This week, we interviewed two people with leading roles in the rapidly escalating conflict between the Trump administration and American higher education.
Today, we speak with Christopher Rufo, who led the conservative critique of, and assault on, critical race theory and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Mr. Rufo’s vision and campaigning have helped ... Show More
Nov 1
Want to Enjoy Music More? Go For a Run.
Ben Ratliff, a music critic and avid runner, always ran in silence. Then he discovered how music opened up to him — while running. It changed his entire approach to criticism and listening. He calls it “running the song.”Today, for the New York City Marathon, Ben talks with our h ... Show More
36m 12s
Oct 31
Martin McDonagh Has a Vision for Hope. It's Not for the Faint of Heart.
The writer-director, known for his dark and bleak work, believes in film’s power to change our lives.Thoughts? Email us at theinterview@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheInterviewPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/theinterview For more informa ... Show More
49m 59s
Sep 2025
Casualties of Trump’s War on Higher Ed
President Trump has a long list of grievances against many U.S. colleges and universities. He’s complained about antisemitism on campuses, of gender- and race-based course offerings, even communist indoctrination. To force change, the government has increasingly used the power of ... Show More
28m 38s
Sep 2025
The Grand Strategy Behind Trump’s Crackdown on Academia
<p>What is wrong with higher education in America? According to many on the right, a lot. This week, Ross Douthat talks to May Mailman, the lawyer behind President Trump’s battles with Harvard and Columbia, about the administration’s assault on the Ivy League and why “a glorifica ... Show More
59m 1s
Jul 2023
Meet the Man Driving the Right’s Culture War Panic
The Republican Party’s full embrace of the culture war as a political tactic — from drag queen story hour to critical race theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives — has been chiefly guided by activist and polemicist Christopher Rufo, author of the new book “Americ ... Show More
45m 30s