The Brian Lehrer Show

Emily Bazelon, New York Times Magazine writer and Yale law scholar, offers rapid-fire analysis of the Supreme Court arguments on ending birthright citizenship. She breaks down the domicile theory, questions from conservative justices, historical statutes like the 1952 law, and the political theater surrounding the case. Short, sharp takes on legal strategy and the courtroom dynamics.

Jon Campbell, Albany reporter for WNYC and Gothamist covering state government and budgets. He breaks down why the budget missed its deadline and who gets paid under an extender. He outlines the fight over taxing millionaires versus corporate levies. He explains the auto insurance reform clash and why MTA, lawyers, and Uber care.

Chabeli Carrazana, an economy and childcare reporter at The 19th who covers gender and labor, discusses reporting on women leading the farmworker movement. She walks through the revelations about Cesar Chavez and their impact. The conversation highlights survivors’ voices, hidden women organizers, debates over legacy and renaming commemorations, and how contemporary women continue to lead farmworker organizing.

A.M. Gitlitz, an organizer and writer who explores counterculture and radical politics, discusses how the Mets’ story maps onto class and political struggle in New York. Topics include baseball’s ties to class, the 1962 Mets and Shea Stadium origins, Mets vs. Yankees as political symbols, 1960s New Left links, queer fandom and Pride Month, and recent clubhouse politics.

Alistair Martin, an emergency medicine physician turned public health leader, outlines his new NYC priorities. He discusses strengthening core public and mental health, expanding affordability and coverage, and raising visibility for equity work. He also covers Medicaid protections, prison reentry care, and community outreach campaigns.

Eyal Press, New Yorker writer who reported on synagogue splits over Israel and Gaza. He walks through congregational rifts, rabbis avoiding or taking stands, and how family and generational tensions play out in worship spaces. Short scenes and caller voices illustrate the cultural and moral flashpoints tearing communities apart.

Melissa Kirsch, writer behind The Good List at The New York Times who curates joyful, practical recommendations. Conversation highlights include listeners’ small practices that spark meaning, playful ideas like book brackets and a sandwich alignment chart, and simple pleasures from birdwatching to community outreach. Short, upbeat takes on finding more joy in everyday life.

Carmen Fariña, former NYC Schools Chancellor and longtime educator, advocates for extending mayoral control and a coherent curriculum. She discusses why unified leadership helps amid disorganization. Talks include stakeholder advisory councils, curriculum consistency, reading instruction debates, equity and middle school focus, and political concerns around accountability.

Cory Booker, U.S. Senator from New Jersey and author of Stand (2026), mixes personal stories and political history. He discusses virtues like humility, patriotism, and grace as practical tools. He talks about fundraising choices, foreign policy concerns, and how citizens can organize and act now.

Leah Greenberg, co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible and organizer of the No Kings protests, discusses mass nationwide demonstrations. She describes turnout, the movement’s focus on resisting authoritarianism, coalition-building across causes, and plans to convert rallies into sustained local organizing. Call-ins highlight local impacts and strategies for political pressure.