The Brian Lehrer Show

Franklin Schneider, a New York City-based writer and author of 'Canned,' delves into the rudeness of the modern job market. He highlights the relief that comes with form rejections versus the sting of being ghosted. Age discrimination is unpacked through listener stories, and Schneider explains how the pandemic shifted power dynamics for job seekers. Gen Z faces unique ghosting challenges, and he argues technology has stripped the hiring process of empathy. Ultimately, he suggests that exposing these power imbalances could lead to positive change.

Elizabeth Kim, a political reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, discusses the emerging opposition to Mamdani and Brad Lander’s congressional bid, emphasizing local political dynamics. Tina Nguyen, a senior tech policy reporter at The Verge, dives into Trump’s effort to ban state AI laws and explains the complexities of federal vs. state regulations in AI politics. The conversation touches on the implications of Mamdani’s housing policies and the bipartisan concerns over AI's impact on society, including environmental issues.

Tess Bridgman, co-editor of Just Security and former deputy legal adviser to the National Security Council, joins William LeoGrande, a government professor specializing in U.S.-Latin America relations. They dive into the recent U.S. seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers, debating its legality and historical precedents. Bridgman discusses the implications of U.S. sanctions and the complexities of maritime law, while LeoGrande raises concerns about regional escalation and the political motives behind regime change efforts. Their conversation highlights serious legal and ethical questions surrounding U.S. actions.

David Brand, a housing reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, dives into the complexities of the new affordable housing proposal at Atlantic Yards. He discusses the ambitious plan for around 9,000 units and the controversies surrounding what 'affordable' truly means. Brand recounts the project's troubled history, including developer changes and delays, while highlighting community demands for deeper affordability. The conversation touches on the impact of Greenland's bankruptcy and the need for accountability in housing promises, revealing Atlantic Yards as a cautionary tale for future projects.

Gilbert Cruz, editor at The New York Times Book Review, reveals the highly anticipated 10 Best Books of 2024, featuring a mix of fiction and nonfiction. He explores Daniel Krauss's one-sentence WWII horror, the moral dilemmas in Daniel Kilman's novel under Nazi oppression, and Kiran Desai's portrayal of immigrant experiences. Cruz also discusses Charlotte Wood's poignant exploration of memory and Sophie Elmhurst's gripping survival tale at sea. He emphasizes the innovative narratives that unify this year's selections while offering thoughtful gift-giving advice.

Jessica Grose, an opinion writer at The New York Times, shares insights from her experience raising children in an interfaith household. She candidly discusses her initial worries about teaching her daughters religion amidst a dominant culture. Jessica highlights how their preferences evolved family traditions and emphasizes the importance of cultural appreciation. Listeners contribute with their own unique rituals, showcasing how diverse practices can blend into heartwarming family celebrations. The conversation reveals that traditions can adapt — there's no need to finalize them too soon!

Fred Kaplan, a distinguished journalist and columnist for Slate, delves into Trump's new national security strategy, highlighting its implications for the U.S.-EU relationship. He discusses the strategy's controversial language around immigration and European identity, revealing its alignment with far-right politics. Kaplan also analyzes the recent seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, outlining the geopolitical context and risks of U.S. intervention. The conversation is a thought-provoking exploration of how rhetoric shapes both national policy and global dynamics.

Jimmy Wales, the co-founder of Wikipedia and author of The Seven Rules of Trust, shares insights into the platform's unique model of open editing. He discusses how trust can thrive amidst societal skepticism and critiques the neutrality of controversial topics like the Gaza genocide entry. Wales highlights the importance of transparency in building trust, recounts the transformation of vandals into contributors, and defends mainstream source reliability while addressing biases. He also examines the challenges posed by AI and the need for newsroom neutrality to rebuild public trust.

Nancy Solomon, an insightful host and reporter known for her coverage of New Jersey politics, joins Governor Phil Murphy to recap their recent call-in show. They tackle a controversial comptroller bill that sparked public uproar and a viral clip that influenced its withdrawal. Solomon discusses the implications for Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and the importance of statutory protections for gender-affirming care. The duo also dives into parole reform, emphasizing treatment for addiction over punishment, making for a thought-provoking and engaging discussion.

Jay Caspian Kang, a staff writer for The New Yorker, tackles the intricacies of reading in the digital age. He discusses quitting social media to focus on books but found that this shift didn’t necessarily increase his reading time. Contradicting statistics reveal that while book readership may be declining, online reading is on the rise. Kang warns about the dangers of algorithmic optimization, which can isolate opinions and stifle real-world connections, and shares stories of listeners finding renewed focus after stepping away from social media.