Plain English with Derek Thompson

Join Brian Potter, author of 'Construction Physics,' as he unpacks the escalating costs of building in America. He reveals how construction times have dramatically increased due to complex regulations, particularly in urban settings like New York City. The conversation dives into the decline of mobile homes and innovations like 'super trees' that could transform lumber quality. Potter also discusses the challenges facing drywall production and the potential of factory-built homes to reshape the housing landscape.

Brad Stulberg, a health and science writer and author of 'Master of Change,' joins to discuss the psychology behind major life transitions, especially in the context of new fatherhood. He shares insights on the emotional challenges of adapting to parenting and the importance of resilience. They tackle why Americans struggle with identity shifts and how diversifying self-worth can aid in personal growth. Stulberg also offers a fresh perspective on redefining masculinity and relationships, encouraging a blend of traditional values with adaptability.

Jason Furman, a Harvard economist renowned for his expertise in macroeconomic policy, sheds light on the unexpected state of the U.S. economy in 2023. Instead of a recession, we've seen 'immaculate disinflation' with low unemployment, rising real wages, and falling inflation. Furman dissects why economists misjudged the economic landscape, the evolving influence of the Federal Reserve, and the role of global energy shifts in maintaining stability. Listen in as he unpacks the unpredictable nature of economic forecasts and consumer behavior's impact.

David Deming, a Harvard economist and co-author of a crucial study on elite college admissions, dives into the biases favoring wealthy students in the college selection process. He reveals that affluent applicants with similar SAT scores are significantly more likely to gain admission than their less wealthy peers. The discussion critiques systemic advantages such as legacy status and access to resources. Deming also addresses how these disparities impact career opportunities and calls for a more equitable admissions framework to foster true meritocracy.

Richard Rhodes, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of 'The Making of the Atomic Bomb,' shares insights into J. Robert Oppenheimer's multifaceted personality and his leadership during the Manhattan Project. They discuss Oppenheimer's charm and cruel moments, the urgency behind creating the bomb to counter Nazi Germany, and the ethical dilemmas he faced post-Hiroshima. Rhodes also examines the psychological toll on Oppenheimer in his later years and critiques the recent film adaptation, highlighting how it captures the complexities of his legacy.

In this engaging discussion, Julia Alexander, a media strategist and writer with Puck News, unpacks the chaos currently plaguing Hollywood. She reveals how the industry’s fixation on blockbusters has led to a financial crisis. From the decline of pay TV to the turbulent impacts of streaming, Julia explains Disney's struggles and the ongoing strikes by actors and writers. She also highlights the battle to adapt to consumer preferences and the future of sports media partnerships, making it clear that Hollywood needs a strategic makeover.

By many measures, this is one of the best times to find a job in decades. And by many measures, Americans are locked in a state of extreme glumness about the country. Jordan Weissmann, Washington editor at Semafor, rejoins the show to talk about why the economy is much better than many Americans—and many economic commentators—think, and whether "Bidenomics" can fix what ails us.If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com. You can find us on TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@plainenglish_Host: Derek ThompsonGuest: Jordan WeissmannProducer: Devon Manze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Calvin Newport, a computer science professor at Georgetown and author of 'Deep Work,' delves into the paradox of productivity tools in the digital age. He argues that email and Slack distract more than they enhance, making it harder to engage in deep, focused work. He highlights the strain of constant context switching that leaves workers logging late hours just to finish tasks. Newport also proposes the idea of 'slow productivity' to foster creativity and fulfillment, emphasizing the need for systemic change in workplace communication.

Join Paul Poast, a military historian and academic at the University of Chicago, as he unpacks the shocking 36-hour rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Explore Prigozhin's journey from hot dog vendor to a pivotal player in Russian politics. Dive into discussions on Vladimir Putin's vulnerabilities, the Wagner Group's influence, and the unsettling implications for Russia's military efforts amidst internal turmoil. Poast also reflects on how this episode mirrors historical precedents that could lead to drastic changes in the Kremlin.

Tim Pychyl, a retired psychology professor from Carleton University, dives deep into the science of procrastination. He explores how mood greatly influences our ability to accomplish tasks, introducing the procrastination doom loop. Pychyl highlights why traditional time management techniques often fall short and presents a dual strategy combining goal setting and emotional regulation. He also discusses the emotional aspects of procrastination, revealing how our desire for immediate rewards can lead to avoidance and how addressing these feelings can boost productivity.