Podcast · 146 episodes
The Opinions
by The New York Times Opinion · English
You've heard the news, here's what to make of it.
Latest episodes
America Used to Be Cool. What Happened?How American “cool” and cultural soft power spread globally after World War II, why it’s now less dominant in some places, and what replaces it as culture becomes more platform- and commerce-driven.30 Sep 2026 · 42 min
'The MAGA Flag Is in Tatters'Ahead of the midterms, the hosts discuss whether Democratic gains in the Rust Belt/Farm Belt signal a realignment, and how Trump’s approach is reshaping both parties.26 Sep 2026 · 34 min
The Wild West of A.I. Needs to End. Here’s How.The episode argues AI regulation must replace “laissez-faire” policy, because recent incidents (rogue agents, hacking, AI-driven military missteps, agent collaboration and evasion) show dangerous,…24 Sep 2026 · 35 min
All episodes
America Used to Be Cool. What Happened?How American “cool” and cultural soft power spread globally after World War II, why it’s now less dominant in some places, and what replaces it as culture becomes more platform- and commerce-driven.30 Sep 2026 · 42 min · 20 chapters
'The MAGA Flag Is in Tatters'Ahead of the midterms, the hosts discuss whether Democratic gains in the Rust Belt/Farm Belt signal a realignment, and how Trump’s approach is reshaping both parties.26 Sep 2026 · 34 min · 12 chapters
The Wild West of A.I. Needs to End. Here’s How.The episode argues AI regulation must replace “laissez-faire” policy, because recent incidents (rogue agents, hacking, AI-driven military missteps, agent collaboration and evasion) show dangerous,…24 Sep 2026 · 35 min · 14 chapters
Trump’s Political Instincts ‘Are Clearly Fading’The episode argues that Donald Trump’s connection to reality is worsening, especially regarding AI.19 Sep 2026 · 37 min · 14 chapters
Why We Can’t Stop Arguing About S.S.R.I.sThe episode debates why Americans argue about SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)—their benefits, limits, misuse, and how to deprescribe safely—amid political calls to reduce psychiatric…16 Sep 2026 · 43 min · 16 chapters
His Act Is Getting OldAnalysis of Donald Trump’s midterm strategy (“Trump-a-palooza”), including claims he’s insecure, trying to control the narrative with bribes and Red Scare-style messaging, and possibly undermining…12 Sep 2026 · 34 min · 18 chapters
Roy Cohn: ‘The Evil Forrest Gump of the 20th Century’Roy Cohn’s role in shaping Donald Trump and the persistence of McCarthyism-style politics in America, as explored in the biography “Very Unsubtle American Scoundrel” by Kai Bird and Susan Goldmark.9 Sep 2026 · 36 min · 13 chapters
Best Of: Our Health Care System Isn’t Built for You to Get OldThe U.S. caregiving and long-term care system fails families as people age, especially for dementia and chronic illness; it’s confusing, underfunded, and leaves caregivers isolated and financially…2 Sep 2026 · 23 min · 10 chapters
Best Of: The Aesthetic That Explains American Identity NowA “best of” discussion on how a mainstream “country/rural” aesthetic (cowboy imagery, farmhouse/cottage decor, hunting camouflage, trad-wife content, country-inflected pop) is shaping American…27 Aug 2026 · 33 min · 11 chapters
The Right Is Rethinking MAGA. The Left Is Rethinking ‘Woke.’The episode argues both parties are redefining themselves after midterms: Republicans are split over a post-Trump future (authoritarian-statist vs pre-Trump limited-government conservatism), while…22 Aug 2026 · 43 min · 22 chapters
How Are the Democrats’ Midterm Dreams Shaping Up?How Democrats’ midterm prospects are shaped by primary results, voter ideology vs electability, polling surprises, and broader polarization; plus discussion of Trump’s priorities and AOC’s political…15 Aug 2026 · 41 min · 18 chapters
A.I. Hype Is Running Into RealityWhether the AI boom is a bubble or a real economic transformation, using the collapse of an AI-focused hedge fund as a case study, and discussing risks from leverage, open-source competition, and…12 Aug 2026 · 42 min · 22 chapters
Hello, Democrats? Are You Listening?The Michigan Democratic Senate primary and the broader fight over the Democratic Party’s direction, with side discussion of Israel-related campaign money and the rise of independent candidates in red…8 Aug 2026 · 37 min · 10 chapters
Have We Turned Personality Into Diagnosis?TikTok and social media self-diagnosis of ADHD/autism, why adult diagnoses surged during COVID, and when labels liberate vs limit.5 Aug 2026 · 38 min · 18 chapters
The Working Class Is Fleeing TrumpDiscussion of shifting political coalitions and Democratic primary dynamics, especially Michigan, plus why Trump’s policies may be driving working-class voters away. Guests: E.J.1 Aug 2026 · 34 min · 13 chapters
The Silicon Valley Health Trend Making Doctors NervousWhether more personal health data (full-body imaging, wearables, continuous glucose monitors) is actually beneficial, especially with AI-driven promises.29 Jul 2026 · 37 min · 19 chapters
The New Tactic Trump Thinks Will Rally VotersThe episode argues the U.S. is stuck in “almost war/almost peace” with Iran, and that Trump is also reviving a “red scare” tactic—calling Democrats communists/bolsheviks—to rally voters for the…25 Jul 2026 · 40 min · 17 chapters
Gen Z-ers Are Ditching Sex. They Might Be On to Something.The “sex recession” among Gen Z—fewer people having partnered sex—and how smartphones, anxiety, political events, and social media dating content shape dating, intimacy, and loneliness.22 Jul 2026 · 43 min · 21 chapters
The ‘Devil’s Bargain’ at the Heart of American Politics NowPolitics as “devil’s bargain” and compromise amid polarization, focusing on (1) the Todd Blanche attorney general confirmation and what standards senators should use, (2) Lindsey Graham’s shift from…18 Jul 2026 · 31 min · 15 chapters
Is This the Fastest Opinion Shift in American Politics?Politics of the rapidly growing backlash to AI data centers—especially local opposition—and whether it can translate into durable Democratic policy.15 Jul 2026 · 32 min · 17 chapters
‘Platner Is Vile.’ McConnell Is Missing. Welcome to American Politics.Iran ceasefire collapse and Strait of Hormuz stakes; Democratic primary turmoil in Maine (Graham Plattner); Michigan Senate primary (Mallory McMorrow out; Haley Stevens vs Abdul El-Sayed); and public…11 Jul 2026 · 45 min · 17 chapters
The American Economy Isn’t as Bad as You Might ThinkThe U.S. economy is not in “Roman Empire” decline; it remains the strongest major economy for AI-driven productivity, but faces risks from deficits, rule-of-law erosion, trade/tariff vulnerabilities,…8 Jul 2026 · 34 min · 19 chapters
Best of: Jill Lepore: ‘Most Forms of Tyranny Do Come to an End’Jill Lepore argues the US feels politically stuck because Americans haven’t amended the Constitution in decades; change has shifted to Supreme Court interpretation rather than citizen-driven…1 Jul 2026 · 29 min · 12 chapters
Three Opinion Writers on Trump’s Latest FaceplantHow Trump/MAGA politics undermine national unity ahead of the 250th U.S.27 Jun 2026 · 38 min · 15 chapters