Sarah Longwell • Defending Democracy

Maya Rudolph is a comedy legend, and a 2024 TIME100 honoree. The multitalented actor, acclaimed for her iconic tenure on Saturday Night Live and unforgettable performances in “Bridesmaids,” “Big Mouth,” and more, joins host Charlotte Alter this week to dive deep into her creative process and personal journey. Maya takes us behind the scenes of growing up in a musical family and highlights the parallels between careers in music and comedy. In discussing her hit Apple TV series “Loot,” Maya shares her thoughts on what it would be like to live the life of a billionaire, the perks of working alongside world-renowned chef David Chang, and what drew her to the series in the first place. Rudolph opens up about balancing motherhood with the demands of a live weekly show, how she mastered the art of her world-class impressions, and what made the cohort of female comedians she worked with on SNL so incredibly special. Tune in for a conversation filled with laughter, revelations, and a glimpse into the life of one of comedy’s finest. Read more:Maya Rudolph | TIME100 https://time.com/6964633/maya-rudolph-2024/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acclaimed novelist and 2024 TIME100 honoree Lauren Groff is a singular voice in American fiction. This week, Groff joins host Charlotte Alter to delve deep into the essence of creativity and the intricacies of the natural world and the human body. Lauren shares her unique perspective on how time acts as the "secret currency" of art, reflecting on the challenges of balancing marriage, motherhood and writing. Known for her commitment to an analog writing practice, Lauren discusses the virtues of disconnecting from digital distractions in favor of play, and unpacks the parallels between athleticism and artistic expression. Articulating the urgencies of this moment in history, Groff provides insights into her approach to weaving real-world themes and pressing societal issues into her narratives. Join Charlotte and Lauren for a deep dive into the life and mind of a writer who crafts not just stories, but windows into our world. Read more:  Lauren Groff by Ann Patchett | TIME100• https://time.com/6964750/lauren-groff/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Distinguished, award-winning journalist Christiane Amanpour is known for her fearless reporting from some of the world's most volatile regions. CNN's chief international anchor of the network's flagship global affairs program, "Amanpour," Christiane joins host Charlotte Alter this week to reflect on her experiences as a war reporter over the past four decades and share what concerns her most about the current state of global affairs. In discussing the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the ongoing war in Ukraine, Amanpour shares insight into how today’s global crises compare to past conflicts that she's reported on from the ground. She outlines the formidable challenges journalists face while reporting from conflict zones, and underlines the importance of allowing reporters to serve as the eyes and ears for the world – and the responsibility the international community has in supporting and sustaining that work. Tune in for an expert and nuanced look at complexities of modern journalism and the intricacies of the geopolitical order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gillian Anderson, the illustrious actor renowned for her iconic role as Dana Scully in "The X-Files," joins host Charlotte Alter this week on the show. Gillian reflects on the profound impact of portraying such a pivotal character so early in her career and unpacks the "Dana Scully effect," which empowered a generation of women to pursue careers in science and technology. She shares scenes from her bicultural upbringing, moving between the UK and America, and her transformative punk phase during her college years in Chicago. Anderson also offers insight into British politics and the Royal Family, drawn from her portrayals of Margaret Thatcher in "The Crown" and Emily Maitlis in the new Netflix film "Scoop." The discussion turns to Anderson's unexpected journey into activism around sexual wellness and women’s health, spurred in part by her role as Jean Milburn in "Sex Education.” Tune in for a deep dive into the life and career of a truly remarkable artist. • You can watch "Scoop" on Netflix starting 4/5.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is a renowned historian, author, scholar, filmmaker, and is the Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. This week, Gates joins host Charlotte Alter and reflects on his formative years in the working-class mill town of Piedmont, West Virginia, his early education during the pivotal era of school desegregation, and his experiences watching the civil rights movement unfold in America. The pair delve into the power of genealogy, as Gates shares insights from his groundbreaking series "Finding Your Roots," and discusses how uncovering family histories can provide profound understanding of American heritage, individual identity, and the interconnectedness of all people beneath the surface of skin color. In discussing Gates’ latest book, “The Black Box: Writing The Race,” the pair unpack the significance of "checking boxes” in today’s shifting landscape of racial discourse and cultural identity, the history and future of affirmative action, and how the backlash to America’s first Black presidency has impacted how Gates teaches African American studies. Tune in for a deeply informative look into the narratives that shape our understanding of race, history, and ourselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Axelrod is a preeminent political strategist and the mastermind behind some of the most successful political campaigns in American history. This week, David sits down with host Charlotte Alter and shares his journey from his childhood in New York City to the halls of the Obama White House, with more than a few stops in Chicago along the way. David reflects on his early political awakenings, the unmatched education he received at The Chicago Tribune, and what ultimately drove him from journalism to political strategy. Axelrod also shares unique insight into the evolving landscape of American politics, the 2024 presidential race, the transformative impact of social media on political campaigning, and what it will take to secure victory in November’s election. Tune in for a conversation that reveals the mind and soul of a political strategist who has been at the heart of American democracy for decades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kate Cox, a Texas mother of two, was thrilled to find out she was pregnant with her third child last year. But the dream of expanding her family quickly turned into a nightmare when Cox and her husband were told that their fetus had an anomaly called Trisomy 18 that, in their case, was fatal. In December 2023, Cox asked a Texas court to temporarily block the state's abortion ban so she could receive urgent medical care, becoming the first pregnant woman to sue for the right to terminate her pregnancy since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Kate Cox recently attended the State of the Union as a guest of the Bidens’ and, on this week’s episode, sits down with Charlotte Alter to share her story. Tune in for an intimate and moving conversation about the grim realities that pregnant people face in post-Roe America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jennifer Lame is a remarkably talented film editor, whose keen eye and unique storytelling abilities have contributed to some of the most iconic films of our time. From her early days as an apprentice to Sidney Lumet to her celebrated work with writers and directors like Noah Baumbach, Christopher Nolan, Ryan Coogler and Ari Aster, Jennifer shares her incredible journey to the top of the film industry with host Charlotte Alter on this week’s show. Jennifer takes us behind-the-scenes of sculpting some of "Oppenheimer's" most monumental moments, and recounts the moment she learned that she was nominated for her first Academy Award. Lame opens up about how a childhood fascination with Alfred Hitchcock and afternoons spent in video stores sparked her passion for film, and why movie theater popcorn is an essential part of the cinematic experience. Tune in for an inspiring look into the art of filmmaking with someone who shapes the movies that move and enchant us all.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kara Swisher is a titan in the realms of tech journalism and media. Known for her fearless interviews with the biggest names in Silicon Valley and her incisive commentary on the tech industry, Kara sits down with host Charlotte Alter to share insights from her latest book, "Burn Book: A Tech Love Story." The pair discuss Swisher’s early days chronicling the rise of the internet, the transformations of the media industry over recent decades, and the perplexing gap between Silicon Valley's innovation and governmental oversight. Recounting tales from her book, Kara shares an insider's perspective on the personalities who've shaped the digital age and why, despite its pitfalls, she remains hopeful about technology's potential for good. Tune in for a riveting discussion of the "what" and "how" of technological evolution and the complex relationship between technology and humanity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Distinguished economist Claudia Goldin is the Henry Lee Professor of Economics at Harvard University, the 2023 Nobel Prize Laureate in Economic Sciences, and one of TIME’s 2024 Women of The Year. This week, host Charlotte Alter sits down with Goldin for a captivating conversation on the evolution of women's participation in the workforce. Claudia shares the exhilarating moment she was awarded the Nobel Prize and her path to discovering a deep-seated passion for economics, and sheds light on the complex intersection of economics and gender equality. The pair also discuss Claudia's unconventional advice to her students about planning their futures and her reflections on the new lifecycle of women’s employment. Tune in for a masterclass on the economic history of the American woman, and enlightening lessons on progress, policy, and personal growth. Read more about Claudia Goldin’s groundbreaking work and all of TIME’s 2024 Women of The Year here: https://time.com/collection/women-of-the-year/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.