Plain English with Derek Thompson

German Lopez, a New York Times writer specializing in gun policy, joins to discuss America’s escalating gun violence. He highlights the alarming trend of school shootings and the stark differences in injuries caused by high-velocity firearms. The conversation delves into successful gun control measures, the complexities of red flag laws, and the political inertia in Washington. Lopez emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to gun legislation, reflecting on both cultural attitudes and potential legislative solutions to mitigate this ongoing crisis.

Jerusalem Demsas, a sharp housing writer from The Atlantic, dives into the complexities of the U.S. housing market with Derek. They discuss whether we're facing a housing bubble and why prices continue to soar. The conversation highlights the impact of environmental regulations and nimbyism on development, revealing how wealthier groups influence housing availability. With pressing issues like homelessness in affluent cities, they stress the urgent need for innovative solutions to balance housing demand and affordability.

Kaitlyn Tiffany, a writer at The Atlantic, delves into the public frenzy surrounding the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial. She discusses the intense online backlash faced by Heard, linking it to societal misogyny and the complexities of anti-fandom. Tiffany analyzes how this trial reflects broader cultural sentiments, especially the backlash against the Me Too movement. The conversation also explores the dark side of internet dynamics, revealing how collective behavior can shape narratives and influence perceptions of truth.

In this insightful discussion, Scott Lincicome, Director of General Economics and Trade at the Cato Institute, delves into America's alarming infant formula shortage. He uncovers how a combination of trade policies and regulatory barriers, rather than just plant shutdowns, have exacerbated the crisis. Lincicome explains the implications of the WIC program's market monopoly, the struggles around importing European formulas, and the intricate balance between product safety and availability. His perspective offers a path towards a more rational approach to baby formula access.

Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson, co-hosts of the Animal Spirits podcast and contributors at Ritholtz Wealth Management, join to dissect the quirky state of the U.S. economy. They explore surprising stock market statistics and the long-term crypto outlook. The duo pulls parallels between past recessions and the current landscape, emphasizing the subtle signs of potential downturns. With rising inflation and interest rates, they ponder the resilience of consumers and the lessons learned from market volatility, all while keeping the tone light and engaging.

In this engaging discussion, Jason Calacanis, an early internet entrepreneur and angel investor, shares insights on the recent turmoil in tech and crypto markets. He draws parallels between today’s climate and the dot-com crash, exploring the shift from speculative investing to a focus on profitability. Jason critiques the current state of cryptocurrencies, warning of inflated valuations and potential project failures. He emphasizes the importance of strategic investing during downturns and reflects on how economic shifts can spark innovation.

Bestselling author Steven Johnson, known for his insights on technology and AI, dives into the thrilling yet daunting landscape of artificial intelligence. He discusses how AI technologies like GPT-3 are revolutionizing creativity while raising ethical concerns, from plagiarism to job displacement. Johnson also explores AI's role in transforming drug discovery and emphasizes the need for responsible use and regulation. Buckle up for a captivating journey through the paradoxes of AI and its profound implications for our future.

Mary Ziegler, a visiting professor at Harvard and an expert on abortion history, teams up with Karissa Haugeberg, a Tulane professor, to unpack the complex 300-year narrative of abortion in America. They discuss how early abortion practices were viewed differently and the significant shifts leading to Roe v. Wade. The conversation highlights the political reshaping of abortion rights, especially within the Republican Party, and what the future may hold for reproductive rights post-Roe. It's a compelling blend of history and current implications.

Margot Sanger-Katz, a healthcare and politics correspondent for The New York Times, and Melissa Murray, a law professor specializing in reproductive rights, delve into the potential fallout from the Supreme Court's likely overturning of Roe v. Wade. They discuss how this could alter state abortion laws, affecting clinic access across the country. The rise of online abortion pills is highlighted as a significant factor in navigating the new landscape, while also exploring the implications of the leaked draft and the political repercussions following these drastic changes.

Morgan Housel, a partner at Collaborative Fund and author of 'The Psychology of Money', dives deep into the troubled waters of tech stocks and the looming recession. He unpacks the factors driving recent market volatility and how investor sentiment is shifting from high-risk tech investments to more stable options. The discussion also touches on the complexities of consumer sentiment amid economic growth and inflation, along with the hot topic of student debt cancellation, scrutinizing its future implications and political motivations.