Deep Background with Noah Feldman - podcast cover

Deep Background with Noah Feldman

Pushkin Industrieswww.pushkin.fm
Behind every news headline, there’s another, deeper story. It’s a story about power. In Deep Background, Harvard Law School professor and Bloomberg View columnist Noah Feldman will bring together a cross-section of expert guests to explore the historical, scientific, legal, and cultural context that help us understand what’s really going on behind the biggest stories in the news.iHeartMedia is the exclusive podcast partner of Pushkin Industries.
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Episodes

Introducing Drilled: Carbon Cowboys

Drilled is a true-crime climate change podcast exposing how corporate corruption and political operatives built decades of climate denial and delay. Hosted and reported by award-winning investigative climate journalists, led by Amy Westervelt, each season unravels new evidence of deception, disinformation, and the power structures keeping real climate solutions out of reach. In September 2025, a group of Brazilian ministers trekked all the way to chilly North Dakota to see a presentation on a ne...

May 12, 202628 min

Benghazi: Episode 6 - Radicals

The Tea Party takes over the search for the truth about Benghazi, while the FBI pursues a Libyan militia leader suspected of planning the attack. For a list of books, documentaries and resources we used to research this episode visit: bit.ly/fiascopolitics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 06, 20251 hr 9 min

Benghazi: Episode 5 - Greatest Hits

As the political world looks toward the 2016 Presidential election, Benghazi becomes a Clinton scandal. For a list of books, documentaries and resources we used to research this episode visit: bit.ly/fiascopolitics Subscribe to Pushkin+ to hear the entire season of Fiasco: Benghazi, ad-free, right now. Find Pushkin+ on the Fiasco show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

Sep 29, 202558 min

Benghazi: Episode 4 - Feckless

How the attack in Benghazi collided with an American election, and how the seeds of a scandal were planted. For a list of books, documentaries and resources we used to research this episode visit: bit.ly/fiascopolitics Subscribe to Pushkin+ to hear the entire season of Fiasco: Benghazi, ad-free, right now. Find Pushkin+ on the Fiasco show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

Sep 22, 202553 min

Benghazi: Episode 3 - Barefoot

An anti-Islamic video sparks protests in the Middle East, and the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi comes under attack. For a list of books, documentaries and resources we used to research this episode visit: bit.ly/fiascopolitics Subscribe to Pushkin+ to hear the entire season of Fiasco: Benghazi, ad-free, right now. Find Pushkin+ on the Fiasco show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus See omnystudio.com/liste...

Sep 15, 202552 min

Benghazi: Episode 2 - We Will Stay Here

Libya is swept up in a wave of revolution, and an American diplomat makes his mark on Benghazi. For a list of books, documentaries and resources we used to research this episode visit: bit.ly/fiascopolitics Subscribe to Pushkin+ to hear the entire season of Fiasco: Benghazi, ad-free, right now. Find Pushkin+ on the Fiasco show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 08, 202557 min

Benghazi: Episode 1 - The Dictator

How a prison massacre carried out under Libya’s long-time dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, set the stage for the Benghazi attack. For a list of books, documentaries and resources we used to research this episode visit: bit.ly/fiascopolitics Subscribe to Pushkin+ to hear the entire season of Fiasco: Benghazi, ad-free, right now. Find Pushkin+ on the Fiasco show page in Apple Podcasts or at Pushkin.fm. Subscribe on Apple: apple.co/pushkin Subscribe on Pushkin: pushkin.fm/plus See omnystudio.com/listener...

Sep 08, 202548 min

Introducing Fiasco: Benghazi

Fiasco: Benghazi unpacks the 2012 attack in Libya that left four Americans dead, including Ambassador Chris Stevens—and the ensuing political storm, which raised questions about America’s role in the world, established a playbook to weaponize attention in the social media age, and ultimately changed the course of U.S. history. For a list of books, documentaries and resources we used to research this season visit: bit.ly/fiascopolitics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 05, 20254 min

From Smart Talks with IBM: How AI Assistants Can Transform Education

Malcolm Gladwell visits Kennesaw State University to learn about Jiwoo, an AI Assistant that helps future teachers practice responsive teaching by simulating classroom interactions with students. Discover AI’s impact on teaching methods to prepare teachers for the classroom. This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions. Visit us at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/smart-talks See omnystudio.com/list...

Jun 12, 202527 min

The Future of COVID-19 with Marc Lipsitch

Harvard epidemiologist and recurring guest Marc Lipsitch discusses what we can learn from omicron surge. Lipsitch also addresses some common omicron myths and discusses the possibility of a “master vaccine.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 27, 202237 minSeason 3Ep. 44

How One Bank Shaped American Capitalism

Zachary Karabell, financial executive and historian, discusses his recent book Inside Money: Brown Brothers Harriman and the American Way of Power, outlining the formation of American capitalism told through the history of one often-overlooked bank. He explains how the evolution of trust in financial systems has shaped American capitalism today and informs where it could go in the future. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...

Jan 20, 202232 minSeason 3Ep. 43

Inside The Facebook Oversight Board

Jamal Greene, co-chair of the Facebook Oversight Board, an independent governing body reviewing Facebook’s content moderation decisions and issuing binding rulings, explains the inner workings of the Board. Greene is the Dwight Professor of Law at Columbia Law School, where he focuses on constitutional law and American federal courts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jan 12, 202239 minSeason 3Ep. 42

What’s the Deal with Decentralized Autonomous Organizations?

Erik Voorhees, founder of crypto management platform ShapeShift, makes a case for decentralized autonomous organizations, known as DAOs. Earlier this year, ShapeShift became a DAO, “moving from a centralized, closed-source application with bank accounts, governed and owned by shareholders, to a decentralized, open-source application without bank accounts, governed and owned by holders of the FOX Token.” Voorhees explains how DAOs works could reshape business, economics, and politics. . Read Erik...

Dec 23, 202144 minSeason 3Ep. 41

The Supply Chain Crisis Isn’t Going Away

Hannah Kain, CEO of supply chain management company Alom, shares her analysis of how we got into the supply chain crisis and the larger story it reveals about trade wars, labor shortages, and the need for better automation systems. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 15, 202129 minSeason 3Ep. 40

James Carville Calls for Democratic Party Unity

Political strategist and media commentator James Carville shares his frank concerns about the Democratic party’s strategy and leadership. Carville discusses the risks of party disunity in this crucial time, the false equivalency of the far left and right, and why the Democratic party needs better salespeople. Harvard political scientist Theda Skocpol’s 2021 report on political organizing in Georgia and North Carolina can be read here. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcast...

Dec 09, 202139 minSeason 3Ep. 39

A New Media Business Model

Description: Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine, discusses the complicated role of revenue in publishing, especially in the world of business media. He also gives a surprisingly frank look at how Entrepreneur Magazine leans into non traditional practices to balance reader’ interest with the magazine’s revenue model. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 25, 202139 minSeason 3Ep. 38

Miseducation and Climate Change

Katie Worth, investigative reporter and author of the new book Miseducation: How Climate Change Is Taught in America , reviewed science textbooks from all fifty states and travelled the country interviewing teachers and students to compile a narrative about how climate change is being taught in American public schools. She joins Noah to discuss the partisan divide in climate change education, the lobbying forces shaping curriculum around the country, and challenge of balancing students’ right to...

Nov 18, 202142 minSeason 3Ep. 37

Deep Background Presents Miracle And Wonder: Conversations With Paul Simon

Presenting: An Excerpt from Miracle And Wonder: Conversations With Paul Simon by Malcolm Gladwell and Bruce Headlam. Download the audiobook today at miracleaudiook.com and receive an exclusive listener's guide pdf featuring additional commentary from Bruce, the producers and editors of Miracle and Wonder. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 16, 20216 min

Calling Bullshit with Jill Louise Busby

Jill Louise Busby, a former “woke influencer” with the handle @JillisBlack, opens up about examining her own complicity and calling bullshit on herself. She also discusses performative social media practices, having conversations across cultural lines, and the bounds of cancel culture. Bubsy’s book, Unfollow Me: Essays on Complicity, is out now. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 10, 202134 minSeason 3Ep. 36

Deep Background Presents: The Broken Constitution Ep.3

The Broken Constitution is a miniseries by Unknown History from Quick and Dirty Tips and Pushkin Industries. In this final bonus episode, Noah Feldman explains the contradictions and calculations Lincoln made as he drafted The Emancipation Proclamation and the long-term implications of Lincoln’s decision to break and remake the US Constitution. Noah’s Feldman’s book, The Broken Constitution: Lincoln, Slavery, and the Refounding of America , is out now. Learn more about your ad-choices at https:/...

Nov 09, 202141 minSeason 3Ep. 4

The Billion Dollar Industry of Esports

Esports, the industry of competitive, entertainment-style video game play, is rapidly growing and redefining the gaming industry. Its popularity also raises questions about the future of sports entertainment more broadly. Nicole LaPointe Jameson, CEO of the esports company Evil Geniuses, explains the industry and its potential. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 03, 202140 minSeason 3Ep. 35

Deep Background Presents: The Broken Constitution Ep.2

The Broken Constitution is a miniseries by Unknown History from Quick and Dirty Tips and Pushkin Industries. In this second of three bonus episodes, Noah Feldman explains the decisions Lincoln made when he took office that effectively broke the US Constitution in hopes of preserving the nation. Noah’s forthcoming book, The Broken Constitution: Lincoln, Slavery, and the Refounding of America , is out November 2. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystud...

Nov 01, 202135 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Inside the NBA Players Association

Michele Roberts, executive director of the NBA Players Association, discusses how power is negotiated between NBA players and the league. She also comments on the rise of player activism and gives an inside perspective on recent NBA negotiations including the conditions of “the bubble” and the decision not to mandate COVID vaccinations. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Oct 27, 202133 minSeason 3Ep. 34

Deep Background Presents: The Broken Constitution Ep. 1

The Broken Constitution is a miniseries by Unknown History from Quick and Dirty Tips and Pushkin Industries. Over three bonus episodes, Noah Feldman talks about how Abraham Lincoln needed to break the Constitution in order to remake it. In this first episode, Noah explains why the US Constitution was built on a compromise that Lincoln devoted himself to preserving. Noah’s book, The Broken Constitution: Lincoln, Slavery, and the Refounding of America, is out November 2 wherever books are sold. Le...

Oct 25, 202128 min

Michael Pollan on The Power of Plants

Author Michael Pollan discusses the psychedelic powers of plants and the history of how humans have harnessed, ignored, and controlled these powers. He also discusses his prolific career and his most recent book, This is Your Mind on Plants. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 20, 202135 minSeason 3Ep. 33

Psychedelic Medicine

Dr. David Rabin, neuroscientist, PhD psychiatrist and Medical Director of the Apollo Clinic, explains the ongoing research in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, including the mechanisms and risks associated with psychedelic-assisted mental health treatments. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Oct 07, 202138 minSeason 3Ep. 32

Violence, Recovery and Modern Jewish Life with Mark Oppenheimer

Writer Mark Oppenheimer spent the last few years documenting the recovery of Pittsburg's Squirrel Hill neighborhood, a historic Jewish neighborhood and site of the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue mass shooting. Oppenheimer discusses the history of Squirrel Hill, the lasting impacts of the attack, and what it means for American Jewish life today. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 29, 202131 minSeason 3Ep. 31

Getting Answers on Vaccine Boosters

The process of approving booster shots for the COVID-19 vaccines in the US has been particularly fraught. Last week, two well-respected medical journals published contradictory conclusions regarding the use of vaccine boosters. Dr. Genevieve Kanter joins Deep Background to make sense of the existing research and weigh in on the booster approval process. Dr. Kanter is an economist and Research Assistant Professor in the University of Pennsylvania Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy. He...

Sep 22, 202135 minSeason 3Ep. 30

The Power of The University

As we start a new school year, Tamar Gendler, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Yale, explains her vision for distributing power at Yale and the questionable future of America’s university system. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 16, 202136 minSeason 3Ep. 29

Giving Away Power with Matthew Barzun

Matthew Barzun, a political fundraiser and diplomat who served as US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, explains his collectivist method of generating power, even on deeply divided issues. Barzun’s latest book is “The Power of Giving Away Power: How the Best Leaders Learn to Let Go.” Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 01, 202141 minSeason 3Ep. 28
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