The Brian Lehrer Show

Mohammed Sergie, Semafor Gulf editor covering Gulf politics and energy. David Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic and author on U.S. political shifts. They discuss shifting U.S. messaging about the war with Iran. They debate missile-focused tactics, Gulf states’ economic and security strains, energy and pipeline disruptions, and how changing statements shape strategy and markets.

Kate Tellers, storyteller and director of MothWorks who coaches people to tell personal stories, discusses The Moth's American Dreams theme. She talks about the show's double-meaning theme “what are we fighting for?” and how casting balances levity with reckonings on race. She explains coaching methods, the no-notes rule, and how storytelling programs help libraries and organizations.

Louisa Chafee, director of the New York City Independent Budget Office and nonpartisan budget analyst. She breaks down why the plan moved from surplus to deficit. She contrasts spending accuracy with optimistic revenue forecasts. She explains risks if revenues fall short and how state tax rules shape the city's options. She outlines questions around taxing very high earners and Moody's budget outlook.

Dana Stevens, Slate film critic and author of a Buster Keaton biography, breaks down the theater vs streaming debate. She talks about Timothée Chalamet’s defense of movie-going and why cinemas still matter. Conversation covers Gen Z film habits, repertory and boutique theaters, etiquette and enforcement, and how new films use allegory and music to make political points.

Daniela Gilbert, director at the Vera Institute’s Redefining Public Safety initiative and former city official in community mental health and policing policy. She discusses a new analysis of NYC 911 calls. Short takes: many calls are conflicts or disturbances. She explores alternative, civilian responders, better triage, and coordinating services to reduce armed responses and strain on systems.

John Leland, New York Times reporter who covers NYC life, offers background on the two men arrested after bringing homemade bombs to a Gracie Mansion protest. He discusses who organized the anti-Muslim rally and the organizer's extreme rhetoric. He outlines the suspects' origins, travel, and claimed ISIS inspiration. He also explores video evidence, digital investigations, and community reactions.

John Cassidy, New Yorker staff writer and author on economics and capitalism. He unpacks prediction markets and suspicious well-timed trades. He explores anonymity, regulation, and insider trading risks. He discusses how markets respond to war, oil prices, and the costs of conflict. He outlines proposals to police unregulated exchanges and steer AI policy toward workers.

Siddhartha Sánchez, executive director of the Bronx River Alliance who works to restore the Bronx River and bring community-focused park planning, talks about the Cross Bronx Expressway’s harms. They challenge state plans to widen the highway. They describe daily pollution and health impacts, question safety claims for expansion, and propose community-centered alternatives and park-focused solutions.

Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International and human rights expert on accountability and gender justice. She discusses global fights for reproductive rights and access to justice. She explains protection strategies for activists and the pressures on movements in Iran, China, Gaza and beyond. She highlights funding threats and how people can mobilize for women's rights.

Jamie Stelter, media-savvy co-host focused on digital storytelling, and Pat Kiernan, longtime New York morning anchor, discuss their new Morning People project. They talk about how morning habits shifted since 1997. They explore remaking local news for phones and streaming NY1 without cable. They cover cost-of-living and gig economy trends and where to watch the new show.