Episodes
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There's too much to talk about, so... Ask Me Anything!
It's been an overwhelmingly busy time lately, especially in presidential politics. Let's take some time to see what's on your mind! Anything at all you'd like to ask about, discuss, share, vent about or ideate on -- or if you've got questions for me -- now's the time. Doesn't have to be…
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Supreme Court Roundup: abortion access, LGBTQ+ rights, social media & more
The Supreme Court’s term is nearly over, and as usual we’re getting some big rulings near the end. Bloomberg broke the news of a mistakenly published draft appearing to protect abortion access in Idaho. The Biden Administration got a win from the Court regarding social media. But some big cases…
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The Trouble with C-Sections: Rachel Somerstein on "Invisible Labor"
Imagine a C-section without proper anesthesia. Rachel Somerstein found herself so traumatized by that experience that she couldn’t bear to hold her newborn baby. Her new book “Invisible Labor” explores the history and legacy of the world’s most common surgery: one that critics say is performed…
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Book Bans & Campus Racism: Mike Hixenbaugh on the Schools of Southlake, TX
Few places are as politicized as America’s public schools. NBC’s Mike Hixenbaugh was part of the award-winning team that uncovered deep racial and cultural divides in the Dallas suburb of Southlake, TX. The standoffs seem to have died down, but what did we learn from it all, and what happens now?...
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Donald Trump Found Guilty On All 34 Felony Counts
For the first time in American history, a U.S. President is now a convicted felon. Today a federal jury convicted Donald Trump of all 34 counts against him connected to hush money payments. Sentencing is set for July 11th, just days before the Republican National Convention. Share your questions…
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Cannabis in America: how far will legalization go?
A major new study out today shows more Americans use cannabis daily than drink alcohol daily. That may be no surprise in a nation that’s slowly moved past its “Reefer Madness” days toward embracing the bud. Florida will vote this November on legalizing recreational marijuana, and the Biden...
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Cannabis in America: how far will legalization go?
A major new study out today shows more Americans use cannabis daily than drink alcohol daily. That may be no surprise in a nation that’s slowly moved past its “Reefer Madness” days toward embracing the bud. Florida will vote this November on legalizing recreational marijuana, and the Biden...
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Biden vs. Trump 2024 Debates: Why you should(n't?) watch
Get ready for the sequel almost no one says they wanted: a new series of debates between President Joe Biden & former President Donald Trump. CNN will host one on June 27th, and ABC will host another on September 10th. We’ll break down what you should know about the debates, and I’ll tell you…
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Biden vs. Trump 2024 Debates: Why you should(n't?) watch
Get ready for the sequel almost no one says they wanted: a new series of debates between President Joe Biden & former President Donald Trump. CNN will host one on June 27th, and ABC will host another on September 10th. We’ll break down what you should know about the debates, and I’ll tell you…
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Debating Divestment: will it save Palestinian lives in Gaza?
It’s been a longstanding demand of pro-Palestinian activists: divest from companies that do business with the Israeli government. That’s among the demands of some college protesters speaking out against Israel’s war in Gaza. Universities have been forced to drop their investments before:...
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Debating Divestment: will it save Palestinian lives in Gaza?
It’s been a longstanding demand of pro-Palestinian activists: divest from companies that do business with the Israeli government. That’s among the demands of some college protesters speaking out against Israel’s war in Gaza. Universities have been forced to drop their investments before:...
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"Wide Awake": A Civil War lesson for today's political turmoil
Think America is headed for another civil war? You might not after this episode. The war, and Abraham Lincoln’s election, owe a lot to a paramilitary youth movement called the Wide Awakes. It fired up the struggling Republican Party, long before it became “anti-woke”, uniting all kinds of…
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"Wide Awake": A Civil War lesson for today's political turmoil
Think America is headed for another civil war? You might not after this episode. The war, and Abraham Lincoln’s election, owe a lot to a paramilitary youth movement called the Wide Awakes. It fired up the struggling Republican Party, long before it became “anti-woke”, uniting all kinds of…
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What Humans Can Do That A.I. Cannot
It’s a tough time to be a person. Computers are getting faster and “smarter”, while people seem unable to resolve our own differences. How can we compete with artificial intelligence when we’re struggling to work together on so many things? I recently spoke on this topic at my alma mater, the...
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What Humans Can Do That A.I. Cannot
It’s a tough time to be a person. Computers are getting faster and “smarter”, while people seem unable to resolve our own differences. How can we compete with artificial intelligence when we’re struggling to work together on so many things? I recently spoke on this topic at my alma mater, the...
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What do we want from the media? Are we sure?
This has been an exhausting week for me, with an inflammatory article dragging NPR that’s fueled a lot of fiery reactions. Also, the new movie “Civil War” left me more shaken up than perhaps I realized: largely because of its depictions of journalists as players in America’s future. I don’t know...
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What do we want from the media? Are we sure?
This has been an exhausting week for me, with an inflammatory article dragging NPR that’s fueled a lot of fiery reactions. Also, the new movie “Civil War” left me more shaken up than perhaps I realized: largely because of its depictions of journalists as players in America’s future. I don’t know...
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Should Biden & Trump (and maybe RFK, Jr.) debate in 2024?
Donald Trump has always defied the standards of presidential debates. Now his 2024 campaign is pushing for even more debates against President Joe Biden. The 2020 debates were chaotic, to say the least. And this year it’s possible that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. could qualify as an independent. I’ll...
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Should Biden & Trump (and maybe RFK, Jr.) debate in 2024?
Donald Trump has always defied the standards of presidential debates. Now his 2024 campaign is pushing for even more debates against President Joe Biden. The 2020 debates were chaotic, to say the least. And this year it’s possible that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. could qualify as an independent. I’ll...
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Bias at NPR: my response to Uri Berliner
NPR’s latest accusation of liberal bias came from an unlikely source: an employee. Uri Berliner dragged the network in a lengthy article, after 25 years at the network. I spent many years in public media, and Berliner’s piece left me enraged… and in tears. I’ll dig into the deep flaws in his...
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Bias at NPR: my response to Uri Berliner
NPR’s latest accusation of liberal bias came from an unlikely source: an employee. Uri Berliner dragged the network in a lengthy article, after 25 years at the network. I spent many years in public media, and Berliner’s piece left me enraged… and in tears. I’ll dig into the deep flaws in his...
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TCM's Ben Mankiewicz on how movies bring us together
If you think Americans are impossibly divided, think again: just go to the movies. Our love of cinema made TCM a staple in millions of homes. 2024 is the 30th anniversary of Turner Classic Movies. TCM’s Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz joins me to discuss this milestone and the enduring power of…
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TCM's Ben Mankiewicz on how movies bring us together
If you think Americans are impossibly divided, think again: just go to the movies. Our love of cinema made TCM a staple in millions of homes. 2024 is the 30th anniversary of Turner Classic Movies. TCM’s Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz joins me to discuss this milestone and the enduring power of…
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Are Americans as divided as we think?
Americans are quite divided on our 2024 presidential preferences: Donald Trump, Joe Biden or another candidate. But we rarely hear how much we agree on the issues themselves. Some new polling reveals enormous common ground. Plus, if you think Americans are half Democrats and half Republicans…
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Are Americans as divided as we think?
Americans are quite divided on our 2024 presidential preferences: Donald Trump, Joe Biden or another candidate. But we rarely hear how much we agree on the issues themselves. Some new polling reveals enormous common ground. Plus, if you think Americans are half Democrats and half Republicans…
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Debunking the well-endowed rat: International Fact-Checking Day
It was a hilariously fake image: an AI-generated diagram of a rat whose endowment reached way over its head. The image’s source? A peer-reviewed scientific journal article. The journal retracted it quickly, but it still got there… and its author is still publishing papers. Generative AI is making...
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Circus performer Jacques Ze Whipper on reinventing yourself
Ever wanted to quit your job and join the circus? Meet a man who did exactly that. Jack Lepiarz left his anchor post at NPR station WBUR in Boston, to follow his passion for circus performing. He even made it on “America’s Got Talent” in 2022. I’ve been dying to talk to him about this transition:...
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Circus performer Jacques Ze Whipper on reinventing yourself
Ever wanted to quit your job and join the circus? Meet a man who did exactly that. Jack Lepiarz left his anchor post at NPR station WBUR in Boston, to follow his passion for circus performing. He even made it on “America’s Got Talent” in 2022. I’ve been dying to talk to him about this transition:...
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Census revises what "Hispanic" & "Middle Eastern" mean
Race remains one of America’s touchiest topics, and the Census is approaching it in a new way. What does it mean to be Hispanic? If you’re Middle Eastern, should you be counted as White? Today the US Census Bureau announced major revisions to address these issues. I’ll walk you through the...
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Census revises what "Hispanic" & "Middle Eastern" mean
Race remains one of America’s touchiest topics, and the Census is approaching it in a new way. What does it mean to be Hispanic? If you’re Middle Eastern, should you be counted as White? Today the US Census Bureau announced major revisions to address these issues. I’ll walk you through the...
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A new viral hoax: Vladimir Putin & Black Jesus
Black folks like me are among Russia's favorite targets for election disinformation. I’m furious over a viral video that made its way into my family’s group chat. This might be an angrier episode from me than you’re used to, but I need you to hear me on this and help fight these lies.
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A new viral hoax: Vladimir Putin & Black Jesus
Black folks like me are among Russia's favorite targets for election disinformation. I’m furious over a viral video that made its way into my family’s group chat. This might be an angrier episode from me than you’re used to, but I need you to hear me on this and help fight these lies.
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What NBC should've done with Ronna McDaniel
NBC is cutting ties with former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel, days after a disastrous appearance on “Meet the Press” that sent the news division into an open revolt. As a former NBC News anchor and contributor, I think my old network blew a huge opportunity to do some good. MORE DETAILS:...
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What NBC should've done with Ronna McDaniel
NBC is cutting ties with former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel, days after a disastrous appearance on “Meet the Press” that sent the news division into an open revolt. As a former NBC News anchor and contributor, I think my old network blew a huge opportunity to do some good.
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Why Americans are so unhappy, and how to deal with it
March 22nd was my birthday! I’m pretty happy with life these days, but apparently Americans are slipping in the latest World Happiness Report. (No, I didn’t make that up: there is such a thing.) I’ll show you who’s lowering our score, and what I’ve learned about happiness that might help them.
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Why Americans are so unhappy, and how to deal with it
March 22nd was my birthday! I’m pretty happy with life these days, but apparently Americans are slipping in the latest World Happiness Report. (No, I didn’t make that up: there is such a thing.) I’ll show you who’s lowering our score, and what I’ve learned about happiness that might help them.
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Did ISIS attack Russia?
ISIS claims it’s behind an attack near Moscow that killed at least 40 people just before a concert. This claim has yet to be confirmed, but what is ISIS up to these days? Also, March 22nd is World Water Day, with plenty of challenges in hydrating the human race. Let’s check on some of the big…
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Did ISIS attack Russia?
ISIS claims it’s behind an attack near Moscow that killed at least 40 people just before a concert. This claim has yet to be confirmed, but what is ISIS up to these days? March 22nd is World Water Day, with plenty of challenges in hydrating the human race. Let’s check on some of the big water...
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The case for Donald Trump's "absolute immunity"
This week attorneys for former President Donald Trump laid out his legal argument for “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution over the January 6th insurrection. I’m no lawyer, but it doesn’t take much to see that his argument has some pretty big holes. Also this week, McDonald’s released…
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The case for Donald Trump's "absolute immunity"
This week attorneys for former President Donald Trump laid out his legal argument for “absolute immunity” from criminal prosecution over the January 6th insurrection. I’m no lawyer, but it doesn’t take much to see that his argument has some pretty big holes. Also this week, McDonald’s released…
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Leaving evangelical Christianity: NPR's Sarah McCammon on "The Exvangelicals"
Evangelical Christians have been getting a ton of attention lately, particularly as many align themselves more with conservative politics. An upcoming book from NPR National Political Correspondent Sarah McCammon explores how & why people are leaving their faith, and recalls her own struggles…
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Leaving evangelical Christianity: NPR's Sarah McCammon on "The Exvangelicals"
Evangelical Christians have been getting a ton of attention lately, particularly as many align themselves more with conservative politics. An upcoming book from NPR National Political Correspondent Sarah McCammon explores how & why people are leaving their faith, and recalls her own struggles…
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Reining in Realtors' fees
You might want to wait before buying or selling a house. A settlement announced today would dramatically change the fees you pay. Also, the Supreme Court just punted on a case out of Texas involving drag shows at a public university. It’s not the end of the case, though… nor the end of West Texas...
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Supreme Court rules on free speech in social media
Can government officials block you on social media if they don’t like what you say? The Supreme Court clarified that today with a new ruling. More cases are coming, including about the Biden Administration’s efforts to reduce COVID misinformation. I’ll break down today’s opinion and look ahead to...
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Supreme Court rules on free speech in social media
Can government officials block you on social media if they don’t like what you say? The Supreme Court clarified that today with a new ruling. More cases are coming, including about the Biden Administration’s efforts to reduce COVID misinformation. I’ll break down today’s opinion and look ahead to...
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Should America have a 32-hour workweek?
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) proposes to shorten America’s standard workweek to 32 hours, with overtime at 8+ hours a day and double time at 12 hours. What would the pros & cons be… and would you want it for your company? Also, a number of mostly Republican-led states have been advancing bills to...
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Should America have a 32-hour workweek?
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) proposes to shorten America’s standard workweek to 32 hours, with overtime at 8+ hours a day and double time at 12 hours. What would the pros & cons be… and would you want it for your company? Also, a number of mostly Republican-led states have been advancing bills to...
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Ban TikTok? Let's think it through.
The US government may be one step closer to banning TikTok. Today the US House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would force the app’s sale away from its Chinese owner, ByteDance. Previous efforts to do this have failed. Not surprisingly, young adults are sounding off against this move, even…
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Ban TikTok? Let's think it through.
The US government may be one step closer to banning TikTok. Today the US House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would force the app’s sale away from its Chinese owner, ByteDance. Previous efforts to do this have failed. Not surprisingly, young adults are sounding off against this move, even…
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State of the Union aftermath
“Feisty”. That word keeps coming up in describing Pres. Biden’s 2024 State of the Union address. Meanwhile, Donald Trump hosted authoritarian Viktor Orban of Hungary at Mar-A-Lago. And Republicans voted in Lara Trump as the Party’s co-chair. If the humanitarian crisis in Gaza matters to you,...
About this show
Uplifting, nonpartisan analysis of politics, trends & democracy, hosted by Joshua Johnson (formerly of NPR's "1A", MSNBC & NBC News).
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