This week, as Trump works to dismantle government-funded scientific research, Michael Oreskes reveals how top researchers are now putting their work—and sometimes their retirements—on hold in order to fight for truth in science. Then, these are indeed strange days, and you may be struggling to find words of comfort. Gerard DeGroot has a thought: read Allen Ginsberg’s masterpiece, “Howl.” Published 70 years ago, this shocking poem was a powerful rebuke to conformists in 1950s America. And finally, Joan Juliet Buck has a look at a new book about how a British woman named Jane became the French bag named Birkin. Listen by clicking Play below. And be sure to subscribe at Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss an episode.

Episode 263: How a British Woman Named Jane Became a Bag Named Birkin

Plus: Gerard DeGroot on “Howl” and Allen Ginsburg; Michael Oreskes on scientists vs. Trump; and more