On Point | Podcast

Conservative politics and labor advocacy don't often go hand in hand, unless you are columnist Sohrab Ahmari. Ahmari says conservative politicians have the chance to change material conditions for workers. And labor advocates have the chance to forge a new political path.

Musa al-Gharbi, a sociologist and assistant professor at Stony Brook University, delves into the contradictions of the so-called 'woke elite' in his riveting discussion. He explores how social movements like Black Lives Matter often fall prey to elite co-option, emphasizing their disconnect from the communities they aim to help. Al-Gharbi critiques the performative nature of activism and the concept of symbolic capitalism, urging for genuine engagement over superficial gestures. His insights challenge the way we view social justice and the impact of personal biases on activism.

In this engaging discussion, Ji-Yoon Hong, an expert on Korean politics and Associate Professor at the University of Michigan, dives into South Korea's recent declaration of martial law. She explores the tensions between national security and democracy, as well as personal experiences from protestors during this tumultuous time. The conversation highlights South Korea's deep political polarization, drawing parallels with past autocratic regimes and the critical importance of civic engagement in shaping the future of democracy.

Keith Humphreys, a Stanford psychiatry professor focused on addiction, joins Shrita Walden, the executive director of the Kentucky Harm Reduction Coalition. They discuss the unprecedented 15% drop in U.S. overdose deaths, citing improved access to treatment and education. The conversation highlights the importance of localized strategies to address disparities, especially in marginalized communities. They also delve into the shifting drug landscape and the need for sustained harm reduction efforts to address the ongoing opioid crisis.

Robbie Parker, a father who tragically lost his daughter Emilie in the Sandy Hook shooting, shares his heart-wrenching journey of grief and resilience. He recounts the painful experience of confronting conspiracy theories that claimed the tragedy was staged. Parker discusses his emotional transformation from fear to actively battling misinformation in court against Alex Jones. He emphasizes the importance of accountability in media and the role of community-driven initiatives in healing and change, highlighting a father's unwavering fight for truth.

The podcast kicks off with a heartfelt reflection on community and gratitude during Thanksgiving. A hilariously alarming story unfolds about a child's daring swing jump, leading to unexpected injuries and plenty of laughs. The discussion also touches on the brief hiatus in new content, leaving listeners eager for more tales and insights.

Michael Graham is the Program Director for the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics and co-author of The Great Dechurching, while Jim Davis serves as a Teaching Pastor at Orlando Grace Church. They dive into the significant decline of church attendance in America, particularly among younger generations and different ethnic groups. The discussion uncovers personal stories behind this trend, highlighting logistical challenges rather than ideological disputes. They also emphasize the need for churches to adapt, fostering community and connection to address the isolating nature of modern life.

In this insightful discussion, Kelsey Griffiths, a Bloomberg News telecom reporter, shares her expertise on Brendan Carr’s background as he aims to tackle the "censorship cartel" and shape the FCC's future. Sarah Collins, from Public Knowledge, highlights how Carr's proposed policies may impact consumers and internet freedoms. They dive into the critical role of infrastructure in enhancing 5G access and analyze the complexities of content moderation, addressing how regulatory changes might affect free speech and the responsibilities of social media platforms.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian and expert on authoritarianism from NYU, dives deep into the troubling patterns of strongman politics. She connects the dots between historical figures like Mussolini and Trump, exploring how weakened democracies create ripe conditions for authoritarian leaders. The conversation reveals the psychological tactics that unify supporters and the significant role of far-right media in shaping voter perceptions. Ben-Ghiat emphasizes the urgent need for dialogue in America’s polarized landscape to bridge divides and promote understanding.

Join Arvind Narayan, a Princeton University professor and co-author of 'AI Snake Oil,' as he unravels the complex landscape of artificial intelligence. The discussion dives into AI's promises in various sectors, especially hiring, while highlighting ethical concerns surrounding bias and discrimination. Narayan examines the moral challenges of using AI in child welfare, and the need for transparency in its applications. He also critiques the gap between AI's hype and reality, advocating for careful consumer awareness and ethical development to benefit society.