The Brian Lehrer Show

Genia Blaser, director of Hotline at Immigrant Defense Project, and Yasmine Farhang, director of Advocacy at Immigrant Defense Project, discuss President Donald Trump's recent executive order to ramp up the deportation of undocumented immigrants and explain the rights that undocumented individuals have when interacting with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

 New York City Comptroller Brad Lander talks about the June primary as he seeks the Democratic nomination for mayor in 2025 as well as the effect on NYC of the new Trump administration, and other NYC news.

Ashley Parker, staff writer at The Atlantic, former Washington Post White House bureau chief, talks about the close relationship between the incoming Trump administration and tech billionaires."The Tech Oligarchy Arrives" (The Atlantic, 1/20/25) 

Will this year be the year you see some experimental theater or finish that crafting project? Listeners share their arts and culture resolutions for 2025.

Jelani Cobb, dean of the Journalism School at Columbia University and a staff writer at The New Yorker, talks about the 2025 duPont-Columbia award winners, plus the inauguration and the Trump administration's expected treatment of journalists.

Russell Contreras, Justice and Race reporter at Axios, discusses President Donald Trump's sweeping executive order revoking decades of diversity and affirmative action practices in the federal government and how it might impact the private sector. 

As Americans migrate from TikTok to the Chinese app RedNote, a unique cultural connection emerges between average citizens. Steffi Cao reveals how this new platform fosters diplomacy amid concerns over data privacy. The conversation highlights personal experiences in digital cultural exchanges and the growing user trust in global interactions. However, tensions loom as skepticism about authenticity and espionage hangs over these interactions. It's a fascinating look at how social media shapes international relationships.

Jimmy Vielkind, New York State Issues reporter for WNYC, reviews what Gov. Hochul proposed in her $252 billion budget for the state, which now gets negotiated with the legislature.

Mayor Adams holds one off-topic press conference per week, where reporters can ask him questions on any subject. Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter, recaps what he talked about at this week's event. Topics this week include the City's response to early actions taken by the Trump administration, Adams' attendance at Trump's inauguration, Adam's surprise interview  on Tucker Carlson, and more.  

Paul Bloom, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto and a Yale emeritus, dives into a century of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. He discusses Freud's immense influence on modern psychology and critiques his traditional methods, especially regarding sensitive topics. Bloom also highlights the resurgence of Jungian therapy and the pivotal role of psychiatric medication versus talk therapy. Ultimately, he calls for innovative approaches in psychotherapy to adapt to evolving mental health needs.