The Brian Lehrer Show

Ben Max, host of the Max Politics podcast and executive editor and program director at New York Law School’s Center for New York City Law, previews New York City's mayoral primary season, as Democratic challengers vie to replace Mayor Eric Adams.

As our centennial series continues, Mark Mather, demographer and associate vice president for U.S. Programs at the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), walks us through the shifts in U.S. demographics over the past 100 years. 

As 2024 winds down, enjoy some of our favorite recent conversations:For the centennial series "100 Years of 100 Things," Matthew Barton, curator of recorded sound at the Library of Congress, walks us through the history of radio.April's earthquake in New Jersey was likely a natural phenomenon, but earthquakes can be caused by human interventions -- like fracking. For our climate story of the week, Umair Irfan, staff writer at Vox writing about climate change and energy policy, breaks down how fracking and other natural resource extractions have increased the likelihood of earthquakes in the United States.Malcolm Gladwell, host of the podcast Revisionist History and author of many books, including Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering (Little, Brown and Company, 2024), talks about his new work which follows up on his breakthrough book, The Tipping Point, with a more sobering look at social "epidemics."As our centennial series continues, John Fricke, historian focused on The Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland and the author of The Wonderful World of Oz: An Illustrated History of the American Classic (Down East Books, 2014), talks about the enduring impact of the story of The Wizard of Oz. These interviews were lightly edited for time and clarity; the original web versions are available here:100 Years of 100 Things: Radio (July 10, 2024)How Fracking Can Cause Earthquakes (April 9, 2024)Malcolm Gladwell Re-Considers (October 18, 2024)100 Years of 100 Things: The Wizard of Oz (December 9, 2024)

Katie Thornton, a Peabody-winning journalist and public historian, dives into the vibrant history of Times Square, particularly its iconic New Year’s celebrations. She unveils how the first official event in 1904 sparked a century of evolving traditions, including the legendary ball drop. Thornton discusses the area’s complex transformation from a gritty past to a revitalized entertainment hub, including the significant changes of the 1990s. Listeners will appreciate anecdotes that reflect on nostalgia, safety measures, and community dynamics surrounding this beloved annual gathering.

Adam Galinsky, a Columbia Business School professor and author of the upcoming book *Inspire*, shares key insights on sticking to New Year's resolutions. He discusses the importance of aligning goals with personal core values, enhancing motivation. Galinsky emphasizes embracing small changes and reflects on the psychological benefits of self-reflection. Inspiring callers share personal stories, including a remarkable 20-year commitment to the Polar Bear Plunge, illustrating how stepping outside comfort zones can lead to meaningful transformation.

Former President Jimmy Carter, renowned for his commitment to human rights, shares profound insights on women's rights and the role of religion in perpetuating inequality. He discusses how misinterpretations of religious texts contribute to gender-based violence and cultural practices like child marriage. Reflecting on democracy, he critiques the growing influence of corporations in politics. Carter also emphasizes the urgent need for reforms in combating human trafficking, while passionately advocating for ongoing efforts towards gender equality.

Jacqueline Alemany, a congressional investigations reporter for The Washington Post, delves into the unconventional foreign policy ideas of President-elect Trump. She discusses his controversial intentions regarding Greenland and the Panama Canal, highlighting international reactions and implications for U.S. relations. Alemany also critiques Trump's confrontational stance toward Canada and examines how his political strategies and attitudes could undermine America’s global credibility. Throughout, she draws parallels with past presidencies, including reflections on Jimmy Carter's legacy.

Errol Louis, a political anchor and NY Magazine columnist, discusses Robert Moses' controversial legacy in NYC and the impact of his urban planning on marginalized communities. Mitchell Moss and Rachel Weinberger debate innovative remedies for the harmful effects of Moses' expressways. Jonathan Zimmerman dives into the history of school culture wars, from the Scopes trial to current issues like critical race theory. Lastly, the conversation touches on rising loneliness in America, exploring social connection strategies in today's tech-centric world.

On this day of many holidays, enjoy some of our favorite recent conversations:As part of our centennial series Michael Kazin, professor of history at Georgetown University, editor emeritus of Dissent and the author of several books, including What It Took to Win: A History of the Democratic Party (FSG, 2022) and American Dreamers: How the Left Changed a Nation (Knopf, 2011), traces the history of socialism in America.As our centennial series continues, Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel laureate in economics, university professor at Columbia University, chief economist at the Roosevelt Institute, and author of The Road to Freedom: Economics and the Good Society (W.W.Norton, 2024), reviews the history of American capitalism and the ebb and flow of regulation.John Marks, social entrepreneur, founder of Search for Common Ground and Common Ground Productions, founder and managing director of Confluence International, visiting scholar at Leiden University and the author of From Vision to Action: Remaking the World Through Social Entrepreneurship (Columbia University Press, 2024), talks about his work in conflict resolution and finding common ground.Jim O'Grady, freelance podcast reporter, producer, and editor, talks about how he looks to a Catholic saint for spiritual guidance, and listeners call in to share their favorite saint or other spiritual guide. These interviews were lightly edited for time and clarity; the original web versions are available here:100 Years of Things: American Socialism (October 28, 2024)100 Years of 100 Things: American Capitalism (November 1, 2024)The Business of Peace-Building (October 1, 2024)How Saints Can Help Us Sinners (September 16, 2024)

The financial strain of climate change on homeowners takes center stage. Listeners reveal how skyrocketing insurance premiums, particularly due to wildfires and flooding, have affected their lives. Personal stories highlight the emotional and financial turmoil caused by rising costs and non-renewals. Some even discuss their tough decisions to sell their homes as they cope with these unprecedented changes. The discussion sheds light on how climate impacts property values and the complexities of navigating insurance in a changing world.