Talk Cocktail

In this WhoWhatWhy podcast I talk with journalist Paul Starobin, an expert in Russian affairs who delves into a less reported impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: the mass exodus of over 1 million Russians from their homeland — a phenomenon echoing the nation’s history of politically motivated emigrations.

Starobin, author of the book Putin’s Exiles, examines the dynamics of this modern exodus. He argues that the departure of these individuals, many of whom are young, tech-savvy, and opposed to Putin’s regime, is not only a form of protest but also a concerted effort to influence change in Russia from afar. 

In this podcast, I welcome Laura Pappano, author of "School Moms: Parent Activism, Partisan Politics, and the Battle for Public Education," to explore the intense politicization of American public schools. Pappano, with over thirty years of experience, delves into the far-right's efforts to control education, highlighting the shift from parental support to activism amidst challenges like local school failures and the pandemic. This conversation sheds light on the battle for the soul of our nation, emphasizing the critical role of public schools in democratic society and the ongoing fight to preserve them as a cornerstone of inclusion, hope, and belonging.

This past Sunday, Feb. 4, marked the 50th anniversary of Patty Hearst’s kidnapping, a saga that remains a captivating and perplexing chapter of California history. For those who lived through it, this event was more than a headline; it epitomized an era. Yet, regardless of how vividly we recall the saga, the full truth has remained elusive. My California Sun conversation with Roger Rapoport helps bridge the gaps in our understanding in our conversation and in his new book, “Searching for Patty Hearst: A True Crime Novel.” 

Do we have the control over our own lives that we think we do? According to Brian Klaas, in his mind-bending new book FLUKE: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters, we control nothing, but we influence everything.

Think about the unexpected twists of fate that shape our lives. How many times have you stumbled upon a life-changing moment purely by accident? The party you almost skipped, where you met your significant other or a lifelong friend. Or that time you got lost in a neighborhood, only to find your future home. And in a more somber reflection, those who, by sheer chance, overslept or got stuck in traffic and missed their flights on September 11th.

We operate under what Klaas calls the 'delusion of individualism.' But it’s small changes in the world that often result in big changes."

In this week’s WhoWhatWhy podcast — marking the 51st anniversary of Roe v. Wade — I talk with Felicia Kornbluh, professor of history and gender studies at the University of Vermont. In our far-ranging conversation, we delve into significant shifts in the battle for reproductive rights following the Dobbs decision.

Kornbluh, drawing insights from her book, A Woman’s Life Is a Human Life, sheds light on the resurgence of effective activism in states like California, Ohio, and Kansas.

She explores how this wave of reproductive rights activism, ignited by Dobbs, is emerging as a key driver of political participation in 2024, potentially impacting the upcoming elections at local, state, and federal levels.

In a rapidly changing media landscape, where giants like Conde Nast, the Los Angeles Times, Sports Illustrated, and the Washington Post face massive layoffs, the very nature of news is transforming and it’s impacting our democracy.

I talk with Mickey Huff, director of Project Censored, about the critical state of the media, who’s to blame and about his book "STATE OF THE FREE PRESS 2024." We delve into the top 25 underreported stories of 2023, and examine how corporate and political influences shape news reporting today. 

Amid widespread concern about our politics, young, passionate individuals like Devon Murphy-Anderson and Alex Berrios are making a significant impact. In thisWhoWhatWhy podcast, I delve into their efforts to turn Florida blue.

Murphy-Anderson and Berrios, through their initiative Mi Vecino, are revitalizing the grassroots political scene in Florida. They’re particularly focused on engaging Latino and Hispanic voters, not just during election cycles but throughout the year. They explain how this approach marks a departure from traditional, election-focused voter contact strategies.

The U.S. economy has shifted from traditional manufacturing giants to tech behemoths such as Amazon and Apple, driving significant economic and social changes. This evolution, while beneficial, also stirs fears about corporate power and change. Today's digital landscape, according to my guest, Tom Wheeler, mirrors the Gilded Age, suggesting a repeat of history's paradoxes of innovation and corporate excess. Wheeler, former FCC chairman and author of "Techlash," draws parallels between these eras, highlighting how digital entrepreneurs, like their industrial predecessors, create groundbreaking products while often engaging in questionable practices. He talks to me about these dynamics and the need for regulatory oversight in the digital age.

On this WhoWhatWhy podcast I talk with journalist Tina Nguyen, author of The MAGA Diaries: My Surreal Adventures Inside the Right Wing and How I Got Out. A one-time MAGA fellow traveler, Nguyen delves deep into the heart of the movement. 

Challenging the notion that it’s merely a product of Trump’s influence, Nguyen — who journeyed from a conservative student to disenchanted MAGA-member to jobs at Politico, Vanity Fair, and now Puck — exposes the intricate network of well-funded conservative organizations that have shaped right-wing politics going all the way back to the 1960s.

McKay Coppins' 'Romney, A Reckoning' transcends a mere political biography, Coppins highlights Mitt Romney as the final presidential candidate of a now-transformed party, portraying him as a historical footnote. Coppins adeptly elucidates Romney's journey and the pivotal role he played in the party's evolution.