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Record numbers of people are shunning alcohol for health reasons — are you?
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AirTalk Tile 2024
Aug 14, 2025
Listen 1:39:00
Record numbers of people are shunning alcohol for health reasons — are you?

Today on AirTalk, Fewer Americans are reporting alcohol consumption, according to a new Gallup poll; A new book explores the life and work of the late director Jonathan Demme; The White House is set to conduct a review of the Smithsonian; Trigger warnings and TV Talk.

An array of beer bottles sit on a picnic table.
An array of beer bottles sit on a picnic table.
(
Olivia Sun
/
NPR
)

Record numbers of people are shunning alcohol for health reasons — are you?

Listen 34:12
Record numbers of people are shunning alcohol for health reasons — are you?

Fewer Americans are reporting that they drink alcohol amid a growing belief that even moderate alcohol consumption is a health risk, according to a Gallup poll released Wednesday. A record high percentage of U.S. adults, 53%, now say moderate drinking is bad for their health, up from 28% in 2015. The uptick in doubt about alcohol’s benefits is largely driven by young adults — the age group that is most likely to believe drinking “one or two drinks a day” can cause health hazards — but older adults are also now increasingly likely to think moderate drinking carries risks. As concerns about health impacts rise, fewer Americans are reporting that they drink. The survey finds that 54% of U.S. adults say they drink alcoholic beverages such as liquor, wine or beer. That’s lower than at any other point in the past three decades. Today on AirTalk, we’re digging into the data with you, the listener! How have your drinking habits changed over time? Do you think social pressures surrounding drinking are easing or changing? We want to hear your experience — or lack there of — with drinking! Give us a call at 866-893-5722 or you can email us at atcomments@laist.com.

With files from the Associated Press.

A new book explores the life and work of late director Jonathan Demme

Listen 15:19
A new book explores the life and work of late director Jonathan Demme

The late Jonathan Demme was one of the most dynamic directors of the past century. His film catalogue includes classics such as The Silence of the Lambs and Melvin and Howard. Demme not only told captivating stories, but also felt it was important to center marginalized voices in many of his works. Now, a new book catalogs the life and work of Demme. Joining Larry on AirTalk today to talk about his new book, There’s No Going Back: The Life and Work of Jonathan Demme, is author David M. Stewart.

White House to review the Smithsonian – what does that mean for the museum’s future?

Listen 23:36
White House to review the Smithsonian – what does that mean for the museum’s future?

The White House is ordering a wide-ranging review of the Smithsonian museums and exhibitions ahead of the country’s 250th birthday with a goal of aligning the institution’s content with President Donald Trump’s interpretation of American history. In a letter sent Tuesday to Smithsonian Institution Secretary Lonnie Bunch III, the White House laid out in detail the steps it expects the organization to take as part of the announced review. The examination will look at all public-facing content, such as social media, exhibition text, and educational materials, to “assess tone, historical framing, and alignment with American ideals,” according to the letter. The actions by the administration do share some similarities to its challenging of universities, although there hasn’t been any reported retaliation toward the museums at this moment in time. So what’s to come of this review, and how may this impact the Smithsonian's beloved museums? Today on AirTalk, we get the latest from Graham Bowley, New York Times investigative reporter.

With files from the Associated Press

Trigger warnings: Do they keep us safe from psychological harm? Or are they overly protective?

Listen 12:19
Trigger warnings: Do they keep us safe from psychological harm? Or are they overly protective?

Trigger warnings, content warnings, whatever you call them, they seem to be ubiquitous these days – in media, books, podcasts, and even casual conversation. They are intended to give audiences the choice to prepare themselves to engage with material mindfully or avoid it altogether if needed. Supporters argue that trigger warnings promote empathy, inclusivity, and psychological safety, particularly in educational and public spaces. Critics, however, suggest they can encourage avoidance rather than resilience, or that their use may be overly broad. So are they overly sensitive or do they keep us safe? We want to hear from you. Do you appreciate a trigger warning? If so, in what contexts and for what kinds of content? Call us at 866-893-5722 or email us at atcomments@laist.com.

TV Talk: ‘And Just Like That…,’ ‘Limitless with Chris Hemsworth,’ and many more!

Listen 13:32
TV Talk: ‘And Just Like That…,’ ‘Limitless with Chris Hemsworth,’ and many more!

Have you felt completely overwhelmed when deciding what new show to watch these days? Us too. There’s just so much content out there between network TV and numerous streaming platforms. Each week, we will try to break through the noise with TV watchers who can point us to the must-sees and steer us clear of the shows that maybe don’t live up to the hype. This week, listeners will get the latest scoop on what’s worth watching with Melanie McFarland, TV critic for Salon, and Saloni Gajjar, staff writer covering TV at the A.V. Club.

TV shows:

  • And Just Like That…(HBO Max)
  • Limitless with Chris Hemsworth (Hulu)
  • Outlander: Blood of My Blood  (Starz)
  • Rage (HBO Max)
  • Butterfly (Amazon Prime Video)
  • Alien: Earth (FX on Hulu)
Credits
Host, AirTalk
Host, Morning Edition, AirTalk Friday, The L.A. Report A.M. Edition
Senior Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Associate Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Associate Producer, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, FilmWeek