Podcast appearances and mentions of Justin Wolfers

Platypus Economics’ Justin Wolfers stops by to update us on Trump’s economy.The Economist’s Steven Mazie joins us to discuss the Supreme Court’s terrible instincts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump says he was asked to hold off new strikes on Iran, as his approval rating hits a second-term low and gas prices surge. Then, new reporting on Trump's stock trades and how they're connected to companies he has publicly praised. Plus, the 1.8 billion dollar fund from the Trump Justice Department that could end up funneling money to the President's allies. Luke Broadwater, Mychael Schnell, Barry McCaffrey, Dan Nathan, Justin Wolfers, Kristy Greenberg, and Brendan Greeley join The 11th Hour this Monday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On his 40th birthday, Derek Thompson takes a step back and looks at how his thinking on the national debt has changed. Back when he first covered fiscal policy, concern about government borrowing was mostly a conservative position, with many liberals arguing it was overblown. That's starting to shift. The U.S. now spends far more than it brings in, and the gap is still growing. For the first time, interest payments on the debt have surpassed military spending. And deficits that once rose during crises like the Great Recession and the COVID pandemic haven't really come back down. So what changed, and how worried should we be? Derek is joined by economist Justin Wolfers to walk through the basics of the federal budget, the evolving debate around the national debt, and why more economists are starting to take persistent deficits seriously. Host: Derek Thompson Guest: Justin Wolfers Producer: Devon Baroldi Additional Production Support: Ben Glicksman Visit https://www.uber.com/safety to learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With gas prices surging and inflation on the rise once more, Harry turns to economist Justin Wolfers to get a handle on what Trump is doing to the U.S. economy. Wolfers explains why the real cost of the war with Iran is vastly higher than the figures quoted so far by the Pentagon, how long exorbitant fuel costs could last, and the deeper, unremarked ways that Trump is challenging the foundations of American prosperity.  Mentioned in this episode:  Platypus Economics on YouTube:  https://youtube.com/@PlatypusEconomics? Platypus Economics on Substack:  https://newsletter.platypuseconomics.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The feds are considering it, and countries like Spain and the U.K. have already gone that way. We looks to their example for what Canada can learn. Plus, the pros and cons of buying a rebuilt car and a conversation with economist Justin Wolfers about why he's trying to bring economics to the people.

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump's war in Iran looms over the U.S.-China summit. Also, economists predicted the failures of Trump's economy. And The Wall Street Journal reports the Trump administration is eyeing 250 pardons for July 4th. Laura Barrón-López, Rep. Madeleine Dean, Bobby Ghosh, Justin Wolfers, and Melissa Murray join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Platypus Economics’ Justin Wolfers stops by to talk about Donald Trump’s continued demolition of the American economy.314 Action’s Shaughnessy Naughton joins us to discuss their work recruiting, training, and electing Democrats with scientific backgrounds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. and Iran exchange fire as concerns grow over the fragile ceasefire. Then, the U.S. Court of International Trade rules Trump's 10% global tariffs are illegal. Plus, the heated battle over AI regulation spills into the midterms; what it could mean for the future of jobs and the economy. Peter Baker. Michael McFaul, Ivo Daalder, Laura Haefeli, Brooke Masters, Justin Wolfers, and Alex Bores join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The IMF warns the Iran war could cause a global recession as the president says the conflict is "very close" to being over. Then, cracks emerge in the MAGA coalition as Americans continue to pay for the administration's policies. Plus, how voters are fighting back against AI data centers. Jeff Mason, Ron Insana, Justin Wolfers, former Ambassador Dan Shapiro, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, Charlie Sykes, and Amanda Hoover join The 11th Hour this Tuesday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Think Like an Economist’s Justin Wolfers stops by to talk about consumer sentiment hitting its lowest level ever. Author Bradley Onishi joins us to discuss Pete Hegseth and the peculiar religious influences in his life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House tries to keep a fragile ceasefire with Iran as the strait of Hormuz remains under Tehran's control and VP Vance preps for in-person peace talks. Then, Melania Trump makes a rare public announcement saying lies about her and Jeffrey Epstein must end. Plus, a conversation with Ronan Farrow on his new profile of the man running one of the most powerful AI companies. Peter Baker, Dave Weigel, Miles Taylor, Ron Insana, Justin Wolfers, and Ronan Farrow join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Justin Wolfers returns to the Hot Dish to unpack the economic and political impacts of the Iran war with Heidi and Joel. This episode offers a clear-eyed view of how markets, government decisions, and public sentiment intertwine during times of crisis.Justin explains the historic lows in consumer sentiment and approval ratings for political leaders, and addresses the real economic costs of the war, including market declines and wealth destruction. He also addresses:How the increased costs of energy and input supplies are impacting rural farmers and urban consumers (10:57)The political implications of leadership styles, democracy, and the "king" mentality in the White House (3:07, 5:01)The demonstration of market correction and its long-term significance, emphasizing the importance of resistance to overconfidence (14:02)The critical role of fiscal policy, debt, and deficits, with insights from Reagan, Clinton, Obama, and Trump eras (36:32)The human toll of war, including displacement and emotional trauma, versus the cold numbers of market losses (27:15, 34:27)How public perception and demonization affect policy, especially in the context of gas prices and military engagement (24:45, 28:19)The importance of connecting economic policy to human stories and moral considerations (33:13)Resources & Links:Justin Wolfers - University of MichiganConnect with Justin Wolfers:TwitterBlueskyThe Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject). (00:00) - Introduction (01:24) - Consumer Sentiment and Presidential Approval (05:32) - The Impact of War on the Economy (10:33) - Rural Economy and Input Costs (13:24) - Market Corrections and War Effects (17:19) - Economic Implications of Wealth Loss (18:43) - The Cost of Conflict: Economic Impacts on Households (21:45) - Understanding Wealth Disparities: Who Really Loses? (24:36) - Market Reactions: Short-Term Pain vs. Long-Term Gains (27:15) - Empathy in Economics: The Human Cost of War (30:53) - The Disconnect: Military Engagement and Public Perception (35:43) - Debt and Responsibility: A Political Perspective

The ongoing war in Iran and fears of potential ground operations help fuel the nationwide “No Kings” protests. New concerns about the war's impact on the economy as one key report estimates the conflict costs the U.S. 10,000 jobs per month. Then, Trump faces sinking poll numbers and even opposition from many in the MAGA movement. Luke Broadwater, Daniella Diaz, Susan Glasser, Justin Wolfers, Max Chafkin, Gen. Barry McCaffrey & Angelo Curasone all join "The 11th Hour" To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 24, 2026; As his polling numbers continue to tank, President Donald Trump is reportedly looking for an offramp, although Arab mediators have been less eager to bring the war to a close. Alicia Menendez discusses with Michael Crowley, Anne Applebaum and John Brennan. Also in the hour, the latest for DHS funding with Sen. Tim Kaine and the energy crisis with Justin Wolfers and Sam Stein.  For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewh For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The President says there are peace talks going on with Iran about how to end the war, but Tehran says no such talks are happening. Meanwhile Markwayne Mullin is confirmed as the new DHS secretary as ICE agents are dispatched to airports around the country and negotiations to end the partial government shutdown drag on. Plus, the Supreme Court hears arguments in a case that could upend mail-in balloting just months before the midterm elections. Luke Broadwater, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, David Drucker, Justin Wolfers, Stephanie Link, Mark Joseph Stern and Jake Ward join The 11th Hour. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Think Like an Economist’s Justin Wolfers stops by to talk about Trump’s terrible instincts and how they’re damaging the U.S. economy.Texas gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa joins us to discuss her run to defeat Governor Greg Abbott.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

March 6 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Jason Johnson sits down with economist Justin Wolfers and award-winning author Juanita Tolliver to break down President Trump's sputtering economy. Plus, Congressman Seth Moulton to discuss the latest on the Iran war. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The war in Iran continues as Trump says he should play a role in picking the country's new leader. Then, Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and taps Sen. Markwayne Mullin to take her place. Plus, stocks are down and gas prices are up as the economy faces a new reality with the war in Iran. Peter Baker, Gen. Barry McCaffrey, David Drucker, Carol Leonnig, John Harwood, Justin Wolfers, and Richard Stengel join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his State of the Union address, President Trump made exaggerated claims about the state of the economy, including prices, jobs and the cost of health care. Economics professor Justin Wolfers breaks down what Trump's policies have meant for middle-class U.S. families.Then, artificial intelligence companies are engaging in circular lending. For example, the high-tech chip-maker Nvidia is investing in the company OpenAI, and OpenAI is then buying chips from Nvidia. The Wall Street Journal's Jonathan Weil explains what these deals mean and the risks behind them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Trump's Tariff Meltdown and What the Supreme Court Ruling Does and Doesn't Do | In a Plea Deal Could Former Prince Andrew Implicate Others Including Trump? | "The Age of Kleptocracy: Geopolitical Power, Private Gain" backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia bsky.app/profile/ianmastersmedia.bsky.social facebook.com/ianmastersmedia linktr.ee/backgroundbriefing

Former Prince Andrew 'released under investigation' after UK police arrested him. Then, Trump declares that he's "won affordability," but do Americans think so? And one journalist reports on troubling conduct within ICE and Border Patrol agencies. Peter Baker, Mark Leibovich, Greg Bluestein, Ron Insana, Justin Wolfers, Garrett Graff, and Gen. Barry McCaffrey join the 11th Hour this Thursday night.  To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Conservative public safety critic Frank Caputo tells Power & Politics that the Conservative caucus is still behind leader Pierre Poilievre after a third floor-crossing to the Liberals, saying 'the mood for me is one of business as usual.' The Power Panel reacts. Then, asked what U.S. data showing its global trade deficit hitting a record high says about the effectiveness of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, economist Justin Wolfers responds with a laugh.

Think Like an Economist’s Justin Wolfers joins us to talk about the increasingly worrying state of the U.S. economy. The Miami Herald’s Julie K. Brown stops by to discuss the Epstein files—and the critical pieces that have yet to be put together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Midterm worries grow as Republicans fear backlash to the administration's policies could cost them Congress – Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who pushed for the Epstein files release, demands answers on the DOJ's redactions – & troubling signs for the economy as jobless claims in January reach the highest number since the Great Recession. Peter Baker, David Drucker, Joyce Vance, Catherine Rampell, Justin Wolfers, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Jonathan Haidt join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Donald Trump getting thrown under the bus by JD Vance who admits that Donald Trump has not been able to quickly turn around the economy and Meiselas speaks with University of Michigan Professor Justin Wolfers about the long term damage Donald Trump is doing to the economy. Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump calls for Jack Smith to be prosecuted as the former special counsel defends his investigations during an hours-long congressional hearing. Then, Vice President Vance visits Minneapolis, blasting state and local officials for unrest as new polling shows disapproval over ICE's tactics. Plus, Trump sues JPMorgan Chase and its CEO Jamie Dimon for closing his bank accounts after the January 6th attack. Tim Heaphy, Carol Leonnig, Jeff Mason, Tim Miller, Brendan Greeley, Justin Wolfers, Antonia Hylton, and Sascha Faxe join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act as Minnesota protestors clash with federal immigration authorities. Then, ICE tactics ignite outrage amid growing calls to eliminate the agency. Plus, the White House unveils its health care plan, but can it replace the Affordable Care Act? Antonia Hylton hosts as Akayla Gardner, Susan Glasser, Joyce Vance, Alejandro Velasco, Natasha Sarin, and Justin Wolfers join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With B.C. Premier David Eby on a trade mission in India and Prime Minister Mark Carney leaving for China to meet with President Xi Jinping this week, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh K. Patnaik tells Power & Politics that 'trust' is returning to his country's relationship with Canada — but still asks 'where's the evidence' behind Canadian officials' accusations of election interference and links to a B.C. murder. Plus, economist Justin Wolfers explains why he believes the Trump administration's criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is a 'brutal form of bullying and intimidation' that risks the U.S. economy and monetary policy for decades to come.

Think Like an Economist’s Justin Wolfers examines the bad economic vibes coming from the Trump administration.MSNOW’s Jacob Soboroff details his new book Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America’s New Age of Disaster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis by an ICE agent sparks another night of protests, as more federal agents head to the city. Then, two people in Portland are shot and wounded in an incident involving U.S. border patrol agents, according to DHS. Plus, the President suggests U.S. control over Venezuela could last years. Michele Norris, Peter Baker, Joyce Vance, Reed Galen, Justin Wolfers, Rohit Chopra, and Jacob Soboroff join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Contrary to his previous comments, the latest release of Epstein documents shows President Trump flew on Epstein's jet at least 8 times. Plus, while new data shows a booming a economy, consumer confidence is at its lowest level since the April tariff rollout. And, The White House escalates pressure on Venezuela with more boat strikes and the threat of military action. Glenn Thrush, Mychael Schnell, David Drucker, Ron Insana, Justin Wolfers, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, and Brandon Ambrosino join The 11th Hour this Tuesday night.  To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kyla Scanlon and Justin Wolfers, Professor of Public Policy and Economics at University of Michigan, join the show to break down the Federal Reserve's latest rate cut—and why growing internal dissent at the Fed actually matters. We unpack what the dot plot reveals, how markets may be misreading Jerome Powell, and whether inflation data is being misunderstood rather than manipulated. The conversation also dives into tariffs, affordability, and why cost-driven inflation hits households differently than demand-driven price spikes.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles tells all to Vanity Fair and pulls back the curtain on Trump's policies and his cabinet. Latest jobs report includes a warning sign for the economy as unemployment hits a four-year high. And Trump escalates tensions with Venezuela, ordering a blockade of all 'sanctioned oil tankers' in and out of the country. Peter Baker, Leigh Ann Caldwell, David Drucker, Justin Wolfers, Gene Sperling, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, and Barbara McQuade join The 11th Hour this Tuesday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Think Like an Economist’s Justin Wolfers examines the bad economic vibes coming from the Trump administration. The New York Times’ Peter S. Goodman details Costco’s lawsuit against the Trump administration over tariff policies harming their business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 29 2025 7AM;The State Department paused all asylum decisions and stopped issuing visas to people from Afghanistan. The decisions comes after President Trump threatened to "permanently pause" immigration from some countries and remove millions of immigrants by revoking their legal status in the wake of Wednesday's tragedy. Akayla Gardner and David Rohde join The Weekend to discuss the fallout from this week's shooting.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On tonight's Nightcap: Trump welcomes Mamdani at the White House and Marjorie Taylor Greene says she's quitting Congress. Then, consumer sentiment falls to a 5-month low amid fears about high prices and affordability. Plus, Health Secretary RFK Jr. says he told the CDC to change its website's language on autism and vaccines. Jason Johnson, Joyce Vance, Justin Wolfers, and Ben Collins join The 11th Hour this Wednesday night. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump retreats on food tariffs amid anger across the country over high prices. Also, Vice President JD Vance's claims on AI, robots, and wage growth raise questions. Plus, the House now plans to spike a Senate GOP payout provision. And Democrats eye a possible U.S. House pickup in Tennessee. Rep. Eric Swalwell, Justin Wolfers, Rep. Joe Neguse, and Tennessee State Rep. Aftyn Behn join Ali Velshi. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Think Like an Economist’s Justin Wolfers examines Trump’s economy and why it’s so weak that we aren’t getting any numbers.Then former vice-presidential candidate Governor Tim Walz details how the government shutdown is affecting his constituents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A trio of superb economic analysts—Paul Krugman, Stephanie Ruhle, and Justin Wolfers—join Harry to break down how Trump is reshaping the U.S. economy. They weigh in on how long the shutdown can go on without major economic consequences, where tariffs are beginning to bite, and the future shape of the AI spike.  Then, the whole panel joins in a big picture analysis of how Trump's trademark chaotic, self-serving approach—combined with his attacks on institutions, immigration, and the rule of law—risks tearing up the foundations of American prosperity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton is indicted on 18 counts. He is the third Trump critic to be charged with federal crimes in recent weeks. Then, the link between AI data centers and skyrocketing electric bills. Plus, the real- world impact of the government shutdown. Barbara McQuade, Jeff Mason, Jonathan Cohn, Dave Weigel, Justin Wolfers, Elizabeth McCarthy, and Bishop Mariann Budde join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton is indicted on 18 counts. He is the third Trump critic to be charged with federal crimes in recent weeks. Then, the link between AI data centers and skyrocketing electric bills. Plus, the real- world impact of the government shutdown. Barbara McQuade, Jeff Mason, Jonathan Cohn, Dave Weigel, Justin Wolfers, Elizabeth McCarthy, and Bishop Mariann Budde join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Think Like an Economist’s Justin Wolfers examines the Trump administration’s refusal to release job statistics. MSNBC’s Jacob Soboroff details the implications of ICE indiscriminately raiding Americans’ homes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump celebrates the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, calling him a "dirty cop" and suggests that more indictments are on the way. Then, a shutdown looms as Congress struggles to come to a compromise on government funding as a shutdown looms. Plus, Trump announces new tariffs on trucks, furniture, and pharmaceuticals set to go in effect next week. Charles Coleman hosts as Tyler Pager, Barbara McQuade, Anthony Coley, Joel Payne, Ron Insana, Justin Wolfers, and Rick Wilson join The 11th Hour this Friday night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Steven Pinker's new book argues that all our relationships depend on shared assumptions and “recursive mentalizing” — our constant efforts to understand what other people are thinking. He and Steve talk about the psychology of eye contact, the particular value of Super Bowl ads, and what it's like to get cancelled. SOURCES:Steven Pinker, professor of psychology at Harvard University. RESOURCES:When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows, by Steven Pinker (2025)."Why I Left Harvard," by Carole Hooven (The Free Press, 2024).Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters, by Steven Pinker (2021)."Economics of Toilet Paper X Thread," by Justin Wolfers (2020)."How a Famous Harvard Professor Became a Target Over His Tweets," by Michael Powell (New York Times, 2020)."Police Killings of Blacks: Here Is What the Data Say," by Sendhil Mullainathan (2015).SuperFreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance, by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner (2011).Rational Ritual: Culture, Coordination, and Common Knowledge, by Michael Suk-Young Chwe (2003)."Open Letter to the LSA." EXTRAS:"Steven Pinker: 'I Manage My Controversy Portfolio Carefully,'" by People I (Mostly) Admire (2020). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A firestorm grows amidst ABC's decision to remove Jimmy Kimmel over comments he made after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. ABC has pulled his show off the air indefinitely. Trump and Carr have both celebrated ABC's action and floated the possibility of further action against other TV stations and shows. Symone Sanders hosts as Jake Lahut, Daniella Diaz, Sam Stein, Joyce Vance, David Yaffe-Bellany, Henrietta Treyz, Justin Wolfers, and Marc Racicot join The 11th Hour this Thursday night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump has been calling for the Fed to cut rates to bolster the economy, and yesterday, they announced they would. The bad news is that's because the economy is going to need a lot more bolstering. Guest:  Justin Wolfers, economist and professor at the University of Michigan Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A high stakes legal battle begins as Fed Governor Lisa Cook sues President Trump, as she fights to keep her job.  Then, ousted CDC Director Susan Monarez refuses to step aside. Meanwhile, the White House stands by their decision to oust her as they name her replacement. Plus, why more companies and consumers are feeling the squeeze from tariffs, while the market booms. Peter Baker, Natasha Korecki, Amy McGrath, Bill Cohan, Justin Wolfers, David Jolly, and Joyce Vance join The 11th Hour this Thursday night.

August 12, 2025; 6pm: MSNBC's Jason Johnson reports on a stunning new report from The Washington Post about Pentagon plans to create a "domestic civil disturbance quick reaction force" in cities facing protests and other unrest. Plus, critics are warning President Trump is crossing a red line as he taps a MAGA loyalist for the top job at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Justin Wolfers, Rick Wilson, Joyce Vance and others join "The Beat" to break it all down. 

August 11, 2025, 5pm: Nicolle Wallace speaks to economist Justin Wolfers and others about export taxes and American dissatisfaction with the economy. Eddie Glaude  and David Firestone discuss “Trump's cultural revolution” – including the administration's chilling move to censor and amend exhibits at the Smithsonian.

August 7, 2025; 6pm: NBC News has confirmed top Trump officials huddled to strategize about Jeffrey Epstein, directly contradicting Vice President JD Vance's vehement claims that no such meeting was in the works. MSNBC's Ari Melber reports it's a clear sign of how rattled Trump officials are. Plus, rapper Gashi and economist Justin Wolfers join for the latest Fallback installment.