The Daily

Anatoly Kurmanaev, a skilled reporter for The New York Times, provides insights into the economic underpinnings of Russia's military strategy amid the war in Ukraine. He discusses the recent surge in drone assaults and Russia's innovative recruitment tactics, which include enticing enlistment with financial rewards. Kurmanaev highlights how Putin’s oil wealth sustains military actions while revealing the ironic trajectory toward isolation that may accompany Russia's quest for superpower status. The conversation reveals the complexities of a seemingly stable society on the brink.

Jessica Cheung, a Senior audio producer at The New York Times, joins Levon Williams, a D.C. native and violence interrupter, to discuss the National Guard's deployment in Washington, D.C. They explore community reactions, highlighting tensions in Latino neighborhoods and the impact on daily life. Williams shares personal experiences facing increased surveillance and fears amidst military presence. The conversation raises critical questions about public safety versus community autonomy, revealing emotional narratives from those navigating life under heightened scrutiny.

Sadie Stein, Book Review editor at The New York Times, and Louis Sachar, renowned author of children's classics like 'Holes,' delve into the literary treasures that shaped their childhoods. They discuss the magic of teachers reading aloud and the emotional resonance of school literature. The duo reminisces about their favorite and least favorite books while pondering how to inspire young readers today. A lively game of literary trivia adds fun, revealing how classics connect generations. Together, they celebrate the love of reading and its transformative power.

Brené Brown, an acclaimed author and podcaster known for her insights on vulnerability and empathy, dives into her thoughts on the self-help industry. She shares her journey from thought leader to a more authentic voice, tackling the dangers of predatory advice. Brown emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and vulnerability in leadership, particularly in today's changing corporate culture. Additionally, she discusses generational differences in the workplace and the vital role of clear communication in fostering trust and collaboration.

In a gripping discussion, Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a New York Times health policy correspondent, provides insights into a heated Senate hearing where Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense scrutiny over his vaccine policies and the dismissal of the CDC director. Senators from both parties expressed alarm over rising vaccine skepticism and its implications for public health. Stolberg highlights the significant political divisions that emerged and discusses the shifting landscape of health governance as states begin to diverge from federal vaccine recommendations.

David McCabe, a New York Times reporter specializing in tech policy, breaks down the landmark antitrust ruling against Google and its significant implications for both the tech industry and the AI race. He discusses the government's struggle with regulating monopolies, the nuances of Google's market dominance, and the complex intersection of competition law and technological advancement. McCabe emphasizes how this ruling may reshape consumer choice and influence future innovations in AI, drawing parallels to historical cases like Microsoft.

In this discussion, culture reporter Robin Pogrebin explores the Trump administration's push to reshape the Smithsonian's exhibits, stirring the waters of American history and cultural representation. She highlights the intense clash over narrative control, revealing how political pressures led to self-censorship within the institution. Pogrebin also examines critical historical themes, such as slavery and immigration, and the ongoing struggle museums face in balancing educational integrity with external influences. It's a riveting look at the battle for America's cultural storytelling.

Andrew Ross Sorkin, a prominent columnist at The Times and founder of DealBook, dives into the seismic shifts in American capitalism brought on by President Trump. He discusses how Trump's acquisition of stakes in major corporations like Intel signals a departure from free-market principles. The conversation reveals tensions between government intervention and corporate responsibility, and how these changes may redefine economic identity. Sorkin also touches on the political implications, questioning what this means for the future of business and America’s economic landscape.

Join Madison Malone Kircher, an Internet reporter at The New York Times, and Jon Caramanica, its pop music critic, as they dive into summer's cultural highs and lows. Discover their take on a high-profile engagement and its celebrity implications. They hilariously discuss the quirks of a fictional award show and the summer hit 'Golden' from the Netflix film 'K-pop Demon Hunter.' Also, explore the fallout from the 'Coldplay Gate' incident, and learn about the viral charm of Crumbl's unique cookies and TikTok advertising.

Arundhati Roy, the acclaimed author of 'The God of Small Things,' discusses her new memoir and the deep bond with her late mother, highlighting family dynamics and personal struggles. She shares Mary Roy's inspiring journey as an activist for women's rights in India. The conversation pivots to the alarming parallels between political censorship in India and the U.S., exploring the power of dissenting voices against authoritarianism and the crucial role of intellectual resistance in turbulent times.