Best We Re Having The Tough Conversations Podcasts (2025)

1
Why Trump is Welcoming White South Africans as Refugees. Plus, Ep 2 of The Divided Dial. 50:29

23h ago50:29

50:29

On Monday, dozens of Afrikaners arrived in the US as refugees. On this week’s On the Media, how a fringe group of white South Africans have been lobbying for Donald Trump’s attention for almost a decade — but refugee status was never on their wish list. Plus, the second episode of The Divided Dial, all about how rightwing extremists took over short…

1
The Hardest Conversation About Schools We Need to Have: School Safety, Technology, and Tough Decisions 33:40

2d ago33:40

33:40

How do you protect a school from threats you can’t predict? Philip Selton, CEO of Lockdown Experts, unpacks the realities behind school safety technology - what works, what doesn’t, and what most people get wrong. From the fire alarm systems we take for granted to the rising debate around metal detectors, reinforced doors, and AI surveillance, this…

1
S2 THE DIVIDED DIAL EPISODE 2: You Must Form Your Militia Units 33:43

4d ago33:43

33:43

Season Two of On the Media’s Peabody-winning series The Divided Dial is the untold story of shortwave radio: the way-less-listened to but way-farther-reaching cousin of AM and FM radio. The medium was once heralded as a utopian, international, and instantaneous mass communication tool — a sort of internet-before-the-internet. But like the internet,…

1
Trump Is Losing A Lot In Court. Plus, the First Episode of The Divided Dial (S2). 50:26

8d ago50:26

50:26

President Trump’s many executive orders, detentions, and deportations have triggered a host of lawsuits. On this week’s On the Media, how to understand the dozens of legal actions facing Trump. Plus, it’s the first episode of The Divided Dial, all about the battle for shortwave radio. [01:00] Host Micah Loewinger talks with Chris Geidner, who has c…

1
S2 THE DIVIDED DIAL EPISODE 1: Fishing In The Night 34:05

11d ago34:05

34:05

Season Two of On the Media’s Peabody-winning series The Divided Dial is the untold story of shortwave radio: the way-less-listened to but way-farther-reaching cousin of AM and FM radio. The medium was once heralded as a utopian, international, and instantaneous mass communication tool — a sort of internet-before-the-internet. But like the internet,…

1
Music with a Mission: Former MTV International Chairman and CEO Bill Roedy on Leading with Purpose 48:37

11d ago48:37

48:37

Many of us have heard the expression “doing good is good for business.” In this episode, Simon Kingston sits down with former MTV International Chairman and CEO Bill Roedy about how he put this concept into practice on a truly global scale. Bill takes us on his journey of how he redefined broadcast television, launching the most channels in televis…

1
Trump’s Executive Order on Public Media Is Here. Plus, the Murdoch’s Real Succession Drama 50:26

15d ago50:26

50:26

To mark his first hundred days in office, President Trump signed three executive orders related to immigration. On this week’s On the Media, the powerful database that can help I.C.E. track down and deport people. Plus, the dramatic fight for power over Rupert Murdoch’s media empire. [01:00] Host Brooke Gladstone talks with Jason Koebler, co-founde…

1
Shari Redstone's Road to Power at Paramount Global 14:49

18d ago14:49

14:49

The Redstone family is a controlling shareholder of Paramount Global — one of the biggest entertainment companies out there. (Think CBS Entertainment, MTV, Nickelodeon.) The family is also one of the inspirations for HBO's Succession, which makes sense the more you get to know them. Shari Redstone currently has the controlling stake in Paramount Gl…

1
Brendan Carr’s F.C.C. Has Been Busy. Plus, Rewriting the History of Watergate. 50:27

22d ago50:27

50:27

The Federal Communications Commission is currently investigating CBS for “intentional news distortion” for its editing of an interview with Kamala Harris. On this week’s On the Media, what the new chairman of the FCC has been up to, and what led a top CBS producer to quit. Plus, what a growing effort to rewrite the history of Watergate tells us abo…

1
Left Wing Youtuber David Pakman EXTENDED VERSION 23:24

25d ago23:24

23:24

**EXTENDED VERSION** Micah spoke to left-wing YouTuber, David Pakman for last week's show. This is the long version of that conversation. On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with u…

1
Leadership Lounge: How to Build Trust and Transform Executive Team Performance 17:17

25d ago17:17

17:17

Today's senior executives operate in an environment where trust has never been more critical, or more fragile. According to the latest Edelman Trust Barometer, trust in business leaders is at an all-time low, with people's fear that business leaders are dishonest increasing by 12% in the last year. So, as a leader, how can you cultivate trust withi…

1
Brooke and Micah Enter the MAGA-verse. Plus, Liberal YouTubers Fight Back. 51:44

29d ago51:44

51:44

Conservative influencers have captured a massive audience on the internet, boasting nearly five times more followers than their progressive competitors. On this week’s On the Media, the hosts spend twelve hours immersed in right wing media and report back on what they saw. Plus, why Democrats are struggling to compete for audiences online. [00:00] …

1
The Future of Social Emotional Learning: Access, Agency, and Action 39:22

1M ago39:22

39:22

In this episode of Tech in EdTech, Sean Strathy sits down with Jason Kahn, Founder and Chief Science Officer at Mightier, to explore how digital play can power real emotional growth in children. They dive into timely topics like the urgency for SEL programs in schools, the impact of the pandemic on social development, the difference between gamific…

1
The Coding Language Caught in DOGE's Crosshairs 28:18

1M ago28:18

28:18

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has been edged out of the headlines this past week, or so, by the administration’s current flirtation with a constitutional crisis. But the DOGE team is still busy. One project on the office's agenda, originally reported by WIRED late last month, is to rewrite the Social Security Administrat…

1
The Tariff Week From Hell. Plus, the Bluesky CEO Reimagines Social Media. 50:05

1M ago50:05

50:05

The president’s on-again, off-again tariffs are wreaking havoc on the economy. On this week’s On the Media, how the press is struggling to keep up with covering the chaos. Plus, the CEO of Bluesky, an alternative to Twitter, shares her vision for a better internet. [00:00] Host Micah Loewinger breaks down a wild week in the economy–why the press ca…

1
Sen. Chris Murphy on the Crisis Facing Our Democracy 23:10

1M ago23:10

23:10

This week we’re bringing you an interview from our friends at the New Yorker Radio Hour. It's a conversation between host David Remnick and Democratic congressman Chris Murphy. Murphy is the junior senator from Connecticut and a vehement critic of leaders in his party who’ve taken a “business as usual” approach in dealing with the Trump administrat…

1
The Only Certainty Is Change: Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman on AI, Innovation & Market Evolution 39:16

1M ago39:16

39:16

When it comes to global financial markets, the only certainty is the likelihood of uncertainty and change. The world is in a period of transformation on multiple levels fueled by AI and technology innovation, shifting economic policies, and infrastructure modernization. At the foundation of all of this transformation is the unrelenting need for lon…

1
Harvard and the Battle Over Higher Ed 50:32

1M ago50:32

50:32

The Trump administration has pulled funding for universities like Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania, and is threatening to withhold federal dollars from public schools with diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Harvard is also fighting to retain its funding. On this week’s On the Media, hear how the distinctly American idea of “divers…

1
Sports Media’s Big Gamble on the Betting Industry 18:40

2M ago18:40

18:40

According to the American Gaming Association, bets on March Madness basketball games could amount to as much as $3.1 billion. Almost every national sports outlet — ESPN, The Athletic, Bleacher Report, NBC, CBS, The Ringer — has partnered with a major sports betting company. Big money is changing hands. What does that mean for sports journalism? On …

1
The Latest Spin on 'Signalgate.' Plus, a Crypto President is Born. 50:16

2M ago50:16

50:16

When a journalist was accidentally added to a Signal chat that disclosed sensitive war plans, a controversy erupted about our national security. On this week’s On the Media, a look at how right-wing media is processing “Signalgate.” Plus, why Donald Trump is calling himself the crypto president. [01:00] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Will Sommer,…

1
Trouble At the EPA 20:34

2M ago20:34

20:34

President Trump's appointee at the Environmental Protection Agency, Lee Zeldin, is making a lot of changes at the EPA. Including cutting 31 environmental rules regarding climate change pollution, electric vehicles, and power plants. Environmentalists say this is a gutting of regulation. GOP lawmakers deem the EPA a job killer that does nothing but …

1
Leadership Lounge: Boardroom Bound: How to Navigate Your Journey from Executive to Board Director 15:40

2M ago15:40

15:40

Today's board directors operate in a complex business landscape, balancing strategic guidance, technological innovation, and heightened governance expectations. They must provide critical leadership while navigating rapid change and increasing stakeholder scrutiny. So, as an executive, do you have what it takes to thrive in a board role? And how ca…

1
Voice of America Goes Quiet. And, Apocalypse Now? 50:18

2M ago50:18

50:18

The Trump administration has cut funding for Voice of America, the 80-year-old state media network. On this week’s On the Media, how pulling federal funds from VOA’s parent organization will imperil press freedom abroad. Plus, a Radio Free Europe journalist describes being detained for nine months in Russia until she was released alongside Evan Ger…

1
Slowing Down to Move Forward: AI Done Right in Schools 39:20

2M ago39:20

39:20

Nathan Holbert, Associate Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, talks about the thoughtful integration of AI and other technologies into education. The conversation goes beyond AI’s “wow” factor to discuss how teachers, learners, and the broader school culture interact with new tools. The main thread is a call for intentionality and t…

1
"Tough Love For Liberals" 41:08

2M ago41:08

41:08

This week's midweek podcast is a segment from Tuesdays episode of the Brian Lehrer show -- the legendary live call-in show that airs every weekday morning on our producing station, WNYC. The segment features Derek Thompson, staff writer at The Atlantic, author of the "Work in Progress" newsletter and host of the podcast "Plain English," and Ezra Kl…

1
Mahmoud Khalil and a New Red Scare. Plus, Press Freedom Under Threat. 50:00

2M ago50:00

50:00

A Columbia University graduate who led protests last year has been detained by I.C.E. Even though he is a green card holder. On this week’s On the Media, hear why the case has conjured comparisons to the Red Scare of the forties and fifties. Plus, a look at the years-long campaign to dismantle press freedoms in the United States. [01:00] Host Brook…

1
The Baltimore Sun Is In Trouble 18:58

2M ago18:58

18:58

Last January the hedge fund Alden Global Capital sold The Baltimore Sun to David Smith, an executive at Sinclair Broadcast Group. Smith once told Trump that Sinclair was "here to deliver your message.” He is also known to support conservative causes like Moms for Liberty. It's been a year and with the release of new circulation numbers, its clear t…

1
Paws, Purpose & Profit: A Conversation with Pets at Home CEO Lyssa McGowan 48:09

2M ago48:09

48:09

The global pet industry is expected to grow from $320 billion today to nearly $500 billion by 2030, as more pet parents treat their pets like their own children, often sparing no expense on their pets’ nutrition, health, and wellness. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, today’s episode features a conversation with Simon, Hoda and Lyssa McGow…

1
Trump’s On-and-Off-Again Tariffs, and Decoding ‘Make America Healthy Again’ 50:15

2M ago50:15

50:15

President Trump’s on-again, off-again tariff announcements sent stock markets plunging. On this week’s On the Media, how to make sense of the ever-changing news about the economy. Plus, the policy behind the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ rhetoric. [01:00] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Gordon Hanson, an economist at Harvard University’s Kennedy Sc…

1
How Does Kash Patel Compare to J. Edgar Hoover? 17:36

2M ago17:36

17:36

Since Kash Patel was announced as the director for the FBI, pundits have warned of a return to the era of J. Edgar Hoover, who ran the bureau for 48 years. But according to Beverly Gage, the author of G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century, under Patel, the FBI could be politicized in ways that even its notorious first direct…

1
Beyond the Buzzwords: Delivering Real Impact in Workforce Education 32:00

2M ago32:00

32:00

Juanita Soranno, Head of Impact at Cengage and founder of Code Connect, has an insightful discussion with Laura Hakala about delivering real impact in workforce education. Drawing from her personal experience as a workforce program participant, Juanita shares how Cengage measures impact through various metrics and shares essential insights into emp…

1
The New 'State Media.' Plus, Podcasters Are Running the FBI. 50:35

3M ago50:35

50:35

Breaking from a century of tradition, the White House says it will seize control of the press pool covering the president. On this week’s On the Media, the new administration is prioritizing access for an array of far-right influencers and news outlets. Plus, what President Trump’s pivot toward Russia means for Ukraine after three years of war. [00…

1
Writing (and Rewriting) Russian History 15:51

3M ago15:51

15:51

Days before Russia invaded Ukraine 3 years ago, Russian president Vladimir Putin read an essay he’d written in 2021, “On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians,” wherein he claimed that Ukraine is a fake country that was invented by Lenin. This version of Russian history, which is full of inaccuracies amplified on Russian state media, has …

1
Digging Deep: Leadership, Growth & Risk with BHP CEO Mike Henry 42:37

3M ago42:37

42:37

The world needs more metals, minerals, and natural resources to fuel the global economy, power the energy transition, and feed a growing population. As the CEO of the world’s largest mining company, BHP’s Mike Henry is redefining his business in a competitive industry which is projected to grow to $2.8 trillion by 2028. In today’s episode, Clarke d…

1
Learning Elon Musk’s Media Playbook. Plus, Silicon Valley’s Rightwing Roots. 50:32

3M ago50:32

50:32

Elon Musk’s claims of fraudulent government spending contain some wild inaccuracies. On this week's On the Media, how the mythos surrounding tech entrepreneurs paved the way for MAGA’s embrace of Silicon Valley leaders. Plus, meet the scholars and librarians who helped the Allies win World War II. [01:00] Host Micah Loewinger looks at Elon Musk’s n…

1
How Kash Patel Came to Loathe the Media and Love Trump 17:21

3M ago17:21

17:21

This week, the Senate will consider more of Trump’s Cabinet nominees, including his pick for FBI director, Kash Patel. For this midweek podcast, we're looking back at this conversation host Micah Loewinger had with Atlantic staff writer Elaina Plott Calabro, who charted Patel's rise to power, starting at the very beginning of his legal career. She …

1
Donald Trump is Rewriting the Past. Plus, the Christian Groups Vying for Political Power 50:29

3M ago50:29

50:29

The new administration is purging data from government websites and databases, such as the Department of Justice and the National Security Agency. On this week's On the Media, a historian shares the political playbook for rewriting the past in order to control the future. Plus, meet the different Christian groups vying for power at the White House.…

1
The J6 Commutations Have Ripple Effects 51:15

3M ago51:15

51:15

Micah joins Anna Sale on Death, Sex and Money to revisit their 2023 conversation with Tasha Adams, ex-wife of Stewart Rhodes the founder of the Oath Keepers. Rhodes was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in the January 6th insurrection –– prosecutors argued that members of the Oath Keepers used force to block the results of the election…

1
Leadership Lounge: How can family enterprise leaders stay ahead in a fast-changing world? 16:59

3M ago16:59

16:59

We explore how family enterprise leaders can strike the right balance between preserving their organization's legacy and adapting to an evolving business landscape. How can family enterprise leaders stay ahead in a fast-changing world? Family enterprises are the backbone of economies worldwide, but their leaders face an increasingly critical challe…

1
How Wired Magazine is Scooping the Competition. Plus, Whither the Democrats? 50:21

3M ago50:21

50:21

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency has accessed sensitive information at the treasury and gutted the United States Agency for International Development. On this week’s On the Media, how a tech magazine scooped mainstream outlets with its reporting on the DOGE taskforce. Plus, at the Department of Justice, data wipes and mass firings ta…

1
Musk's Meddling in European Politics 16:42

3M ago16:42

16:42

According to the Financial Times, 225 out of Musk’s 616 tweets and retweets in the first week of January were about UK politics. Meanwhile, Musk has praised the prime minister of Italy, far-right politician Giorgia Meloni, describing her as “even more beautiful on the inside than on the outside.” At a time when his company SpaceX is reportedly in t…

1
Building Better Universities: Lessons from an Innovative Model 52:04

3M ago52:04

52:04

Christine Looser, Senior Academic Director of Minerva Project, shares insights on transforming higher education through active, skills-based learning and institutional partnerships. She discusses Minerva’s innovative approach, which prioritizes "durable, transferable skills" rather than just technical knowledge. The discussion also addressed AI’s r…

1
Is That Legal? Plus, DeepSeek and the A.I. Bubble. 50:13

4M ago50:13

50:13

President Donald Trump has signed dozens of executive orders since returning to office. On this week’s On the Media, how the directives are butting heads with existing laws. Plus, what the DeepSeek saga reveals about American A.I. [01:00] Host Brooke Gladstone sits down with Dahlia Lithwick, a senior editor at Slate and host of the podcast Amicus, …

1
Brooke Talks AI With Ed Zitron 43:49

4M ago43:49

43:49

When OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022, all the big tech firms were clamoring to make their own versions of the “intelligent” chatbot. Billions of dollars have been thrown into the technology – training the models, creating more advanced computer chips, building data centers. But last week, a Chinese artificial intelligence company called De…

1
AI or Die: A Conversation with Coveo Chairman and CEO Louis Têtu 42:02

4M ago42:02

42:02

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key topic in C-suite and board room discussions these days; one with the potential to redefine or at least impact every aspect of business and society. Leaders around the world and across industries are racing to figure out how to best implement the technology to gain efficiencies, increase productivity, and ultima…

1
Week One of Trump 2.0 50:20

4M ago50:20

50:20

President Donald Trump’s second term began with a flurry of executive orders and press. On this week’s On the Media, how to navigate the onslaught of news. Plus, executives at major outlets are telling reporters to tone down coverage of the new administration. And, what we can learn about Trump by looking at the legacy of his favorite president, Wi…

1
Wars Are Won By Stories 27:07

4M ago27:07

27:07

We are living in history all of the time. Nevertheless, there are some times that seem more historical than usual. Like now, when academics and artists and even librarians have come under attack. We mention this particular sign of these times because of a new, delightful book by historian Elyse Graham, professor of Sociology at Stony Brook Universi…

1
Farewell TikTok? Plus, the Role of Memory and Forgetting with the L.A. Wildfires. 50:10

4M ago50:10

50:10

The Supreme Court has upheld a ban on TikTok. On this week’s On the Media, hear how the ruling could affect other media companies, and where TikTokers are going next. Plus, California’s latest wildfires are devastating, but they’re not unprecedented. [01:00] Host Micah Loewinger sits down with David Cole, professor of law and public policy at Georg…

1
A Shake Up In The Briefing Room? 10:26

4M ago10:26

10:26

There have been hints dropped that the incoming administration intends to shake up the White House briefing room to potentially allow in more podcasters and outlets friendly to Trump. Whether or not it happens, the threats set the tone for another period of bad relations with the press corps. Time Magazine’s Olivia Waxman told Brooke back in 2017 t…

1
Talking Transformational Leadership with RRA’s CEO Constantine Alexandrakis 37:47

4M ago37:47

37:47

In today’s fast-paced, competitive business landscape, hiring and developing future-ready, transformational C-suite leaders is critical to organizational success. Making the wrong hiring decision can often lead to higher costs, damage to workplace culture, or worse. So what are the key things to keep in mind as you think about the leaders who can h…

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