The Assignment with Audie Cornish

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.

Sweeping cuts are throwing America’s national parks and forests into uncertainty. With fewer rangers, trail crews, and wildfire fighters, the effects could be immediate — closed campgrounds, neglected trails, and a fire season primed to be more dangerous than ever. Audie talks with veteran wildland firefighter Riva Duncan and CNN Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir about what these cuts mean for public lands, outdoor tourism, and the communities—and economies— that depend on them.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned from office in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal. Now, he’s back and running for mayor of New York City. And he’s not the only one, other so-called “canceled” men from Hollywood, media and politics are being welcomed back to the public sphere. So what’s happened to the Me Too Movement? Audie talks with the founder of ‘Me Too’, Tarana Burke, and former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson, about backlash, regrets, and the work they’re doing to move forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A growing number of tech leaders, conservatives, and social influencers believe falling birthrates pose an existential threat to civilization, and this “pro-natalist” movement wants Americans to start having more babies. Audie talks to Brad Wilcox, a sociology professor at the University of Virginia. His book is called, “Get Married: Why Americans Should Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families and Save Civilization.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Oscars aren’t just about the movies—they’re about politics, too. Audie talks with New Yorker staff writer Michael Schulman, author of Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears. They break down the high-stakes world of Oscar campaigning including who’s pulling the strings behind the scenes, and what this year’s race reveals about the shifting dynamics of the industry.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices