Episodes

  • Can Weight Loss Drugs and Body Positivity Coexist?

    Can Weight Loss Drugs and Body Positivity Coexist?
    Jun 19 2025
    Just a few years ago, ‘body positivity’ was everywhere. Then came Ozempic. Audie talks with Virginia Sole-Smith, who spent the past decade writing about ‘diet culture.’ She weighs in on the future of the body positivity in an Ozempic world, and whether the movement and the revolutionary new class of weight loss drugs can coexist. Virginia Sole Smith’s book is called “Fat Talk: Parenting in the Age of Diet Culture.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • Can Protestors Manufacture a Tipping Point?

    Can Protestors Manufacture a Tipping Point?
    Jun 12 2025
    Protest has long been a tool for change in American life. But in an age of political gridlock and viral outrage, what actually works? Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible— one of several progressive groups organizing “No Kings Day” protests —joins Audie to talk about their strategy, and how they are preparing considering the Trump Administration’s reaction to ICE protests in Los Angeles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    29 mins
  • Is OpenAI Building an Empire or a Religion?

    Is OpenAI Building an Empire or a Religion?
    Jun 5 2025
    Some companies just build products. Others build empires — with innovative leaders who inspire fierce devotion. But when does innovation become something more like faith? Tech journalist Karen Hao joins Audie Cornish to talk about the rise of Sam Altman, the near-religious culture growing around AI, and what it all means for our future — whether you’re feeling hopeful, skeptical, or somewhere in between. Karen Hao’s book is called Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI Listen to our interview with the CEO of Microsoft AI, Mustafa Suleyman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Klarna's CEO On Why You Should Buy Now, Pay Later

    Klarna's CEO On Why You Should Buy Now, Pay Later
    May 29 2025
    Should you put your DoorDash burrito on a payment plan? Probably not. But Klarna co-founder and CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski argues the rise of "buy now, pay later" -- or BNPL -- services like his are a good thing. He joins Audie to talk about his “healthier” credit alternative, and whether the rise of BNPL is a sign of larger economic strain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • Explaining Diddy’s Domination and Downfall

    Explaining Diddy’s Domination and Downfall
    May 22 2025
    As Sean “Diddy” Combs stands trial in New York, the music industry is reckoning with a hard truth: how did he stay untouchable for so long? Music journalist Sowmya Krishnamurthy—who once interned at Bad Boy Records—joins Audie to unpack how hip-hop missed its Weinstein “Me Too” moment. Krishnamurthy is the author of Fashion Killa: How Hip-Hop Revolutionized High Fashion. Get a recap of the Combs trial in your podcast feed, subscribe to "Trial By Jury: Diddy” from CNN Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • Why We Believe Crazy S**t —And What We Can Do About It

    Why We Believe Crazy S**t —And What We Can Do About It
    May 15 2025
    Conspiracy theories are not new. They’re as old as time itself. But if you feel like they’re everywhere right now, you’re not alone. So, what do you do when somebody you love has fallen down a rabbit hole? CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan has been covering the world of misinformation for more than a decade, but now he's less interested in what people believe than why they believe it. So, he’s trying to find out. Listen to Persuadable and follow The Account from CNN here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • Catholicism Is So Hot Right Now. Why?

    Catholicism Is So Hot Right Now. Why?
    May 8 2025
    Catholicism is having a moment. The election of a new pope set social media buzzing with silly songs and comedy sketches, fantasy pope drafts and power rankings, and last year’s Oscar-winner ‘Conclave’ provided an imaginary reference point for what was happening behind the Sistine Chapel’s closed doors. But the interest goes beyond the papal election: Reports point to a rise in young converts, from JD Vance to Shia LaBeouf to a wave of Zoomers. Audie talks with Christine Emba of the American Enterprise Institute to unpack what’s driving this renewed fascination. Editorial note: This episode was updated on 5/8/25 with language describing the election of a new pope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Why Does Dating Feel So Hard Right Now?

    Why Does Dating Feel So Hard Right Now?
    May 1 2025
    It’s been called a ‘romantic recession.’ Has love and dating always been this hard? Orna Guralnik, a psychoanalyst and star of Showtime’s Couples Therapy, says she’s seeing political polarization take a toll on modern-day romance. She sits down with Audie for a session on repairing America’s divided relationships, and steps we can all take to find connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    32 mins