hearing classic songs on the big screen. They also critique casting choices and celebrate unconventional films that subvert the tired cradle-to-grave formula, showcasing the genre's diverse storytelling potential.

Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia and author of The Seven Rules of Trust, discusses the importance of trust in knowledge-sharing. He explains how Wikipedia defines facts through reliable sources and how volunteer editors manage disputes transparently. Wales addresses threats to editors, including censorship and doxxing, and critiques congressional investigations into them. He also shares insights on the impact of AI on knowledge quality and the need for Wikipedia's nonprofit independence to maintain its integrity amidst political turmoil.

Tyler Pager, White House correspondent, Catie Edmondson, Congressional correspondent, and Tony Romm, economic policy reporter, discuss the unprecedented dynamics of the current government shutdown. They explore how the White House is weaponizing the situation to exert political pressure and how funding decisions are strategically used against opponents. The conversation also highlights the impact on civilian employees and the complexities surrounding legal challenges to troop payments, while considering the potential paths to resolve the standoff.