Derek Thompson is a staff writer at The Atlantic and author, who provides insights on economics, technology, and culture. After beginning his distinguished career at The Atlantic in 2009, Derek Thompson quickly established himself as a prominent voice, serving as a staff writer who contributes extensively on economics, labor markets, and media. His impactful journalism includes two compelling cover stories for the magazine: ‘A World Without Work,’ which deeply explored automation’s profound influence on the labor force, and a detailed profile of Alphabet’s secretive X development division. Thompson further solidified his expertise with the national bestselling book, Hit Makers: How to Succeed in an Age of Distraction, published in 2017.
Demonstrating his versatility and ability to connect with audiences across platforms, he subsequently debuted his weekly headline podcast, ‘Plain English,’ in 2021 as part of The Ringer Podcast Network, further broadening his influence in audio journalism. Beyond his writing and podcasting, Thompson is a sought-after commentator and analyst for major media outlets. He has served as a respected news analyst for CBS, providing insights on national and international developments. Additionally, he contributes weekly to NPR’s ‘Here and Now,’ where he offers his expert commentary on current events and complex economic matters, reaching a wide listenership with his clear and informed perspectives.
Looking ahead, Thompson is co-authoring the highly anticipated book, Abundance, with Ezra Klein, scheduled for release in 2025. This significant work promises to delve into critical factors affecting development in the United States, addressing pressing issues such as climate change and infrastructure. Through his ongoing contributions across print, audio, and broadcast media, Derek Thompson continues to shape public discourse on economics, technology, and culture.