The Brian Lehrer Show

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s defense secretary nominee, joins Karen Greenberg, director of the Center on National Security at Fordham Law. They dive into heated discussions from the confirmation hearings, exploring topics like the vital role of women in combat and the necessity of merit-based standards. Greenberg critiques the implications of military support for Israel while confronting the legacy of U.S. actions in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also tackle essential themes like sexual assault prevention and the need for stringent financial oversight in veterans' affairs.

Ron Wyden, the progressive U.S. Senator from Oregon and author of "It Takes Chutzpah," discusses navigating a new Republican-majority Senate. He shares insights on recent wildfire crises and proposes legislative solutions for environmental challenges. The conversation extends to inflation, food price gouging, and the need for consumer protections. Wyden introduces his 12 Rules of Chutzpah, emphasizing strategic advocacy for progressive change, while highlighting the complexities of U.S.-Israel relations and the urgent need for addressing humanitarian concerns.

Maureen Corrigan, a book critic for Fresh Air and Georgetown professor, explores the enduring impact of 'The Great Gatsby' as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. She discusses the novel's themes of hedonism and societal commentary, drawing parallels between Gatsby’s tragic love and modern challenges surrounding the American Dream. Corrigan reflects on its cultural significance, the implications of censorship, and how its narrative structure remains relevant today, emphasizing the importance of keeping such classics in education.

Jon Bramnick, a New Jersey state senator, attorney, and stand-up comedian, dives into his campaign for governor. He sheds light on pressing issues like the skyrocketing cost of living and the need for government spending caps. Bramnick discusses his unique anti-Trump perspective, navigating the challenges of affordable housing while maintaining a sense of humor throughout. From UFO sightings to serious political debates, he balances lightheartedness with a strong commitment to serving diverse voter interests.

Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO, dives into the effects of New York City’s new congestion pricing, discussing its impact on transit ridership and urban life. Ryan Grimm and Emily Jashinsky offer provocative left and right perspectives on navigating this transition. Victoria Rosner, Dean at NYU, reflects on modernism's influence in art and society, exploring its historical context, cultural shifts, and implications for gender dynamics. The conversation spans pressing urban issues and the legacy of modernist thought.

John "Janno" Lieber, chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), talks about the first week of congestion pricing and other transit news. 

Derek Thompson, staff writer at The Atlantic, author of the "Work in Progress" newsletter and host of the podcast Plain English, and the author, with Ezra Klein, of Abundance (Simon & Schuster, forthcoming 2025), talks about his latest reporting on how many Americans are spending more alone time than ever before, and how it impacts their personalities — and politics. Plus, listeners call in to share how the pandemic has changed their social lives.

Harry Siegel,  FAQ NYC creator and co-host, Daily News columnist, editor at The City, and Christina Greer, associate professor of political science at Fordham University, co-host of the podcast FAQNYC and the author of How to Build a Democracy: From Fannie Lou Hamer and Barbara Jordan to Stacey Abrams (Cambridge University Press, 2024), talk about Thursday's State of the City address by Mayor Eric Adams.

As funeral proceedings continue over the course of six days, listeners call in with their eulogies for the late former president Jimmy Carter.

As wildfires continues to scorch the seaside area between Malibu and Santa Monica,and other parts of Los Angeles County, Augustin Guibaud, PhD, fire expert in the NYU Tandon School of Engineering Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, explains how these wildfires spread, the conditions that make them so dangerous and how to prevent these kind of devastating fires in the future, while listeners call to share stories from LA, including RadioLab's Latif Nasser.