What Are Drugs For? What Are Drugs For?
A conversation with P.E. Moskowitz about the chemical imbalance theory of depression, the false schism between prescription and recreational drugs, and collective psychic pain.
Sep 11, 2025 / Emmeline Clein
The Lost Souls of the Internet The Lost Souls of the Internet
In Searches, Vauhini Vara probes the ways that we rely on the Internet and how we periodically attempt to free ourselves from its grip.
Sep 10, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Laila Lalami
Susan Choi’s Big Novel of History Susan Choi’s Big Novel of History
In Flashlight, Choi examines the tragedies—past and present—that haunt a family living in Japan.
Sep 10, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Sarah Chihaya
How Did Republican Fashion Go From Blazers to Belligerence? How Did Republican Fashion Go From Blazers to Belligerence?
Trump and his cronies’ style reflects a platform where grievance is currency and performance is power.
Trump’s Really Bad Week in Court—Plus, the New Film by China’s Top Director Trump’s Really Bad Week in Court—Plus, the New Film by China’s Top Director
On this episode of Start Making Sense, Erwin Chemerinsky on Trump losing four big cases, and John Powers on Caught by the Tides.
Sep 10, 2025 / Podcast / Jon Wiener
The Ghosts of Ingeborg Bachmann The Ghosts of Ingeborg Bachmann
Haunted by a dark past, the poet and novelist tried to explore the limits of language itself.
Sep 9, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Becca Rothfeld
The Catastrophe of Democratic Foreign Policy The Catastrophe of Democratic Foreign Policy
A new book on the Biden’s wars serves as a stark reminder that the Democrats need to formulate a new foreign policy—as well as reckon with the one they had.
Sep 9, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Matthew Duss
James Baldwin’s Radical Politics of Love James Baldwin’s Radical Politics of Love
While Baldwin was persecuted in part because of whom he loved, it was love that impelled him to bring about a more utopian future in which such persecution was not possible.
Sep 9, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Elias Rodriques
Rebecca Solnit on Trump, Books, and the Reincarnation of King George III Rebecca Solnit on Trump, Books, and the Reincarnation of King George III
A conversation with the writer and activist about living in a nation where those who lead are often disinclined to read—let alone write—meaningful books.
Sep 8, 2025 / Q&A / John Nichols