Dictionaries are not what they used to be

When was the last time you actually opened a dictionary and flipped through the pages to find the definition of a word? Journalist and author Stefan Fatsis joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how A.I. is changing the traditional dictionary, why dictionaries are more complicated and controversial than you might think, and how you might be able to get a word added to the record. His book is “Unabridged: The Thrill of (and Threat to) the Modern Dictionary.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Members of Gen X are famously overlooked – maybe we’re sleeping on them? Writer Amanda Fortini joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how being a latch-key generation fostered creativity, why this generation is (finally) having an influence, and why it’s significant that Gen Xers had the last fully analog childhood. Her article “Is Gen X Actually the Greatest Generation?” was published in T Magazine. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

One Democrat already seems to be priming himself for a presidential run against all things MAGA: Gavin Newsom. Helen Lewis, staff writer at The Atlantic, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss Newsom’s positioning as a leading candidate to run for president in 2028, his track record as governor of California and if Democrats are excited about his prospects. Her article is “The Front-Runner.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

First there was the Monroe Doctrine, now President Trump’s foreign policy approach is being dubbed the “Donroe Doctrine.” Joshua Keating is a senior correspondent at Vox covering foreign policy and world news with a focus on the future of international conflict. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why Trump believes the U.S. has a right to intervene in global affairs across the Western hemisphere, how that differs from his campaign promises, and what this strategy looks like for the remainder of his term. His article is “What actually is the ‘Donroe Doctrine’?” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

 Our complicated relationship with alcohol goes far beyond Dry January. Dr. Charles Knowles is professor of surgery at Queen Mary University of London, chief academic officer at the Cleveland Clinic London and a consultant colorectal surgeon. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss his own problem drinking and the steps he took to finally stop, what science says about addiction, and how we can reset our own relationships with alcohol. His book is “Why We Drink Too Much: The Impact of Alcohol on Our Bodies and Culture.”   Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

America’s pastime used to be baseball, but these days football is clearly king. Author Chuck Klosterman joins guest host Paige Phelps to discuss all things football – from the fervor of a Friday night high school game to a fan’s complicity in violence and injury – plus a look at what would happen if the sport faded away. His book is called “Football.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The military action in Venezuela sent shockwaves around the world, but that is not the only hotspot with potential for war. Paul Stares is General John W. Vessey Senior Fellow for Conflict Prevention and director of the Center for Preventive Action, Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss CFR’s annual conflict risk assessment survey, which looks at U.S. national security threats and potential areas for international instability in 2026. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Venezuela’s future looks uncertain, and the entire region is bracing for what comes next. Will Freeman is a fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss Nicolás Maduro’s removal and the United States’ new bid for dominance in Latin America, what oil means for regional economies, and how Colombia, Cuba and other countries might meet this moment. His article in Foreign Affairs is “The Shock Waves of Venezuela.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

 If you’re chugging orange juice or sipping chicken soup to battle colds, you might’ve been sold a bill of goods. Daniel M. Davis is head of life sciences and professor of immunology at Imperial College London. He joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the facts vs. myths of keeping your immune system healthy, why too strong an immune system might be detrimental, and the surprising remedies that actually work. His book is “Self-Defense: A Myth-Busting Guide to Immune Health.”  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In an angry, polarized world, it’s good to remember the many benefits of a good laugh. Chris Duffy is a comedian and host of TED’s podcast “How to Be a Better Human,” and he joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the link between humor and innovation, how social bonds are formed over jokes and chuckles, and why humor is a key to a happy, healthy life. His book is “Humor Me: How Laughing More Can Make You Present, Creative, Connected, and Happy.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices