Today, Explained

Kiarra and Izii find themselves on a magical island where they discover the importance of listening over just hearing. With the help of an Engin-Ear and a unicorn, they embark on an enlightening adventure about sound and empathy. They learn how active listening can resolve conflicts among friends, enriched by personal stories and playful exercises. The journey also includes a hands-on project where kids can create their own stereo headphones, making learning about sound waves and empathy both fun and engaging!

Leo Wolfson, a state political reporter at the Cowboy State Daily, discusses Liz Cheney's tumultuous political journey in Wyoming. He highlights how Cheney, facing likely defeat in her primary, is surprisingly gaining support from Democrats due to her principled stand against Trump. The conversation delves into the dynamics of her campaign, her struggle for legitimacy in a shifting Republican landscape, and her potential ambitions for the future despite the challenges ahead.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg reporter and author of "The Contrarian," explores the significant influence of billionaire Peter Thiel on the New Right. He discusses Thiel's unique persona, from his controversial beliefs to his entrepreneurial journey, revealing how his background shaped his worldview. The conversation also highlights the ambitious goals of global initiatives linked to Thiel and critiques the intertwining of wealth and political power within the movement, raising questions on the impact on democracy.

James Pogue, a contributing editor at Harper's, dives into the rise of the 'new right' within the Republican Party, highlighting its nationalist leanings and the emergence of a radical, younger faction. He discusses their ambitions to shift American values towards family-centric ideals and their growing dissatisfaction with traditional politics. Pogue also examines troubling connections to white nationalism and the influence of wealthy backers. The conversation sheds light on how this movement aims to reshape democracy and cultural narratives in America.

Andrea Bernstein, host of Will Be Wild and author of American Oligarchs, shares her expertise on the FBI raid at Mar-a-Lago. She discusses the legal complexities and political fallout from the raid, outlining Trump's emotional responses and strategies amidst the chaos. Bernstein draws parallels between current events and historical scandals like Watergate. The conversation also touches on the implications of these legal challenges for the 2024 election, revealing how these investigations shape the political landscape.

Douglas Farah, co-author of "Merchant of Death" and an expert on arms dealing, dives into the life of Viktor Bout, the infamous arms dealer whose operations shaped global conflict. He discusses the ethical dilemmas surrounding the potential prisoner swap involving WNBA star Brittney Griner, currently imprisoned in Russia. Farah unveils Bout's rise in the arms trade, backed by his Soviet intelligence background, and highlights the intricate dance of high-stakes diplomacy as the U.S. navigates a controversial negotiation with Russia.

Miles Bryan, a reporter with a focus on Hungary's population policies, and Brian Walsh, an editor at Vox's Future Perfect, delve into Hungary's bold initiatives to counter declining birth rates. They explore Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's controversial family policies and the implications for marginalized groups. The discussion critiques the effectiveness of financial incentives and highlights the global trend of declining populations. They propose a fresh approach: embracing migration as a sustainable solution for aging nations.

Keren Landman, a senior health reporter at Vox, and Joseph Osmundson, a clinical assistant professor at NYU, delve into the monkeypox crisis primarily affecting queer communities. They discuss the WHO's declaration of a global health emergency and the dire lack of resources like vaccines and testing. The conversation highlights the stigma surrounding public health responses, draws parallels to the HIV/AIDS crisis, and stresses the need for effective communication and equitable healthcare access for marginalized populations.

In this discussion, Vox reporters Lee Zoe and Rebecca Lieber dive into Senator Joe Manchin's pivotal compromise on the Inflation Reduction Act. Lee, an expert on congressional dynamics, unpacks Manchin’s surprising shift toward supporting historic climate legislation. Rebecca, a climate change specialist, emphasizes the bill's ambitious $369 billion allocation for clean energy. Together, they explore how this legislation aims to cut fossil fuel dependency and its potential impact on climate action amid pressing environmental crises.

In this discussion, Alex Ward, a national security reporter for Politico, provides keen insights into Nancy Pelosi's controversial visit to Taiwan amidst rising U.S.-China tensions. He explains her motivations despite opposition from both China and the White House. The conversation highlights the implications for U.S.-Taiwan relations, the evolving stance on Taiwan's independence, and the risks of military escalation in the region. Ward navigates the geopolitical complexities, showing how this visit could reshape international dynamics.