Apple News In Conversation

In the United States, AR-15s grace bumper stickers, mugs, and politicians’ Christmas cards. They’re also the weapon used in some of the deadliest mass shootings in modern American history. Wall Street Journal reporters Cameron McWhirter and Zusha Elinson trace the rifle’s rise in their new book, American Gun: The True Story of the AR-15. They spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about how this weapon became a symbol of both gun rights and horrific tragedies.

Martinus Evans did not have an easy start to running. Weighing over 300 pounds, he set out to finish a marathon after a doctor told him to “lose weight or die.” He writes about his running journey in his new book, Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run. In this week’s episode of Apple News In Conversation, Evans talks with host Shumita Basu about the lessons he’s learned from being a “back-of-the-packer.”

Walter Isaacson, author of Elon Musk's biography, discusses Musk's reach and power, his childhood shaping and his weekly meetings on colonizing Mars. The podcast explores Musk's faults, intense work approach, fight against hate speech, weaknesses, and three missions.

Karen D'Souza, a reporter for EdSource, joins the podcast to discuss the struggles of American kids in learning how to read. They explore the evolution of literacy education, the debate between phonics and context clues, California's literacy crisis and the importance of teaching kids to read as a social justice issue. They also touch on teaching standards, science-based reading programs, challenges in education, and advice for parents and teachers.

Growing up, Jennifer Senior thought her mom was an only child. But when she was 12 years old, she learned her mom had a sister, named Adele, who was institutionalized as a baby. Adele had spent almost her entire life separated from her family. Decades later, in 2021, Senior reconnected with her aunt and uncovered the dark history of institutionalizing children with intellectual disabilities. Senior wrote about her aunt’s story in the Atlantic and spoke with Apple News In Conversation host Shumita Basu about her experience.

Renowned personalities Norman Lear and Mel Brooks, along with columnist and author Steve Lopez, discuss the different perspectives on retirement, the importance of continuing to work, exploring work identity, facing loss in later years, and advice on pursuing dreams in retirement.

Anderson Cooper, experienced multiple family deaths, talks about grief, gratitude, and the power of recording loved ones' voices. Reflects on vulnerability, going through belongings, finding gratitude in loss, and remembering loved ones through speaking their name and sharing memories.

Jessica Grose, author of Screaming on the Inside: The Unsustainability of American Motherhood, discusses the personal transition into parenthood, societal expectations, challenges faced by dads and non-birthing parents, and listener voicemails about becoming a parent.

Psychotherapist Satya Doyle Byock discusses the challenges of early adulthood, balancing purpose and survival. She explores navigating the hurdles, trusting one's inner voice, redefining relationships, and offers advice for young adults on self-discovery.

Transitions can feel intimidating and destabilizing. But these moments can also be opportunities for growth, reflection, and self-discovery — especially when you have the right tools. In the first episode of Apple News In Conversation’s monthlong ‘Think Again’ series, host Shumita Basu talks to Hidden Brain's Shankar Vedantam about why pivot points can feel so challenging and how to embrace them as opportunities, rather than obstacles.