Plain English with Derek Thompson

Explore the historical milestones influencing Putin's Ukraine invasion, revealing his ambitions tied to Soviet legacies. Experts discuss the war's ripple effects, including potential crises in energy, migration, and global geopolitics. The podcast dives into how Russian energy exports impact Europe and the risks posed by sanctions. Delve into the agricultural repercussions, particularly in wheat production, and how this could trigger political instability. Lastly, the evolving dynamics between global powers like China and the implications for a new Cold War are analyzed.

Josh Wolfe, co-founder of Lux Capital, dives into the art of picking tech winners. He shares his four mottos for cutting through BS and finding value in chaotic markets. The discussion touches on the current struggles of tech stocks and explores innovative ideas inspired by frustrations, like Uber. Josh and Derek also play a fun game of 'Overrated or Underrated?' assessing buzzworthy topics like the metaverse and NFTs, blending skepticism with excitement over SpaceX's potential.

Join Ryen Russillo, host of the Ryen Russillo podcast, as he dives into the most stunning sports achievements in U.S. history. The debate heats up around Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary 100-point game and Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hit streak. Russillo and Derek Thompson dissect the iconic milestones of athletes like Jerry Rice and Tom Brady, exploring their legacy in the context of their sports. The duo even takes a surprising twist by naming a non-American as the single most impressive sports accomplishment ever!

David Frum, a staff writer at The Atlantic, sheds light on the recent Canadian protests, revealing they transcend simple anti-vaccine sentiments. He discusses the diverse motivations behind the movement, including frustrations with government and economic issues like inflation. Frum examines the impact of Prime Minister Trudeau's Emergency Act on national order and the tension between civil liberties and public health. Additionally, he critiques media framing of protests, emphasizing the need for accurate representation in coverage.

Dan Pink, bestselling author of 'The Power of Regret,' explores the transformative role of regret in our lives. He challenges the 'no regrets' mindset, advocating for embracing regrets as opportunities for growth. The conversation shines a light on common regrets related to careers and education, revealing a tendency to regret missed risks more than bold choices. Pink also discusses the impact of moral regrets and connection regrets, emphasizing the importance of understanding these emotions to build meaningful relationships.

Kevin Roose, a technology columnist for The New York Times, dives into the complexities of media and culture. He discusses the scrutiny surrounding Joe Rogan's podcast and the challenges of balancing free speech with responsibility amidst misinformation. Roose highlights Meta's struggle to regain user engagement against rising competition from TikTok, while also unpacking the controversial world of crypto anonymity and its implications for privacy. His insights reveal a shifting media landscape full of ambition and uncertainty.

In this insightful discussion, Jason Furman, a Harvard professor and Obama administration economist, shares his accurate inflation predictions from last year. He unpacks the complexities behind the current economic climate, including labor shortages and the Great Resignation. Furman discusses how pandemic stimulus measures have impacted inflation and consumer behavior. He also challenges misconceptions about millennials and job stability, revealing their surprising tenure length at jobs. Tune in for valuable economic insights and predictions for the near future!

Shira Ovide, author of the On Tech newsletter from The New York Times, brings her tech expertise to discuss the world's largest tech companies. She reveals why Norway might hold the key to Tesla’s future. Ovide argues that Microsoft is vastly underrated despite its broad gaming portfolio. The conversation highlights how Apple maintains its unique position among giants while questioning the sustainability of Google's advertising dominance. They delve into Amazon's complex global strategy and the essential role of convenience in online shopping.

Jordan Weissmann, Senior Editor at Slate.com, digs into America's staggering $1.7 trillion student debt crisis. He discusses the emotional and economic toll student loans take on individuals and society at large. The conversation includes robust arguments for and against debt cancellation, highlighting its implications for younger voters and marginalized communities. Weissmann also tackles objections to debt forgiveness and compares the U.S. system to more efficient models abroad, making a case for reforming education financing.

Morgan Housel, bestselling author of 'The Psychology of Money' and partner at Collaborative Fund, dives deep into the tumultuous stock market landscape. He explores the dramatic rise and fall of Peloton, the emotional underpinnings of crypto volatility, and how historical market crashes mirror today's dynamics. Housel critiques the reliance on narratives over real profits, shedding light on how economic instability has shaped a generation's financial outlook. Join him for insights into the psychology behind investment decisions and the impact of market hype.