Vice President JD Vance met with the new pope a few days ago. He then sat down with The Times to talk about faith, immigration, the law and the partisan temptation to go too far.
Ross Douthat, an opinion columnist and the host of the new podcast “Interesting Times,” discusses their conversation.
Today
The Autism Diagnosis Problem
<p>Once primarily limited to severely disabled people, autism began to be viewed as a spectrum that included children and adults far less impaired. Along the way, the disorder also became an identity, embraced by college graduates and even by some of the world’s most successful p ... Show More
32m 58s
Yesterday
Sunday Special: Wicked, Good?
<p>“Wicked” was one of the biggest movies of 2024. It was culturally ubiquitous, a box office smash and an Oscar nominee for Best Picture. Now, a year later, “Wicked: For Good” arrives in theaters to finish the tale of the complicated friendship between Glinda the Good Witch and ... Show More
51m 44s
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
Normally Podcast: Trump & Elon Have Fun...The Left Loses It!
<p>In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz discuss the intersection of fast food culture and politics, focusing on Donald Trump's recent campaign event at a McDonald's. They explore the nostalgic and humorous aspects of Trump's persona, his ability to connect with ... Show More
32m 34s
Sep 19
F.C.C. Head Says Kimmel Not ‘the Last Shoe to Drop,’ and Musk Goes All In on A.I.
<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
14m 40s
Sep 2024
Normally Podcast: Normal-ish Takes on Political Insanity
<p>In the first episode of Normally, hosts Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz discuss the evolving political beliefs of Kamala Harris, the media's role in shaping political narratives, and the double standards present in political discourse. They also delve into the dynamics ... Show More
21m 24s
Mar 2025
Normally Podcast: Abbey Gate is Finally Mentioned in a Presidential Speech
<p>In this episode, Mary Katharine Ham and Karol Markowicz discuss the aftermath of Trump's address to Congress, focusing on the reactions from both sides of the aisle. They explore the importance of normalcy in political discourse, the emotional moments during the address, and t ... Show More
26m 42s
Sep 8
How America’s Largest Bank Helped Jeffrey Epstein, and a Show of Resistance in D.C.
<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
10m 38s