How Are Universities Trying to Fight Back Against Trump’s Mandates?
Douglas Belkin explains how universities are banding together to try to resist Trump's mandates.
Presidential Historian: Trump Has Tried to Introduce Fear in First 100 Days
President Trump, taking a victory lap to mark the first 100 days of his second term, said his success surpasses any in U.S. history, "according to many, many people.” Presidential historian Timothy Naftali places the Trump presidency in context for Walter Isaacson.
Tariffs, History and Healing: U.S.-Vietnam Relations 50 Years After the War
This week marks 50 years since the fall of Saigon. It is also the 30th anniversary of normalized relations between the U.S. and Vietnam, which made them partners in trade. With proposed tariffs now increasing tensions, Daniel Kritenbrink, the former U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam during President Trump's first term, joins Walter Isaacson to reflect on where this complex relationship might be headed.
Sextortion, Suicide, Drug Dealing: How Social Media Is Harming Our Teens
Every new digital advancement means a new way to impact the lives of children. The new documentary “Can’t Look Away” exposes the real-life consequences of these kinds of technologies. Filmmaker Perri Peltz and lawyer Matthew Bergman join Hari Sreenivasan to share the stories of the parents taking social media companies to court.
The Archbishop of Chicago Reflects on the Life and Legacy of Pope Francis
Pope Francis, a voice for the poor and a catalyst for change in the Catholic Church, has died. The Vatican announced his passing on Easter Monday. The Pope's burial service will take place later this week, followed by a conclave to choose the next leader of the Church. Cardinal Blase Cupich will be at both the funeral and the conclave, and joins the program from Chicago.
Simon Schama Uncovers New Histories in “The Holocaust, 80 Years On”
In the new PBS documentary "The Holocaust: 80 Years On," historian Simon Schama travels across Europe to speak to survivors and arrive at a better understanding of this dark period of history. As a British Jew with ancestral roots in Lithuania, Simon experiences this as a deeply personal story. He joins the show to discuss what he learned on his journey.
“Total Chaos” and Price Hikes: Two American Businesses Facing Trump Tariffs
Trump's tariffs are sending shockwaves around the world, with radical changes in operating costs for thousands of American business owners. Among them are Debbie Wei Mullin, founder of a coffee company with roots in Vietnam, and Sarah LaFleur, who owns a clothing brand reliant on overseas factories. Mullin and LaFleur speak with Michel Martin about the impact of the tariffs on their businesses.
“Godstruck:” Inside Seven Women’s Journeys to Religious Conversion
Journalist and author Kelsey Osgood decided to explore the stories of millennial women who have discovered organized religion at a time when many are turning away from it. Osgood joins the show to discuss her new book "Godstruck: Seven Women's Unexpected Journeys to Religious Conversion."
He Fears the Definition of Antisemitism He Wrote Being Used to Silence Others
Kenneth Stern helped draft the working definition of antisemitism, used by multiple governments and universities worldwide. Stern is Director of the Bard Center for the Study of Hate, and he is now worried the definition he helped create is being weaponized. Stern joins the show to explain how his words are being used to harm everyone, including Jewish students.
The World’s First De-Extinction? George Church on Bringing Back the Dire Wolf
This week marked a major scientific breakthrough: the resurrection of the dire wolf, a species that went extinct over 12,000 years ago. A Dallas-based biotech company, Colossal Biosciences, is behind the project and Walter Isaacson speaks to its co-founder, Harvard University geneticist George Church.
Despite Market Dip, This Economist Believes Trump Tariffs Are the Way Forward
Trump's trade war has played havoc with global markets and has intensified fears of a recession. Oren Cass is the founder of the conservative think tank American Compass, which has ties to prominent Republicans like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Cass joins Walter Isaacson to discuss what might be behind Trump's economic view.
Held by ICE for 12 Days Over Visa Renewal, Canadian Actress Tells Her Story
Trump's crackdown on immigration has already affected thousands of migrants, but one story has grabbed particular attention. Canadian actress and entrepreneur Jasmine Mooney was recently detained by ICE for 12 days while attempting to renew her work visa. Hari Sreenivasan spoke with her about her experience.
“Putting Americans at Risk:” Fmr. CDC Dir. on RFK Jr.’s Public Health Cuts
The US is facing one of its worst measles outbreaks in decades, which last week claimed the life of a second child. This comes as the Trump admin. slashes thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in grants to local authorities. Tom Frieden led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for over a decade. He warns Hari Sreenivasan that these cuts threaten lives in America and around the world.
“The Gen X Career Meltdown:” What Happens When Your Job Becomes Obsolete?
Are we seeing the end of work as we know it? A growing number of creatives in their 40s and 50s have seen their careers upended by social media and artificial intelligence. New York Times reporter Steven Kurutz, who got his start in magazine publishing, has witnessed the career struggles of many in the "unhappy middle." Kurutz speaks with Michel Martin.
The Democratic Brand Is “Toxic,” Says Rahm Emanuel
Democrats are bruised and battered -- but they are starting to fight back. Now, one party stalwart is positioning himself to lead the push against Trumpism: Rahm Emanuel. The former Ambassador to Japan and President Obama’s Chief of Staff talks to Walter Isaacson.
“I’m Not Scared:” Jeffrey Goldberg on Potential Backlash After Signal Leak
The White House has declared "case closed" on the Signal chat scandal, but this story is far from over. Politico is reporting that at least 20 group chats have been set up on the app by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz's team. The Atlantic's Editor-in-Chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, broke the original bombshell story after Waltz added him to the chat. Goldberg joins the show.
Harvard Historian Responds to Trump’s Order Targeting the Smithsonian
Trump is targeting the Smithsonian, the world's largest museum complex, with an executive order designed to eradicate what he calls "a divisive, race-centered ideology" at the institution. Civil rights groups are saying Trump is "whitewashing" America's past. Award-winning author and Harvard professor Tiya Miles joins the show to reflect on what this might mean for the future of the United States.
Does Trump Have Legal Authority to Require Proof of Citizenship for Voting?
Another of President Trump's executive orders is aimed at exerting control over the American election process, an area that is traditionally regulated by individual states. The order calls for mandating proof of citizenship for registered voters and disqualifying ballots arriving post-election day. Loyola Law Professor Justin Levitt explains why the order is both illegal and unconstitutional.
Can Trump Use Economic Warfare to America’s Advantage?
Delving into the U.S. economy, author Edward Fishman speaks with Michel Martin about why he believes that leveraging America's economic power carries great risks, both to the nation's economy and to the global world order.
Graydon Carter on Donald Trump, Anna Wintour and the Golden Age of Magazines
For 25 years Graydon Carter was the editor of Vanity Fair. In his new memoir, Carter reflects on his career adventures, including encounters with New York celebrities from Anna Wintour to Donald Trump. Carter talks to Walter Isaacson about his rise to the top during the golden age of magazines.
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