Decoder with Nilay Patel

Michael Bennet, Senior U.S. Senator from Colorado, discusses the intersection of social media and politics, reflecting on his 2020 presidential run. He highlights the racial education gap in Denver schools and advocates for significant reforms in the public education system to boost innovation. Bennet also voices concerns about the influence of big tech on democracy, the need for regulatory changes, and the impact of Russian disinformation on American politics. He believes in a hopeful vision for a new administration that prioritizes universal health care and economic equality.

Pete Buttigieg, the former presidential candidate and mayor of South Bend, Indiana, discusses tackling systemic racism with his ambitious Douglass Plan. He talks about engaging black women voters and appealing to disenchanted Trump supporters. Buttigieg highlights key issues like climate change, gig worker rights, and the need for tech regulations. He shares personal insights on being openly gay in the military and emphasizes the importance of a political vision inspired by leaders like Abraham Lincoln.

Former Harley-Davidson CEO Matthew Levatich reveals the impact of trade wars and tariffs on the motorcycle industry. He discusses the company's shift towards electric bikes, showcasing a live demo of their first electric model. Levatich explains the challenges of maintaining U.S. manufacturing expertise and balancing tradition with innovation. He also explores the emerging scooter market and how Harley's omnichannel strategy adapts to changing consumer behaviors while addressing sustainability in transportation.

Taffy Brodesser-Akner, a celebrated writer for the New York Times Magazine and author of the novel "Fleishman Is in Trouble," dives deep into her creative process. She shares insights on crafting compelling celebrity profiles and critiques wellness culture through her experiences with figures like Gwyneth Paltrow. The conversation also explores the evolution of modern relationships, the duality of motherhood, and the tension between fiction and reality, punctuated with her engaging anecdotes and advice for aspiring writers.

Carole Cadwalladr, an investigative reporter for The Guardian known for exposing the Cambridge Analytica scandal, discusses the intersection of tech and democracy. She highlights the alarming rise of political disinformation and the 'cancer' of far-right misinformation. Cadwalladr shares insights from her encounters with whistleblower Christopher Wylie and critiques Google's lack of accountability. With a focus on the implications of social media in political campaigns, she advocates for stronger press accountability and reflects on the precarious state of journalism today.

Eric Ries, founder of the Long-Term Stock Exchange and author of "The Lean Startup," engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ezra Klein from Vox. They explore the recent SEC approval of the LTSE and its mission to reshape public markets towards long-term sustainability. Ries discusses the cultural shift needed to prioritize long-term value over short-term gains, the role of corporate accountability, and how companies can better engage with all stakeholders. They also delve into the potential penalties for short-term investors and the future of innovation in a more patient investment climate.

Natasha Lyonne, the talented actress and co-creator of 'Russian Doll,' teams up with Cindy Holland, Netflix's VP of Original Content. They discuss the creative process behind 'Russian Doll,' highlighting its unique blend of personal experience and existential themes. Cindy shares insights on Netflix's innovative programming strategies and how they've revolutionized traditional storytelling. They also touch on audience engagement challenges, the dissolution of content barriers, and the balancing act between creative integrity and viewer preferences.

Raj Shah, President of the Rockefeller Foundation, confronts pressing issues like rising inequality and the scrutiny of wealthy philanthropies. He questions the effectiveness of opportunity zones and urges billionaires to commit to social betterment. Meanwhile, David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, reflects on the post-financial crisis evolution of finance, tech IPO trends, and partnerships, like Apple’s credit card. He also discusses the implications of China's economic power and calls for diversity in the finance sector.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, shares insights into the state of the aviation industry, addressing the impact of the Boeing 737 Max crashes. He discusses innovative trends like facial recognition for tickets and RFID bag tracking. Bastian highlights Delta's investment in alternative fuels to tackle climate change while navigating the complexities of corporate activism on social issues. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of employee welfare, detailing significant pay increases and the evolution of Delta's loyalty program to better serve customers.

Joi Ito, Director of the MIT Media Lab, shares insights on the intersection of technology and society. He discusses the phenomenon of surveillance capitalism and its exploitation of user data. Ito critiques how tech often oversimplifies complex societal problems while emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in innovations like AI and CRISPR. He also reflects on the importance of integrating liberal arts into tech education and highlights the role of young tech workers in reshaping industry values for a more responsible future.