Episode Details

Sam Roberts interviews Ross Douthat his book, "Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious." Douthat explains his evolving Catholic faith and confidence that "atheists can't possibly be right." He shares views on religious experience, salvation, and assesses the Trump administration as effective on border policies but "a predictable mess" elsewhere. Historian Russell Shorto then discusses "Taking Manhattan," his new book exploring New York's Dutch origins from its 1625 founding (making 2025 the city's 400th anniversary). Shorto describes how the Dutch established a multi-ethnic society with policies of tolerance and early capitalism that became fundamental to New York's identity, while addressing the complex acquisition of Manhattan from the Lenape people and the development of slavery in the colony.

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