The Brian Lehrer Show

NPR's Andrea Bernstein reports on the guilty verdict for President Trump from her vantage point from the courtroom, and as a longtime reporter on the former president and his business dealings.

Lincoln Restler, New York City Council Member, talks about the latest conflicts between the Council and the mayor, safety issues on McGuinness Boulevard and more.

Legal scholar Aziz Huq discusses the Manhattan jury's guilty verdict of Donald Trump in his so-called "hush money" trial.

Warren Lehrer, writer and designer, talks about his new e-book about a woman's journey to recovering the ability to speak after a stroke, joined by neurologist Laura Boylan, M.D.

Richard Ocejo examines the effect on racial and income disparity in Hudson Valley's Newburgh, NY, after an influx of wealthier remote workers from NYC and its suburbs.

Curtis Bashaw, entrepreneur running in the New Jersey Republican Senate primary, talks about his campaign for the GOP nomination for the U.S. Senate and his stance on issues important to primary voters.

A look at the central questions being discussed by the jury in Donald Trump's hush money case.

Jon Campbell, Albany reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, talks about what is likely to be included in the next "big ugly" collection of final legislation.

Americans are less likely to feel close to people in their country or community. Listeners with ties to countries abroad weigh in on the poll results and offer comparisons to other countries.

Gothamist and WNYC reporter Liz Kim recaps what Mayor Adams talked about at this week's press conference.

A look at why the Biden campaign is struggling in the polls with younger voters, as well as Black and Latino voters.

Stanford University's Martin Lewis explains why determining what makes a continent a continent involves both physical and human geographical criteria, and why people around the world don't agree on how many there are.

Former FBI director James Comey talks about his new crime novel Westport and offers his take on the Trump trial.

Dharna Noor shares the latest on an alleged "deal" offer from former President Donald Trump to oil companies.

New York Times Paris bureau chief Roger Cohen discusses Spain, Norway and Ireland's decision to recognize a Palestinian state as well as the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders.

The Brian Lehrer Show observes the Memorial Day holiday with a selection of favorite interviews: Surviving New York in 2020; George Takei on 'My Lost Freedom'; Jon Meacham on what we should learn from Lincoln; The Medium - and the Message - of the Internet; Stories from Hart Island

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them: Weight-Loss Drug Market Expansion; Anne Lamott on Love; Our Childhood Homes.

Chris Allieri, founder of the NYC Plover Project, and Aydon Gabourel, founder of Laru Beya Collective talk about their work in the Rockaway Beach community.

This week, Hims & Hers announced the launch of their own off brand weight-loss injection, sparking a boost in their stock prices. Melissa Lee, Host of CNBC's Fast Money, takes us into the marketplace for GLP-1 agonist drugs, Ozempic dupes sold online, and what the popularity of these drugs on Wall Street means for patients.

Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services talks about the Small Business Expo, the services the department offers small business owners and what the "City of Yes" could mean for city storefronts and more.

Ari Berman on the Supreme Court ruling that allows a gerrymander in South Carolina to stand, on the basis that it was done for partisan, not racial, reasons.

Cheryl Mendelson reflects on the state of marriage today, through the traditional wedding vows, from their feudal origin to contemporary interpretations.

All Of It producer, Jordan Lauf, shares some new reads for the summer season.

A reflection on our childhood homes and what we search for when we return

A quiz inspired by the title "All Of It"

A look at the meaning behind the upside-down flag displayed outside Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's home.

New York Magazine art critic Jerry Saltz shares some art highlights from plazas, galleries and museums.

The writer Anne Lamott talks about turning 70, and why love has been the answer to the many challenges she's faced in her own life.

Today's 10-question quiz is all about famous people named Ted, inspired by the title "TED Radio Hour."

Mayor Adams holds one off-topic press conference per week, where reporters can ask him questions on any subject. Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter,  recaps what he talked about at this week's event.

Andrea Bernstein reports on the latest news from Trump's so-called "hush money" trial, where witness testimonies have finished and attorneys are preparing their closing arguments for next week.

A preview of the most exciting theater productions coming to New York City this summer season.

Bill McKibben breaks down what's at stake for mitigating climate change ahead of the 2024 presidential election and how the result of the election might impact fossil fuel’s political influence.

Each day during the spring membership drive, The Brian Lehrer Show is inviting listeners to try their hand at quiz questions, this time loosely based on the titles of radio shows that air on WNYC. Today's quiz questions are inspired by the title "Fresh Air."

Fareed Zakaria looks back at other turbulent eras for insights into navigating this one.

Summer highlights for classical music and opera fans.

Reflecting on the 39th president's legacy in this presidential election year.

Today's quiz questions are inspired by the title 'On the Media.'

The city's cultural institutions on what they need from the city to operate compared to what they're getting

Former White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, on effective communication in Washington, and beyond.

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them.

A preview of some NYC dance performances and open-air dance parties ahead of the summer.

An argument against waiting for "heroes" to do the work of seeking justice and safeguarding democracy.

Today's quiz questions are inspired by the title "Science Friday."

In the last 20 years, some landlords have been cited over and over for lead paint violations without enforcement.

MSNBC host Ali Velshi shares the story of his grandfather's work with Gandhi and Mandela.

Some of opportunities to watch movies under the stars this summer.

Advice for navigating the extremes of trivializing and over-medicating the struggles of young adults today.

Today's membership drive quiz questions are about the First Amendment, inspired by the radio show title "1A."

David Banks, NYC Schools Chancellor, talks about his testimony before the House committee on antisemitism..

Frank Bruni talks about his new book and the effect he sees of "grievances" big and small motivating so much of our politics.

Some of can't miss things to see and do in our local area this summer.

This week, Mayor Adams responded to questions about the police killing of Win Rozario and more.

A 'New Yorker Radio Hour'-themed quiz—that is, a quiz about New York people, places and things.

Nicholas Kristof reflects on his career in a new memoir, 'Chasing Hope.'

Andrea Bernstein reports on the latest from Trump's hush money trial.

Tips and best-practices for No-Mow May.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter discusses the right-wing campaign to roll back civil rights gains under the guise of colorblindness.

A recap of the debate in the Senate primary for the seat formerly held by Bob Menendez.

A recap of the debate between Westchester County Executive George Latimer and incumbent Congressman Jamaal Bowman, who are vying for the Democratic nomination in New York's 16th Congressional district.

Advice for listeners on either side of a financial divide in their friendships.

The story of Deborah “Big Red” Cotton, an African American racial justice activist, who forgave the young Black men who shot her when they fired into a second line parade in New Orleans.

Advocates have been pushing for nine years for the Medical Aid in Dying Act, but the New York State legislature has been hesitant to act.

The Biden administration's assesses its policy toward sending weapons to Israel.

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them.

Ahead of Mother's Day, illustrator Liana Finck discusses her non-parenting parenting guide "How to Baby" -- and listeners call in to share what surprised them the most about motherhood.

Vox's Benji Jones explains what's going on with the rare double brood of cicadas emerging and the effect they'll have on the ecosystem.

A new report from the Community Service Society highlights the problem of relying on "Area Median Income" in deciding what qualifies as "affordable housing."

Politico's Nicholas Wu talks about the latest news coming out of Congress: the bipartisan vote to save Speaker Johnson and Chancellor Banks' testimony to a House committee on antisemitism.

A recent New York Times Magazine issue explores retirement, and how life after work brings an unexpected challenges to couples. Listeners call in to share how retirement has impacted the relationships in their lives.

A new report by the City Council found pay disparities between workers of color and women in the municipal work force. NYC Council Member Carmen De La Rosa (District 10, Washington Heights, Inwood and Marble Hill), breaks down the data, plus talks about other council news of the week.

President Biden is staking his legacy, and his reelection campaign, on massive amounts of domestic spending, spurred by the passage of four major laws. But a Politico analysis found billions of dollars Congress approved by passing these bills has not yet been spent. Jessie Blaeser, data reporter at Politico, and Ben Storrow, reporter at Politico's E&E News, explain the delays, and why they are a threat both to the president's legacy and his reelection.

Nancy Solomon, WNYC reporter and editor, and host of the “Ask Governor Murphy” monthly call-in show recaps her conversation with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. Topics this month included a proposed corporate tax to fund NJ Transit, tax relief for seniors, an NJ Turnpike extension and more.

A. J. Jacobs, NPR contributor, essayist, host of the podcast "The Puzzler" and the author of The Year of Living Biblically, It's All Relative and his latest, The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution's Original Meaning (Crown, 2024), offers his take on "originalism" by living like a "founding father"—tricorn hat and all. →EVENT: A. J. Jacobs talks to NYS Lieutenant Gov. Antonio Delgado at 92Y on Thursday, May 9 at 8pm.  Register here.

Listeners call in to shout out the teacher they most appreciate, whether it's the person who taught them how to read 40 years ago or the one currently coaching their child through long division.

Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie is making moves to run against Mayor Eric Adams in the Democratic primary next June. Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter, explains the latest and recaps Mayor Adams' weekly presser, including his remarks on Columbia University's graduation cancellation and more.

Andrea Bernstein, journalist reporting on Trump legal matters for NPR, host of many podcasts including "Will be Wild" and "Trump, Inc." and the author of American Oligarchs: The Kushners, The Trumps and the Marriage of Money and Power (W. W. Norton & Company, 2020), reports on the latest news from Trump's so-called "hush money" trial, including testimonies from Hope Hicks and Stormy Daniels and a warning from the judge.

Luis A. Miranda, Jr., founder of the political consulting firm MirRam, founding president of the Hispanic Federation and the author of Relentless: My Story of the Latino Spirit that is Transforming America (Hachette Books, 2024), shares his story of his life and work in NYC politics (and as the father of Lin Manuel).

Roxanne Scott, independent journalist working on a series with the NY Amsterdam News about climate change in Southeast Queens, talks about how St. Albans in Southeast Queens, a majority-Black neighborhood where residents have long complained of neglected infrastructure and services, is dealing with a pest exacerbated by climate change: mosquitos.

TikTok once embraced the narrative of its algorithm as an all-powerful "secret sauce." Now, that narrative appears to be backfiring as Congress attempts to force a sale. John Herrman, tech columnist at New York Magazine, explains.→ The Secret Weakness of TikTok’s All-Powerful Algorithm | Intelligencer

Anne Applebaum, staff writer at The Atlantic, historian and author of the forthcoming Autocracy, Inc: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World (Penguin, 2024) talks about her Atlantic cover story, “Democracy Is Losing the Propaganda War," about the rise of autocracy around the world.

Greg David, contributor covering fiscal and economic issues for THE CITY and director of the business and economics reporting program and Ravitch Fiscal Reporting Program at the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, shares his analysis of where retail is and isn't booming, and what kinds of businesses are setting up shop here, plus comments on what the latest unemployment numbers say about the economy.

Annie Karni, congressional correspondent at The New York Times, talks about the latest national political news of the week, including legislation that recently passed the House on antisemitism, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's latest attempt to oust Speaker Mike Johnson and more.

Survey data show that Americans are getting more sleep now than they did before the pandemic. Caitlin Gilbert, data reporter at The Washington Post, explains the trends, and how it differs between different groups of people.

Egg freezing as a method to extend fertility for women has become more accessible and popular in the past decade—though still costly. Anna North, senior correspondent for Vox, where she covers American family life, work and education, reports on whether the industry oversold women, as data now show having a baby through the process is no guarantee.→ The failed promise of egg freezing | Vox

Three of our favorite segments from the week, in case you missed them. Transit Latest: Congestion Pricing, Fare Evasion, the End of Free Bus Routes and More (First) | Are SATs a Good Thing? (Starts at 27:57) | Peak Spring Migration Season (Starts at 50:38) If you don't subscribe to the Brian Lehrer Show on iTunes, you can do that here.

Every year, 50 teenage girls representing each state in America descend on Alabama to compete for large scholarship checks in the Distinguished Young Women program. Shima Oliaee, host and creator of "The Competition," creator of Pink Card, co-creator of Dolly Parton's America and founder of Shirazad Productions, discusses her new podcast, "The Competition", which follows young women on their 2-week journey and offers a peek into what it's like to be a teenage girl in America today.

It's peak spring migration season for birds. Jason Saul, assistant program director at WNYC and former managing producer for BirdNote, talks about where the birds are and what to look for (and listen to) if you're heading out on a birdwatching walk.

Mayor Adams released his executive budget this week that restored many of the cuts he'd previously proposed. Justin Brannan, New York City Councilmember (District 43-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach) and chair of the Council Finance Committee, talks about areas where the council and the mayor still differ.

The Department of Justice plans to change the way the federal government classifies cannabis, which will loosen restrictions on weed. Natalie Fertig, federal cannabis policy reporter for Politico, reports on the change, including how it will affect people, businesses and research in states where cannabis is legal (and not).

This year, many selective colleges are reversing Covid-era test-optional admissions policies, requiring applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores again. Emi Nietfeld, author of Acceptance: A Memoir (Penguin Press, 2022), discusses how taking the SAT changed her life and helped her, as a disadvantaged youth, to attend Harvard.

From the 18th century to the beginning of the 20th, May 1st was a day when scores of New Yorkers would change their residencies. As a nod to that old tradition, we open up the lines for listeners in the midst of moves and hear some tips and stories.

Aaron David​​​​ Miller, senior fellow in the American Statecraft Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, former State Department advisor on the Middle East, and the author of several books, including The Much Too Promised Land: America’s Elusive Search for Arab-Israeli Peace (Bantam, 2008), talks about the current state of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas and the best pathways to peace in the region.  Plus, he reacts to President Biden's live remarks on the campus protests.

David Brand, housing reporter for WNYC/Gothamist, talks about some of the latest housing news, including the landlord facing possible "house" arrest (in one of his unrepaired buildings) and the Rent Guidelines Board preliminary vote on rent increases of 2 to 6.5 percent.

Bruce Ratner, real estate developer, philanthropist, founder of the Michael D. Ratner Center For Early Detection of Cancer (CEDC), and co-author of Early Detection: Catching Cancer When It’s Curable (OR Books, 2024), argues for earlier and more equitable cancer screening.

Mayor Adams holds one off-topic press conference per week, where reporters can ask him questions on any subject. Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter, recaps what he talked about at this week's event and on the news the morning after police dispersed on protests at Columbia and the City College of New York.

U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill (D, NJ-11) talks about her priorities related to reproductive rights and the National Defense Reauthorization Act, plus reacts to the news overnight of police arresting campus protesters.

Incoming college students traditionally need to make their decisions about what college they'll attend by May 1 -- and while issues with financial aid have caused some schools to delay the date, many are sticking with May 1. Listeners call in to talk about how they or their children made their decision this year, and whether the FAFSA debacle, or campus protests have affected their choice.

BBC presenter Nuala McGovern compares notes over how the UK is handling migrants, talks about her reporting here in New York and remembers her time as a Brian Lehrer Show producer.EVENT:Global Movements, Local Impacts: An Evening with WNYC + BBC NewshourWednesday, May 1, 2024, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ET, in person at the Greene Space (44 Charlton St in Manhattan).Tickets (pay what you wish starting at $5) and details here.