Riverside Chats

Kurt Andersen on 'Evil Geniuses' and how America Became 'Unmade'

Kurt Andersen is the author of "Evil Geniuses" about the roots of American economic inequality. He was born and raised in Omaha.
Marco Giugliarelli

Kurt Andersen does his best to explain America on today's show, talking with Tom about his two-volume history of our culture, "Fantasyland" and "Evil Geniuses," and the possibility of a brighter future.

Born in Omaha, Andersen is an author and radio host. His 2020 book "Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America" traces America's economic inequality to efforts made over the course of decades by a handful of wealthy, powerful decisionmakers. "Evil Geniuses" is the followup to Andersen's 2017 book "Fantasyland: How America Went Haywire; A 500-Year History."

See dynamic content

Riverside ChatsRiverside ChatsRiverside ChatRiver Side ChatsKIOS NewsKurt AndersenStudio 360booksWealth inequities
Courtney Bierman
Courtney is back in her hometown after graduating from the University of Kansas in 2019 with degrees in journalism and film. While at KU, she was the arts and culture editor of the University Daily Kansan and had a summer internship at KCUR, Kansas City's NPR member station. She has three pet rats and has seen almost every Audrey Hepburn movie.
See stories by Courtney Bierman
Related Content
  1. Bestselling Author Erik Larson on Ambition, Heroism and History
  2. Filmmaker Dan Mirvish on New Film '18½' and Watergate's Legacy
  3. Ross Benes, Author of 'Rural Rebellion,' Talks Controversies in Nebraska GOP