‘America Outdoors’ host Baratunde Thurston’s ‘better story of us’

Writer, activist and comedian Baratunde Thurston sits down with Margaret Hoover to discuss the second season of “America Outdoors” on PBS and how the show attempts to “tell a better story of us” through nature. Thurston reflects on moments in the new season that confront America’s history of racial violence, differing attitudes toward guns, and the impact of climate change, as well as how the outdoors can help bridge cultural and political divisions. Thurston, a founding partner of digital media startup Puck, details his doubts about the evolution of artificial intelligence and what it could mean for society. He also explains the premise and purpose of his podcast, “How to Citizen,” and his concerns about the state of American democracy heading into 2024 and a possible second Trump presidency. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Stephens Inc., Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Kathleen and Andrew McKenna through The McKenna Family Foundation, Charles R. Schwab, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, and Damon Button.