The guidebook writer and television personality reflects on his cancer diagnosis, social media’s corrosive effect on tourism and the transformative power of travel.
Today
Do Aliens Exist? Steven Spielberg Believes They Do
Almost 50 years ago, Steven Spielberg directed “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” the story of an average man who discovers that humanity may not be alone in the universe. Over the decades, Spielberg has directed several movies about what would happen if humanity made contact ... Show More
38m 38s
Jun 12
1979: How the U.S. and Iran Went From Allies to Enemies
At the heart of the current U.S. war against Iran is an inconvenient truth: that the United States is, in many ways, responsible for creating the very regime it now seeks to topple. Today, Scott Anderson, a New York Times Magazine contributor, tells the story of America’s outsize ... Show More
49m 32s
Apr 2025
Can the Catholic Church Quit the Culture Wars?
<p>On this episode of “Interesting Times,” Ross Douthat is joined by the Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest and an editor of America Magazine, to reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis and the challenges facing the next papacy.</p><ul><li>02:20 The First Jesuit Pope</li><li>05:23 ... Show More
57m 42s
Oct 2024
Encore: Theranos | The Race to Publish | 3
<p>An investigative journalist looks into Theranos, and is shocked by his discoveries. Elizabeth Holmes tries to fend off the potentially devastating story.</p><p><br></p><p>Need more American Scandal? With Wondery+, enjoy exclusive seasons, binge new seasons first, and listen co ... Show More
40m 59s
May 2019
Testosterone Ruling, Google Auto-Delete & Mood Meals (+ Work Trends with Career Contessa) - Thursday, May 2nd, 2019
<p>The news to know for Thursday, May 2nd, 2019!</p> <p>Today, we're talking about why the White House wants more money for the border, and a controversial sports call about women's genetics.</p> <p>Plus: a first for drones, how to keep your Google history more private, and McDon ... Show More
16m 7s
Jun 2014
Freakonomics Is Basically a Peanut Butter Cup
Today on the Gist, Politico magazine editor Susan Glasser talks with Mike about "politicization," and why politicians, of all people, like to demonize it. Mike also asks Stephen Dubner about the secret sauce that helped the Freakonomics empire take hold in book and podcast form. ... Show More
27m 54s
<p>Plus, your Friday news quiz. </p><p><strong>On Today’s Episode:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/18/us/politics/trump-fcc-licenses.html" target="_blank"><strong>Trump Pressures Broadcasters Over Critical Coverage, Escalating Attack on Speech</strong></a> ... Show More
<p>Plus, why you’re wrong about your Zodiac sign.</p><p><strong>On Today’s Episode:</strong></p><p><a href="http://nytimes.com/2025/09/08/magazine/jeffrey-epstein-jp-morgan.html" target="_blank"><strong>How JPMorgan Enabled the Crimes of Jeffrey Epstein</strong></a>, <i>by David ... Show More