Settle In with PBS News

Episode: Introducing Settle In with PBS News
Date: November 20, 2025

Episode Overview

This introductory episode of Settle In with PBS News, hosted by Amna and Jeff, gives listeners a first look at the themes and purpose of their new weekly podcast. The show aims to provide in-depth conversations with influential figures, helping explain the world through thoughtful dialogue. For their inaugural “sneak peek,” Amna and Jeff introduce a discussion with renowned financial journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin, focusing on how current social and economic dynamics might echo the major turning points of previous eras, particularly the "roaring twenties" and financial bubbles.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Purpose and Format of the Podcast [00:00–00:11]

• Amna and Jeff introduce themselves and the podcast, expressing excitement about launching a show dedicated to conversations that “help us make sense of the world.”
  • Quote [00:02] – Jeff: “It’s our new podcast, Settle In—depth conversations with people who help us make sense of the world.”

2. Sneak Peek: First Guest and Direction [00:11–00:23]

• Preview of the First Interview: The hosts quickly preview their first guest, Andrew Ross Sorkin, signaling the type of high-profile guests and substantive topics listeners can expect.
  • Quote [00:15] – Jeff: “So stay tuned for more. Settle in as we dive into the questions and conversations shaping the moment.”

3. Conversation with Andrew Ross Sorkin: Are We in a New “Roaring Twenties”? [00:23–01:02]

A. Economic Parallels and Uncertainty

• Amna asks a provocative question: “Are we in our own roaring twenties now? Are we just, like, hurtling towards the inevitable?” [00:28]
• Andrew Ross Sorkin reflects on the comparison with the 1920s, noting that while there are similarities, the period may be more analogous to the lead-up to the dot-com bubble's burst.
  • Quote [00:32] – Andrew Ross Sorkin: “I think we are.”
  • Quote [00:34] – Amna (half-joking): “Hiding money under my mouth.”
  • Quote [00:34] – Andrew Ross Sorkin: “Well, that's the part I know that's the hardest part to answer. There’s part of me that says, sure, we are probably in some form of the 1920s.”
• On Market Bubbles:
  • Sorkin shares insight from a conversation with legendary trader Paul Tudor Jones, who views the current moment through the lens of the tech bubble in 1999—not the 1929 crash.
  • Quote [00:40] – Andrew Ross Sorkin: "I was just, by the way, talking to Paul Tudor Jones, who's a famous trader, and he said to me, we are likely in October of 1999. So not 1929, but October of 1999. Okay? The bubble bursts effectively. The dot com bubble burst."
  • Sorkin comments on the typical timeline for bubbles to burst, referencing the dot-com era: “12 to 18 months later.” [01:02]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jeff [00:02]: “It’s our new podcast, Settle In—depth conversations with people who help us make sense of the world.”
• Amna [00:28]: “Are we in our own roaring twenties now? Are we just, like, hurtling towards the inevitable?”
• Andrew Ross Sorkin [00:34]: “There’s part of me that says, sure, we are probably in some form of the 1920s.”
• Andrew Ross Sorkin [00:40]: “Paul Tudor Jones ... said to me, we are likely in October of 1999 ... The bubble bursts, effectively, the dot com bubble burst. 12 to 18 months later.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–00:11: Hosts introduce themselves and the podcast’s mission.
• 00:11–00:23: Sneak peek at the first episode and upcoming guest.
• 00:23–01:02: Interview clip with Andrew Ross Sorkin—discussion on economic cycles, market bubbles, and historical parallels.

Summary

The debut episode of Settle In with PBS News sets a tone of intelligent inquiry and accessible, relevant discussion. Amna and Jeff highlight their commitment to exploring big questions with guests who offer valuable insights. The previewed conversation with Andrew Ross Sorkin showcases their approach: asking timely questions ("Are we in our own roaring twenties?") and eliciting expert judgment on complex, consequential issues. This introductory episode promises a podcast that will be both informative and thought-provoking for those seeking clarity in a rapidly changing world.