The Daily

James Dao, Metro editor for The New York Times, leads a compelling discussion with Adrian Bonenberger, a U.S. Army captain, and Tamara Sullivan, a sergeant and mom. They share candid insights from their deployment to Afghanistan, reflecting on the personal sacrifices and emotional toll of war. The narrative delves into their struggles during and post-deployment, including the challenges of reintegration and the complexities of military service. With humor and honesty, they vividly recount their experiences and the lasting impact of their time in combat.

Michael Crowley, a diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times, provides insightful analysis on the complex dynamics between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. They discuss Biden's cautious support for Israel amidst escalating tensions with Hamas and how his long-standing relationship with Netanyahu influences this balance. The conversation also touches on shifting Democratic attitudes towards Israel, highlighting the challenges of responding to domestic pressures while maintaining international alliances.

Rahf Hallaq, a 21-year-old English literature student from Gaza City, shares her profound and harrowing experiences during the recent conflict. She describes the unending sounds of bombings and the emotional toll it takes on her family, underscoring the loss of childhood innocence. Rahf also highlights the importance of literature as a means of expression and connection amid chaos. The resilience of community is evident as she discusses how families find strength in each other, even while facing overwhelming fear and uncertainty.

Ben Casselman, an economics and business reporter for The New York Times, delves into the current perplexities of the U.S. economy. He discusses the uneven recovery from the pandemic, shedding light on the baffling job growth numbers and labor shortages. Casselman unpacks the surge in used car prices, linking it to wider inflation issues and the challenges faced by the Federal Reserve. He also examines how personal circumstances and various state policies impact employment trends, offering a comprehensive look at our economic landscape.

Alan Feuer, a criminal justice reporter for The New York Times, dives into the intricate legal landscape of the Capitol riot prosecutions. He reveals the staggering number of arrests and the often controversial charges that have emerged since January 6th. Feuer discusses the varied profiles of the defendants, from ordinary citizens to organized extremists, and the complexities of prosecuting them. He highlights the challenges faced by prosecutors, including plea negotiations and the legal debates surrounding accountability for violence against police.

Weird Al Yankovic, the celebrated comedy musician, joins the discussion about his unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and cultural significance. He explores how his parodies offer comfort in chaotic times and reflects on his formative years and early influences. The conversation dives into his creative process, revealing the intricate songwriting behind hits like 'White and Nerdy'. Moreover, Weird Al shares his heartfelt connection with fans, illustrating how his music resonates with those feeling like outsiders, creating a vibrant, supportive community.

Kevin Roose, a New York Times technology columnist, chats with Glauber Contessoto, a Dogecoin investor who transformed a $250,000 bet into nearly $2.5 million. They discuss the wild rise of Dogecoin from meme to investment staple, and the cultural phenomena driving its popularity. Glauber shares his journey as a creative navigating financial struggles in LA and the thrill of investing amid the GameStop surge. Their conversation highlights the risks of speculative investing and reflects on a new generation's quest for wealth beyond traditional paths.

Isabel Kershner, a New York Times correspondent in Jerusalem, provides keen insights into the recent flare-up of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She discusses the critical events leading to the unrest, including the eviction of families in Sheikh Jarrah and the impact of significant cultural flashpoints. Kershner highlights the devastating consequences of rocket fire and airstrikes on civilians, analyzing the broader historical and political dynamics at play. Her expert analysis sheds light on the complexity of this enduring conflict.

The internal conflicts within the Republican Party take center stage, highlighting Liz Cheney's imminent ouster due to her outspoken stance against Trump. As party loyalty shifts dramatically, Cheney faces increasing isolation for prioritizing integrity over allegiance. The podcast details the rise of new leadership dynamics and contrasts Cheney's courageous accountability with other party members' compliance. Additionally, pressing global issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict and legal challenges faced by major organizations are examined, adding layers to the political narrative.

Mike Isaac, a technology correspondent for The New York Times, dives deep into the fierce rivalry between Apple and Facebook. He discusses Apple's new privacy feature that lets users control app tracking, which strikes at Facebook's core business model. Their contrasting philosophies on user privacy have escalated tensions, especially after Facebook's data scandals. The conversation explores the implications of this conflict for small businesses and questions whether Apple's privacy advocacy is genuinely altruistic or self-serving in the competitive tech landscape.