'I Am Become Death..."

All of us live under the constant threat of nuclear annihilation.

The promise of mutually assured destruction has been an effective deterrent since the first — and only — time nuclear weapons were used in war. But lately, in these turbulent times, the nuclear specter again looms large.

And this summer's blockbuster film "Oppenhiemer," about the father of the atomic bomb, reignited public moral debate about weapons of mass destruction and reminded us that the very technological breakthroughs that have liberated humanity and brought so many gifts to modern life can also lead to the destruction of everything...

When I saw "Oppenheimer" this summer, I was inspired to read the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, "American Prometheus," upon which Christopher Nolan's screenplay was based. Today on my podcast, I'm joined by the book's co-author, celebrated biographer Kai Bird, to discuss J. Robert Oppenheimer's life and legacy.

I hope you'll tune in and join me for this intimate conversation wherever you get your podcasts.