Ep 57. Eric Schlosser, Brian Jay Jones

Tavis Smiley season 8 episode 57 features two guests, Eric Schlosser and Brian Jay Jones. Eric Schlosser is an American journalist and author who has written extensively on the fast food industry, nuclear weapons, and the American prison system. Brian Jay Jones is an American biographer who has written books on Jim Henson, the creator of The Muppets, and George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars.

The episode starts with Tavis Smiley welcoming both guests to the show and asking them about their latest projects. Eric Schlosser talks about his new book, "Command and Control," which explores the history of nuclear weapons and the potential dangers of nuclear accidents. He discusses the many incidents where nuclear weapons were almost detonated by accident, including one chilling incident where a single switch prevented a nuclear explosion that could have destroyed most of Arkansas. Schlosser goes on to discuss the current state of nuclear weapons and the challenges facing the world in terms of disarmament and arms control.

Brian Jay Jones then discusses his latest book, "Becoming Dr. Seuss," which is a biography of the famous children's author. Jones talks about how Dr. Seuss, whose real name was Theodor Geisel, struggled to find his artistic voice early on in his career and also faced personal difficulties such as his wife's illness. Jones goes on to discuss how Dr. Seuss ended up creating some of the most beloved characters in children's literature and how his stories have resonated with generations of readers.

Tavis Smiley then shifts the conversation to a broader theme, asking both guests about the role of storytelling in society. Eric Schlosser talks about how journalism and nonfiction can also tell powerful stories and can have a real impact on society. He discusses how his own work on the fast food industry helped to bring attention to issues such as animal welfare and the health risks associated with fast food. Brian Jay Jones talks about how storytelling can help to create empathy and understanding across different cultures and backgrounds. He discusses how Dr. Seuss's stories, despite being written for young children, can also teach important lessons about tolerance and acceptance.

Throughout the episode, Tavis Smiley leads an engaging and insightful conversation, drawing out the experiences and perspectives of both Eric Schlosser and Brian Jay Jones. The show is a combination of thoughtful analysis and personal anecdotes, providing a nuanced and well-rounded view of the topics at hand. By the end of the episode, viewers will have gained a deeper understanding of nuclear weapons, children's literature, and the power of storytelling to shape society.