The Assignment with Audie Cornish

4.6 (909)
NEWS COMMENTARY
UPDATED WEEKLY

Every Thursday on The Assignment, host Audie Cornish explores the animating forces of this extraordinary American political moment. It’s not about the horse race, it’s about the larger cultural ideas driving the conversation: the role of online influencers on the electorate, the intersection of pop culture and politics, and discussions with primary voices and thinkers who are shaping the political conversation.

3D AGO

Is OpenAI Building an Empire or a Religion?

Some companies just build products. Others build empires — with innovative leaders who inspire fierce devotion. But when does innovation become something more like faith? Tech journalist Karen Hao joins Audie Cornish to talk about the rise of Sam Altman, the near-religious culture growing around AI, and what it all means for our future — whether you’re feeling hopeful, skeptical, or somewhere in between. Karen Hao’s book is called Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman's OpenAI Listen to our interview with the CEO of Microsoft AI, Mustafa Suleyman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

36 min
MAY 29

Klarna's CEO On Why You Should Buy Now, Pay Later

Should you put your DoorDash burrito on a payment plan? Probably not. But Klarna co-founder and CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski argues the rise of "buy now, pay later" -- or BNPL -- services like his are a good thing. He joins Audie to talk about his “healthier” credit alternative, and whether the rise of BNPL is a sign of larger economic strain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

35 min
MAY 22

Explaining Diddy’s Domination and Downfall

As Sean “Diddy” Combs stands trial in New York, the music industry is reckoning with a hard truth: how did he stay untouchable for so long? Music journalist Sowmya Krishnamurthy—who once interned at Bad Boy Records—joins Audie to unpack how hip-hop missed its Weinstein “Me Too” moment. Krishnamurthy is the author of Fashion Killa: How Hip-Hop Revolutionized High Fashion. Get a recap of the Combs trial in your podcast feed, subscribe to "Trial By Jury: Diddy” from CNN Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

33 min
MAY 15

Why We Believe Crazy S**t —And What We Can Do About It

Conspiracy theories are not new. They’re as old as time itself. But if you feel like they’re everywhere right now, you’re not alone. So, what do you do when somebody you love has fallen down a rabbit hole? CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan has been covering the world of misinformation for more than a decade, but now he's less interested in what people believe than why they believe it. So, he’s trying to find out. Listen to Persuadable and follow The Account from CNN here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

34 min
MAY 8

Catholicism Is So Hot Right Now. Why?

Catholicism is having a moment. The election of a new pope set social media buzzing with silly songs and comedy sketches, fantasy pope drafts and power rankings, and last year’s Oscar-winner ‘Conclave’ provided an imaginary reference point for what was happening behind the Sistine Chapel’s closed doors. But the interest goes beyond the papal election: Reports point to a rise in young converts, from JD Vance to Shia LaBeouf to a wave of Zoomers. Audie talks with Christine Emba of the American Enterprise Institute to unpack what’s driving this renewed fascination. Editorial note: This episode was updated on 5/8/25 with language describing the election of a new pope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

36 min
MAY 1

Why Does Dating Feel So Hard Right Now?

It’s been called a ‘romantic recession.’ Has love and dating always been this hard? Orna Guralnik, a psychoanalyst and star of Showtime’s Couples Therapy, says she’s seeing political polarization take a toll on modern-day romance. She sits down with Audie for a session on repairing America’s divided relationships, and steps we can all take to find connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

32 min
APR 24

Who’s Laughing in Trump’s Second Term?

The White House Correspondents Dinner takes place this weekend with at least one notable absence: comedy. Standup comic W. Kamau Bell visits Audie to talk about the tough decisions facing artists in the Trump era—and what institutional power plays, like the president’s takeover of the Kennedy Center and the abrupt cutting of Amber Ruffin from the White House Correspondents Dinner, mean for the future of comedy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

34 min
APR 17

A Wonk-Free Conversation About Tariffs

The fallout continues from the president’s so-called “Liberation Day,” with the on-again off-again global tariffs and the rising tensions with China. This all has the financial markets bouncing like a yo-yo. Audie talks with CNN Business Senior Writer Allison Morrow about what this means for you and your finances, and whether we’re heading for a recession. Allison writes the CNN Business Nightcap, subscribe here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

29 min

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TRAILER

Introducing: The Assignment

Fiery Twitter threads and endless news notifications never capture the full story. Each week on The Assignment, host Audie Cornish pulls listeners out of their digital echo chambers to hear from the people who live the headlines. From the sex work economy to the battle over what’s taught in classrooms, no topic is off the table. To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11/04/2022

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3 min

4.6

out of 5

909 Ratings

She’s such a good interviewer

Mar 27

Mlekonaukowe

Audie Cornish is a national treasure.
Good topics, too many interruptions

Apr 3

LeighOnCreamery

Some really interesting topics but she needs to let the guest talk. Heard more from her long winded questions and commentary than the guest being able to give a complete answer before being interrupted. It’s her show though so I guess it’s her call. Wonder how frustrating it is for the guest.
Love!

Feb 12

joharri3

Loved your last show!!
Thank heavens for Audie!

Feb 7

BrklynDavid

Audie Cornish is a smart and essential voice in today’s news. This is a terrific podcast. I only wish she could do it even more often!

Every Thursday on The Assignment, host Audie Cornish explores the animating forces of this extraordinary American political moment. It’s not about the horse race, it’s about the larger cultural ideas driving the conversation: the role of online influencers on the electorate, the intersection of pop culture and politics, and discussions with primary voices and thinkers who are shaping the political conversation.