The Daily

Sean Penn, the Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian, dives deep into his artistic journey and activism. He discusses how his film work intertwines with his aid efforts, providing relief amidst chaos. Penn reflects on a 15-year burnout from acting and what reignited his passion. He shares insights on personal contradictions, the complexities of contemporary politics, and the lessons learned from engaging with figures like El Chapo. Ultimately, he honors his father's gentle influence as his moral compass while finding clarity in his everyday motivations.

Devlin Barrett, a seasoned reporter for The New York Times specializing in the Justice Department and FBI, dives deep into the recent indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. He discusses how Comey's tumultuous relationship with Trump led to this legal confrontation. Barrett explains the specifics of the indictment, its vague allegations, and the potential political ramifications for both Comey and Trump. He also highlights the internal turmoil within the DOJ and speculates on Trump's future targets in this ongoing saga.

Charlie Savage, a national security and legal policy reporter for The New York Times, delves into the legality surrounding recent U.S. military strikes on boats in the Caribbean. He examines a secret directive allowing lethal action against suspected drug traffickers and discusses the administration's self-defense rationale. Savage highlights concerns from legal experts about crossing established boundaries and the political motivations behind the strikes, particularly their impact on Venezuela and domestic audiences.

Eric Lipton, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, dives into the tangled web of Trump-era financial dealings with the UAE. He reveals how Trump and his allies made millions through controversial agreements impacting U.S. national security. Highlights include a $2 billion crypto investment linked to Trump's circle and the UAE's aggressive push for American AI chips. Lipton also explains the key role of Sheikh Tucknoon in these deals and the potential consequences of such conflicts of interest.

In this engaging discussion, Azeen Ghorayshi, a science reporter for The New York Times, dives into President Trump's controversial claims linking Tylenol and vaccines to autism. Ghorayshi breaks down the misinformation presented during a recent press conference, contrasting it with decades of scientific research. The conversation explores how autism diagnoses have evolved, examining genetic and environmental influences. The episode also touches on the perspectives of autistic individuals and their families in response to these claims.

Robert Draper, a Washington-based journalist for The New York Times, dives into the recent memorial for Charlie Kirk, attended by influential conservatives like Trump and Vance. The service highlighted a striking juxtaposition between messages of Christian unity and vows to combat political adversaries. Draper reveals how these conflicting themes are pivotal for the MAGA movement. With a mix of emotional tributes and fiery rhetoric, the memorial transformed from a solemn farewell into a rallying cry against the political left.

Join food writers Brett Anderson and Priya Krishna as they dive into the secrets behind America’s 50 best restaurants. Brett shares his unique evaluation strategy, emphasizing the impact of signature dishes and ambiance. Priya reveals emerging dining trends and discusses the evolution of restaurant concepts, from all-day cafes to food trucks transitioning to brick-and-mortar. Their lively conversation also features a fun quiz on iconic dishes, making this episode a delicious treat for food enthusiasts.

Reese Witherspoon, an Academy Award-winning actor and producer, dives into her journey through Hollywood. She shares insights from co-writing a thriller with Harlan Coben and discusses the importance of gender balance in leadership. Reflecting on her early acting years, Reese opens up about overcoming personal struggles, including escaping an abusive relationship. She also talks about the role of motherhood and the support from friends like Jennifer Aniston in coping with tabloid scrutiny, as well as her mission to empower women through her company, Hello Sunshine.

Jim Rutenberg, a seasoned writer for The New York Times, shares insights on the controversial suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, exploring industry pressures and media dynamics. Jeremy W. Peters discusses the polarizing responses to free speech debates and conservative reactions amid the unfolding situation. Supreme Court reporter Adam Liptak breaks down the constitutional implications, highlighting the limits on government coercion. Together, they navigate the intricate landscape of consequence culture and its chilling effects on public discourse and journalism.

Sheryl Gay Stolberg, a health policy correspondent for The New York Times, dives into the intense Senate hearing featuring Dr. Susan Monarez, who faced pressure over CDC vaccine recommendations. Stolberg examines the chaos within the CDC and highlights a significant rift among Republicans regarding their support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine agenda. The discussion reveals underlying tensions that could impact the future of vaccine policies and the CDC's influence.