The Brian Lehrer Show

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them.100 Years of 100 Things: Shirley Chisholm (First) | Daniel Penny's Subway Chokehold Trial Nears the End (Starts at 41:34) | Shop Listener 2024: Brick and Mortar Stores (Starts at 1:01:55)If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here.

On this day after Thanksgiving, enjoy some of our favorite recent conversations:Ilan Stavans, cultural critic, Latino scholar, and publisher of Restless Book, discusses his cartoon history of Latino life, culture, and politics, Latino USA: A Cartoon History (Basic Books, 2024), now out in paperback and updated for its 25th anniversary.Ian Frazier, frequent contributor to The New Yorker and the author of several books, including Great Plains, Travels in Siberia and his latest, Paradise Bronx: The Life and Times of New York's Greatest Borough (FSG, 2024), turns his attention closer to home and shares his exploration of NYC's only mainland borough, the Bronx.Kwame Alexander, poet and Emmy-winning producer, author of Why Fathers Cry at Night and editor of This Is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets (Little, Brown and Company, 2024), talks about the inspiration for, and from, the works collected in his new book.Mo Rocca, host of the podcast Mobituaries, a CBS Sunday Morning correspondent, a frequent panelist on NPR’s hit weekly quiz show Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me! and author of Roctogenarians: Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks, and Triumphs (Simon & Schuster, 2024), profiles people whose big achievements cameat the age many of their peers were stepping back. These interviews were lightly edited for time and clarity; the original web versions are available here:A Cartoon History of Latino Life, Culture and Politics (Sep 20, 2024)Ian Frazier's Love Letter to the Bronx (Aug 22, 2024)Sharing the Poems (Feb 7, 2024)Mo Rocca's (Really) Late Bloomers (Jun 11, 2024)

On this Thanksgiving, enjoy some of our favorite recent conversations:As our centennial series continues, Irene Kearns, digital program manager for Native Knowledge 360° at the National Museum of the American Indian, part of the Smithsonian Institution, talks about how indigenous people's history and stories have been taught and how that's changed.10 years after his comedy album "Mandatory Fun" became the first comedy album in history to hit number 1 on the Billboard charts, "Weird Al" Yankovic, musician, comedian, and actor, looks back on his career parodying hit pop songs, previews his latest single "Polkamania!", and takes calls from his multi-generational fanbase.Stacey D’Erasmo, novelist, literary critic and the author of The Long Run: A Creative Inquiry (Graywolf, 2024), talks about her new book and what she discovered about how artists keep their creativity going throughout their lives.The New York Times Cooking app marks its 10th anniversary earlier this year. Emily Weinstein, editor in chief of New York Times Cooking and Food and author of the popular NYT Cooking newsletter "Five Weeknight Dishes", joins to celebrate the decade with a list of the most iconic recipes, and listeners call in to share their NYT Cooking favorites.Kenneth C. Davis, author of the "Don't Know Much About History" series and most recently, The World in Books: 52 Works of Great Short Nonfiction (Scribner, 2024), makes the case for reading vs. screens with curated selections from key works of nonfiction.Lynne Peeples, science writer and the author of The Inner Clock: Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythms (Riverhead Books, 2024), reviews the latest science on our internal "clocks" and how to use them to improve sleep and learning.These interviews were lightly edited for time and clarity; the original web versions are available here:100 Years of 100 Things: Teaching Indigenous People's Stories (Oct 14, 2024)"Weird Al" Yankovic Celebrates 10 Years of "Mandatory Fun" (Jul 19, 2024)Staying Creative Over a Lifetime (Jul 9, 2024)NYT Cooking’s Most Iconic Recipes (Sept 19, 2024)Connecting with Circadian Rhythms (Sept 24, 2024)

Abigail Hauslohner, Washington Post national security reporter, breaks down what is known about Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, including his military background and scrutiny surrounding Hegseth's personal life.

As our centennial series continues, Kenneth C. Davis, author of the "Don't Know Much About History" series and most recently, The World in Books: 52 Works of Great Short Nonfiction (Scribner, 2024), reviews the history of the American Thanksgiving holiday and how it has changed over the past 100 years.

Jordan Neely died after a former marine named Daniel Penny put him in a chokehold on an F train in May 2023 - some of which was captured on a viral video taken by a bystander. Samantha Max, reporter covering public safety for WNYC/Gothamist, talks about the arguments the prosecution and defense made in the trial, and what comes next.

Peter Beinart, journalist, commentator, author of the Substack newsletter 'The Beinart Report', professor at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY and the author of the forthcoming book, Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza: A Reckoning (Knopf, 2025), talks about the implications of arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu issued by the International Criminal Court, plus the latest on ceasefire negotiations.

Bill de Blasio, former mayor of New York City, talks about how New York's sanctuary city status was strengthened under his administration, and what he believes the city should do to prepare for President-elect Trump's threat for mass deportations. Then, U.S. Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY11, covering Staten Island and parts of South Brooklyn), talks about her calls for more cooperation with ICE by NYC officials.

Shop Listener is back for the 2024 holiday season. Listeners call in to shout out their brick-and-mortar businesses ahead of the holidays for a Brian Lehrer Show listener-sourced gift guide.

For our climate segment of the week, Stephen Hammer, chief executive officer of the New York Climate Exchange, discusses how the first election of President Donald Trump galvanized the fight against climate change and offers his take on what he sees as a "glimmer of hope" for the second Trump administration.

As our centennial series continues, Zinga Fraser, assistant professor of Africana Studies and Women's and Gender Studies, director of the Shirley Chisholm Project at Brooklyn College and the author of Shirley Chisholm In Her Own Words: Speeches and Writings (University of California Press, 2024), looks at the life and legacy of Brooklyn's Shirley Chisholm, born 100 years ago this month.

The Adams administration and City Council struck a deal on the housing plan known as "City of Yes," and a key committee in the council voted to approve it. David Brand, housing reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, talks about what's in the deal, and when the final vote will take place.

Ruth Marcus, opinion columnist for The Washington Post, talks about the latest national political news of the day, including the status of President-elect Trump's nominees, plus offers her opinions on how she sees Trump's plans to expand presidential power and undermine democracy.

Kathryn Garcia, director of state operations for the state of New York, explains how the state will implement the congestion pricing tolling program that Governor Hochul paused, and then un-paused at a lower price point.

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them.Goodbye to Broker Fees (First) | Record Number of Homeless Children in NYC Schools (Starts at 31:44) | How to Reconcile After Estrangement (Starts at 57:19)If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here.

After Donald Trump was elected the first time, in 2016, people were publicly and visibly shocked; women marched with pussy hats and the so-called "resistance" sprang up. Jennifer Gerson, reporter at the 19th, reports on how the resistance vibes are different this time, and listeners opposed to Trump weigh in on how and whether they are planning to oppose his next administration.

Anna North, senior correspondent for Vox and author of their Kids Today newsletter, talks about the data showing a big growth in the number of toys in households with children, why it's not so fun for parents or children, and how some parents are trying, and often failing, to stem the tide.

Max Chafkin, senior reporter at Bloomberg Businessweek and host of the new podcast Citizen Elon, looks at how Elon Musk took center stage in Trump's campaign, and what the billionaire's involvement in the government might look like going forward.

Jessica Orozco Guttlein, senior vice president of policy and communications at Hispanic Federation, is joined by U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY 14th District) to discuss how advocates are pushing for Temporary Protected Status for Ecuadorians and analyzes broader immigration issues as President-elect Trump prepares to take office.

BRCA mutations are inextricably linked with breast cancer in women, but they can also lead to cancer in the pancreas, prostate and more in men. Kristen V. Brown, staff writer at The Atlantic covering health and science, explains the link and why more men should get tested for the BRCA gene.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many Americans who are estranged from members of their family may be wondering how to reestablish that relationship. Fortesa Latifi, freelance journalist and author of an upcoming book on family vloggers and child influencers, discusses the prevalence of estrangement in America and offers advice for those looking to reconnect with their loved ones.

Erica Meltzer, national editor at Chalkbeat who covers education policy and politics, talks about President-Elect Trump's priorities in education, including his campaign promise to dismantle the federal Department of Education, plus his nomination of WWE founder Linda McMahon for education secretary.

Evan Simko-Bednarski, transit reporter at the New York Daily News, talks about the planned shutdown of subway service to the Rockaways for repairs, alternative travel options, plus other transit news.

As some Democrats question their alliance with transgender rights, and Republicans, particularly Trump, successfully campaigned on anti-trans sentiments, Kate Sosin, LGBTQ+ reporter at the 19th, focusing on transgender rights, incarceration, politics and public policy, shares how people who identify as trans are bracing themselves for a second Trump presidency.

NYC's dining sheds have to come down by the end of next week. Ryan Kailath, WNYC/Gothamist arts and culture reporter, breaks down what happens next for the restaurant industry, including new rules for roadway structures that will take effect starting April 1, 2025.

Daniel Klaidman, investigative reporter for CBS News, former editor-in-chief of Yahoo News and author of Kill Or Capture: The War on Terror and the Soul of the Obama Presidency (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012), and co-author of Find Me the Votes: A Hard-Charging Georgia Prosecutor, a Rogue President, and the Plot to Steal an American Election (Twelve, 2024), breaks down the megadonors who fueled Donald Trump's campaign for president and what they may want in the next 4 years.

Mayor Adams holds one off-topic press conference per week, where reporters can ask him questions on any subject. Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter, recaps what he talked about at this week's event, including Monday's random stabbings, the drought warning, and his relationship with the incoming president.

Zack Colman, reporter covering climate and energy at Politico, talks about President-elect Donald Trump's pick of oil executive Chris Wright to be the secretary of energy and the takeaways from the first week of COP29, the annual climate conference with world leaders.

U.S. Senator (D, NY) Kirsten Gillibrand talks about her reelection, President-Elect Trump's cabinet picks, UFOs, and more.

Listeners talk about how the manage to keep their relationships going despite major political differences and disagreements.

New data show 1 in 8 children in New York City public schools are homeless, a record number. Christine Quinn, president & CEO of Win, the largest provider of shelter and supportive services for homeless families in New York City, talks about the challenges homeless families face, and offers ideas on how to help solve a longstanding problem.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D NY-8th, Brooklyn), the author of, with illustrations by Shaniya Carrington, The ABCs of Democracy (Grand Central Publishing, 2024), talks about the election results, and his new book based on a speech he gave on the House floor last year.

As our centennial series continues, Gideon Rose, adjunct senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), the former editor of Foreign Affairs and author of How Wars End (Simon & Schuster, 2010) reviews the history of American foreign policy toward the Middle East alongside Rami Khouri, Palestinian-American journalist, senior public policy fellow at the American University of Beirut, nonresident senior fellow at the Arab Center Washington, op-ed contributor Al Jazeera online, and co-author of Understanding Hamas: And Why That Matters (OR Books, 2024).

Chi Ossé, New York City council member (District 36, Bedford Stuyvesant, Northern Crown Heights), talks about his recently-passed bill that will ban broker fees, long a major financial hurdle that renters have to overcome - and responds to the criticism from the real estate industry.

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them.How Trump will undo Biden's signature climate law (First) | The impact of the uncommitted movement (Starts at 24:00) | The Gen Z bro media diet (Starts at 48:15)If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here.

Katelyn Jetelina, founder and author of the newsletter Your Local Epidemiologist, talks about what may be coming down the road for public health, as President-elect Trump considers giving noted vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and others who have questioned settled science, leading roles in the administration.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has revived the plan to bring congestion pricing to New York City with a $9 base toll. Stephen Nessen, transportation reporter for the WNYC Newsroom, talks about the details of the plan.

Annie Karni, congressional correspondent for The New York Times, talks about the various people President-elect Trump has chosen for top positions, and how Republican leadership is responding to his picks.

Aymann Ismail, staff writer at Slate, talks about his campaign season reporting on Muslim and Arab-American voters, the "uncommitted" movement, and how it affected turnout for Vice President Harris.

Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show, recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, including how a second Trump administration might impact the state's climate change goals, why cannabis prices are going up and much more.

As our centennial series continues, Richard Haass, American diplomat, former longtime president of the Council on Foreign Relations, senior counselor at the global investment firm Centerview Partners, and the author of The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens (Penguin Press, 2023), reviews the history of American's global influence, from World War I to today.

As Democrats search for the reasons Americans rejected the party in this past election, Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), talks about Harris's loss from her perspective as a scholar of women in politics while Nadira Goffe, associate culture writer at Slate, discusses the reason she sees as the elephant in the room -- Americans were not in favor of having a Black woman as president.

Exit poll data from swing states shows that young men favored Donald Trump 49 percent to 47 percent, while women the same age range favored Kamala Harris by 24 points — the largest gender gap within any age group. Rebecca Jennings, senior correspondent covering internet culture at Vox, explains what media sources young men are consuming online and what led to the split.

Listeners call in to talk about how the 2024 election has affected their relationships and what it's taught them about their friends, neighbors, colleagues and acquaintances.

Adriano Espaillat, U.S. Representative (D, NY-13), talks about how he plans to resist Trump's plans for "mass deportation," and shares other priorities of Democrats in Congress, especially as they are facing the next Trump term, and the potential of Republicans holding on to the House majority.

Mayor Adams holds one off-topic press conference per week, where reporters can ask him questions on any subject. Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter, recaps what he talked about at this week's event.

President-elect Donald Trump has called for the repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act, President Joe Biden's signature climate law. Matthew Daly, reporter who covers climate, environment and energy policy for the Associated Press, talks about what to expect from a second Trump administration and what President Biden can do now to safeguard his climate policies.

Listeners call in to share how they are talking to their kids about the election results - whether they are personally feeling good or bad about Trump's win.

WNYC and Gothamist reporters Jon Campbell and Arya Sundaram discuss the shifts in New York City's electorate for the 2024 presidential race.

David Sirota, founder and editor-in-chief of The Lever, host of the podcast Master Plan, co-creator of the movie Don't Look Up, and former presidential campaign speechwriter for Bernie Sanders, offers analysis of why he believes Harris lost the election from his perspective on the political left.