The Assignment with Audie Cornish

Sam Sanders, public radio host known for pop culture and politics, reflects on millennials hitting 30 and internet nostalgia. He explores the shift from playful early social platforms to algorithm-driven surveillance. They discuss how video and phones reshape activism and media, and why online trends cycle between earnestness and cynicism.

The Winter Olympics kick off Feb. 6 in Northern Italy—and the politics may steal the show. The U.S. may face boos, especially as it squares off with Denmark in hockey amid Trump’s Greenland threats. But there’s joy, too: Lindsey Vonn is back, and the U.S. figure skating team is stacked. New York Magazine’s Will Leitch breaks down the geopolitics and must-watch storylines from Milan and Cortina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ari Shapiro, a seasoned radio journalist and cultural commentator, joins his longtime friend Audie Cornish for a lively chat. They dive into the rapid rise of Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, questioning if their fame can endure. The duo explores the fascinating concept of 'frictionmaxing,' discussing how embracing inconvenience can strengthen community bonds. They also tackle evolving social habits, like changing drinking rituals and the importance of offline experiences, all while sharing pop culture highlights and personal favorites.

Arguably the first viral moment of 2026 is an essay about a “toxic” group of mom friends. Actor and singer Ashley Tisdale French wrote an essay for New York Magazine’s The Cut about being iced out of her circle of fellow moms and – celebrity intrigue aside – it struck a nerve. Dr. Noelle Santorelli is a mom and a clinical psychologist who tells Audie there’s deep suffering wrapped up in establishing community around your family. She and Audie discuss the vulnerability of needing support, making friends for yourself and your kid, and the dysfunction of group dynamics. --  This episode was produced by Lori Galarreta.  Senior Producer: Matt Martinez   Technical Director: Dan Dzula    Executive Producer:  Steve Lickteig  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ira Madison III, a writer and culture critic renowned for his insights on media and masculinity, discusses the cultural phenomenon of Heated Rivalry, a queer romance show about hockey players. The conversation delves into themes of sex on screen, authenticity in queer relationships, and the show's surprising impact on contemporary dating culture. Ira contrasts its profound emotional intimacy with more superficial portrayals in media, highlighting its role in reshaping discussions around queerness and representation in mainstream television.

After a head-spinning year in the worlds of health and technology, Audie invited Dr. Sanjay Gupta, the host of Chasing Life, and Clare Duffy from Terms of Service, to break down the stories that ended up on all their podcasts this year. Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As families gather for the holidays and political differences resurface, we revisit Audie's conversation with psychologist Joshua Coleman, who breaks down why partisan divides are driving family estrangement, how generational dynamics intensify the conflict, and what it looks like to navigate, or repair, these fractures from either side. --  This episode was produced by Lori Galarreta.  Senior Producer: Matt Martinez   Technical Director: Dan Dzula    Executive Producer:  Steve Lickteig  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What was this year in pop culture like? A scrappy Canadian gay hockey romance becomes the internet’s obsession while big-budget, star-packed shows are dwindling. AI rage-bait memes (some from government accounts) keep hijacking the national conversation. These are just some of the pop culture moments that defined 2025. Audie and New York Magazine staff writer Rebecca Alter break it down.  --  This episode was produced by Madeleine Thompson.  Senior Producer: Matt Martinez   Technical Director: Dan Dzula    Executive Producer:  Steve Lickteig  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donie O'Sullivan, a CNN senior correspondent, dives into the evolving landscape of spirituality. He discusses the intriguing concept of AI Jesus and its cultural implications. The conversation explores why some young men gravitate towards orthodox Christianity, while others find solace in modern Wicca, embracing empowerment and community. Donie also shares his experiences at UFO events, drawing parallels between belief in aliens and religious devotion. Finally, they tackle the risks of zealotry in today's digital age.

Sarah Herschander, a philanthropy reporter for Vox’s Future Perfect, shares insights on charitable giving amidst economic uncertainty. She discusses the impact of funding cuts on nonprofits and the rise of personal fundraisers like GoFundMe, highlighting their benefits and limitations. Sarah offers tips on choosing who to support, encouraging subscription gifts and aligning donations with personal values. She also emphasizes that non-monetary ways, like volunteering, can be equally meaningful for those who may not have cash to give.