Best Jonathan Benn Podcasts (2025)

1
Ambassador (Fmr) Michael McFaul and Larry Diamond | Trump's Foreign Policy: The Impact On Global Democracy and U.S. National Security 59:38

5d ago59:38

59:38

Former U.S. Ambassador Michael McFaul and democracy scholar Larry Diamond join America at a Crossroads to explore the global state of democracy, the threat of authoritarianism, and America's role in defending freedom. Drawing on deep foreign policy and political experience, they discuss Russia, China, and the future of democratic values at home and…

1
Jon Michaels with Madeleine Brand | Vigilante Nation: The Subversion of American Democracy 58:53

11d ago58:53

58:53

1
Sarah Longwell and George Conway with Warren Olney | "Whither Goest Thou America?": Hopes for the Future of Our Country 1:00:38

18d ago1:00:38

1:00:38

In this week’s America at a Crossroads, political strategist Sarah Longwell and attorney George Conway join veteran journalist Warren Olney for a candid, forward-looking conversation about where the country is headed. Amid deep polarization and political uncertainty, they explore signs of optimism, the resilience of democratic institutions, and wha…

1
The Subtext: Chloé Hung and the Magic of Writing

25d ago

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The writer of 'Issei, He Say' talks about making plays from her family's life, feeling the pressure to tell immigrant stories, and rebalancing her priorities.By American Theatre

1
Amb. Dennis Ross with Larry Mantle | Statecraft: Donald Trump and Prospects for the Middle East and US Foreign Policy in 2025 55:01

25d ago55:01

55:01

What does a second Trump term mean for the Middle East and America’s global role? Ambassador Dennis Ross, a veteran diplomat and Middle East expert, joins journalist Larry Mantle for a timely and wide-ranging conversation on U.S. foreign policy in 2025. From Israel and Iran to shifting alliances in the region, Ross offers insight into how statecraf…

1
Harry Litman with Patt Morrison | Can Our Justice System Weather the Storm? 57:46

1M ago57:46

57:46

Join legal analyst and former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman in conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Patt Morrison for a timely and thought-provoking discussion on the future of the American justice system. As political pressures mount and public trust wavers, they explore whether our legal institutions can withstand today’s unprecedente…

1
AppleTV+ Losing Billions and AI is Making People Lonely 29:20

1M ago29:20

29:20

Todays Stories: Apple TV+ is Losing Billions https://apple.news/AFCP87X04Q6-PAOeeJylyfQ Apple Watch May Get a Camera https://apple.news/AgV6WOOYzQhKXZJkA277xeA A.I. is Making People Lonelt https://apple.news/AEaLvScKDQTqltokW8peGOg Gemini rolling out real-time Video features https://apple.news/AcqZaKNNCS5Ky2Q2v8-DhrQ…

1
NVidia’s Announces New AI Superchips and Tesla Pushes On with RoboTaxis 21:36

1M ago21:36

21:36

Nvidia announces Blackwell Ultra GB300 and Vera Rubin, its next AI ‘superchips’ — The Verge https://apple.news/A35N3mNPsSguUqBOab9orPg California grants permit for Elon Musk’s ride-hail service, could lead to Tesla robotaxis in state — San Francisco Chronicle https://apple.news/Ay6TAkkMxSN6V-YfL9QIspA Study finds AI-generated meme captions funnier …

1
Susan Glasser with Madeleine Brand | The Trump Cabinet 59:30

1M ago59:30

59:30

Susan B. Glasser writes Letter from Biden's Washington for The New Yorker. She previously served as editor of Politico during the 2016 election cycle, founding editor of Politico Magazine, and editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy magazine — earning three National Magazine Awards during her tenure. Madeleine Brand is the host of the award-winning daily…

1
Jennifer Rubin with Larry Mantle | Can Democracy and A Free Press Survive Billionaire Ownership of Major Media? 59:01

2M ago59:01

59:01

Join Jennifer Rubin, opinion columnist for The Washington Post, and Larry Mantle, host of AirTalk on KPCC, for a timely conversation about the evolving media landscape and its impact on democracy and the free press. Jennifer Rubin, known for her political commentary across major media outlets, brings her insights on the shifting political climate a…

1
Why Does Siri Suck So Bad? 14:06

2M ago14:06

14:06

Today’s Stories: Apple Delays Upgraded Siri: Taking Longer Than We Thought https://www.theverge.com/news/626035/apple-delays-upgraded-siri-intelligence-longer-than-we-thought Apple’s Rumored Smart Home Reportedly Delayed https://www.engadget.com/home/smart-home/apples-rumored-smart-home-hub-has-reportedly-been-delayed-151515192.html?guccounter=1&gu…

1
The Subtext: Tim J. Lord and the Human Story

2M ago

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This month Brian talks with the award-winning playwright about how he went from technician to playwright, and how to find the real drama behind a true historical event.By American Theatre

1
iPad Air and MacBook Air Get Refreshed, New iPhone Fold Rumors, and Utah Passes App Store Age Bill 22:56

2M ago22:56

22:56

Today’s Stories: Apple Refreshes the iPad Air (1:55) https://www.theverge.com/news/621625/apple-ipad-2024-launch-price-availability Apple Refreshes Macbook Air (5:52) https://www.theverge.com/news/620695/apple-m4-macbook-air-13-15-announcement-price-specs Utah becomes the first state to pass an app store age verification bill (10:27) https://www.th…

1
Michael Posner with Madeleine Brand | Social Media and Democracy: Can We Reclaim A Common Truth? 1:00:20

2M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Can we reclaim a common truth in the age of social media? In this America at a Crossroads conversation, human rights expert Michael Posner joins journalist Madeleine Brand to discuss how social media shapes democracy, the spread of misinformation, and what can be done to restore trust in facts.

1
Trump Announces Crypto Reserve, Siri Still Sucks, and Most US Workers Still Don’t Use AI 24:06

2M ago24:06

24:06

Today’s Stories - Trump names Bitcoin and others as part of coming ‘Crypto Strategic Reserve’ (1:48) - https://apple.news/AMLjbjtZERlWb-7tM_0OaAw Big Tech is bettong on AI, but US workers aren’t Biting (5:48) - https://apple.news/AKttX9b1vR7-yWDAJpKpAJA Siri’s real AI upgrade could still be years away (13:15) - https://apple.news/Autb7aRQcTjKMk1qfb…

1
A.I. Agents Communicating in Secret Language and Apple Shareholders Vote to Keep DEI 25:12

2M ago25:12

25:12

Today’s Stories: Apple Shareholders vote to Keep its diversity policies(2:10) https://apple.news/AoEjyWU0UQ6SnbbFCgwRH-w Trump asks Apple to end diversity policies after shareholders vote in favor (7:11) https://apple.news/At_yU4u77QO-swAXBEKCDTQ Apple is Fixing a voice Dictation bug that substitutes “Trump” for “racist” (9:00) Apple is fixing a vo…

1
Erwin Chemerinsky with Larry Mantle | Is A Constitutional Convention in the Cards...and More Critical Constitutional Questions 57:31

2M ago57:31

57:31

In this episode of America at a Crossroads, UC Berkeley Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky joins journalist Larry Mantle to discuss the possibility of a constitutional convention and other important constitutional issues shaping the country today.

1
Aluf Benn with Patt Morrison | Israel in Crisis Briefing #21 58:17

2M ago58:17

58:17

Join Haaretz Editor-in-Chief Aluf Benn in conversation with Patt Morrison for a critical discussion on Israel’s ongoing crisis. As part of the America at a Crossroads Israel in Crisis Briefing series, Benn provides expert analysis on the latest developments in Israel, including military strategy, political shifts, and regional tensions. From the im…

1
Apple Ends Encryption in UK, Hackers Steal $1.5 Billion Ethereum, and BlueSky Eats Itself 29:50

2M ago29:50

29:50

Today’s Stories: Apple has pulled end-to-end encryption to users in the UK, in response to its government asking the company for a backdoor to user data (2:30) https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/02/apple-pulls-data-protection-tool-instead-of-caving-to-uk-demand-for-a-backdoor/ Hackers have stolen $1.5 billion in ethereum from crypto exchange …

1
iPhone 16E Announced, The Argentine President’s Crypto Rug Pull, HP Buys Humane AI, and Spotify HiFi 30:21

2M ago30:21

30:21

Today’s Stories - Apple Announces iPhone 16E (2:30) - https://www.theverge.com/news/609204/apple-iphone-16e-price-release-date-specs-a18-notch-face-id Argentine President Rugs His People in $Libra Crypto Scam (8:20) - https://apple.news/APlmzty2mShqUNF2GpLdCMQ HP Buys Humane AI for $116 Million (20:20) - https://apple.news/AS-Xx_6rdR8muexoHNNO-lQ S…

1
Joyce Vance with Patt Morrison | The American Justice System: Testing the Limits 56:58

2M ago56:58

56:58

In this week's America at a Crossroads conversation, legal expert and former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance joins award-winning journalist Patt Morrison to explore the evolving challenges facing the American justice system. From the increasing politicization of the courts to the resilience of democratic institutions, Vance and Morrison discuss how legal…

1
Meet Elon Musk’s DOGE Engineers, Apple Intelligence on Vision Pro, and The NY Times Adopts AI Tools 35:23

2M ago35:23

35:23

Today’s Stories: Elon Musk’s Young DOGE Engineers (3:00) - https://apple.news/AeWDdFIzyQLuFFnYbVpqH0Q Android 16 Features (14:00) - https://www.techradar.com/phones/android/android-16-will-bring-these-5-upgrades-to-your-phone-including-one-i-cant-wait-to-try-out Apple Intelligence Coming to Apple Vision Pro (23:00) - https://www.engadget.com/ar-vr/…

1
Ken Khachigian with Warren Olney | What Would Nixon and Reagan Say Today? 56:39

2M ago56:39

56:39

In this episode of America at a Crossroads, veteran political strategist Ken Khachigian joins journalist Warren Olney to discuss how Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan might react to today’s political climate. Drawing from his years as a speechwriter and advisor to both leaders, Khachigian explores their leadership philosophies, approach to policy, an…

1
Musk Wants to Buy OpenAI and Apple Might Make a Humanoid Robot 22:17

2M ago22:17

22:17

Today’s Stories: Musk tries to buy OpenAI (3:30) https://apple.news/A6IPS-bJWTOShmgACmw1AAQ UK and US snub France by refusing to sign AI summit declaration (8:35) https://apple.news/AEi3TIH-CTTOpJ3vm-gSQjg Apple Interested in Making Humanoid Robot (14:26) https://www.investors.com/news/technology/apple-stock-humanoid-robot-in-development/ AppleTV N…

1
New iPhone SE, NVIDIA and Carnegie Melon Release Humanoid Robot Movement Framework, and PSN Outtage 17:26

3M ago17:26

17:26

Today’s Stories: New iPhone SE Announcement Rumor(2:55) https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/09/apple-could-launch-a-new-iphone-se-and-powerbeats-pro-2-on-february-11/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLmdvb2dsZS5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAACFOCYlJfWZP1cdh9B10Il4s-7vR34xNca_DIdqBoX5_2krHe1bORRl4PP87Bbh8a7fxw-M2Ck_tcrYtlnip5ANSeMCUy-_zwFpEoZLe1k…

1
The Subtext: Aya Ogawa, In Control

3M ago

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This month Brian talks with playwright, director, and performer Aya Ogawa about “hacking away with a machete” toward a career and directing their own work.By American Theatre

1
Amazon Relying on Cloud Earnings to Justify AI Spend, Gemini Update, and iOS Malware Scandal 21:37

3M ago21:37

21:37

Today’s Stories: Amazon’s Cloud Business Faces Crucial Test (2:40) https://www.reuters.com/technology/amazons-cloud-business-faces-crucial-test-after-rivals-microsoft-google-stumble-2025-02-05/ Huge Gemini AI Update (10:18) https://www.theverge.com/news/606530/gemini-ai-app-flash-thinking-2-0-update iPhone pp Store Malicious Malware (16:00) https:/…

1
Marvin Kalb with Warren Olney | America’s Continuing Anguish: Russia from Khrushchev to Putin 56:49

3M ago56:49

56:49

This compelling episode of America at a Crossroads features Marvin Kalb, esteemed journalist, and former Moscow bureau chief, in conversation with Warren Olney, award-winning broadcaster. In "America’s Continuing Anguish: Russia from Khrushchev to Putin," Kalb traces the complex and often tense relationship between the U.S. and Russia over the deca…

1
Apple Gives Up on AR Glasses, OpenAI Introduces Deep Research, and Musk Gains More Government Power 25:47

3M ago25:47

25:47

Today’s Stories - Apple reportedly gives up on its AR video glasses project (4:04) https://www.theverge.com/news/604378/apple-n107-ar-glasses-canceled OpenAI Introduces Deep Research (10:37) https://openai.com/index/introducing-deep-research/ Musk to give update on reform effort amid questions about his power (20:42) https://www.reuters.com/world/u…

1
DeepSeek Might Not Be As Impressive as We Thought, and Meta Doubles-Down on AI Spending 22:05

3M ago22:05

22:05

Today’s Stories: "It's The New TikTok": National Security Concerns Spike Over China’s DeepSeek (3:52) https://apple.news/AVfrpF4_fQEqtfMJE0KhRcw OpenAI Is Probing Whether DeepSeek Used Its Models to Train New Chatbot (10:50) https://apple.news/AHu8TmYSvSIO0Y47gZxtrcA Mark Zuckerberg: DeepSeek shows why U.S. must be AI's 'global open source standard…

1
Nancy MacLean with Patt Morrison | Democracy in Chains: How We Got Here and How to Prepare for What Comes Next 58:46

3M ago58:46

58:46

1
X is Barely Breaking Even, OpenAI announces Operator, and Deepseek kicks GPT-4o’s Ass 23:58

3M ago23:58

23:58

Todays stories: X Barely Breaks Even (2:50) https://apple.news/Aus-LJD8WQeaw5weVOnAK5g OpenAI Announces Operator (10:11) https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/23/openai-launches-operator-an-ai-agent-that-performs-tasks-autonomously/ Deepseek Has Silicone Valley Talking (17:52) https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/26/deepseek-gets-silicon-valley-talking/…

1
TikTok’s Back, Elon Hates on Trump’s AI Plan, and Ross Ulbricht Pardoned 28:40

3M ago28:40

28:40

Todays stories Biden’s White House says TikTok’s threat to go dark is a ‘stunt’ (3:07) https://apple.news/AZdtQmOUOT--aoY8cl6GOiA Trump Announces $500 Billion Investment in AI Infrastructure (11:26) https://apple.news/AR-rBMhFoTGS9vYy0JgpYQA Musk Pours Cold Water on Trump-Backed Stargate AI Project (16:20) https://apple.news/AxWj2XQLuS3eJOoYZ2Ry5dw…

1
Jeffrey Goldberg with Madeleine Brand | Inauguration Week: Where Are We Headed? 1:01:29

3M ago1:01:29

1:01:29

1
TikTok Goes Dark for US Users, Creators Move to RedNote, and Trump Launches Memecoin 29:20

3M ago29:20

29:20

TikTok Goes Dark for 170 Million Users (3:00) https://apple.news/A7fncHD7sQyaeujyS_7Aezg TikTok Influencers Angry About Ban (8:20) https://apple.news/AdFYkmORLQw6hx533xpjx-w Rednote Users Experiencing Censorship (14:19) https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/01/16/tech/tiktok-refugees-rednote-china-censorship-intl-hnk Trump Launches Meme Coin (23:40) https:/…

1
Amb. Dennis Ross with Patt Morrison | Israel in Crisis Briefing #20 51:03

3M ago51:03

51:03

1
Meta's 5% Layoffs, DJI Removes Drone Geofencing, Character.ai Sued, and are TikTok's Jobs in Trouble? 33:59

3M ago33:59

33:59

Today's Stories: Meta Layoffs (3:09) https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/14/technology/meta-layoffs.html DJI Removes Drone Geofencing (6:06) https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/14/24343928/dji-no-more-geofencing-no-fly-zone Character.ai Sued by Mom (14:25) https://www.businessinsider.com/character-ai-lawsuit-plantiff-age-guardrails-after-teen-suicide-2025-…

1
Watch Duty's Big Moment, Amazon and Meta Axe DEI, and The Supreme Court Sides with TikTok Ban 36:21

4M ago36:21

36:21

Today's Stories: Supreme Court on TikTok Ban (2:20) https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/01/supreme-court-skeptical-of-ban-on-tiktok/ Amazon and Meta Remove DEI (15:30) https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/meta-end-diversity-programs-ahead-trump-inauguration-2025-01-10/ Apple Keeps DEI https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/12/apples-board-recomm…

1
Meta Copies X's Community Notes, Sam Altman Denies Sex Scandal, Nvidia at CES, and Microsoft Job Cuts 27:56

4M ago27:56

27:56

Today's stories: 1. Meta Policy Change (3:20) https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/meta-ends-fact-checking-program-community-notes-x-rcna186468 2. Nvidia CES Announcements (10:35) https://mashable.com/article/nvidia-ces-2025-live-keynote-everything-announced 3. Sam Altman Denies Sexual Assault Allegations (16:50) https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/0…

1
Dr. Anthony Fauci with Patt Morrison | A Lifetime of Public Service: A Look Back and a Look Ahead 58:33

4M ago58:33

58:33

1
The Subtext: Kelley Nicole Girod, in It for the Drama

4M ago

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This month Brian talks with the playwright, producer, Fire This Time Festival founder, and Apollo Theater director of new works about drama, balance, and Louisiana history.By American Theatre

1
Meta's AI-Profiles Suck, Apple Intelligence Lags, and Man Steals a Waymo 32:07

4M ago32:07

32:07

Todays' stories - Meta's AI-generated bot profiles are not being received well. (5:50) https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/3/24334946/meta-ai-profiles-instagram-facebook-bots The Rise of the AI-Influencer (12:00) https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/article-the-rise-of-the-ai-influencer/ Apple is prioritizing privact over winning the AI race (19:43) ht…

1
Nicholas Kristof with Warren Olney | Finding Hope in Stressful Times 56:49

4M ago56:49

56:49

America stands at a pivotal crossroads. With serious threats to America’s democracy posed by nationalists, populists and other non-democratic candidates and forces, America at a Crossroads has offered weekly programming continuously since 2020 to encourage activism and passion to combat these threats to our American democracy. Through our weekly vi…

1
Ehud Olmert and Nasser Al-Kidwa with Larry Mantle | Two Former Leaders - An Israeli and a Palestinian - Offer Path to Peace 57:01

4M ago57:01

57:01

America stands at a pivotal crossroads. With serious threats to America’s democracy posed by nationalists, populists and other non-democratic candidates and forces, America at a Crossroads has offered weekly programming continuously since 2020 to encourage activism and passion to combat these threats to our American democracy. Through our weekly vi…

1
David Frum with Larry Mantle | Trump Won: Now What? 56:37

5M ago56:37

56:37

America stands at a pivotal crossroads. With serious threats to America’s democracy posed by nationalists, populists and other non-democratic candidates and forces, America at a Crossroads has offered weekly programming continuously since 2020 to encourage activism and passion to combat these threats to our American democracy. Through our weekly vi…

1
The Subtext: How Rachel Bonds Learned to Trust Herself

5M ago

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This month Brian talks to the Southern-born writer about her journey through acting to playwriting, what her parents taught her, and her own parenting.By American Theatre

1
David Leonhardt with Madeleine Brand | How the Democrats have lost the working class 1:00:18

5M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

America stands at a pivotal crossroads. With serious threats to America’s democracy posed by nationalists, populists and other non-democratic candidates and forces, America at a Crossroads has offered weekly programming continuously since 2020 to encourage activism and passion to combat these threats to our American democracy. Through our weekly vi…

1
Amb. Michael McFaul with Larry Diamond | The Election is Over: What Do the Results Mean for Ukraine, the Middle East, and U.S. Foreign Policy? 1:02:27

5M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

The Election is Over: What Do the Results Mean for Ukraine, the Middle East, and U.S. Foreign Policy? MICHAEL McFAUL served for five years in the Obama administration, first as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Russian and Eurasian Affairs at the National Security Council at the White House (2009-2012), and then as U.S. Amb…