Just weeks after vacating one of the most high-profile pundit seats in American journalism, longtime conservative columnist for the New York Times David Brooks comes to Jacksonville. Brooks announced his departure for The Atlantic in late January, a move that prompted numerous reflections on his two decades at the nation’s newspaper of record. His long journalistic career includes regular appearances on the PBS NewsHour, as well as stints at the Wall Street Journal, The Weekly Standard, Forbes, Newsweek and the Washington Post. In a wide-ranging conversation, Brooks discusses the political prescience of ancient Roman philosophers, the Right’s musical crutch Kid Rock and the difference between “resume virtues” and “eulogy virtues.” Brooks speaks on “Society in Focus” at the University of North Florida on Feb. 17 as part of the World Affairs Council speakers series. Complimentary tickets are available.

Guest: David Brooks, staff writer at The Atlantic, former New York Times columnist, PBS News Hour political analyst

Love language

Then, love ‘em or hate ‘em, we talk about the best reads for Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s a red hot romance or a scorched earth relationship memoir, love is a many splendored thing for book fans. We get hot, hot takes from local bookstore owners about how bibliophiles should celebrate the Hallmark holiday, and get gift suggestions for those we love a little, or a lot.

Guests:

• Rona Brinlee, owner, The Book Mark
• Dana Shutters, owner of Happy Medium Books Cafe
  

Recommended Valentine's reads

• A Forty-Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler
• Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
• Clutch by Emily Nemens
• From Eras to Ever After: Love Notes From Taylor & Travis by Bella Montgomery
• Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
• One & Only by Maurene Goo
• The Jackal's Mistress by Chris Bohjalian
• The Love Haters by Katherine Center
• The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
• They Never Learn by Layne Fargo
• This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
• We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes
• The Award by Matthew Pearl
• The Architect by Javier Moro

Race against hate

It’s a race that unfortunately doesn't have a finish line. Since the Jacksonville Community Alliance began its Together Against Hate initiative after a rise in racist and antisemitic incidents across Jacksonville in 2022, the JCA and the First Coast YMCA have hosted multiple events to focus attention on the problem and demonstrate community unity. On Feb. 22, the alliance will host its 3rd Annual Racing Against Hate 5K at the Winston Family YMCA. The event also includes a one-mile family fun run. We talk to two organizers about making strides in the race against intolerance.

Guests:

• Heather Terrill, director, J Institute
• Eleanor Blair, vice president of strategic communications and connections at YMCA of Florida’s First Coast