The Good Fight

Emily Oster, a Professor of Economics at Brown University and founder of ParentData, shares insights on the challenges of modern parenting. She discusses how data-driven decision-making can alleviate parenting anxiety, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence over societal norms. The conversation covers critical topics such as screen time, the impact of social media on teen mental health, and the shortcomings of public health authorities during the pandemic. Oster advocates for a balanced approach that prioritizes both child and parent well-being.

John McWhorter, a linguist and cultural commentator from Columbia University, dives into the fascinating world of pronouns. He discusses how language evolves, emphasizing the historical fluidity of pronouns and the legitimacy of dialects like African-American English. McWhorter tackles the importance of adopting singular 'they', challenges conventional grammar norms, and highlights societal shifts toward inclusivity. The conversation also touches on the implications of gender-neutral language, reflecting broader cultural changes in identity and acceptance.

Jason Furman, Aetna Professor of the Practice of Economic Policy at Harvard and former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, dives deep into the Biden administration's economic policies. He critiques the Build Back Better plan and unpacks the implications of recent tariffs on the American economy. Furman discusses the evolving narratives around inequality and globalization, the biases in data concerning income disparities, and challenges in educational policies that inadvertently favor wealthier graduates. He also examines the complexities of political dynamics affecting economic legislation.

Yascha Mounk engages listeners in a lively discussion covering pressing political concerns, including AI's influence and the implications of Trump's 2024 candidacy. The conversation dives into judicial issues surrounding Marine Le Pen and stresses the importance of resisting pessimism while defending democracy. A spotlight is also on the widespread challenges of democratic backsliding, with insights from a leading scholar urging greater public engagement in the fight against authoritarianism.

Audrey Tang, Taiwan's first digital minister and a trailblazer in tech-driven democracy, discusses the complex landscape of misinformation and its impact on social media. She highlights innovative Taiwanese strategies to combat false information while upholding free speech. Tang also explores the necessity of interoperability among social platforms to reduce censorship and enhance engagement. Additionally, she shares insights on using humor for effective public health messaging and the importance of empowering youth in shaping a resilient democracy.

Aaron Sibarium, a staff writer at the Washington Free Beacon, delves into the intricate world of identity politics in this engaging discussion. He highlights the troubling influences of racial bias in healthcare, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and critiques the allocation of medical treatments based on race. The conversation also covers the tensions in medical education around affirmative action and how political dynamics have shaped university policies. Lastly, they tackle the role of government in steering media discourse and the ramifications of misinformation.

Hamish McKenzie, co-founder of Substack and former journalist, discusses the platform's revolutionary role in transforming public discourse. He shares insights on how Substack prioritizes free speech amidst polarization and contrasts its user-controlled content model with traditional social media. Their conversation touches on the challenges of fostering meaningful dialogue and the evolving landscape of digital subscriptions. McKenzie emphasizes the importance of a diverse range of voices and the impact of business models on user engagement.

Jacob Mchangama is the Founder and Executive Director of The Future of Free Speech, a research professor at Vanderbilt University, and a Senior Fellow at The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). His book Free Speech: A History From Socrates to Social Media is now available in paperback with a new epilogue.In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Jacob Mchangama discuss traditions of free speech throughout history, whether European laws are too restrictive, and concerning trends in the United States.Note: This episode was recorded on February 24, 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Francis Fukuyama, a prominent political scientist and author from Stanford University, dives into the implications of Donald Trump's policies on both domestic and global stages. He discusses the potential for a ceasefire in Ukraine and its effects on transatlantic relations. Fukuyama also raises concerns about Trump's approach to foreign alliances, particularly in East Asia, emphasizing the need for independent defense capabilities in Europe. The conversation touches on nuclear deterrence strategies and the long-term challenges posed by authoritarian practices in governance.

Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of "Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy," joins Yascha Mounk for an insightful discussion. They examine the decline of religion in America and its implications for social cohesion and democracy. Rauch introduces the concept of patrimonialism to shed light on modern politics, particularly in the context of the Trump administration. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of religious institutions and the potential for a resurgence of faith amidst secularization.