The Assignment with Audie Cornish cover image

The Assignment with Audie Cornish

Latest episodes

undefined
Apr 3, 2025 • 41min

College Arrests: “A Kind of Policy That Ends Democracies”

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
undefined
6 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 31min

Is the Windy City Charting a Course for the Left?

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.
undefined
8 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 30min

Are College Athletes Cashing In and Killing the Game?

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.
undefined
Mar 13, 2025 • 30min

How DOGE Cuts May Affect Your Summer Vacation

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
undefined
Mar 6, 2025 • 38min

Where Did #MeToo Go?

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
undefined
Feb 27, 2025 • 35min

Why Elon Musk Wants You to Have More Kids

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
undefined
Feb 20, 2025 • 33min

And the Oscar Goes to… the Best Campaign?

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
undefined
Feb 13, 2025 • 34min

Why Crunchy Conservatives Love RFK Jr.

Raw milk, seed oil skepticism, and...coffee enemas? The rise of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the conservative “Make America Healthy Again” movement is reclaiming what it means to be ‘crunchy’ -- a term previously associated with health-conscious liberals. Audie talks with Kiera Butler, a Mother Jones senior editor and reporter deeply embedded in the world of the conservative right's wellness trends.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
undefined
6 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 43min

The United States of Elon

President Trump put Elon Musk in charge of government efficiency and the result has been nonstop chaos and trauma for civil servants. Audie talks with WIRED reporter Vittoria Elliot about how he is doing it and who is helping him. Audie also talks with someone who’s gone through an Elon purge -- former Twitter executive Dr. Rumman Chowdhury. She offers advice on how to get through it.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
undefined
Jan 30, 2025 • 32min

A Pastor's Stand on Trump's ICE Raids

In the wake of Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration, Audie talks with Rev. Gabriel Salguero about how faith leaders are navigating the call to provide support and guidance to undocumented immigrants in their congregations. Rev. Salguero is the pastor of The Gathering Place in Orlando, Florida, and president and founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode