Person of The Week - podcast cover

Person of The Week

TIME Senior Correspondent Charlotte Alter hosts candid conversations with the people who shape the world, about the forces that shape them. Tune in each Thursday to meet TIME's Person of the Week.

Episodes

Team of The Year | Red Border by TIME

Every year, TIME recognizes a person or group whose done the most to influence the events of the last 365 days. This year, we partnered with Smartsheet to celebrate teamwork by honoring an enterprise whose commitment to communication, collaboration, and innovation made a significant impact on the world. In this special bonus episode, you'll hear how Pfizer’s women leaders are breaking barriers in vaccine science, how the social impact team at HP is accelerating digital equity for 150 million peo...

Dec 05, 202321 min

Cord Jefferson • Exposing American Fiction

This week, host Charlotte Alter welcomes Cord Jefferson – the Emmy award-winning writer and director, known for his work on shows like ‘Succession,’ 'Watchmen' and 'The Good Place.' As Jefferson prepares for the theatrical release of his directorial debut, 'American Fiction,' he shares insight into how the film came to life, and the stories behind its story. Retracing his journey from seasoned journalist to Hollywood stalwart, the pair explore how his early days in Tucson, Arizona influenced bot...

Nov 30, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Brian Chesky • Designing Trust

This week, host Charlotte Alter welcomes visionary entrepreneur Brian Chesky, the co-founder and CEO of Airbnb. Chesky recounts how a simple idea between friends transformed into a global phenomenon that reinvented how people perceive and interact with strangers, and shares insights into how his artistic background and childhood travel experiences uniquely shape his approach to business, leadership, and community-building strategies. The pair discuss the complex regulations that Airbnb navigates...

Nov 16, 202334 minSeason 1Ep. 22

Gabby Douglas • Defying Gravity

This week, host Charlotte Alter is joined by Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas, the trailblazing superstar athlete whose aerial feats have etched her name in history. Gabby recounts the sacrifices of leaving home at a young age to pursue greatness and how her life changed overnight following her 2012 Olympic triumph. In discussing the pressures of fame and the focus required to remain at the peak, Gabby opens up about her decision to step back from the spotlight after the 2016 Olympics and her trium...

Nov 09, 202326 minSeason 1Ep. 21

Tim McGraw • Standing Together

This week, host Charlotte Alter is joined in-studio by legendary country music superstar Tim McGraw. They journey back in time to Tim's childhood in Louisiana and the moment he discovered that his father was famous baseball player Tug McGraw, and revisit Tim’s early years playing in local restaurants and clubs before breaking out and onto the biggest stages in the world. Tim gives us an inside look at the creative collaborations and positive vibes behind his latest album "Standing Room Only," an...

Nov 02, 202331 minSeason 1Ep. 20

Sohla El-Waylly • Becoming A Better Cook

This week, host Charlotte Alter sits down with cookbook author, chef, restaurateur, and social media sensation Sohla El-Waylly to talk about her new cookbook "Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook." The pair discuss how El-Waylly skillfully incorporates diverse influences, flavors, and techniques into her culinary practice and her creative process for developing new dishes. They trace Sohla’s path from working in her parents’ ice cream shop to conquering the New York culinary scene...

Oct 26, 202329 minSeason 1Ep. 19

Matthew Desmond • Solving America's Poverty Puzzle

This week, host Charlotte Alter welcomes renowned sociologist, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and MacArthur Fellow Matthew Desmond to the show. Desmond shares insights from his latest book, "Poverty, by America," and discusses how his upbringing in Arizona led to a life dedicated to studying economic struggle. The pair explore the complexities and consequences of poverty and uncover its unseen impact on all Americans, while outlining the systemic changes necessary to combat this pervasive issue....

Oct 19, 202334 minSeason 1Ep. 18

Kesha • Finding Freedom in Reinvention

This week, host Charlotte Alter sits down with Kesha – the dynamic pop sensation whose chart-topping hits have set the tempo for dancefloors worldwide. The pair delve into Kesha's musical odyssey, starting from her childhood in Nashville and spanning her diverse influences of pop, punk, and rock-n-roll. Kesha offers insights into her collaboration with the legendary Rick Rubin for her recent album, "Gag Order," and reflects candidly on the obstacles she's overcome both in her career and personal...

Oct 12, 202325 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Ken Burns • What Is and What Was

This week, host Charlotte Alter is joined by legendary documentary filmmaker Ken Burns. Ahead of the release of Burns’ new series, “The American Buffalo,” the pair dive deep into America’s past, and discuss the troubling challenges around teaching that history today. From the beginnings of his illustrious career and the principles that drive him, to the unique touch he brings to his work and its lasting impact on the art form, discover how Ken Burns has not only captured history but has also sha...

Oct 05, 202330 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Richard Branson • Innovating Earth and Beyond

This week, host Charlotte Alter sits down with legendary entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sir Richard Branson – the mastermind behind the iconic Virgin brand. The pair retrace Branson's journey from his adventurous youth and pioneering career in music, through Branson’s groundbreaking voyage to the cosmos. Diving into Branson’s recent work to combat climate change –including the newly launched Planetary Guardians initiative– Charlotte and Richard discuss the complexity of innovating the world wh...

Sep 28, 202322 minSeason 1Ep. 15

R. F. Kuang • Expanding Lived Experience Through Fiction

This week, host Charlotte Alter sits down with 2023 TIME100 Next Phenom R.F. Kuang. The #1 New York Times bestselling author shares insight into crafting characters with empathy, the emotional rollercoaster of being a novelist, the nuanced function of literary genres, and the vibrancy of BookTok. Through the lens of Kuang’s latest novel, “Yellowface,” and her worldwide journey through academia and publishing, the pair unpack the complexities of the literary world and touch upon a pressing questi...

Sep 21, 202333 minSeason 1Ep. 14

Fran Drescher • The Fate of The Union

This week, multifaceted phenom Fran Drescher joins host Charlotte Alter for a journey through the labyrinth of Hollywood. From Drescher’s early days in Queens, to her iconic role as Miss Fine in "The Nanny," to her current role as the Screen Actor’s Guild president, Fran and Charlotte recount the steps that led Drescher to becoming one of the most important labor leaders in America today. The pair discuss the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, the evolving landscape of the American workforce, th...

Sep 14, 202329 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Douglas Rushkoff • Decoding Digital Humanism

This week, host Charlotte Alter sits down with acclaimed media theorist, author, and internet biographer Douglas Rushkoff. Credited by MIT as one of the "world's ten most influential intellectuals," Rushkoff shares his unique insights into how technological advancements shape our relationship with media, money, power, and each other. Together, they delve into generational shifts in media consumption, what screen proliferation means for humanity's future, the internet’s psychedelic countercultura...

Sep 07, 202327 minSeason 1Ep. 12

TIME x GPB • Too Hot To Work

We're off this week and wanted to bring you something special from our colleagues at TIME and Georgia Public Broadcasting. Earlier this summer, TIME Senior International Climate and Environment Correspondent Aryn Baker teamed up with GPB reporter Sofi Gratas to document the impact that extreme heat has had on the most vulnerable members of America's workforce. As climate change drives rising temperatures across the globe, their on-the-ground reporting allows us to hear from the folks who feel it...

Aug 31, 202315 min

Jean Twenge • Breaking Down the Generational Gap

This week, renowned psychologist, author, and professor Jean Twenge joins host Charlotte Alter to delve deep into the corridors of generational differences. Just in time for back-to-school, the pair discuss the profound impacts of smartphones, screentime, and social media on the formative years of today's youth. From discerning the subtle changes between Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X, to addressing the challenges of remote schooling in the modern age, Twenge offers enlightening perspectives and ...

Aug 24, 202327 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Jack Antonoff • Creating the Sound of Right Now

This week, 8-time Grammy award-winner Jack Antonoff joins host Charlotte Alter to talk about the indelible mark he’s left on music history. The pair discuss the magnetic pull of their shared hometown of New Jersey, the profound impact that Antonoff’s family has had on his work, and the intimate and intricate processes behind today’s chart-topping hits. Whether you're an aspiring musician or just hum to the rhythm of Bleachers, tune in for an inspiring and exciting backstage pass to the musical g...

Aug 17, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Eddie Ndopu • Sipping Dom Pérignon Through a Straw

This week, host Charlotte Alter is joined by the formidable Eddie Ndopu. Recognized as one of the world's most influential disabled individuals, Ndopu has continually broken barriers, including making history this July by delivering the opening keynote address at the UN’s High-Level Political Forum on the Sustainable Development Goals in the General Assembly Hall. In their discussion, Eddie shares insights from his new memoir, “Sipping Dom Pérignon Through a Straw: Reimagining Success as a Disab...

Aug 10, 202336 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Candace Bushnell • Sex, the City, and Beyond

On this week's episode, Charlotte Alter sits down with the iconic Candace Bushnell – the creative force behind the cultural phenomenon "Sex and the City." Bushnell shares her journey from her childhood in Connecticut to becoming a leading figure in the New York City publishing scene, and ultimately, a worldwide influencer. They delve into the glamorous, grueling world of 1970s NYC, the evolution of feminism, and the shifting dynamics of the publishing industry. Plus, Candace offers a rare glimps...

Aug 03, 202338 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Maxwell Frost • A Fresh Face In Congress

This week, host Charlotte Alter chats with America’s youngest congressperson, Maxwell Frost. A representative of Generation Z's political ambitions and changing viewpoints, Frost provides an unfiltered look into his groundbreaking first year in Congress. The pair explore the breadth and depth of American politics, from the victories and challenges of his freshman year to the increasingly prominent role of young voices in shaping the country's political discourse and touch on generational differe...

Jul 27, 202327 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Alexis McGill Johnson • One Year Post-Dobbs

In this week's episode, host Charlotte Alter sits down with Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood. The pair discuss the Supreme Court's landmark 2022 Dobbs decision, the repercussions of the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, and the challenges of supporting patients and practitioners amidst a shifting legal landscape. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation on family histories, family planning, and the future of reproductive health in America. See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

Jul 20, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 6

James Ijames • Bessemer to Broadway

This week, host Charlotte Alter is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, James Ijames. Known for his groundbreaking Broadway debut, "Fat Ham" –a unique adaptation of Hamlet set in the backdrop of a backyard barbeque– Ijames shares stories of his personal journey into theater and growing up in the South. The pair discuss how James weaves his life experiences and storytelling traditions into his work, and the importance of cultural diversity in the arts. See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

Jul 13, 202333 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Gov. Wes Moore • Redefining Patriotism

This week, decorated public servant and Maryland Governor Wes Moore dives deep into the heart of patriotism with host Charlotte Alter. Together, they unpack what patriotism truly means, the significance of reclaiming this often-misunderstood term, and explore the powerful symbolism of the American flag. On the heels of the 4th of July, the pair also ponder on what it means to be an American in today's changing world. Don't miss this poignant, thought-provoking discussion. See omnystudio.com/list...

Jul 06, 202334 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Whitney Wolfe Herd • Revolutionizing Connection

This week, Bumble founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd and host Charlotte Alter take a deep dive into the journey that led Wolfe Herd to launch one of the most successful dating apps today. Join Whitney and Charlotte as they cover everything from accountability in the tech world, equality, and loneliness to Wolfe's future plans for her business – and herself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 29, 202329 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Elliot Page • Unfolding The Story

From "Juno" to "The Umbrella Academy," Elliot Page's career has been filled with memorable roles. On this week's episode, host Charlotte Alter and Elliot Page step away from the silver screen to discuss something more personal: his new memoir, "Pageboy". The pair delve into an inspiring conversation about milestones, music, acting, and the industry. But the core of their exchange revolves around growth, creativity and authenticity —the very themes that permeate Page's latest written work. Tune i...

Jun 22, 202333 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Ethan Hawke • Unmasking Movie Stars

Critically acclaimed actor, director and father Ethan Hawke joins host Charlotte Alter to discuss his documentary series, "The Last Movie Stars." Their conversation spans creative partnership, generational differences, family, life, and the evolving landscape of filmmaking. Drawing from his decades-long career in front of and behind the camera, Hawke offers insight and candor to the evolving narrative of our time, while celebrating cinematic legends and their impact on screen and beyond. See omn...

Jun 15, 202332 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Person of The Week • A New TIME Podcast with Charlotte Alter

Person of the Week, a new podcast from TIME, highlights the people who shape the world, and the forces that shape them. Each week, TIME Senior Correspondent Charlotte Alter hosts candid conversations, unearthing unexpected stories that shed light on the way our world works. Get to know household names and emerging leaders in a way you never have, on TIME’s newest podcast, Person of the Week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Jun 15, 20231 min
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