Amanpour and Company

News and Public Affairs Series / 2 Seasons

Featuring conversations with global leaders and decision makers on the issues affecting the world today, Amanpour and Company adds to the long tradition of public affairs programming that has been a hallmark of public media for decades.

Watch: S2023 E6121

26m 46s

This Man Lived Like the Founding Fathers For a Year. This Is What He Learned

18m 10s

How would you feel about reverting to the lifestyle of the late 18th century? Well, that's what author A.J. Jacobs did. He documented his experience in a new book, “The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution’s Original Meaning.” Jacobs joins Hari Sreenivasan to discuss what he learned from his quest.

Malala Reacts to 1,000 Days Since Afghan Girls Were Banned From School

5m 18s

A grim milestone in Afghanistan this week as the country marks 1,000 days since girls were banned from attending secondary school. Afghanistan is once more a desperate place for women, who are seeing their rights fade away in a reality Malala Yousafzai calls “gender apartheid." Malala discusses her foundation’s announcement today of another $1.5 million pledged to keep girls’ education alive.

NYT’s Nicholas Kristof: “Utterly Inspired” by Humanity’s Capacity for Progress

17m 25s

New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof has spent his career reporting on death and darkness around the world — and yet, in his new memoir, Kristof says he is "chasing hope." The author speaks with Walter Isaacson about that, and the people he has met along the way who give him reason to remain optimistic.

“Left Behind:” Why Black Voters Are Disillusioned with the Democratic Party

18m 10s

For Democrats, Black voters have historically been a bastion of support. But recent data warns against taking them for granted. A Pew Research Poll showed about half would prefer to replace both presidential candidates, hinting at their growing disaffection with the Democratic Party. Professor Leah Rigueur talks to Michel Martin about what’s behind it.

NYT: Israel Launched Covert Social Media Campaign to Influence U.S. Lawmakers

17m 13s

In a New York Times investigation, reporter Sheera Frenkel reveals how an alleged Israeli campaign on social media attempted to alter the narrative, and influence American lawmakers, after the horrors of October 7th. Frenkel speaks with Hari Sreenivasan about this new front in the propaganda wars and its effect on American foreign policy.

“Trippy:” How Psychedelics Can Be Used to Treat Mental Health Issues

18m 31s

Last week in the US, a federal advisory committee voted against using MDMA – or ecstasy – to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. It marks the first time FDA advisers have even considered a psychedelic drug for medical use. This is something Ernesto Londoño is passionate about. His new book "Trippy" draws on his own experience in the Amazon, trying to ease his depression.

Real or Not Real? The Danger of AI-Generated Content in Elections

18m 38s

The power of artificial intelligence can easily be weaponized to stoke the flames of disinformation — particularly during the lead-up to the U.S. presidential election. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes is worried about the spike in AI-generated campaign content. He joins the show to share how he's warning election officials to guard against fraud.

Tom Hanks on Remembering D-Day 80 Years Later

4m 39s

When we think of D-Day, perhaps the most vivid imagery comes not from the newsreels of the time, but from cinema -- for example, the visceral, haunting battlefield scenes from "Saving Private Ryan." That movie’s star, Tom Hanks, is a history buff, and traveled to Normandy for the anniversary commemoration. Christiane spoke with him there about the meaning of this anniversary.

101-Year-Old WWII Veteran Commemorates D-Day Anniversary

6m 3s

Today, veterans are returning to Normandy to pay tribute to their fallen comrades and ensure that the world never forgets their sacrifice. As time marches on, the number of surviving veterans grows fewer and fewer. But the voices of those few ring louder than ever. Among them is 101-year-old D-Day veteran Jake Larson, who spoke with Christiane in the Normandy American Cemetery.

Will Trump’s Guilty Verdict Hurt Him With Women Voters? Expert Weighs In

17m 46s

How might Donald Trump’s recent conviction influence women in the polling booth? Debbie Walsh, Director of Rutgers University's Center for American Women and Politics, spoke with Michel Martin about what inspires women to go out and vote.

They Were the Poster Child for the KKK; Now They Advocate for Antiracism

18m 10s

In a new memoir, “The Klansman’s Son," R. Derek Black writes about their upbringing and personal transformation – from a committed white supremacist since childhood to an outspoken anti-racism advocate. The author joins the show to reflect on their journey and offer insight into why people hold onto extremist beliefs.

Inside the Situation Room: George Stephanopoulos on Presidents in Crisis

17m 59s

For generations, U.S. presidents in crisis have repaired to the Situation Room with their advisers. In his new book, aptly titled "The Situation Room," TV host and former White House communications director George Stephanopoulos looks at the dilemmas America’s past leaders have reckoned with in that space. He tells Walter Isaacson all about them.

President & Convicted Felon: Historian on the Unprecedented Trump Verdict

15m 25s

It’s a verdict that will be forever cemented in history. In more than 200 years of America as we know it, no U.S. president has ever been convicted of a crime – until this week. Presidential historian Tim Naftali joins the show to discuss where this moment stands in the longer arc of U.S. history.

Chicago Fed. Pres. Talks Inflation, Jobs and Nonpartisanship

16m 46s

In the runup to the U.S. presidential election in November, the economy is the biggest driver for voters. But there appears to be a disconnect between the economic facts on the ground and how people feel about it. Austan Goolsbee is President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. He updates Walter Isaacson on the state of America’s finances -- from the labor market to the housing market.

“Get Honest or Die Lying:” Charlamagne tha God on Why Small Talk Sucks

17m 37s

Charlamagne tha God is a radio personality, television host and author. His new book, "Get Honest or Die Lying: Why Small Talk Sucks," critiques the prevalence of superficial conversations and advocates for deeper, more meaningful dialogues to address societal divisions and personal unhappiness. He joins the show to discuss the importance of authentic communication.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Father on the Latino Vote and a Life of Activism

18m 16s

Luis Miranda has devoted decades to helping to give Latino communities a voice in U.S. politics. Many recognize him as the father of "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Now, he's out with a new memoir, “Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit That Is Transforming America,” which chronicles his journey from young activist in Puerto Rico to influential democratic adviser in New York City.

“A Gentleman in Moscow” Author Amor Towles Discusses His New Short Stories

17m 17s

Walter speaks with bestselling novelist Amor Towles about his new book “Table for Two.” The book, a New York Times bestseller, is a collection of short stories and a novella, described by the author as mainly concerning "the fateful consequences that can spring from brief encounters and the delicate mechanics of compromise that operate at the heart of modern marriages.”

Justice Alito’s Flag Controversy Brings Scrutiny to Supreme Court Ethics

18m 23s

Several Supreme Court justices have now had their impartiality called into question with little consequence. Aaron Tang, author of "Supreme Hubris," believes the Court is overplaying its hand. The author joins the show to discuss how to restore public trust to this vital institution.

George Floyd, Excited Delirium and the Medicalization of Police Violence

16m 59s

Aisha Beliso-De Jesus is a co-founder of Princeton’s Center on Transnational Policing. Her new book "Excited Delirium" exposes a medical term that has long been used as a cover for police misconduct -- as in the case of George Floyd, whose murder by police four years ago this weekend sparked general outrage. The author and academic discusses with Michel Martin.

“The Infernal Machine” Author on Power, Polarization and Political Violence

17m 51s

Another, earlier, time of extremist turmoil occurred in New York in the early 20th century, when violent anarchists threatened the established order. This phenomenon is the focus of Steven Johnson's new book, "The Infernal Machine." He discusses it with Walter Isaacson.

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