Factually! with Adam Conover

Whether we like it or not, artificial intelligence is increasingly empowered to take control of various aspects of our lives. While some tech companies advocate for self-regulation regarding long-term risks, they conveniently overlook critical current concerns like the rampant spread of misinformation, biases in A.I. algorithms, and even A.I.-driven scams. In this episode, Adam is joined by cognit...

As implausible as it might sound, it's entirely possible that by this time next year, MDMA could be recognized as a medicine eligible for insurance coverage. In a captivating discussion, Adam engages with journalist and author Rachel Nuwer to explore the extraordinary trajectory of MDMA, from its accidental laboratory creation to becoming the quintessential party drug, enduring as the primary targ...

Our conception of time is a construct, so why does it have so much power over us? Adam and author Jenny Odell delve into the history of "time" as we know it, and how the popular obsession with trying to make the most of every second is a losing battle. Pick up Jenny's book at factuallypod.com/books SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconover SEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamc...

The United States is one of the wealthiest nations on the planet, so why is it that our poverty rates surpass those of so many other countries? In this episode, sociologist Matthew Desmond shares a hard truth with Adam: we are constantly reinforcing wealth inequality in invisible ways. The good news is that we're capable of divesting from the ways we may inadvertently contribute to the system. Pic...

Language changes, and that's not a bad thing! This week, Adam is joined by sociolinguist Valerie Fridland to uncover how language is much more malleable than we're led to believe, and how the resistance against new slang often disguises an attempt to limit the influence of marginalized communities. Pick up Valerie's book at factuallypod.com/books Like the show? Rate Factually! 5-Stars on Apple Pod...

From the Metaverse to AI, tech giants continue lure us with false promises of "the next big thing." This week, Adam is joined by Dan Olson, a perceptive YouTube personality known for deconstructing narratives and the modern tech landscape. Together, they unravel the reasons behind this technological hype cycle and discuss potential pathways to break free from its grip. Find Dan's channel at Foldin...

Is there such a thing as "too much justice"? This week, Adam explores the pressing issue of police violence and accountability with Professor of Law at UCLA School of Law Joanna Schwartz. Together they discuss the challenges faced in holding law enforcement accountable, potential reforms, and explore the role of litigation in seeking justice and fostering meaningful change. Pick up Joanna's book a...

For the first time in over 15 years, the Writers Guild of America is on strike. Your favorite shows and movies are at risk, but so is the livelihood of thousands of writers, and the future of writing as a viable career. This week, Adam is joined by fellow writers and WGA negotiating committee members Danielle Sanchez-Witzel and David A. Goodman to discuss how we got here, what's at stake, and what...

In honor of the passing of the Judith Heumann, we’re re-airing Adam’s 2019 interview with the trailblazing disability rights activist and hero, Judith Heumann. Pick up a copy of Judith’s memoir, Being Heumann, at http://factuallypod.com/books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19...

So-called “artificial intelligence” is one of the most divisive topics of the year, with even those who understand it in total disagreement about its potential impacts. This week, A.I. reseachers and authors of the famous paper “On the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots”, Emily Bender and Timnit Gebru, join Adam to discuss what everyone gets wrong about A.I. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...

Racism in the way America polices its communities is so deeply rooted, it often seems intractable. So how do we make progress? According to this week’s guest, civil rights lawyer Daryl Atkinson, the answer is “one bite at a time.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy...

What is the truth about the relationship between TikTok and the Chinese government, and would banning it help or hurt Americans? This week, TikTok misinformation researcher Abbie Richards joins Adam to bust myths and explain what the real problem with TikTok actually is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Pr...

How should we actually understand intelligence? This week, Rina Bliss Joins Adam to discuss common misconceptions of our understanding of intelligence, the progression of neuroplasticity throughout our lives, and how we should ultimately view intelligence as a society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priv...

What is synthetic biology and why is the “next Industrial Revolution”? Michael Specter joins Adam to discuss MRNA vaccines, stunning new developments in biotech, and why biology is more dangerous than nuclear weapons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-...

Adam talks with legendary organizer Jane McAlevey about why organizing is the only way for unions, workers, and activists to win gains, and how to do it in practice. Pick up Jane’s book at http://factuallypod.com/books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell...

What the hell is laughter? Why do we do it, and what is its purpose? This week, psychoanalyst Nuar Alsadir joins Adam to discuss her theories about the origins of laughter, its effect on other people, and its purpose in various scenarios. Buy Nuar’s book at http://factuallypod.com/books Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy a...

How can creative workers and individuals defend ourselves against the largest monopolies in the US? This week author and activist Cory Doctorow joins Adam to discuss how chokepoint capitalism causes the enshittification of everything we love and how we can fight back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priva...

It’s a very scary time to be a trans person in America. An unprecedented onslaught of transphobic legislation is being pushed in state houses across the country, including more than two dozen bills that would to restrict access to healthcare for trans people. This week, Adam is joined by the executive director of the Transgender Law Center, Shelby Chestnut, to discuss the state of trans rights in...

Adam invites one of his favorite guests Carlo Rovelli back to the show to talk about the deep history of science, the first physicist, and the conceptual revolutions in understanding that may still await us in the future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-s...

This week Adam is joined by theoretical cosmologist and particle physicist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein to discuss what the hell dark matter actually IS and how much we know about it, why being a particle physicist is not just about making things up, and how much better not just science, but human life would be if everyone had equal access to the beautiful project of understanding the natural world. ...

All of us have too much to do and too little time to do it in. Yet the more we try to increase our productivity, the less happy and productive we seem to be. Why, and what’s the solution? This week Oliver Burkeman, author of Four Thousand Weeks, Time Management for Mortals, joins Adam to discuss how to break the cycle of productivity shame with his radical new approach to looking at time. Learn mo...

Our dependency on cars isn’t just bad for traffic and the environment; it also forces many Americans to take on debt, or interact with our dangerous and deadly criminal justice system. Today on the show, Andrew Ross and Julie Livingston join Adam to talk about why cars, famously a symbol of freedom, actually consign many to imprisonment and death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....

We know we’re going to die. So why don’t we act like it? This week, Adam is joined by Caitlin Doughty to discuss human composting, aquamation, green burial, how to reform the funeral industry, and how to finally accept the inevitable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pri...

What are atmospheric rivers and bomb cyclones, and why are they mercilessly attacking us? This week climate scientist Daniel Swain joins Adam to discuss the meteorological events of the past month, and to explain the effect that climate change is having on the weather we face every day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy a...

What, exactly, do we owe to our fellow animals? Which animals are conscious, and how do we tell? How can we know what’s best for animals that cannot tell us their preferences and needs directly? This week, Adam is joined by one of the most eminent philosophers in the world, Martha Nussbaum, to discuss her new book Justice for Animals. Pick up a copy at http://factuallypod.com/books Learn more abou...