Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast

Jacob Soboroff, MS NOW reporter who covers immigration and field reporting, and Alex Wagner, MS NOW analyst and podcast host with on-the-ground political insight. They discuss intensive field reporting in Minneapolis. They describe pervasive federal surveillance, grassroots mutual-aid and resistance networks, drone monitoring at detention sites, and tactics used to support released detainees.

C. Thi Nguyen, a philosophy professor and author of The Score who studies games and play, explores how scoring and metrics have seeped into work and life. He explains why we keep score, how metrics can replace richer values, and the difference between playing to win and playing for the joy of struggle. The conversation looks at historical roots of quantification and practical ways to resist value capture.

Jacob Soboroff, a Senior Political and National Reporter for MS NOW and bestselling author of 'Firestorm,' shares his poignant connection to the devastating LA wildfires that destroyed his childhood home. He discusses the politics of rebuilding and the shocking causes of the fires, including extreme wind and faulty electrical infrastructure. Soboroff also addresses misinformation, political narratives surrounding the disaster, and the ongoing struggles of affected communities a year later, emphasizing the need for better preparation and collective resilience.

U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego, a Marine Corps veteran, dives deep into the geopolitics of the recent U.S. invasion of Venezuela and President Trump's oil-centric ambitions. He shares his personal experiences from Iraq, highlighting the risks of regime-change wars. Gallego also discusses his plans for a new energy policy focused on diversifying energy sources and investing in renewables, stressing the importance of phasing out fossil fuels. Moreover, he emphasizes the need for reforming permitting processes to accelerate the transition to clean energy.

Rachel Maddow introduces exciting benefits of MS NOW Premium, including ad-free episodes and exclusive content. She emphasizes a limited-time offer for a three-month free trial. Chris Hayes joins her to discuss the lineup of shows and the perks for subscribers. The hosts tease significant events for 2026, like the 250th anniversary and midterms, promising thrilling content ahead. It's a golden opportunity for fans to enjoy a diverse suite of podcasts without interruptions!

Tim Lee, a tech and policy journalist and founder of the UnderstandingAI newsletter, dives deep into the rapidly evolving world of autonomous vehicles. He discusses how Waymo has achieved significant safety advancements, demonstrating an 80% reduction in severe crashes. Tim also explores the political implications of self-driving tech, contrasting responses in different cities. Additionally, they touch on the potential job impacts, the shifting landscape of car ownership, and the future role of AI in driving, hinting at the ethical considerations we may face.

Jia Tolentino, a staff writer at The New Yorker and author of the essay collection Trick Mirror, discusses the impact of AI-generated content on our perception of reality. She explores how the blurring line between fake and real online leads to detachment, especially for younger generations. They delve into the emotional toll of constant exposure to fabricated images and the risk of numbing empathy. Jia emphasizes the importance of human fact-checking in journalism and advocates for reclaiming human connection to counteract the alienation caused by technology.

Tim Mak, a seasoned journalist and founder of The Counteroffensive, shares firsthand experiences from Kyiv as he comprehensively reports on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He discusses the impact of frequent Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, the resilience of daily life amid power outages, and the profound human toll of the war. Tim explores potential paths to peace, the significance of U.S. aid, and the multifaceted challenges facing Ukraine, including public sentiment, military logistics, and the historical context influencing the nation’s struggle.

Ebtihal Mubarak, a Saudi-born journalist and author, sheds light on the alarming surge in executions in Saudi Arabia, with over 335 carried out this year alone. She discusses the role of the U.S. in Saudi relations and critiques the stark contrast between lavish entertainment events and the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens. Ebtihal also shares her personal journey through journalism, the challenges of censorship, and her eventual decision to flee her homeland as press freedoms dwindled.

Benjamin Wallace-Wells, a staff writer at The New Yorker, delves into the alarming rise of political violence in the U.S. He discusses the implications of threats against officials and how they shape democratic participation. The conversation explores lone-actor violence versus organized extremism and the intertwining of mainstream rhetoric with violent acts. Wallace-Wells also highlights the chilling effects on public events and the growing security burdens for politicians, revealing a complex landscape of fear and its impact on civic life.