Bernie Bros: How White Men Hijacked a Progressive Movement

Young men at a political rally with blue signs that say "Bernie" illustrate Bernie Bros

Who were Bernie Bros? What did they reveal about American society, and what difference did they make? Ijeoma Oluo explores the phenomenon of white men hijacking social causes in her analysis of the 2016 US Presidential election. She focuses on a group of Bernie Sanders supporters dubbed “Bernie Bros,” examining their motivations and impact on progressive politics. Keep reading to discover how Bernie Bros shed light on broader issues of race, gender, and class in social movements.

Racism in the NFL: A Case Study in White Male Mediocrity

Black professional football players in black helmets and jerseys illustrate the problem of racism in the NFL

Is racism in the NFL more pervasive than we realize? How has the sport’s evolution reflected broader societal issues? According to Ijeoma Oluo, football’s journey from an elite white college game to a multibillion-dollar industry reveals deep-rooted racial dynamics. The NFL’s history showcases both progress and persistent challenges in addressing racism and inequality. Keep reading to explore how American football mirrors societal struggles and the ongoing fight for equality in sports and beyond.

Existential Threats to Humanity: Are We on the Precipice?

A globe teetering on the edge of a cliff in desert mountains illustrates existential threats to humanity

Is humanity on the brink of extinction? Can we do anything to safeguard our future? Toby Ord’s book The Precipice explores existential threats to humanity, from natural disasters to man-made catastrophes. He delves into current risks such as nuclear weapons and climate change, as well as potential future dangers such as pandemics and artificial intelligence. Keep reading for a sobering yet crucial exploration of the challenges facing humanity.

The Environmental Impacts of Food Production

A cartoon of planet Earth on a dinner plate, signifying the environmental impacts of food production

How do ultra-processed foods impact the environment? What is the leading cause of global biodiversity loss? Not only are ultra-processed foods horrible for people, they’re also horrible for the environment. UPF production causes the destruction of forests, releases greenhouse gasses, and causes biodiversity loss. Here’s a closer look at the environmental impacts of food production.

Viola Davis at Juilliard: An Education She Didn’t Expect

A black woman, seen in silhouette from behind, on a theatre stage looking into the spotlight

How did Viola Davis’s journey to Juilliard begin? What challenges did she face as a Black student at the prestigious institution? Viola Davis’s time at Juilliard was a pivotal moment in her acting career. Her experience there shaped her perspective on art and identity, leading to a transformative trip to Gambia and a breakthrough performance. Read on to discover how Davis’s Juilliard experience influenced her growth as an artist and her views on representation in the arts.

Peter Zeihan: The End of the World Is Just the Beginning

Bearded grey-haired man wearing glasses and reading a book with bookshelves in the background

What’s the future of global trade? How could a breakdown in international shipping affect your daily life? Peter Zeihan’s The End of the World Is Just the Beginning presents a sobering view of our globalized world’s fragility. He argues that demographic shifts and geopolitical changes may soon unravel the international trade system we’ve come to rely on. Keep reading to discover Zeihan’s predictions for the coming decades and learn why he believes some countries are better positioned to weather the storm than others.

The Future of CRISPR: Exciting & Concerning Possibilities

A depiction of a DNA double helix illustrates the future of CRISPR technology

What will CRISPR be used for in the coming years? How might this technology change our world? The future of CRISPR is filled with exciting possibilities and potential risks. From combating diseases to creating bioweapons, this gene-editing tool could revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and even warfare. Scientists are exploring applications ranging from treating cancer to enhancing human capabilities. Keep reading to learn about CRISPR’s evolving role in shaping our future, as outlined by Walter Isaacson in his book The Code Breaker.

Scary Smart: Book Overview & Takeaways (Mo Gawdat)

Skeptical or concerned man reading a book

Are you worried about the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence? Can we ensure AI benefits humanity rather than harms it? In his book Scary Smart, Mo Gawdat explores the potential risks and rewards of AI development. He argues that, while we can’t stop AI’s progress, we can shape its future by changing our own behavior and values. Read our Scary Smart book overview to discover Gawdat’s insights on how we can guide AI towards a positive future for humanity.

Peter Zeihan: A Population Implosion Will Trigger a Global Crisis

Hundreds of people-shaped icons of various colors illustrate Peter Zeihan's population implosion analysis and prediction

What’s the future of our global economy? How might population trends affect your financial well-being? Peter Zeihan’s population analysis, as outlined in his book The End of the World Is Just the Beginning, paints a sobering picture of our demographic and economic future. He argues that a population implosion will lead to economic crises worldwide, with China facing the highest risk. Read more to discover why Zeihan believes population trends could reshape our global economic landscape.