Next Question with Katie Couric

What if the government workers we often overlook are actually heroes? In this eye-opening conversation, Katie sits down with Michael Lewis to explore the unseen work of civil servants who keep our country running—often under relentless attack. They discuss why these jobs have become political targets, what’s at stake when expertise is lost, and how our perceptions of government have been shaped. Drawing from his new book, Who Is Government?, Michael shares eye-opening stories of the people behind the policies—offering a fresh perspective on the critical role they play and why their work matters more than ever.

Happy 50th birthday to Chelsea Handler! We’re honored to host her on her big day and to celebrate her new book, I'll Have What She's Having. Fortunately for us, nothing is off-limits. Katie and Chelsea take on her evolving (and often hilarious) approach to love, sex, and breakups. Chelsea spills on the hard lemonade empire she built as an eight-year-old, her infamous Cuomo crush (yes, those nipples), and why she refuses to be tied down—literally or figuratively. Plus, she and Katie hash out an old grudge, talk psychedelics, and discuss why women need to double down on sisterhood in tough times. Raunchy, raw, and ridiculously funny, this episode is Chelsea at her best.

We’re looking back at Katie’s 2022 conversation with Adam Scott, who you’ll know from some truly bingeable TV, including “Parks and Rec,” the cult-fave “Party Down,” “Big Little Lies,” and now the psychological thriller, “Severance” from Apple TV. Adam is one of those actors you feel like you know. But going into this conversation, Katie realized she didn’t really know anything about him. On this episode of Next Question with Katie Couric, Katie and Adam talk about his cuss-loving hippie mom, his fondness for forts, and his youthful, almost delusional, drive to become an actor. They dive into the uncanny timeliness of “Severance” and also go back to Adam’s youth and his Harrison Ford ah ha moment. No doubt, you’ll come away loving Adam Scott just as much as you thought you did.

In a live conversation at The Strand bookstore, Bill Gates sits down with Katie Couric to reflect on the moments that shaped his journey in life and technology. Gates admits he doesn’t look back often, but in this conversation, he shares generously about his early life: how his parents’ decision to send him to therapy helped him grow, the unforgettable moment when Paul Allen rushed into his Harvard dorm with the spark that led to Microsoft, and how his initial tech optimism has evolved with time. As we approach the AI revolution, Gates reflects on the unexpected consequences of technology and the ways our online lives have rewired how we think. Shifting to today’s political landscape, Gates addresses the disruption caused by the gutting of key agencies under Trump and Elon Musk, while stressing the importance of finding a path forward. It’s a reflective conversation about growth, change, and navigating the challenges of an evolving digital world.

NOTABLE MOMENTS

(00:53) Bill Gates' Memoir: Early Life and Influences

(01:45) Family and Childhood Reflections

(03:09) Lessons from Card Games and Family Dynamics

(07:30) Rebellious Teen Years and Therapy

(14:55) The Birth of Microsoft

(20:42) Technology's Impact on Society

(23:11) AI and Future Innovations

(25:49) Political Views and Global Health

(36:00) Pandemic Preparedness and Future Goals