The Open Mind, Hosted by Alexander Heffner

American pastry chef and PieCaken owner Zac Young discusses the culinary arts and business during the pandemic.

Former Homeland Security and Pence advisor Olivia Troye discusses whether Trump's authoritarian takeover of the GOP will be permanent, and if so, when Senator Romney and conservatives  disaffiliate from an autocratic party.

UNC professor of law Carissa Byrne Hessick explains how and why the authoritarian incitement of domestic terrorism to overturn the election is different from violent episodes during the BLM protests.

University of Massachusetts philosopher Nicholas Evans discusses why Australia’s COVID-19 response succeeded while the U.S. failed, and the bioethical, geopolitical, and psychological impact of the pandemic on nations and their citizens.

University of California San Francisco Medicine chair Dr. Robert Wachter discusses the impact of emerging COVID-19 vaccines.

Hudson Institute researcher Casey Michel discusses his forthcoming book “American Kleptocracy: How the U.S. Created the World's Greatest Money Laundering Scheme in History."

University of Michigan chief health officer Dr. Preeti Malani discusses ICU capacities and what systemic change the pandemic should induce. 

Medical University of South Carolina physician Dr. Krutika Kuppalli discusses the deployment of the first COVID-19 vaccines.

Penn State scientist and author Michael Mann discusses the new administration’s climate initiatives. 

Wired editor-in-chief and incoming Atlantic CEO Nicholas Thompson discusses contemporary tech and policy issues, including companies too monopolized to fail and American social media used to plot and (dis)inform a coup.   

American University in Cairo International Student Body Representative Lindsey Edwards discusses her journey from Arkansas to Cairo and generational change.

Nanoelectronics and Devices Center director Yehea Ismail discusses cancer-detecting biochips, 5G networks, and next generation AI-powered electronics.

Educator James Ketterer discusses the role of lifelong learning in nurturing citizenship and protecting those studying abroad. 

Playwright Jillian Campana discusses how theatre can adapt to achieve social and gender equity during the pandemic. 

U.S. Ambassador (Ret.) to Egypt, Turkey, and The Philippines Francis Ricciardone discusses the pursuit of international diplomacy and his tenure as president of the American University in Cairo. 

Adult actress Blake Blossom discusses contemporary realities of the industry and the current Pornhub controversy.

UC Davis constitutional scholar Carlton Larson discusses the future of the Supreme Court and the American Republic. 

Adult film star, artist, and social critic Daisy Ducati discusses the lack of equity for sex workers.

Scientist Yaneer Bar-Yam discusses the successful (Australia and Asia) vs. unsuccessful (U.S. and European) COVID strategies. 

BuzzFeed legal correspondent Zoe Tillman discusses Trump's campaign to overturn the election results.

Science writer Fred Nadis discusses his book, "Star Settlers: The Billionaires, Geniuses, and Crazed Visionaries Out to Conquer the Universe."

Historian Lindsay Chervinsky discusses Washington's conception of the Cabinet, the Trump years, and future into the Biden Administration.

Johns Hopkins University neuroscientist David Linden discusses his new book “Unique: The New Science of Human Individuality.” 

Atlanta-based journalist, organizer, and Really American advisor Benjamin Dixon discusses the salient policy issues in Georgia and the run-off election that will determine U.S. Senate party control. 

National Popular Vote advocate and Vermont State Senator Christopher Pearson discusses the movement to guarantee the presidency to the candidate who receives the most popular votes.