News and Happenings

Andy talks to epidemiologist Michael Osterholm, one of his most trusted sources. He was one of the first to see the pandemic coming in January and has been a step ahead ever since. Andy and Mike talk about what has happened since the pandemic came to the US, what we’ve learned from past pandemics, what the major surprises are, and what is happening next. Plus, hear an appreciation of Andy’s co-host and son Zach, who is leaving the show to focus on his first semester of college.

As the Republican National Convention kicks off today, it’s time to take a look at what a Trump re-election might look like with longtime political commentator Bill Kristol. They discuss how the President’s handling of the pandemic will play out in the campaign, if the party is forever changed by his presidency and why Bill thinks the margin of victory  matters almost as much as who wins. Plus, a frank discussion of race and racism in Trump’s Republican party.

There’s one place in the country with zero COVID-19 cases. Andy chats with Golden State Warriors head coach and social justice advocate Steve Kerr about the NBA and the pandemic: from the suspension of the season in March to creating a COVID-free bubble in Orlando. Plus, how Steve’s incredible life story connects him to the tradition of outspoken athletes like Mohammed Ali and Bill Walton, and yes, there may be some basketball talk with Andy and Zach.

On the first day of the virtual Democratic National Convention, Andy talks to Kavita Patel, a policy advisor for Senator Kamala Harris, about what a Biden-Harris pandemic response would be and how it would change from the Trump administration. Then Andy chats with Neera Tanden, the President and CEO of the Center for American Progress, about what to expect this week from the convention.

Andy is joined by Lana this time for a conversation with another cool couple, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Connie Schultz and Senator Sherrod Brown. The four of them talk about the changing political climate of Connie and Sherrod’s home state of Ohio and their commitment to people in the working class — many of whom are on the front lines of the pandemic. Plus, what everyone thinks of President Trump’s recent executive actions and Sherrod’s take on what the Senate will do for a relief package.

The Centers for Disease Control is our number-one resource for preventing and fighting a pandemic. With its credibility very much in question, Andy calls up his former colleague Dr. Tom Frieden, who ran the CDC for eight years during the Obama Administration, to discuss what the CDC does, how it’s doing, and the overall U.S. response to the pandemic.

Listen in as Andy and former Presidential candidate Andrew Yang have a candid conversation about how to support Americans in the short term with the pandemic and, in the long term, through the fall-out. With more societal changes than we’ve seen in our lifetime piling up every day, Andrew’s signature policy of a universal basic income has never been more relevant, nor has Andy’s signature commitment to universal health care. This is one of those conversations where you get to eavesdrop on how policies, movements, and political efforts are formulated.

Andy and Zach want to know if colleges are going to open, should they open, and should Zach move to campus later this month to start his freshman year. NYU Professor Scott Galloway has led this conversation with a very provocative and clear point of view. Like with almost everything in the pandemic, we see society’s pre-existing challenges exposed — in this case elitism, entitlement, privilege and how higher education needs to change. 

In Andy’s conversation with Susan Rice, former UN Ambassador and National Security Advisor, see why she is considered a front-runner for Joe Biden’s pick for Vice President. Rice goes in-depth on her biography and shares her perspectives on how America’s strengths and challenges play out on the world stage. This is a rare chance to hear how she would approach issues ranging from the pandemic to climate change, race relations, the economy, China and more. Plus, reflections on the legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis. 

It’s time for another Monday Toolkit episode! This week, Andy feeds your questions and real-life situations to Johns Hopkins epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers and former New York City epidemiologist Farzad Mostashari. This conversation aims to help us bring normality back into our lives, and they’ll offer up advice about traveling, kids, school, socializing and more. You will need to vote after the episode: Team Caitlin or Team Farzad?