Social Distance

Latest Episodes:

Plasma and Immunity Aug 26, 2020

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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This Episode Has Not Been Peer-Reviewed Aug 05, 2020

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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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