Social Distance

Presenting: The Review, a new podcast from The Atlantic Oct 22, 2021

On The Review, The Atlantic's writers and guests discuss how we entertain ourselves and how that shapes the way we understand the world. Please subscribe and enjoy!

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How To Build A Happy Life: A new podcast from The Atlantic Oct 13, 2021

Hello Social Distance listeners! We'd like to introduce you to a new show.

In this series, host Arthur Brooks digs into research and offers tools to help you live more joyfully. Join us for deep conversations with psychologists, experts, and friends of The Atlantic's Chief Happiness Correspondent. For more info, visit www.theatlantic.com/happy, or search for How to Build a Happy Life on your podcast app.

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Is It Over? Jun 10, 2021

Though the pandemic continues around the world, the end appears in sight in the United States. At the same time, this episode will mark the last one for Social Distance.

Jim, Maeve, and returning host Katherine Wells gather to say goodbye to the show, listen to voicemails from past expert guests, and reflect on what we’ve learned these last fifteen months.

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Breakthrough Infections and Lonely Puppies Jun 03, 2021

While case counts in the U.S. continue to drop, there are still headlines about variants and "breakthrough" infections that might worry you. Fortunately, The Atlantic staff writer Katherine Wu explains to James Hamblin and Maeve Higgins why these shouldn't alarm us just yet. And staff writer Sarah Zhang drops in to help figure out how to keep pandemic puppies from being too anxious as people return to pre-pandemic routines.

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It's Time to Tango May 26, 2021

Now that Jim's "Quite Possibly Wonderful Summer" is coming to fruition, a lot of listeners have been considering the present and future. Can you go to a tango festival? What should parents be watching for? And why, exactly, is the Surgeon General wearing that uniform? Hit play for answers and a short history lesson from historian and listener Ruth Fairbanks.

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Dealing With Post-Pandemic Trauma May 20, 2021

We've all been suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another, and as the U.S. starts to emerge, we'll need to reckon with that. The Atlantic's Ed Yong discusses his piece on pandemic trauma, how to think about it, and what he's learned in talking to psychiatrists and other experts.

We want to hear from you! Email your questions or concerns to socialdistance@theatlantic.com or leave a voicemail at 202-642-6487.

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Share the Vaccine 'Recipe' May 12, 2021

When the Biden administration announced support for waiving COVID vaccine patents last week, it was met with praise, relief, skepticism, and alarm among different groups—but surprise all around. Pharmaceutical giants have long fought efforts to have their intellectual property released to meet international needs. And they’ve backed it up with immense political muscle. Could this time be different? Would it disincentivize future research, as critics like Bill Gates claim? And how much (and how quickly) could it help?

To understand the issue, Jim and Maeve are joined by Julie Rovner, the Chief Washington Correspondent for Kaiser Health News and host of the podcast “What The Health?”

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Long COVID Questions Answered May 05, 2021

Writer F.T. Kola returns to recount her experience with long COVID. What explains its strange constellation of symptoms? Will it ever go away? And why does vaccination seem to help?

F.T., Jim, and Maeve are joined by Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist investigating long COVID at her Yale lab. She explains what we know about the condition — and how two theories about its root cause mean the difference between a cure and no clear end in sight.

Jim's piece on herd immunity: How Herd Immunity Happens

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The Consequences of Vaccine Nationalism Apr 28, 2021

While wealthier countries reopen, India and the rest of the world face a terrifying new peak in the pandemic. How did it come to this? What can be done? And with new variants and limited supplies, how does the global vaccine strategy need to change to prevent more coronavirus spikes?

Staff writer Yasmeen Serhan joins Jim and Maeve to explain.

Jim’s piece: One Vaccine to Rule Them All

Yasmeen’s piece: India's COVID-19 Crisis Is the World's Crisis

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When Can I Take Off My Mask? Apr 21, 2021

The pandemic has led to “hygiene theater,” which gives a false sense of security. As vaccination continues, people should feel able to abandon many precautions—while continuing to focus on what really matters. How do we thread the needle between being too cautious and too cavalier? Staff writer Derek Thompson joins to help us understand public messaging.

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The Johnson & Johnson Pause Apr 14, 2021

Should the ‘pause’ in Johnson & Johnson vaccine worry us? Also, Jim got his first shot! But with so many people experiencing strong reactions to their second doses, what should he — and maybe you — expect?

Atlantic staff writer Katherine Wu joins to explain (and stays to talk cicadas!)

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We Need to Vaccinate Kids Apr 07, 2021

Children may have been largely spared the worst of COVID-19, but many kids have still gotten seriously ill and died. Despite promising news this week, most likely won’t have access to the vaccines for months. So as adults get vaccinated, how high are the stakes for kids? And how high are the stakes for everyone waiting on herd immunity?

Jim and Maeve ask Dr. Jill Foster, a professor and pediatric-infectious-disease specialist at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Also, with a pediatrician on the show, they take the opportunity to ask a few listener questions from parents.

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No Shirt. No Shoes. No Shots. No Service. Mar 31, 2021

Vaccine passports are almost certainly in our near future. But what are they exactly? And with concerns about vaccine equity now complicated by partisan fearmongering, how should they be implemented?

Art Caplan, a bioethicist with NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine who’s spent years thinking about vaccine ethics, joins Jim and Maeve to explain.

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A History of Pandemic Xenophobia & Racism Mar 24, 2021

The recent shootings in Atlanta highlighted a surge of anti-Asian violence in the United States throughout the pandemic. Disease stigma and racism have together shaped pandemic response and policy for centuries.

And so to better understand this history, Jim and Maeve speak with Alexandre White, a sociologist and medical historian at Johns Hopkins University. He shares his views on how a legacy of prejudice tied to disease should lead us to reexamine how we respond when outbreaks occur.

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Have Case Numbers Plateaued? Mar 18, 2021

Jim and Maeve answer listener vaccine questions and are joined by Alexis Madrigal, who explains the apparent plateau in cases (and why he’s begun to worry despite his longer-term optimism). With the COVID Tracking Project winding down, Madrigal also offers insight about where to get the best data.

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It’s Been A Year Mar 11, 2021

Jim and Katherine look back on a year of this pandemic podcast to what we’ve learned, what we haven’t, and what we can look forward to. (Also, Jim talks with Anthony Fauci!)

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Is One Vaccine ‘Better’ Than Another? Mar 03, 2021

With three vaccines now approved and news that the U.S. will have enough shots for every adult by the end of May, it feels like the country is turning a corner. But, even after getting vaccinated, Americans still have to mask and distance. Why is that? Can you still spread it? And with lots of efficacy numbers out there, is one vaccine ‘better’ than another?

James Hamblin and Maeve Higgins ask virologist Angela Rasmussen.

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Infections, Vaccinations, and Other Questions Feb 25, 2021

Listeners with mild COVID-19 cases call with their questions. Jim explains why he thinks the summer could be wonderful. And Maeve shares nun news from Ireland.

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‘A Disaster for Feminism’ Feb 18, 2021

Nearly a year ago, The Atlantic staff writer Helen Lewis predicted the pandemic would be “a disaster for feminism” and far too many of her predictions have proven true. With women leaving the workforce at unprecedented rates, why has the pandemic’s burden fallen so much harder on them? And what can we, as a society, do about it?

Also: Jim and Maeve answer listener questions about the virus (and discuss chickens).

Please fill out our listener survey! theatlantic.com/socialdistancesurvey

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A Forever Pandemic Feb 12, 2021

Vaccines are a public good. And if we don’t make a lot more of them, COVID-19 may never really go away.

Gregg Gonsalves, an epidemiology professor at Yale’s School of Public Health who joined the show in May to talk about his career as an AIDS activist, explains to Jim and Maeve how our moral failure to help vaccinate the rest of the world may come back to haunt us — and what big steps we’d need to take to prevent that.

Please fill out our listener survey at theatlantic.com/socialdistancesurvey. It helps us understand who we’re making this show for and how we can keep improving it. (And it helps us to make new shows that suit what you like!)

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Can You Get Reinfected? Feb 04, 2021

The Brazil variant raises a scary question — and reminds us that herd immunity needs to cross borders.

Also: Katherine shares the first episode of The Experiment, a new show from The Atlantic and WNYC Studios.

Subscribe to The Experiment here:

Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts / Spotify / Stitcher / Pocket Casts

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Have We Turned the Corner? Jan 28, 2021

People are getting vaccinated, but it’s not happening quickly enough. Case counts are dropping fast, but a near-record number of people are still sick. Do we have reason for optimism? Or could optimism still get us in trouble?

Alexis Madrigal and Robinson Meyer, staff writers and co-founders of the COVID Tracking Project at The Atlantic, join Jim and Maeve this week.

Where is Katherine? She’s still working on The Experiment, which launches next week! Hosted by WNYC’s Julia Longoria, the new podcast will examine the myths and ideas at the heart of the American experiment and the way powerful forces of history collide with our everyday lives. The trailer’s beautiful. Check it out here. And the first episode drops February 4th.

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Who Gets The Next Shot? Jan 21, 2021

Dr. Ruth Faden, an expert in biomedical ethics with Johns Hopkins University, has helped vaccine drives answer some tough questions: Who should be ahead of who? Do we prioritize speed or equity? And once people are inoculated, should they get ‘vaccine passports’ allowing freer movement?

She joins James Hamblin and guest host Maeve Higgins to assess how we’ve done — and what we could expect next.

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Mutations Jan 13, 2021

Last month, we learned about the “UK variant.” Now, more mutations from South Africa and Brazil have made headlines. How bad are they? And should you change anything you’re doing already?

Dr. Vineet Menachery, a virologist at the Galveston National Laboratory who studies coronaviruses, joins to explain.

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How Badly Is Vaccination Going? Jan 07, 2021

We were supposed to vaccinate 20 million Americans by the end of the year. We’ve fallen well short of that. Should we be worried?

Jim and Katherine are joined by Juliette Kayyem, a former Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security who ran intergovernmental efforts like the one behind the vaccine rollout. She explains what’s going on, what the problems have been, and why we shouldn’t be too concerned (yet).

They’re also joined by a listener named Craig seeking advice on a tough situation: when can you travel to see an ill family member?

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The Vaccine is Here! What Now? Dec 16, 2020

We're very relieved, but now entering the strange time of vaccine purgatory.

Staff writer Sarah Zhang joins Jim and Katherine to answer your questions.

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Americans Are Going Hungry Dec 10, 2020

The pandemic has brought unprecedented economic suffering and yet, Congress hasn’t passed new relief since March. As politicians attempt to negotiate a package before the holidays, Americans are going hungry. How could we have let it go on so long? What about our politics let it get so bad?

Jim and Katherine talk with Atlantic staff writer David A. Graham and Luis Guardia, president of the Food Research and Action Center.

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Misinformation Mailbag Dec 03, 2020

Listeners have written in with questions on all kinds of pandemic misinformation about masks, supplements, vaccines, and more. So this week, Jim and Katherine talk about conspiracy theories, false remedies, and how to talk to the people that believe in them.

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How to Cancel Thanksgiving (Because You Should) Nov 19, 2020

The coronavirus, in addition to being dangerous and terrifying, also makes everything socially awkward. But now is a time to make hard decisions and have hard conversations. Jim and Katherine answer listener questions about the holidays, and explain how to say no.

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A 90% Effective Vaccine Nov 11, 2020

Jim and Katherine get sent to the principal (the lead principal investigator of the Pfizer vaccine trial).

Dr. Stephen Thomas, now a key figure evaluating the Pfizer vaccine, returns to explain promising preliminary data that shows it to be 90% effective.

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‘A Long Misunderstood Region’ Nov 05, 2020

America hit 100,000 new coronavirus cases for the first time today. Unlike the wave in the spring, this one is spread across the country and especially hitting rural communities.

Carlos Sanchez, the head of public affairs for Hidalgo County in south Texas, talks about the fight that he and his home have had against COVID. Read his story in The Atlantic here. And read Adam Serwer on a Blue Texas here.

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After the Vote Oct 28, 2020

Could the election shape the course of the pandemic? Or is the ship too hard to turn by now? Staff writer Ed Yong joins the show to explain what a new administration can actually change—and what he worries may be built into our response now.

Read Ed Yong’s writing about the election, how the pandemic defeated America, and why our “pandemic spiral” have led to the same repeated errors.

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People Need Help Oct 22, 2020

Americans now face a third wave of the coronavirus. New lockdowns may soon follow—this time, without economic support.

Many provisions of the CARES Act ran out in July and Congress missed its deadline this week to pass new support before the election. We talk to Prof. Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach, an expert on the social safety net, about how dire the economic situation already is for many families.

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Is COVID-19 a Pre-Existing Condition? Oct 14, 2020

With worries about the Affordable Care Act looming over Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation hearings, an expert gives us a refresher on the landmark health law—and answers questions about what it would mean to lose the law during the pandemic.

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So Trump Has COVID Oct 07, 2020

Well it happened. But the president’s doctor isn’t providing a complete picture of Trump’s condition. What do we know about an outbreak coverup in the West Wing?

Read Jim’s recent stories here. And subscribe to The Atlantic: theatlantic.com/supportus

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What Does COVID Do to the Heart? Oct 01, 2020

At this week’s presidential debate, Donald Trump claimed he “brought back Big Ten football.” The college conference voted to send student athletes back on the field this fall—a decision that came only days after researchers at Ohio State (the current Big Ten champion) published a study of athletes who had contracted mild COVID cases, but showed signs of myocarditis, a potentially serious and long-lasting heart condition.

Jim and Katherine ask cardiologist Dr. Amy Kontorovich what we know about COVID’s impact on the heart. And Jim calls staff writer Adam Harris to ask why schools are putting student athletes at risk—and whether the controversial decision could change college athletics.

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How Bad Will Winter Get? Sep 23, 2020

Katherine’s been dreading the cold months and the problems they might bring. She asks Jim what to expect and how to prepare. And Alexis Madrigal joins for a live Atlantic Festival taping to share the different winter scenarios with testing and a vaccine.

Read Jim’s piece about winter here. And support this show by becoming an Atlantic subscriber at theatlantic.com/supportus.

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Fires Outside, Virus Inside Sep 16, 2020

Katherine’s in California, where things could be better. She’s been wearing two masks—one for the coronavirus, and one for the wildfire smoke—but she isn’t sure how to interpret the air quality warnings. Jim wants to know how air pollution like the smoke interacts with COVID-19. So they called Dr. John Balmes, an expert who’s studied inhaled pollutants for decades and serves as the Physician Member for the California Air Resources Board.

Join us live next week at the Atlantic Festival at 12pm ET. We’ll be joined by Alexis Madrigal and will take questions. Register for free at: theatlanticfestival.com

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Is Faster Better? Sep 09, 2020

The path out the pandemic is a vaccine. Short of that, it could be rapid testing. And the sooner, the better ... right? Sarah Zhang and Alexis Madrigal explain how close we are to each solution — and how much of a solution each may be if rushed.

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Herd Immunity is Not a Strategy Sep 02, 2020

With news that a White House pandemic adviser reportedly pushed a “herd immunity strategy,” Katherine and Jim ask an expert about what that would mean. Dr. Howard Forman, a Yale professor and emergency radiologist, explains why Sweden isn’t the example people think it is—and why many people are talking about “herd immunity” all wrong.

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Plasma and Immunity Aug 26, 2020

Writer F.T. Kola had COVID-19 in March, and she’s still dealing with the aftermath. She calls to ask about whether she should donate plasma, and if she should worry about “reinfection.” Then, senior editor John Hendrickson talks about disability at the DNC. Read his definitive story on Joe Biden and stuttering here.

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The Comedy and Tragedy of Virtual Live Events Aug 19, 2020

When live events went online, they lost something indescribable. But did some gain something new? Maeve Higgins explains why comedy needs a crowd. James Fallows argues that politics might be better on Zoom.

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Millennials Are Buying COVID Cars Aug 12, 2020

Katherine takes a road trip. Jim talks to staff writer Robinson Meyer about COVID cars—and how a new wave of car ownership could change cities for better, or worse.

Also: N95s! Surgical masks! Gaiters! What face coverings actually work? (And when should you wear them?)

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This Episode Has Not Been Peer-Reviewed Aug 05, 2020

Jim explains the terms Katherine hears in news about scientific studies — and why the pandemic may be changing science. And Ed Yong joins to discuss how American healthcare needs to change to beat the coronavirus. (Read his cover story here.)

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Birding Outside the Home Jul 31, 2020

Katherine tries to convince Jim to take on a new hobby with help from self-described “bird nerd,” Jason Ward.

Follow Jason Ward on Twitter & Instagram.

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The Tree Army Jul 29, 2020

Jim wants to see a modern version of the Civilian Conservation Corps. As it happens, there’s a bill in Congress to dramatically expand national service called the CORPS Act. Senator Chris Coons has led the effort to pass it. He joins the show to talk about solving two problems with one bill.

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'The Most Magical Place on Earth' Jul 27, 2020

Staff writer Graeme Wood makes his first visit to Walt Disney World in the midst of a pandemic.

You can read Graeme's piece here and support all of The Atlantic's journalism by subscribing at http://theatlantic.com/supportus.

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How Immunity Works Jul 24, 2020

Katherine gets the results of her coronavirus and antibody tests. She has questions about what they mean, so immunologist Dr. Lisa Butterfield joins to explain the immune system (with help from Jim’s metaphors).

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$600 a Week Jul 22, 2020

In a few days, 30 million Americans will lose the $600 in unemployment insurance they’ve depended on every week. What happens next? Annie Lowrey, staff writer and author of Give People Money, joins to explain.

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A New Definition of “Clean” Jul 20, 2020

Jim talks about his new book Clean: The New Science of Skin with his dream interviewer. Sort of.

You can buy his book here: rb.gy/anajcp

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CDC Data Goes Dark Jul 16, 2020

This week, the Trump administration mandated that hospitals no longer send their data to the CDC, and the public appears to have lost access to key data. Alexis Madrigal, staff writer and co-founder of The Atlantic’s COVID Tracking Project, joins to explain what happened and why it matters as states seek to reopen.

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Is it Safe To Fly? Jul 15, 2020

Jim answers a listener question about plane flights. Katherine peppers him with hypotheticals. Jim unfurls a bad metaphor, again.

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Our Deadliest Pandemic Mistake Jul 13, 2020

Over 40 percent of all coronavirus deaths in America have been linked to nursing homes. How did it happen, and how bad could it get? Staff writer Olga Khazan joins to explain.

Read her piece on nursing homes here, and Jim's piece on herd immunity here.

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What Will It Take To Get To Herd Immunity? Jul 10, 2020

How does this end? Absent a treatment or vaccine, coronavirus won’t stop spreading until we reach herd immunity. But what is it?

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The Sun Belt Spike Jul 08, 2020

What does the surge in cases in the south and west mean for the country’s chances of containing the pandemic? Staff writer Alexis Madrigal explains.

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The Stock Market is... Up? Jul 06, 2020

Why Wall Street's doing great while everything else is not

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Why the World Can’t Reopen If Schools Can’t Jul 03, 2020

Many plans for school reopenings involve a mix of online and in-person instruction. That could have huge downstream effects on a workforce that can’t rely on children being in or out of school. Staff writer Helen Lewis shares a solution that’s too logical to actually happen.

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How the Coronavirus Affects Kids Jul 01, 2020

The latest on a mysterious syndrome hitting kids — and what it means for schools.

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How Is College Going To Work? Jun 29, 2020

Colleges and universities pack students into dorms, classrooms, and parties. Now they have to figure out how to do that in a pandemic. Staff writer Adam Harris joins to discuss what they’re planning for the fall.

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The Ethical Calculus of Reopening Jun 26, 2020

Cases are on the rise in twenty-five states. A vaccine is, for now, a distant dream. How do we negotiate the ethical trade-offs of the deaths to come in the meantime? Dr. Lydia Dugdale, medical ethicist and author of The Lost Art of Dying, joins to discuss.

Note: this episode was recorded on June 23rd, 2020. All numbers mentioned were accurate for that date.

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The Air Conditioning Question Jun 24, 2020

Jim explains how ventilation affects the spread of the virus with yet another unwieldy metaphor. Plus, a puppy update.

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People Are Panic Moving Jun 22, 2020

In the last few months, many people who have the option have chosen to leave big cities. Will their departures be permanent? Staff writer Amanda Mull has been talking to demographers to find out.

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Serenity Now Jun 17, 2020

As the virus continues to spread, how do we reckon with the reality of ongoing death and disruption? Public theologian Ekemini Uwan explains the idea of “radical acceptance.” Read Ekemini’s piece in The Atlantic.

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Should I Be Taking Something? Jun 15, 2020

Supplements and vitamins claim to “boost your immune system.” Jim explains why this is nonsense.

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An Extremely Bizarre Plan to Play Basketball Jun 12, 2020

Rising case numbers, an empty theme park, and 22 teams in quarantine. What could go wrong? Joel Anderson, Slate staff writer and co-host of Hang Up and Listen, joins to explain what's going on with the NBA.

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Can We Sing? Jun 10, 2020

Jim answers listener questions: Is it safe to sing? Should we be worried about asymptomatic spread? Plus, a "kerfluffle" for Katherine.

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Why the Virus Is Spreading So Unevenly Jun 09, 2020

The pandemic isn’t going away, and its spread is hard to predict.

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Would Defunding Police Make Us Safer? Jun 05, 2020

City and state budgets are in serious trouble after the pandemic-induced economic slowdown. Some protesters have a proposal: defund the police. Sociologist Alex Vitale, author of “The End of Policing,” explains the research and nuance behind the idea.

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How Limiting Protests Will Spread the Virus Jun 03, 2020

The killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis has sparked large protests and marches, giving rise to a new set of concerns about how to safely and effectively exist. Jim and Katherine share the latest on how to protest as safely as possible. Ultimately, safety has less to do with the protesters than those overseeing them.

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Fighting the Machine Jun 02, 2020

The health effects of racism are usually less obvious than murder.

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Sometimes, Things Can Change May 29, 2020

The federal government has passed big reforms in response to economic crises before. Could it now? Harvard historian Lizabeth Cohen shares lessons—and warnings—from the New Deal.

Read her piece for The Atlantic.

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Is America Going to Make It? May 28, 2020

If you watch the news, the country sounds deeply divided about the coronavirus. But polls show an uncommon unity among Americans. Staff writer James Fallows joins to share some historical perspective and answer the question he’s found himself grappling with across his decades-long career: Is America going to make it?

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Is Anyone Else Not Showering? May 26, 2020

Jim spent years writing a book on hygiene beliefs and the new science of the skin microbiome. In it, he suggests that some people overuse cleansers and soaps, and may benefit from doing less. But now, there’s a pandemic, and he also really wants to remind people to wash their hands. Jim tries to explain the nuances of good cleaning and bad cleaning—and why he does not shower in the traditional sense.

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It’s a Small World Health Organization May 22, 2020

The president wants to pull the United States out of the WHO. Public health professor Kelley Lee explains what it does and why defunding the world’s main public health body during a pandemic is not a great idea. Plus, Jim shows off his math skills.

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Is There a Vaccine Shortcut? May 20, 2020

There’s promising news around a vaccine, but what does it mean? And should we speed up its development with ‘challenge trials’ by letting vaccinated people be exposed to the virus?

Infectious disease expert Dr. Stephen Thomas returns to the show to discuss the medical and ethical issues. Also, Katherine faces a minor challenge of her own.

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Am I Depressed? May 18, 2020

Many of our isolated lives fit the normal criteria for depression, but of course these aren't normal times. So, when the world is this depressing, how do you tell when you're actually depressed? Clinical psychologist Dr. Jennifer Rapke explains how to think through mental health questions in the time of COVID-19.

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The Comforting Appeal of Conspiracy Theories May 15, 2020

A video making outlandish and obviously false claims about the coronavirus is making the rounds on the internet. Adrienne LaFrance joins to talk about the psychology of abandoning the factual realm.

Check out "Shadowland" from The Atlantic here.

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Have the Uncomfortable Conversation May 13, 2020

It’s hard to talk about end-of-life care. You should do it anyway. Edo Banach, the President & CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, explains how to create an advance directive — and the best ways to approach the conversation with loved ones.

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The Racial Contract May 11, 2020

The pandemic has made the terms of the “racial contract” visible — but it is a structure that existed long before. Adam Serwer joins to discuss the connection between coronavirus policy and the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia. Read his recent piece in The Atlantic.

Note: this week, the show will be publishing on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

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Have You Seen 'The Wretched'? May 08, 2020

With most movie theaters closed across the country and no certain timeline for the next big releases, staff writer David Sims gives us recommendations on what to watch.

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Will You Merge Bubbles With Me? May 07, 2020

New rituals and ethical conundrums of dating and socializing are beginning to reveal themselves. Staff writer Joe Pinsker joins to discuss.

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Don’t Worry About a ‘New Strain’ May 06, 2020

Recent news stories raised concerns about multiple ‘strains’ of the coronavirus. Ed Yong joins to explain what’s going on, and why we probably shouldn’t worry right now.

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High Risk May 05, 2020

Caitlin Flanagan on navigating Stage IV cancer during a pandemic. Read her story in The Atlantic.

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So The Economy is a Disaster May 05, 2020

The economic news is catastrophic. And it’s probably going to get worse. Annie Lowrey joins to talk about why the U.S. didn’t fare as well as other countries, and what it needs to do next. Also, Jim talks about walk poetry.

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‘Things Can Change In an Instant’ May 01, 2020

In many ways, this crisis is unprecedented. But in others, it is not. Gregg Gonsalves became an AIDS activist in the 80s, and is now an epidemiologist working on public health and human rights. He says the history of HIV can offer us warnings -- and some hope.

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The Georgia Experiment Apr 30, 2020

Staff writer and Georgia native Amanda Mull joins to talk about the political forces pushing to reopen her home state.

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You Are Worthy of Sleep Apr 30, 2020

Katherine is worried Jim is endangering himself and needs to sleep more, so she’s holding an intervention. Tricia Hersey of the Nap Ministry joins to talk about the importance of sleep and how, especially right now, everyone would benefit from prioritizing rest.

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Is Human Touch Necessary? Apr 28, 2020

Jim and Katherine answer questions from listeners. If you have a question, email us at socialdistance@theatlantic.com or leave us a voicemail at 202-642-6487.

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Will the Restaurants Come Back? Apr 27, 2020

What the future of your neighborhood storefront tells us about the outlook for the American city. Derek Thompson joins to explain.

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How Much Does It Cost to Get COVID-19? Apr 24, 2020

What is the financial toll on those who get sick? And will the pandemic change our healthcare system? Dr. Howard Forman, a Yale professor of public health and economics, joins Jim and Katherine to explain the costs of American medicine and what it would take to bring those costs down.

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Are the Celebrities Okay? Apr 23, 2020

Staff writers Hannah Giorgis and Spencer Kornhaber join to talk about what the celebrities are up to and whether our fascination with them will survive this.

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Why Do Some People Get Sicker? Apr 22, 2020

Jim explains why COVID-19 can be fatal for some and mild for others.

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‘You Think of Things You Shouldn’t’ Apr 21, 2020

Jim met Bootsie Plunkett in March while filming a comedy segment for Stephen Colbert. A few weeks later she was in the hospital. She joins to talk about experiencing the terror of an ICU during a pandemic and how much a person's perspective can change in a month.

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Immunity Passports Apr 20, 2020

Staff writer Sarah Zhang joins Jim and Katherine to talk about the limits of antibody testing, whether we’ll be carrying around cards with our immunity status, and the lessons she’s learned from reporting on Yellow Fever.

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Text Your Ex? Apr 17, 2020

Amid a surge of romantic expression, staff writer Ashley Fetters advises Katherine and Jim on the psychology of reconnection, contrition, and making things right in the end.

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What Will the Summer Be Like? Apr 16, 2020

Staff writer Ed Yong braces Jim and Katherine for a very different summer than most of us are used to.

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Are These Tweets Real? Apr 15, 2020

James has been getting a lot of strange replies on social media. McKay Coppins joins to talk about modern propaganda, the history of disinformation, and where these comments might be coming from.

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Something Less Bad Apr 14, 2020

Jim and Katherine call Maeve Higgins, a comedian and writer who left New York a month ago for her home country of Ireland. She talks about the precarious situation of immigrants, what it’s like to live at home again as an adult, and her disastrous flirtation with self-improvement.

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Where the Curve Has Flattened Apr 13, 2020

What's been the difference in the parts of the country that haven't seen as bad an outbreak? Staff writer Russell Berman talks about how officials on the West Coast responded to the problem.

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What It’s Like to Have COVID-19 Apr 11, 2020

Friends and writers F.T. Kola and Karan Mahajan have both recently recovered from COVID-19. They join to talk about immunity, survivor’s guilt, and how outcomes depend on a strange calculus of privilege and chance.

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What the World Looks Like After This Apr 09, 2020

People are anxiously awaiting the day things can go back to “normal.” But normal is what got us here in the first place. Will the future look better than the past? Vann R. Newkirk II joins to discuss the lessons from Hurricane Katrina and what they say about disaster responses.

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Trump’s Miracle Cure Apr 09, 2020

Conspiracy theories and desperation have brought a century-old malaria medication to the front of national attention. Katherine Wells and James Hamblin break down how this happened.

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The Emergency in Our Jails Apr 08, 2020

Everyone is being ordered to social distance. Except those who are being ordered into places where that’s impossible. Jim and Katherine talk with Conor Friedersdorf and former public defender Maya Ragsdale about what can be done.

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You're Doing Great Apr 06, 2020

The coming weeks will be tough for many Americans. Lori Gottlieb of “Dear Therapist” advises on how to deal with grief, and how to care for yourself.

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Should I Wear A Mask? Apr 03, 2020

Dr. James Hamblin answers basic questions about the coronavirus (and how to avoid it).

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The New Etiquette of Procuring Food Apr 03, 2020

What’s the least unethical way to eat during a pandemic? Olga Khazan advises.

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Jared Kushner and the Website That Never Was Apr 02, 2020

On March 13, President Trump announced that Google was building a coronavirus website. Staff Writer Robinson Meyer investigated what happened to that website — and what it tells us about the government's response overall.

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How Coronavirus Is Scrambling Our Politics Mar 31, 2020

Staff writer McKay Coppins explains why some people seem not to believe the science, and how simple advice like avoiding handshakes plays into old ideological divides. Plus, he tells us about his cans.

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What Happens If We Run Out of Ventilators? Mar 30, 2020

Bioethicist Arthur Caplan advises on the ethics of impossible medical decisions.

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Will $2 Trillion Be Enough? Mar 27, 2020

Staff writer Adam Harris joins to talk about the bill passed by Congress today and why, despite its unprecedented amount, it’s probably just the start of the economic plan to fight the pandemic.

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How This Could End Mar 26, 2020

Staff writer Ed Yong describes three possibilities of how this will play out — and reminds us not to panic. Recorded 11am, March 26, 2020.

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What Happens Next? Mar 25, 2020

The pandemic has put the whole world on different timelines. Contributing writer Rachel Donadio is based in France, which is slightly ahead of the U.S. She talks about how different countries are approaching the crisis.

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Can I Have a Drink? Mar 25, 2020

People are losing their jobs and hope. But opening businesses back up would endanger lives. Jim and Katherine call her brother, a bartender sheltering in place, for some perspective. And staff writer Derek Thompson joins to discuss what needs to happen in Washington to make sure people stay afloat. Recorded 3pm, Tuesday, March 24, 2020.

Sam's recipe for a mocktail Paloma: mix 3 parts grapefruit juice, 1 part lime juice, and 1 part simple syrup. Top with Topo Chico and add salt to taste.

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Should I Be Getting Deliveries? Mar 23, 2020

James Hamblin answers listeners' questions about deliveries, testing, haircuts, and how long this will last.

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Why Everyone Is Watching "Contagion" Mar 22, 2020

Finding ways to relax is as vital now as ever. Culture writers Sophie Gilbert and David Sims join to advise on some purposeful ways to escape in place. Recorded 12pm, Saturday, March 21, 2020.

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On the Front Lines at a New York Hospital Mar 21, 2020

The mask shortages in New York are worse than we imagined. Jim and Katherine talk to a doctor who describes the dire scene inside a major hospital. Recorded 1pm ET, March 21, 2020.

If you want to help hospitals with supply shortages, a spreadsheet with more information is available here: https://bit.ly/3dn2eVa

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Why Can't I Get Tested? Mar 20, 2020

Jim and Katherine talk with Alexis Madrigal about coronavirus testing and why the U.S. is so far behind much of the rest of the world. Recorded 2pm, March 20, 2020.

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When It's Illegal to Leave Home Mar 20, 2020

Editor in Chief Jeffrey Goldberg and Staff Writer Anne Applebaum join to discuss updates from Europe and new restrictions on travel and movement.

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A Slight Temporary Relief Mar 18, 2020

Lori Gottlieb of “Dear Therapist” talks us through how to stay sane. She gives tips on managing anxiety and talking to family members about the crisis. Recorded 2pm ET, March 18, 2020.

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This is as Real as It Gets Mar 17, 2020

Dr. Stephen Thomas, Chief of the Infectious Disease Division at SUNY Upstate Medical University, just got his first COVID-19 cases. He discusses how hospitals should prepare for the coming surge of patients. And he shares a Mark Twain quote he's had on his mind: “courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not absence of fear.” Recorded 3pm, March 17, 2020.

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The Time for Cash Mar 17, 2020

Annie Lowrey, a staff writer covering the economy, explains what needs to happen right away to keep people safe and secure. She’s in San Francisco about to “shelter in place.” Recorded 4pm, March 16, 2020.

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Not a Two-Week Problem Mar 16, 2020

James and Katherine take a walk to the grocery store and discuss what the next week --and year -- may look like in the U.S. Plus, how long does the virus last on surfaces? Recorded 2pm, March 15, 2020.

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Call Someone Mar 14, 2020

Dr. James Hamblin catches Katherine up on the latest developments, lays out the difficult decisions ahead, and reminds her to keep things in perspective. Plus, a few disinfecting tips. Recorded 11am, March 14, 2020.

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Catching Up Mar 13, 2020

Dr. James Hamblin helps a colleague make the essential pandemic-era shopping list. Recorded at 11:45am, Friday, March 13, 2020.

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