2024 Schedule

Part 1. Contrary to Popular Opinion — Bill Maher in Real Time: The iconoclastic host of HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” sits down with Tina Brown to talk about calling out hypocrisy and malfeasance on right and left, the dangers of groupthink and his new book, “What This Comedian Said Will Shock You.”

In a world on fire, many of us feel starved for hope. Join the president of Juilliard, America’s leading soprano, an Oscar-winning director and composer, and the former mayor of New Orleans for an evening of conversation with performances that show why there are so many reasons for hope.

Experts on well-being share why we all need family connections, community wisdom and the weave of social fabric.

In a recent op-ed, former U.S. climate envoy and secretary of state John Kerry declared that rich countries are failing to respond to the climate crisis. If extreme weather will cost $38 trillion dollars annually by mid-century, who will pay for the adaptation and mitigation projects needed — especially in the developing world?

Three leaders discuss the aspects of well-being, agency and purpose that are vital to the holistic development of youth in today’s world. How can society help them develop into confident, purposeful, productive and resilient adults?

Join NBC's Jenna Bush Hager as she discusses her Read With Jenna July book club selection with its New York Times bestselling author. Explore the epic love story and thriller, delving into its themes of love, obsession, hope and the complexities of human connection.

The pressure on cultural institutions to return artifacts to their places of origin is growing in intensity, but some argue that repatriation threatens the preservation and study of these treasures. Who, in the end, does history belong to?

Niall Ferguson, the celebrated historian who predicted Cold War II in 2018, has assembled the sharpest minds from both sides of the Bamboo Curtain for a discussion on the future of U.S.-China relations.

Academia is beset by challenges related to free speech, admission policies, donor pressures and soaring costs. University leaders are simultaneously negotiating these minefields and convincing the next generation that college is still worth it. Can academia rise to these challenges?

How do we raise empathetic children? How do we tackle tough conversations? And how do we build resilient humans while we balance family and work life? Meet three changemakers who are drilling down on what matters the most for our kids.

What if the threat to American democracy came from within our own military? “War Game,” a 2024 Sundance Official Selection documentary, imagined just such a scenario and convened a bipartisan group of policymakers to respond. What did they learn — and how real is the threat?

From a father-daughter dance in a prison to playtime with incarcerated parents in a children’s museum, keeping families close has lasting ripple effects beyond bars. Hear from storytellers and leaders working inside the criminal justice system to help families stay connected.

Shakespeare's plays, rich with political intrigue, power struggles and ethical dilemmas, provide profound commentary on the nature of governance and leadership — and draw unsettling parallels to the political landscape today.

As society focuses on mitigating human climate impact, economies shift away from carbon-based energy sources — which impacts individuals, businesses and governments. Beyond subsidies and regulation, we’ll need to harness the power of business, investment markets and individual self-interest to create a safer and more prosperous world.

Over 1 million people globally are held as political prisoners. Two of the leading human rights attorneys working to release captives of authoritarian regimes and the mother of an American journalist kidnapped and killed by terrorists raise awareness about the struggles to win freedom for prisoners often forgotten.

We the people were not truly “We the People” until the Reconstruction amendments altered our Constitution in a post-Civil War "second founding". As we confront another democratic crisis, what new understandings could ensure our democratic renewal?

Renewables are on the rise, but so is fossil fuel consumption as global development demands more and more. Does the oil and gas industry have a role in reaching net-zero goals? How do government policies shape the strategies of oil and gas giants as fossil fuels fade away?

Given what we learned from the global turbulence from COVID-19, are we any more prepared for the next pandemic? Author and journalist Michael Lewis and Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine maker, discuss strategies to protect the world against future outbreaks and explore how global collaboration can ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines.

AI’s evolution over the next two decades will redefine the white spaces of uncharted knowledge, revolutionize industries, alter societal dynamics and challenge ethical boundaries. How should we address questions about control, privacy and the very essence of human existence?

What if there were a pill that could help people move, think and sleep better, and that reduced anxiety, depression and 13 types of cancer — with the side effect of making more friends and more money? That’s what youth sports does. Learn about a national effort to get 63% of kids playing by 2030 — unlocking a projected $80 billion in societal benefits.

In the dynamic evolution of opera, women are playing pivotal roles not only as performers but as composers and opera house leaders. These remarkable women are breaking barriers and setting new standards for opera worldwide. Soprano Alexis Seminario will be accompanied by Jenny Choo for a special performance.

What is dignity? How is it expressed, and how can we reclaim it? By using new tools for empathy, we can change the way we relate to each other. Participants in this interactive session leave with new ways of recognizing and avoiding discord.

In the aftermath of the sentencing of disgraced FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried, celebrated author Michael Lewis shares new insights about the spectacular downfall of SBF, whom he shadowed for months for his book “Going Infinite.” Lewis sits down with Tina Brown to reflect on what this tells us about fast money, the crypto-world, billionaire worship and the naivety of those caught in SBF’s web.

America’s southern border is a flashpoint for contentious political and cultural disagreements, as well as the site of a growing humanitarian crisis that existing laws, policies and institutions seem incapable of addressing. Are there any real solutions in sight?

Revolutions in technology, politics and economics bring progress — but they also invite backlash. Fareed Zakaria discusses the rise of the modern republic through the Industrial Revolution to the age of globalization, and the reemergence of great power politics.

Two legends — a baseball superstar and a Wall Street titan — discuss how they are leveraging their passion for professional sports as a team stakeholder and an owner.

Americans are expected to be active political citizens and leave their opinions at the workplace door. Renewed efforts to expand participation, representation and shared decision-making at work — think employee ownership, labor unions and an expanded set of economic rights — may offer a framework to rebuild faith in democracy.

Ethical dilemmas, turning organizations around and creating trust require wisdom and stamina from the top. Three consummate leaders with decades of experience in government, business and philanthropy reflect on the qualities needed to succeed.

Brain-computer interfaces show potential to restore function to people impacted by incurable neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative disease. Experts from neurosurgery, neuroscience and technology explore the current state of BCIs, their applications and the possibilities of this transformative technology.

With a staggering $84 trillion projected to change hands by 2045, the United States is on the brink of a historic intergenerational wealth exchange. How are our institutions preparing, and how are some families discussing wealth transfer as the next generation redefines the American Dream?

Do immigrants depress the wages of American workers? Are too many coming to the United States? What would happen if they stopped? Is there a mismatch between our immigration system and our economic needs? "Morning Joe" economic analyst and New York Times contributing opinion writer Steve Rattner lays out the numbers, the legalities - and the facts.

One of the architects of artificial intelligence, now the CEO of Microsoft AI, shares what he sees ahead for AI — and for humanity — as we stand at this digital precipice.

With antisemitism resurgent, Simon Schama, acclaimed author of “The Story of the Jews,” speaks about the magnitude of the problem, examining “the oldest hatred” from the time of the Roman Empire to today. Afterward, Tree of Life CEO Carole Zawatsky and Ford Foundation President Darren Walker share news of a hopeful new institution that could change the way we combat antisemitism — and all forms of...

As repressive regimes clamp down on the press, they are now targeting media owners. China shut Hong Kong’s Apple Daily and locked up owner Jimmy Lai. Guatemala’s El Periódico founder José R. Zamora has faced lawsuits and been jailed for two years. The sons of Lai and Zamora and Lai’s attorney discuss the international campaigns to free these two courageous truth tellers.

From the ancients to our forefathers to our modern-day achievement-obsessed culture, the question of what makes us happy continues to perplex. Why are we eternally fascinated by the pursuit of happiness, and will we ever agree about what makes us truly happy?

After a record-breaking year for women’s NCAA basketball, the WNBA rookie class kicked off its season with more fans than ever. But legends like Candace Parker remind us that this isn’t a moment — it’s momentum. Just weeks after her retirement, the trailblazing forward discusses her legacy, and what’s to come for her and the sport.

Across the globe, humans are living and working longer than ever — and today’s systems, governments and businesses aren’t prepared. Examine how we can reimagine work, wealth and retirement to live our lives both longer and better.

Neurodivergent people make up 15% to 20% of the global population, and visionaries are busy trying to foster welcoming environments in areas like adaptive sports, fashion design and the arts. How do we create a world for — and with — people on the spectrum?

Scientists are developing life-extending drugs for dogs, and new advancements could bring them to market by 2025. Two leaders working to slow the aging process for Fido discuss how the breakthroughs could work for the other end of the leash.

Poverty doesn’t care what color you are. Declining manufacturing jobs, income inequality and inadequate social safety nets affect all Americans. The problem of poverty demands a collective — and moral — response.

Today’s global challenges call for innovation, and that’s as true in philanthropy and investing as any other sector. Explore how strategic thinkers — leaders of the Gates Foundation, McGovern Foundation, TPG Rise Funds and Giving Tuesday — are testing new ideas, measuring outcomes and placing their bets.

While elected officials debate the necessity and scope of reparations for the historical stain of slavery, some individuals and private institutions with ties to the slave trade are stepping forward. What can we learn from their efforts to reckon with the past?

Here’s a radical proposal: Make access to the arts free for everyone. Leaders on a mission to bring Americans into art spaces discuss the transformative power of the arts, and how to give everyone the chance to be transformed.

Architecture doesn’t just build edifices; it shapes societies. Even as transportation infrastructure creates and locks in racial inequality, there is hope that intentional design can create more equitable, sustainable and joyous communities. Together, a visionary architect and the president of the ACLU grapple with how architecture both mends and maintains social division.

Across the chasm of anger that is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, some families who have lost loved ones have found common cause in their grief. Hear from those who eschew revenge and are fighting for peace.

The engaged citizen is democracy’s greatest asset, but many Americans are disillusioned and disengaged, and feel a loss of agency. In this focus group conversation, next-generation volunteers, givers, leaders — and audience members — share what motivates and what gets in the way.

Rosalind, Viola, Portia and Beatrice are unforgettable roles in Shakespeare’s plays. But there were real women behind these characters — women who spoke out against patriarchy, primogeniture and arranged marriage. How does our vision of the past change when we hear the other half of the story?

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin announced last month that he would change his party affiliation from Democrat to Independent, leaving many to wonder about his future plans in a divisive election year. Join the senator alongside his daughter, Heather Manchin, as they discuss their new organization, Americans Together, and how they hope to give politically homeless centrists a voice and direction.

The U.S. is spending record amounts on infrastructure, with billions of federal dollars going to bridges, clean drinking water, broadband, and climate and energy. The governor of Maryland talks about what that looks like at state and local levels — and why it’s necessary now.

Maybe all of us feel like we’ve been raised by Hollywood, but being raised in Hollywood is a different kind of drama. Actor, producer and director Griffin Dunne joins friend (and fellow multihyphenate) Fisher Stevens to discuss Dunne’s new memoir, “The Friday Afternoon Club,” with tales of adventure, fame and grief so gripping, it could be a movie. Join Griffin Dunne for a book signing of "The Fr...

The American prison and jail population has grown 500% since the 1970s, and calls for change are growing louder. Hear stories from a headlining musician and cultural leader, a nonprofit thinker and a MacArthur Fellow and scholar on the need to reinvent the toxic structures of incarceration.

Amid the stark realities of our planet's degradation, there are bright glimmers of hope in conservation efforts around the world. Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier use masterful storytelling and breathtaking imagery to show audiences a future in which humanity works in harmony with nature to preserve our planet for coming generations.

The October 7 attack by Hamas and the devastating nine-month war in Gaza have shattered hopes for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reduced the likelihood of expanding existing peace treaties. But with greater engagement from regional players and their allies, could progress be possible?

The October 7 attack by Hamas and the devastating nine-month war in Gaza have shattered hopes for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and reduced the likelihood of expanding existing peace treaties. But with greater engagement from regional players and their allies, could progress be possible?

President Biden promised to push for bipartisan legislation, and the White House Office of Management and Budget’s director has been key to the process. With a reputation as a skilled negotiator and a willingness to work across the aisle, OMB Director Young has navigated the threat of government shutdowns and a debt-ceiling crisis. What’s the secret to her success?

You may not know what typeface this sentence is written in, but typography is crucial to how we convey, process and retain information. How has the form evolved? Hear from design experts and a graphic-arts great as they trace the roots of typography from Gutenberg to Bauhaus and beyond, drawing on how innovation in design is always in conversation with the past. Book signing with Rob Saunders to...

The market is at record highs. Unemployment is at record lows. And most economists will tell you the American economy is the envy of the world — but far too many working families need more to get by. What do the trends on mortgages, consumer behavior and lending tell us about America’s economic future?

NCAA women’s basketball shattered viewership records in 2024. Two of the game’s most influential coaches talk about the years of struggle it took to get that win. With new financial obligations for programs and players, can teams stay on offense?

The January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol was, for many, proof of our nation’s hopeless polarization and the danger of unchecked radicalization. But who were these people who stampeded through the halls of Congress, and what motivated them? How can we build understanding so that we can disrupt extremism before it takes hold?

Too many men are falling behind women academically and economically, and feeling unmoored. Millions are turning to online influencers rather than finding fulfillment in a purposeful life. How do we curb the rise in male loneliness and create gender norms that allow them to thrive?

The most fearless voice in tech journalism and author of the bestseller “Burn Book” shares her predictions about the future of the digital landscape — and the need to keep holding tech giants accountable. Book signing with Kara Swisher to follow.

Even as the clean energy transition is underway, AI and global development are demanding more energy than ever. What’s the best plan to bring massive amounts of zero- and low-carbon solutions online — and is it possible to electrify and decarbonize at the same time?

Part 1. The Disruptors: Two of Silicon Valley’s most innovative founders also share a tight friendship. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky has transformed how people travel, host and experience new worlds. Sam Altman’s OpenAI put artificial intelligence in the hands of everyone with the release of ChatGPT and set off a race to dominate the digital future. Part 2. Americ

Whether as Elaine Benes from “Seinfeld” or Selina Meyer from “Veep,” Julia Louis-Dreyfus delivers laughter. But in the upcoming film “Tuesday,” she communicates with death — in a quite unexpected form. The acclaimed actress sits down with Sam Fragoso for a live recording of the podcast, “Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso.”

Of the 1.2 billion youth aged 15 to 24 worldwide in 2019, close to half were out of school, out of work or underemployed, and this number will continue to grow. Listen as global Opportunity Youth leaders and partners from India, Africa and Latin America discuss mobilizing hundreds of partners and thousands of young people to create viable economic pathways.

With the war in Ukraine in its third year, Putin shows no sign of tempering his military ambitions. Though global pressure on Russian investment has so far failed to crush the Russian autocrat, exiled anti-corruption crusaders and supporters of the late opposition leader Aleksei Navalny continue to expose the lies and thievery of the Putin regime.

The Walton Family Foundation’s latest research with Gallup shows that young people need a sense of purpose in school and work to feel happy—and the right adult mentors and guides can help them find it. Learn how leaders who are working with youth to help them navigate challenges on the path to adulthood.

In a time of widespread suspicion and cynicism, everyone has a role to play in strengthening social trust and building bridges. How can individuals and organizations work together to repair the fundamental bonds of a healthy society, and create optimism about the present and the future?

Hurray for the Riff Raff is more than Alynda Segarra’s musical moniker; they spent their youth hopping trains across America, capturing that life in youthful poetry then and acclaimed songwriting now. Join a songwriting adventure of love, loss and reflections on America.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has a reputation for getting things done, even as she leads a purple state that’s a battleground for many of our nation’s most hotly contested issues. Katie Couric talks with the Michigan governor about life, leadership and the lessons she has learned along the way. Governor Whitmer's new book, True Gretch, will be available for sale following the session.

*No food or service animals allowed in this session.* The creator of Fat Bear Week in Alaska gives insight on the importance of wildlife education, and then ecologists unpack the ramifications of Colorado's decision to reintroduce wolves in 2024, restoring the apex predator after almost a century. Wolves from a local nonprofit will join for a special presentation.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing health care by improving patient navigation, telehealth and the speed of drug development. From enhancing patient and provider experiences to driving efficiencies across the health care spectrum, AI can lead us to a smarter, more accessible and more patient-centered future of health.

If you want to know where the economy is headed, ask an economist. If you want to know why (and more), ask a treasury secretary, an economic diplomat, a director of the National Economic Council and the president of Harvard. Larry Summers has been all of those things (and more).

Firearms are one of the leading causes of death among children in the U.S., a country where there have been more than 150 mass shootings in the first five months of 2024. Sit with those statistics for a moment — then ask what roles policy, litigation, art and public awareness can play in solving one of America’s most intractable problems.

Images communicate truths, and also lies. Learning to pay attention to photographs can help us discern. An art and cultural historian and a visual artist host a master class on how to read the visual record in the context of racial justice and equity.

It sounds like sci-fi: Scientists are beaming solar energy from space, subbing seaweed for plastic and brightening clouds to reflect sunlight to lower temperatures in a warming world. In this series of short talks, innovators working at the cutting edge of climate tech share recent breakthroughs in the field.

How did the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television go from middle-class schoolgirl to being the first Black woman billionaire? Sheila Johnson shares her story.

Americans’ trust in the media is near an all-time low — a crisis exacerbated by waves of misinformation, conspiracy theories, fake news, social media and AI-generated content. How can serious journalism restore trust and defend a world based on truth and facts?

The U.S. is queerer than ever — and surveys confirm that 20th-century heterosexual “normalcy” is on the wane. Why is gender the diversity dimension that has changed the most over time, and what can we learn from it?

Spiritual leaders and lifelong seekers reflect on how to cope and find optimism in dark times.

The racial reckoning of 2020 called for new models of philanthropy, but four years later there is strong political and social opposition to philanthropic investment in equitable systems. Corporate and nonprofit leaders address the role of philanthropy in advancing social progress.

Uncle Sam is rich enough that every young person in America can benefit from generational wealth transfer. Leaders from impact investing, philanthropy and the finance sector discuss market and policy innovations that could give every child capital to invest in the business of living.

In the world of advertising, technology and creativity are shaping a new narrative. Could tech lead to more trust — not less — with younger generations? From AI-driven campaigns to unconventional branding and collaborations, the boundaries of modern marketing are being redrawn.

Hear from Mexican investigative journalist Anabel Hernández, who risks her life to investigate drug cartels and the people in power who protect them, and former assistant U.S. attorney Sherri Hobson, who sounded an early alarm about the cartel’s most lethal export yet: fentanyl.

From climate change and mental health to hate crimes and chronic school absenteeism, no challenge is too big for young people’s community-changing solutions. Hear from teams of high school students from Brooklyn and San Diego, and leave knowing that the future is in good hands.

Polls show that many voters feel the Democratic Party is disconnected from the concerns of ordinary voters. Is it in danger of becoming the party of college-educated elites?

Right-wing populism is surging worldwide, in places as diverse as India, the Netherlands, Argentina, France and the United States. What are the cultural and social forces driving this global storm? How can the forces of liberal democracy, diversity and pluralism reverse the tide?

Peter Thiel has made no secret of his feelings about economic and cultural issues. Hear him discuss his vision for the future, his bets on AI and digital currencies, his thoughts on the state of America — and why he’s staying out of the 2024 U.S. presidential election (for now).

When people in prison are given creative outlets, the impact is life-changing. Hear from a hip-hop artist setting up prison recording studios, an architect designing more humane spaces and a visual artist displaying letters, essays and poems from prisoners around the world.

Join our panel of expert analysts for a pre-debate conversation about how the 2024 election is shaping up. Stay for the debate watch party and refreshments, then hear the panel weigh in on the debate performances and what we should watch for as we head into the national party conventions.

With ESG caught in the political culture wars, business executives must decide to speak up or stay quiet about climate, diversity and democracy. What do employees and citizens expect, and can playing offense be the best defense against the pushback?

The rollback of reproductive rights, the push to end no-fault divorce, and gun laws that allow domestic abusers to own a firearm are turning the clock back on women’s rights. How can women preserve their freedoms?

In “Mindset Matters,” Daniel R. Porterfield advances the argument for the value of undergraduate education and suggests ways to improve education for new generations. Three college graduates join to talk about how the experience helped them launch the lives they’re living.

Women are twice as likely to invest in female-led businesses. Explore the ways women approach wealth building and investment, and how they create opportunities to build financial security for all.

America’s teenagers are facing a mental health crisis; 1 in 3 teen girls say they’ve considered suicide in the past year. Many young people, parents and mental health professionals point to social media as a main culprit. What does science say, and what action is being taken on the legal and regulatory front? And how can you protect your kid’s emotional well-being?

From one of the highest perches in the entertainment industry, the CEO of sports and entertainment behemoths Endeavor and TKO takes us on a journey of leadership and leverage. From making deals and building partnerships to finding opportunities in the shifting creative landscape, hear about the forces that influence the industry’s next big bets

Americans feel more polarized than ever, but two governors from opposite sides of the aisle have made it their mission to show otherwise.

Join Jim Farley as he explores how drivers' needs and priorities are guiding the future of vehicle technology and reshaping our expectations of cars and trucks.

The innovative philanthropist who paid off the student debt of the entire graduating class of Morehouse College class of 2019 talks about how to ensure all communities benefit from the digital revolution.

Former Senators Bill Nelson and Kay Bailey Hutchison discuss the bipartisan work that defined their careers, suggest ways for today’s elected officials to find common ground, and tell how the two of them helped launch NASA into a new era of exploration.

Heat is now the top weather-related cause of death in the U.S., killing more people than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined. An environmental journalist and two city chief heat officers discuss solutions to make searing summers more survivable.

In the last 30 years, conglomerates from Amazon to Netflix to Spotify have changed the way we interact with media, books, fashion and music. Creatives are struggling to maintain artistic integrity, make money and fight off AI robots that “create” at breakneck speed. Here’s how industry leaders in entertainment, fashion and journalism are forging new paths.

Marriage rates have been decreasing for decades, but that doesn’t mean people aren’t finding new ways to create family ties that bind. Family bonds in the LGBTQ community and among platonic friends offer social and economic benefits — and drawbacks — and just might change our collective future.

Increasingly, AI informs our work output, our social views and our awareness of the world. Join SiriusXM host Mike Muse in conversation with Meta officials to explore the implications of AI for individuals and tech companies as they continue to innovate. Then, go behind the scenes with members of the Meta Oversight Board, who are charged with reviewing the company’s decisions regarding content iss...

As the stakes of political confrontation have escalated, the issue of forgiveness is complicated. Should one ever hold the line rather than look for avenues of reconciliation, or is forgiveness essential to society? Samuel Kimbriel chats with Tamar Gendler and Erin McFee for a live recording of the podcast, “Wisdom of Crowds.”

Africa is a rising giant. By 2050, one in four people on the planet will be African, and by 2060, Africa will have the largest labor force in the world. A former Nigerian presidential candidate, a South African political analyst, and a scholar on African economic development discuss what this demographic explosion means for the continent — and the world.

Amid seismic shifts in the entertainment world, Oscar-, Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning Brian Grazer has managed to keep pivoting to new ways to tell stories in movies, TV and documentaries. In this session, Grazer discusses how he stays ahead of the creative curve with Michael Eisner, the entertainment powerhouse who transformed the Walt Disney Company.

Every transition comes with tradeoffs, and even clean energy carries negative consequences. As they mine for critical minerals or build solar arrays on sensitive land, clean energy developers must build consensus with tribal leaders, environmental activists, and politicians.

In a time of growing wealth disparity and evolving societal values, can capitalism adapt to sustain the American Dream?

Two billion people worldwide are set to vote in elections this year, amid global conflict, societal mistrust, broken information ecosystems — and the truth-destroying disruption of generative AI. Governments and tech companies can anticipate the chaos, but how can they mitigate AI’s effects?

As the Supreme Court concludes another contentious term, it is once again reshaping the legal landscape. With cases on abortion, gun rights and social media — and potentially democracy itself — on the docket, this year’s rulings couldn’t be more consequential.

AI has the potential to create vibrant, inclusive communities as civil society organizations harness it to tackle inequality, industry leverages it to foster fairer practices, and commercial real estate uses it to create dynamic, accessible urban spaces.

As one of the foremost reporters of his generation, Nicholas Kristof has been witness to century-defining events and atrocities around the world. How has he managed to weaponize his pen against regimes and groups violating basic human rights, and still maintain faith in humanity?

Why do some conversations succeed while others stumble? The neurology and psychology of communication offer surprising explanations for why human connection goes right or wrong. Join in a live experiment — and explore how the right conversation, at the right moment, can change everything.

For as long as humans have looked at the skies, we’ve speculated about whether there is life in space. Scientists, the U.S. military and the CIA have all searched for proof of extraterrestrials. What’s the latest in the quest to find life beyond our planet?

A nonbinary comedian challenges us to question our notions of self, gender and society, and opens our eyes to what we may gain in the process.

Henry Louis Gates Jr. — one of America’s leading public intellectuals and director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard — explains the implications of knowing about our personal pasts. Actor and producer Joe Manganiello will then join him onstage to talk about what he learned from his appearance on Gates’ hit PBS show, “Finding your Roots.”