Plain English with Derek Thompson

Ben Fritz, an entertainment industry reporter for The Wall Street Journal, sheds light on the current turmoil in Hollywood. He discusses the steep decline in movie ticket sales and employment, attributing it to a combination of COVID, production issues, and changing market demands. Fritz also explores whether the downturn could lead to a renaissance in filmmaking, driven by smaller, bolder projects. He shares insights on how AI may reshape the industry, highlighting both its potential benefits and the challenges it poses for jobs.

America is rich—richer than ever. Yet Americans are more anxious, lonelier, and less satisfied than people in many poorer nations. The 2025 World Happiness Report ranked the U.S. 24th in life satisfaction, its lowest on record. Maybe, as social scientists say, we’ve traded community for consumption. Today’s guest, Morgan Housel, thinks there’s a deeper reason money hasn’t bought us happiness. America, he says, is world-class at making money, but bad at spending it wisely. In his new book, The Art of Spending Money, Housel argues that we’re burdened not only by visible debt—mortgages, credit cards, loans—but also by invisible debt: desire. In this episode, Derek talks with Morgan—the author of The Psychology of Money and Same as Ever—about how money, comparison, and human nature shape happiness. If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com. Host: Derek Thompson Guest: Morgan Housel Producer: Devon Baroldi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lloyd Minor, the Dean of the Stanford University School of Medicine and a physician-scientist, dives into the transformative role of AI in healthcare. He discusses its potential to diagnose diseases better than doctors and the current limitations of AI in drug design. Concerns about overdiagnosis and the risk of de-skilling clinicians are also highlighted. Minor emphasizes AI's promise in clinical trials and chronic disease management, while addressing the societal impacts of technology on human connections.

In this discussion, Greg Lukianoff, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and an expert in First Amendment law, explores the controversial state of free speech in America. He highlights recent political pressures that threaten free expression and reflects on whether hypocrisy on this issue is tolerated across the political spectrum. Greg analyzes how cancel culture began, the differing views on free speech among liberals and conservatives, and the potential for renewed appreciation for free speech amidst rising tensions.

Joining the conversation are Kevin Hall, a former NIH nutrition researcher known for his work on ultra-processed foods, and Julia Belluz, a veteran health journalist with insights into how policies impact our food environment. They discuss how American health issues stem from inadequate food policies rather than just personal choices. Kevin shares findings from controlled trials on overeating driven by ultra-processed diets, while Julia highlights the historical roots of food regulation. Together, they advocate for targeted policies to improve food safety and nutrition.

In this discussion, Paul Kedrosky, an investor and venture partner, explores the staggering $300-$400 billion AI infrastructure spending by American tech firms. He warns of a potential AI bubble, highlighting economic risks, from capital outflow in manufacturing to energy demands driving inflation. Kedrosky explains the complexities of financing data centers and the vulnerabilities they pose across various sectors. With intriguing insights into the political implications and real-world opportunities for AI, he underscores the urgency of addressing these looming risks.

Matt Belloni, a veteran Hollywood reporter and host of The Town podcast, dives into the fallout from Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial comments and the media's strained relationship with free speech. He shares insider details about Disney's response, Bob Iger’s strategic decisions amid political pressure, and the chilling effects of FCC threats on creativity. The discussion also highlights Hollywood's reactions and ongoing negotiations as Kimmel seeks a resolution while maintaining his platform and reputation.

David D’Alessio, chief of endocrinology and metabolism at Duke University, and Randy Seeley, a professor at the University of Michigan, delve into the groundbreaking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. They reveal these drugs’ potential to combat not just Type 2 diabetes and obesity, but also addictions, migraines, and even neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s. The discussion uncovers the science behind why these medications perform so many functions and considers the implications of making them more widely available for general health.

Adrienne LaFrance, executive editor of The Atlantic and expert on political violence, delves into America's escalating crisis of political violence. She discusses the alarming wave of recent assassinations and the media's role in reporting these events. LaFrance emphasizes the challenges of discerning truth amidst misinformation and analyzes how ideology influences acts of violence. She advocates for individual agency, civil discourse, and the need to bridge societal divides to foster peace and harmony in an increasingly fractured political landscape.

In this insightful discussion, neurologist Suzanne O’Sullivan, author of 'The Age of Diagnosis', challenges the current medical labeling trend. She argues that our obsession with diagnoses is pathologizing normal behaviors, turning healthy individuals into patients. O’Sullivan raises critical questions about the rise in ADHD, anxiety, and depression diagnoses, advocating for a balanced view of medical labels. She emphasizes the risks of overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments while exploring how societal perceptions of health are evolving.