Newsmakers

The trash most of us unconsciously leave behind can reveal more than we think, according to archaeologist Kristina Douglass. The Columbia University professor and 2025 MacArthur Fellow sits down with Newsweek to explain how archaeology uncovers a more honest version of history—one shaped not by those in power, but by the everyday traces people leave behind.Drawing from her groundwork in Madagascar, Douglass highlights why working with local communities is critical to solving today’s climate challenges, and how generations of lived knowledge can help guide more sustainable decisions for the future.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What can 10,000 conversations with strangers teach you about humanity? In this episode of Newsmakers Impact, Brandon Stanton, creator of Humans of New York, sits down to reflect on the project that reshaped storytelling in the digital age. From intimate street portraits to deeply personal interviews, Stanton reveals why vulnerability—not opinions—is at the heart of every story.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are aliens real? Will humans eventually live on Mars? And what’s really behind the new space race?Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson breaks down the biggest questions about space exploration for Newsmakers Impact—from billionaire joyrides to why humans may visit Mars but probably won’t live there anytime soon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Restaurateur and 2024 James Beard Award-winning chef, Charlie Mitchell, joins Newsweek to discuss everything edible. The renowned executive chef of Saga in New York City's financial district is a powerhouse in the culinary world, becoming the first Black chef in NYC to earn a Michelin star at his restaurant Clover Hill in 2022. His boundary-pushing and award-winning menu blends fine dining with soul food inspired by his childhood.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Psychologist and author Guy Winch joins Newsweek to unpack some of the biggest mental health conversations shaping culture right now — from the emotional toll of remote work to Gen Z’s growing use (and misuse) of therapy language.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From her Emmy-winning performance in Netflix's "The Crown" to films like "All of Us Strangers" and "Women Talking", Claire Foy has steadily built a body of work defined by intensity and precision. Foy steps into one of her most haunting roles yet in H is for Hawk, marking another chapter in a career increasingly shaped by deliberate, deeply human storytelling.In this Newsmakers Impact conversation, she discusses what draws her to stories rooted in transformation—and why her new role felt like a natural evolution rather than a departure.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In December 1999, tens of thousands of Americans descended on Seattle to protest the five-year-old World Trade Organization, which was holding its first summit on U.S. soil. The fight against the WTO crossed political lines, drawing both left- and right-wing participants over issues ranging from national sovereignty to environmental justice. This kind of unity, built on opposition to a new global economic order, seems almost impossible to imagine in today's political climate.And yet a new documentary, WTO/99, by the filmmaking duo of Ian Bell and Alex Megaro, makes the compelling argument that those days in Seattle were a crucial turning point that led directly to our current political reality. From President Trump delivering a stinging rebuke of the global order at the World Economic Forum in Davos this month, to the tactics used by anti-ICE protest networks in Minneapolis, the WTO outrage in Seattle was among the first glimpses of the future we are now living through.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

World-renowned mentalist Oz Pearlman sits down with Newsweek's Katherine Fung to demystify mind reading and why he prefers to call it "reading people".Despite the mystique, Pearlman makes one thing clear: there’s nothing supernatural about what he does. Mentalism, he says, is rooted in psychology, behavior and influence.This Newsmakers Impact conversation goes beyond tricks—offering a deeper look at how we make decisions and best practices for combatting fear. Pearlman’s get-back-up mentality serves as the central theme of his new book, Read Your Mind: Proven Habits for Success from the World’s Greatest Mentalist.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Money shapes nearly every part of modern life—our relationships, our mental health, and the choices we believe are possible. Yet for many people, financial stress feels constant, confusing, and unavoidable.In this episode of Newsmakers Impact, Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham sits down with Ramit Sethi, one of the most influential voices in personal finance to explore why so many people feel anxious about money—and why traditional financial advice often misses the point.This wide-ranging conversation looks beyond budgets and spreadsheets, examining the psychology of money, the unspoken rules shaping our financial behavior, and the cultural pressures that quietly redefine what “being rich” means today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Artificial intelligence is no longer science fiction. It's shaping our lives. From Google searches and social media feeds to self-driving cars and smart homes, AI is everywhere. But do we really have no choice but to accept it? Tech ethicist Tristan Harris dives into the growing debate surrounding artificial intelligence, the power struggles between Big Tech and governments, and whether the AI takeover is truly unavoidable or still preventable.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kate Winslet has built an iconic career portraying strong, fearless women—from Titanic’s Rose and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’s Clementine to Mare of Easttown’s Mare Sheehan and Lee Miller. An Oscar winner and multiple Emmy and BAFTA recipient, Winslet balances blockbuster hits like Titanic and Avatar with acclaimed indie films and prestige literary adaptations including Sense and Sensibility, Revolutionary Road, and The Reader.Now, she’s stepping behind the camera for the first time with her directorial debut, Goodbye June—a deeply personal project written by her son, Joe Anders. In this conversation with Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham, Winslet reflects on her “hard-won” journey, life in the spotlight, motherhood, creative legacy, and the rare privilege that helped her navigate one of the most enduring careers in modern film.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With over 30 million albums sold, 33 No. 1 hits, and a career spanning more than three decades, Kenny Chesney stands as one of the most beloved and influential figures in country music. Named Billboard’s Top Country Artist of the 21st Century and an eight-time Entertainer of the Year, Chesney’s story is one of grit, gratitude, and giving back—now told in his powerful new memoir, Heart. Life. Music.Chesney’s rise from a small-town dreamer in Knoxville, Tennessee, to selling out MetLife Stadium and Gillette Stadium began with his drive to connect with every fan in the crowd. He’s known for climbing to the furthest seats before shows to feel what the fans feel—making sure no one is left out. That passion fuels No Shoes Nation, the loyal community that has become as much a family as a fanbase.Now, as Chesney is inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 alongside June Carter Cash and Tony Brown, he reflects on a life defined by connection, positivity, and purpose. “I have an insane amount of gratitude,” he says. “It still doesn’t feel real.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sir Anthony Hopkins — the legendary actor behind Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs — is known for portraying darkness on screen. But the real battle was within himself. From a lonely, bullied childhood in Wales to the grip of alcoholism that nearly silenced his talent, Hopkins’ journey is one of redemption, resilience, and self-mastery.In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, Hopkins opens up about his powerful new memoir, We Did OK, Kid — a raw reflection on his 87 years of triumph over pain, addiction, and self-doubt. He recalls a defining moment at age 17 when his father’s words — “I don’t know what’s gonna happen to you. Hopeless.” — ignited a determination that changed his life forever.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns reminds us, “Understanding where we’ve been permits us to look forward—and design a future that honors our past.” In this exclusive Newsweek Newsmakers interview, Burns joins Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham to explore the themes behind his latest epic documentary, The American Revolution.From The Civil War, which captivated nearly 40 million viewers and became PBS’s most-watched program ever, to his deep dives into baseball, jazz, prohibition, and Vietnam, Burns has spent a lifetime telling the stories that define America. Now, he turns his lens to the Revolutionary War—the nation’s true origin story—a complex struggle for liberty built on contradictions we still wrestle with today.Burns unpacks how the ideals of freedom and self-governance clashed with the brutal realities of slavery and the treatment of Native peoples. He calls the Revolution “the most important event in world history since the birth of Christ,” a moment where human contradictions shaped the future of democracy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Helen Mirren’s journey is all about trusting your gut over playing by the rules. At the height of her fame with the Royal Shakespeare Company, she ditched the spotlight to join director Peter Brook on an experimental tour across Africa. And get this—a palm reader once told her she’d hit her biggest success after 45. Turns out, they were right. She’s shattered Hollywood’s ageist norms, proving that talent and persistence—not industry timelines—define real stardom.And she’s still breaking the mold today. Whether she’s stealing scenes in Fast & Furious, rocking superhero vibes in Shazam!, or portraying powerhouses like Queen Elizabeth II and Golda Meir, Helen Mirren keeps leveling up. Now leading Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club at nearly 80, she’s not slowing down—she’s showing the world that age is just another role to conquer. Helen Mirren isn’t just “doing her own thing”—she’s rewriting the Hollywood rulebook.Back in the 1970s, a young Helen Mirren starred in a documentary called Doing Her Own Thing. She thought it was “mortifyingly embarrassing” at the time—but looking back, it was pure prophecy. For over five decades, Mirren has built one of the most iconic careers in film and theater, always on her own terms. She skipped early fame to chase experimental theater, then came roaring back with Oscar, Emmy, and Tony wins in career-defining roles like Prime Suspect and The Queen—both after she turned 50.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Kansas City Chiefs are more than just a football team — they’re becoming a global phenomenon. From unforgettable Super Bowl victories to a growing international fan base, the Chiefs are positioning themselves as the world’s team. With legendary coach Andy Reid, superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and cultural icons like Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift in the spotlight, Kansas City’s influence extends far beyond the gridiron.In this Newsweek feature, Chiefs owner Clark Hunt shares how the franchise is embracing its role as a global ambassador. From training camp in Missouri to packed stadiums in Germany and Brazil, the Chiefs are connecting with fans everywhere. From Lamar Hunt’s pioneering legacy to today’s bold international expansion, the Chiefs are writing the next chapter of NFL history. Whether through flag football programs, streaming partnerships, or a surge of new fans inspired by Taylor Swift, the Kansas City Chiefs are more than a dynasty — they’re a movement. Welcome to the story of how the Chiefs are becoming The World’s Team.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For nearly five decades, Liam Neeson has captivated audiences with powerful performances—from the emotional gravity of Schindler’s List to the unrelenting force of Taken’s Bryan Mills, and the legendary wisdom of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars.Now, in a bold and unexpected move, Neeson takes on the role of Detective Frank Drebin in the reboot of The Naked Gun—proving yet again that his range has no limits.But Neeson’s impact doesn’t stop at the screen. As a long-time UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he’s championed humanitarian efforts around the globe—fighting for children’s rights, education, and refugee support in crisis zones.In this exclusive Newsweek interview, we sit down with Liam Neeson to explore his journey, his mission, and the moments that shaped one of the most enduring careers in Hollywood. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legendary, Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Lee joins Newsweek for the premiere episode of Newsmakers — our brand-new series spotlighting the most pivotal voices in society, politics, and culture. In this powerful conversation, Spike reflects on the 100th anniversary of Malcolm X, the lasting cultural legacy of the iconic civil rights leader, and how actor Denzel Washington’s portrayal continues to inspire generations. He also opens up about his creative influence on filmmakers like Ryan Coogler (Black Panther), discusses the power of storytelling to transcend political division, and gives us a sneak peek at his upcoming Joints. Don’t miss this unfiltered, inspiring, and timely discussion with one of the most influential voices in modern cinema. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.