The Truth of the Matter with Natasha Zouves

AI Is Coming for Your Job. Here’s What To Do Now, With Simon Willison.

He's one of the most thoughtful voices in the world of Artificial Intelligence. In this episode, “Truth of the Matter” host Natasha Zouves sits down with the pioneering technologist and co-creator of Django, Simon Willison.
As AI accelerates at breakneck speed, Willison helps us cut through the hype to confront the real stakes: Which jobs are most at risk in this new era, and which might actually thrive? How do we “AI-proof” our own lives and careers when the ground is shifting under our feet?
In this wide-ranging conversation, Willison pulls back the curtain on the future we’re building, often faster than we can fully understand it. From disinformation campaigns to automations’ quiet creep into white-collar work, he explains what keeps him up at night — and why the U.S. may be flying blind if global competitors like China reject regulatory guardrails.
This is a frank, fascinating conversation about power, risk and the responsibility we all carry as we shape the future of intelligence itself.
“The Truth of the Matter" podcast goes beyond the headlines to uncover the hidden stories shaping our world. These stories are more than just hidden truths—they’re blueprints for navigating our own lives, offering rare insights into the human experience and lessons learned. You can find “The Truth of the Matter” wherever you listen to your podcasts.
 
Connect with host Natasha Zouves

Erin Brockovich Isn’t Done Fighting — And She’s Naming Names

Many of us know Julia Roberts' portrayal of Erin Brockovich's fight for justice in that Oscar-winning film. In this episode, “Truth of the Matter” host Natasha Zouves sits down with the real Brockovich, the outspoken advocate, environmental crusader and best selling author.
In a deeply personal conversation, Brockovich opens up about the values her father instilled in her — the roots of her resilience and sense of justice. She shares what it’s like to carry the weight of so many environmental battles, candidly admitting to moments of depression and moral fatigue, and what keeps her going despite it all.
She also reflects on Julia Roberts’ iconic portrayal of her — what the film got right and how it shaped the public’s understanding of who she really is beyond the high heels and bold talk.
From poisoned water supplies to corporate accountability, Brockovich lays out the biggest environmental and human rights challenges facing Americans today — and why you don’t need a law degree to make a difference.
WATCH Erin Brockovich in Natasha's Emmy Nominated Special, “Growing Broke: Forever Chemicals in America’s Heartland"
“The Truth of the Matter" podcast goes beyond the headlines to uncover the hidden stories shaping our world. These stories are more than just hidden truths—they’re blueprints for navigating our own lives, offering rare insights into the human experience and lessons learned. You can find “The Truth of the Matter” wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Connect with host Natasha Zouves
 

Michio Kaku: Secrets of the Multiverse, UAPs and Elon Musk's Mission to Settle Mars

He's considered one of the most brilliant scientific minds of our time: Dr. Michio Kaku — renowned astrophysicist, futurist, and co-founder of string theory, sits down with “Truth of the Matter” host Natasha Zouves.
 
He explores Elon Musk’s bold timeline to settle Mars — and the extraordinary technologies that could make it possible, including satellites designed to melt the planet’s polar ice caps and create life-sustaining water, literally terraforming the red planet.
 
Professor Kaku also weighs in on the future of artificial intelligence — what excites him, and what he believes could become one of the greatest threats we face. He shares powerful insights into the rise of UAPs and what action he believes humanity must take in response.
 
And finally, we dive into one of the most provocative ideas in modern physics: the multiverse. Could there be countless versions of you, of all of us, running in parallel universes we may never touch? Dr. Kaku breaks down the science.
 
This is a conversation about the future — of space, technology, and the very nature of reality.
 
WATCH Harvard Professor Avi Loeb discuss crypto-terrestrials and the possibility that aliens might already be present on Earth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAk4bLlYYmM
 
“The Truth of the Matter goes beyond the headlines to uncover the hidden stories shaping our world.
 
These stories are more than just hidden truths—they’re blueprints for navigating our own lives, offering rare insights into the human experience and lessons learned. You can find “The Truth of the Matter” wherever you listen to your podcasts.
 
Connect with host Natasha Zouves

Meet the Man Behind the World’s First Flying Car

Alef Aeronautics CEO Jim Dukhovny joins Natasha Zouves, host of “The Truth of the Matter,” for an electrifying deep dive into the future of the world’s first flying car. From concept to takeoff, Dukhovny breaks down how his team is rewriting the rules of transportation — and what it really takes to bring science fiction to life.
Will we be commuting through the skies in the next few years? How will flying cars reshape cities, commutes, and our every day realities?
This episode is essential listening for anyone fascinated by innovation, tech disruption, and the bold visionaries changing how we move through the world.
“The Truth of the Matter goes beyond the headlines to uncover the stories shaping our world. These stories are more than just hidden truths — they’re blueprints for navigating our lives, offering rare insights into the human experience and lessons in resilience, survival and the transformative power of a single decision. You can find “The Truth of the Matter” wherever you listen to your podcasts.
 
Connect with host Natasha Zouves

"They Tried to Silence Us": Survivors of 'Rape Club Prison' Speak

Women who were formerly incarcerated at FCI Dublin in California are telling their stories of surviving a federal prison so notorious for sexual abuse, it was called the “rape club.”
This conversation contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can find help and discreet resources on the National Sexual Assault Hotline website or by calling 1-800-656-4673.
“The Truth of the Matter goes beyond the headlines to uncover the stories shaping our world. These stories are more than just hidden truths — they’re blueprints for navigating our lives, offering rare insights into the human experience and lessons in resilience, survival and the transformative power of a single decision. You can find “The Truth of the Matter” wherever you listen to your podcasts.
 
Connect with host Natasha Zouves

“Republicans Fight Dirty. We should play that same way.” Mayor Bill de Blasio on the Future of the Democratic Party

Should Kamala Harris run for president again? What does the Democratic party need to do next? And are Trump's tariffs and the growing political power of Elon Musk handing the Democrats a golden opportunity?
Former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio joins Natasha Zouves, host of “The Truth of the Matter,” for a no-holds-barred conversation about the state of the Democratic Party — and where it needs to go next.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about the future of American politics — and what the future holds for the Democratic Party. 
“The Truth of the Matter goes beyond the headlines to uncover the stories shaping our world. These stories are more than just hidden truths — they’re blueprints for navigating our lives, offering rare insights into the human experience and lessons in resilience, survival and the transformative power of a single decision. You can find “The Truth of the Matter” wherever you listen to your podcasts.
 
Connect with host Natasha Zouves

Veteran Journalist Geraldo Rivera Gets Candid on Trump, Why He Really Left Fox News, and the Time He Saw a UFO

In a wide-ranging conversation, Geraldo Rivera shares insights from his life and career, emphasizing the importance of hard work and the influence of his immigrant parents. Rivera discusses his experiences with celebrities, the challenges of controversial interviews, reflections on his departure from Fox News and the impact of 9/11 on his life and work.
In this “Truth of the Matter” interview with host Natasha Zouves, Rivera also gets candid about his own UFO sighting and weighs in on questions about disclosure and government secrets.
Rivera also discusses his complicated relationship with President Trump, his feelings about Elon Musk and his thoughts about the future of America.
“The Truth of the Matter goes beyond the headlines to uncover the stories shaping our world. These stories are more than just hidden truths — they’re blueprints for navigating our lives, offering rare insights into the human experience and lessons in resilience, survival and the transformative power of a single decision. You can find “The Truth of the Matter” wherever you listen to your podcasts.
 
Connect with host Natasha Zouves

I Jumped Off the Golden Gate Bridge. An Animal Saved Me in the Water.

When Kevin Hines was 19 years old, he made the decision to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge. He tells Natasha Zouves, host of “The Truth of the Matter,” that three miracles happened that day that allowed him to survive.
Kevin shares his incredible journey of resilience, the struggles he faced, and the crucial lessons he learned about mental health and overcoming life's darkest moments. He discusses the importance of reaching out for help, and how anyone, no matter how low they feel, can rediscover their will to live.
Whether you're struggling with mental health, know someone who is, or simply want to hear a powerful story of hope and recovery, this episode is a must-listen. 
Tune in for a raw and transformative conversation with a true survivor who is making a difference in the world, turning his pain into purpose.
 
Trigger warning: suicidal ideation. If you are struggling, please call or text 988. Help is always available.
 
Connect with host Natasha Zouves
Find out more about Kevin Hines