The Assignment with Audie Cornish

As Sean “Diddy” Combs stands trial in New York, the music industry is reckoning with a hard truth: how did he stay untouchable for so long? Music journalist Sowmya Krishnamurthy—who once interned at Bad Boy Records—joins Audie to unpack how hip-hop missed its Weinstein “Me Too” moment.   Krishnamurthy is the author of Fashion Killa: How Hip-Hop Revolutionized High Fashion.  Get a recap of the Combs trial in your podcast feed, subscribe to "Trial By Jury: Diddy” from CNN Audio.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Conspiracy theories are not new. They’re as old as time itself. But if you feel like they’re everywhere right now, you’re not alone. So, what do you do when somebody you love has fallen down a rabbit hole? CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan has been covering the world of misinformation for more than a decade, but now he's less interested in what people believe than why they believe it. So, he’s trying to find out.  Listen to Persuadable and follow The Account from CNN here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Catholicism is having a moment. The election of a new pope set social media buzzing with silly songs and comedy sketches, fantasy pope drafts and power rankings, and last year’s Oscar-winner ‘Conclave’ provided an imaginary reference point for what was happening behind the Sistine Chapel’s closed doors. But the interest goes beyond the papal election: Reports point to a rise in young converts, from JD Vance to Shia LaBeouf to a wave of Zoomers. Audie talks with Christine Emba of the American Enterprise Institute to unpack what’s driving this renewed fascination. Editorial note: This episode was updated on 5/8/25 with language describing the election of a new pope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been called a ‘romantic recession.’ Has love and dating always been this hard? Orna Guralnik, a psychoanalyst and star of Showtime’s Couples Therapy, says she’s seeing political polarization take a toll on modern-day romance. She sits down with Audie for a session on repairing America’s divided relationships, and steps we can all take to find connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

W. Kamau Bell, a comedian and director known for his sharp political insights, discusses the current state of comedy in the Trump era. He dives into the challenges artists face, especially with the recent changes to the White House Correspondents Dinner. The conversation covers navigating political sensitivity, the impact of cancel culture, and the rising influence of conservative voices in comedy. Bell shares personal anecdotes about the importance of authenticity and community engagement in the evolving landscape of comedic expression.

The fallout continues from the president’s so-called “Liberation Day,” with the on-again off-again global tariffs and the rising tensions with China. This all has the financial markets bouncing like a yo-yo. Audie talks with CNN Business Senior Writer Allison Morrow about what this means for you and your finances, and whether we’re heading for a recession.  Allison writes the CNN Business Nightcap, subscribe here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI and co-founder of DeepMind and Inflection, shares his insights on the transformative power of AI. He discusses the ethical dilemmas posed by rapid technological advancements, emphasizing the need for responsible leadership. Suleyman navigates the delicate balance between innovation and trust, addressing societal impacts like job displacement. He also reflects on the changing dynamics of power in warfare and envisions a future where AI enhances human interaction, all while stressing the importance of transparency and dialogue.

Detaining foreign students over their activism is the “kind of policy that ends democracies.” That’s what Jameel Jaffer tells Audie this week. He’s a law professor and Executive Director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. We also hear from Franziska Wild, student senior editor at The Georgetown Voice, about the chilling effect the detentions are having on campus.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brandon Johnson, the Mayor of Chicago and a champion of economic populism, shares his vision for a more equitable governance model. He discusses how Chicago can lead the way for Democrats, emphasizing the importance of grassroots movements and innovative policies. Johnson highlights the city's commitment to immigrant communities through its Welcoming City ordinance, navigating the political tensions within his party, and addressing urban challenges like housing affordability. His insights reflect a renewed hope for Democrats searching for a compelling political direction.

Discover how college athletes are now cashing in thanks to the NCAA’s new NIL policy. Hear captivating stories from former All-American gymnast Savannah Schoenherr as she navigates the chaotic world of endorsements. Explore the stark differences between male and female athletes in this evolving landscape, and the implications for underrepresented sports. Delve into the tension between financial gain and passion for the game, and consider the future of college athletics in this brave new world.