BoomerLennials

Jews around the world will celebrate Rosh Hashana, the beginning of the Jewish New Year. The recent global rise in anti-Semitism and events in Israel and Gaza have created new and unexpected contexts for Jewish men and women as they focus on annual reflections, religious upbringings and Jewish identities. Josh and Doug - joined by Stanford senior Theo Baker, the youngest-ever winner of the George Polk Award for special achievement in journalism, and J Street founder Jeremy Ben-Ami - host a special Rosh Hashana BoomerLennials discussion of the generational contexts shaping those reflections. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit boomerlennials.substack.com

Not so long ago, the United States was seen by millions around the globe as their aspirational goal – the symbol of freedom, compassion for others, aid and assistance for those who desperately needed it, and a beacon for those who wanted to make a better life for themselves and their families. It has become increasingly clear that that is no longer the case. Does America’s reputation, values and standing matter any more to those in the United States who feel it’s time to turn to more domestic concerns? Can we ever return to the values-based standing America once had in the world? Or has balance now become a zero-sum game? Join Josh and Doug as they welcome to the discussion former USAID Administrator Gayle Smith; former PEN America President Suzanne Nossel; and legendary Hollywood producer Mike Medavoy, whose films have captivated audiences worldwide for more than 50 years. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit boomerlennials.substack.com

What happens when an industry town loses its industry? America saw it happen with auto manufacturing in Detroit in the 20th century, and now, it appears something similar may be happening to the film and television industry of Los Angeles. Once synonymous with the biz itself, "Hollywood" is rapidly losing its status as the entertainment capital of the world. As film and TV productions flee to cheaper shooting locations, many Angelenos who moved to LA to chase their Hollywood dreams are left wondering if Hollywood is ever coming back to LA. We'll discuss runaway production, tax credits, Trump film tariffs, and everything else Hollywood with two of our favorite people in the biz... actor/writer Tommy Dewey and producer Helen Estabrook. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit boomerlennials.substack.com

Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the Right, Here I am, Stuck in the Middle with You.These lyrics from the Stealers Wheel ‘70’s hit seem to summarize what an increasing number of Americans feel about our politics today. But is that where disillusioned Americans are? Stuck in the middle? Or looking for alternatives to politics and politicians as channels for change? No Labels’ Holly Page and columnist and screenwriter Matt Bai join BoomerLennials for the discussion.Host: Doug WilsonGuests: Holly Page and Matt BaiProducer: Jonathan Kermah This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit boomerlennials.substack.com

Pete Buttigieg joins Doug and Josh to discuss his vision for America, his take on the politics of today and the challenges of tomorrow. Together, we'll discuss everything from climate change, school shootings, and AI to the current threats against democratic norms, the economy, and America's institutions of higher learning.Hosts: Doug Wilson and Josh BrenerGuest: Pete ButtigiegProducer: Jonathan Kermah This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit boomerlennials.substack.com

“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” The words of Emma Lazarus, mounted on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. Lest we forget the faces of immigration – our grandparents, parents, friends and family, who built this country – at a time when immigration has now become miscast as synonymous with fentanyl, Venezuelan gangs and unsecured borders. On today’s episode of BoomerLennials, Josh and Doug welcome Emmy-nominated actor Mamoudou Athie (whose family was granted asylum from Mauritania) and Afghan-American entrepreneur Najlla Habibyar: her harrowing escape from the Taliban following the fall of Afghanistan was cellphone-documented and featured in the New York Times. Two of the Americans building this country now. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit boomerlennials.substack.com

Golden Globe-winning and four-time Academy Award nominated Canadian-American director Jason Reitman (Thank You For Smoking; Juno; Up In The Air; Saturday Night) and former US Ambassador to Canada and former Governor of Michigan James Blanchard join Josh and Doug to discuss “WTF Are We Doing Turning One Of Our Best Friends Into An Enemy?” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit boomerlennials.substack.com

New York Times political reporter Tyler Pager, author and activist Rosa Brooks and former Yahoo and CBS executive Brian Goldsmith bring talking point-free and platitude-free insights into the “WT#!* Do Democrats Do Now?” discussion with Josh and Doug. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit boomerlennials.substack.com

Josh Brener and Doug Wilson discuss the origins, framework and focus of their new podcast, BoomerLennials and talk about the roads that brought them together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit boomerlennials.substack.com

Former Assistant Defense Secretary Doug Wilson was Pentagon senior spokesman under President Obama, and advisor to White House hopefuls from Gary Hart to Pete Buttigieg. He’s a Baby Boomer.Film and television actor Josh Brener starred in HBO’s acclaimed series Silicon Valley and played a young Doug in The Front Runner, the Hugh Jackman movie about Gary Hart. He’s a Millennial.Now, together, they’re co-hosting BoomerLennials , with a mix of guests, young and old, from politics and show biz, to discuss all things political, social and cultural through the lens of the generational divide. Tune in to their introductory episode premiering Thursday, April 24. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit boomerlennials.substack.com