DEBORAH TANNEN, best known for YOU JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND: Women and Men in Conversation, 4 years on the NYTimes bestseller list, 8 months at #1. This conversation is about 2 later books: First, I ONLY SAY THIS BECAUSE I LOVE YOU on why we have so much trouble communicating within families – could be helpful with Thanksgiving coming up. The second, THE ARGUMENT CULTURE focuses on public discourse. Way back in 2002, she made the point that our society had become overwhelmingly adversarial, with consequences not only in our ability to solve problems but also in our personal relationships. We have all been the victims of how that has played out in the two decades since. 

The stock market keeps rising, driven almost entirely by the “magnificent seven” tech giants. No one tries to deny we’re fueling AI and crypto bubbles. Great time to talk with author, producer, and New York Times journalist, ANDREW ROSS SORKIN, about his new best-seller, 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History. This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at LiveTalsLA. Sorkin’s last words recently on 60 Minutes: “We will have a crash. I just can’t tell you when, and I can’t tell you how deep.” You can learn more at andrewrosssorkin.com.

Sorkin-10-16-2025-Transcript

 

Following the largest single day of protest in American history, here’s first, my 2004 conversation with THOMAS FRANK about his ground-breaking classic, WHAT’ S THE MATTER WITH KANSAS? Frank examines the GOP’s success building  unnatural alliances between Midwest and Wall Street, workers and bosses, populists and right-wingers. In the second half, you’ll hear my 2010 conversation with PAUL LOEB about his book SOUL OF A CITIZEN: Living with Conviction in a Challenging Time, full of moving stories of ordinary Americans finding unexpected fulfillment in social and political involvement. 

Trump has ordered troops to LA, DC, Chicago, and Portland. Americans are on the brink of using lethal force against other Americans. Our military are killing people at sea in the Caribbean with no constitutional basis. 

I turn to retired U.S. Army Colonel, IKE WILSON, for an expert take on Trump’s actions. What’s legal? How will the military respond? How does this play out? In addition to years in the field and teaching at West Point, Columbia, Yale, Arizona State University, and the National War College, Wilson is former Director of the U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, and led the Commander’s Initiatives Group at U.S. Central Command. He writes Compound Security, Unlocked on Substack and hosts The Civic Brief podcast.

 

Wilson, Ike 10-08-2025 transcript

 

 

These are dark times in the United States, and due to this country’s power and influence, dark times for the planet. This show is about a world that just might work – so we talk a lot about problems and crises as we look for solutions. I’m always on the lookout for good news and inspirations. MARTIN GOODMAN has written a book, MY HEAD FOR A TREE, about the Bishnoi, an Indian religion whose 3+ million members are willing to sacrifice their lives to save and protect nature, whether it be wildlife or trees. By the way, once it’s clear you’re willing to take such measures, you can achieve a lot without having to actually take them.

 

Martin Goodman-10-03-2025-Transcript