The Way the (Real) Music Dies
The arrival of new music AI’s is frightening. Look over a cliff and you might see the end of the human music business…
Everybody Needs a Good Editor (Right?)
Everybody needs a good editor. You know, someone who lets us know when an idea’s not quite ready or goes on too long or could be more succinct? Well, Taylor Swift is testing the idea.
America’s Worst Best Presidential Candidate
Not many politicians have any idea of what work looks like for everyday Americans — and what it would take to make it better. A look back to one politician who took time to learn, and what we might still learn from his example today.
Flashback: Responding to Injustice: What Would We Have Done?
The new film Zone of Interest raises wrenching questions about what we would have done to stop what was happening if we were living in Nazi Germany. In this piece (originally written in August 2023) I try to wrestle with how we answer questions like that.
Fishing to Catch People Part 3: Buying the Fish
Would you move to another state if someone offered you $10,000 for a home downpayment? Free workspace? Zipline passes? A free mountain bike? across the country, small towns are looking for an edge as they go people-hunting.
Beyoncé and the Question: What is “Country” Music?
“Cowboy Carter” is raising tough questions about what country music is — and whether Black women can sing it.
Fishing to Catch People Part 2: Landing the Fish
There are at least three challenges rural communities need to resolve if they are going to land new residents.
Fishing to Catch People Part 1: Casting a Line
What would it take for rural America to reel in more residents? Jobs. But a couple of researchers argue that there companies don’t have to move there — just the people.
The Three R’s of Recovery
Plants close. Relationships end. Jobs disappear. Change sucks. How do we get better at it?
Doing Well By Doing Good
We have this growing misconception that corporations are people. But they aren’t. And that’s not why they give back to communities.
Whatever Happened to Saving for a Rainy Day?
We don’t save for rainy days anymore. Here’s how we might start.