The Profile: The CEO modernizing Gap & the comedian taking America by storm

This edition of The Profile features Andrew Schulz, Richard Dickson, Bruce Springsteen, and Alanis Morissette.

Good morning, friends.

I started working for the newspaper in high school. Kept going through college. And then, well, the rest is history.

I grew up fully subscribing to the idea that journalism was a higher calling. That it stood for truth. For ethics. For objectivity. For fairness. And above all, for loyalty to the reader. (It’s literally in the SPJ Code of Ethics.)

But somewhere along the way, I became deeply disillusioned with the state of modern media. Too often, I read a piece expecting to learn about a subject, and instead, I walk away knowing more about the reporter’s personal worldview. It feels like I came for insight, but got a lecture. I find myself often thinking: “Man, Dan the Reporter really wanted me to know that he had some cheap shot commentary masquerading as journalism in there.”

A recent New York Times interview between David Marchese and comedian Andrew Schulz brought this into sharp focus for me. Schulz kept pointing out subtle bias in the line of Marchese’s questions.

Here’s an excerpt:

Let’s take the example of your interview with Donald Trump. I know that you’re not a journalist. But am I not? I might be the foremost political journalist of my time.

You know, it’s possible! But in your interview, do you feel like you did the necessary work of asking him difficult questions? Do you think that’s necessary?

Yes. I don’t know what you think the goal of journalism is specifically. Is it to ask the things you’re curious about? Do you have a responsibility for your audience within The New York Times? Do you have a responsibility for the New York Times audience? Are you responsible for people in Dubai? China? Japan? They might have certain curiosities that you didn’t address. You’re going to let somebody down. What I’d like to see more is people asking the questions that they are curious about themselves, instead of trying to pander to what their audience is curious about. With the Trump interview, I had three things I wanted to ask him about, and I asked him those things.

What were those three things? Protecting I.V.F. My wife and I had a baby through I.V.F., and it was important to me that he would do something to make sure that was protected, especially with the abortion bans. He specifically said that he would. Let’s see if that actually happens. Empathy for illegals that are here that are not breaking the law, that have been working here on a pathway to citizenship. Which it doesn’t look like has been happening. This is disheartening for me. And then an end to the foreign wars. I think it’s very hard for Americans to be struggling so much, and then the perception of all this money leaving the country to go fight these wars in places that we’ll never go visit. You start to feel like you’re left out. Those are the three things I really wanted to talk to him about, and I did.

You didn’t ask much about economic policy, which, for a Bernie supporter, I thought was weird. What did I ask Bernie about economics?

You guys talked a lot about economic inequality. But what about policy? What would you like me to ask about?

I don’t know the specific question. Specifics are important, David. You’re making an accusation that I didn’t ask something, but you don’t have the thing you would have liked me to ask. Here’s a good moment for accountability. Do you think it was fair to present that economic-policy question to me about Trump, not really knowing what you were talking about?

It was awkward and uncomfortable to watch, yet it was so necessary because you see both sides really trying to challenge and understand each others’ perspectives.

One commenter said, “Andrew and David completely won me over. The dialogue was raw and authentic, and I was hanging on to every word. It was both intellectually and emotionally challenging.” Fascinating interview to watch:

PROFILES.

— The CEO attempting to modernize Gap [**HIGHLY RECOMMEND**]
— The comedian taking America by storm
— The women leaning into traditional values
— Rock’s reluctant icon
— The queen of alt rock angst

PEOPLE TO KNOW.

The CEO attempting to modernize Gap: The iconic ‘90s retailer Gap may finally be staging a comeback. Under new CEO Richard Dickson, the once-iconic brand is ditching the discount spiral, chasing fashion relevance with viral jeans, Gen Z collabs, and a return to basics that actually sell. Tariffs and retail chaos threaten momentum, but Gap’s massive scale and nostalgic pull could give it a rare edge. For the first time in decades, people aren’t asking “What happened to Gap?” They’re asking “Is Gap… back?” (Bloomberg; alternate link)

“This is one of those moments that is going to require more patience.”

The comedian taking America by storm: Andrew Schulz has built a comedy empire by leaning into the provocative — irreverent standup, wildly popular podcasts, and zero concern for cancel culture. But behind the bravado is a more thoughtful evolution: his Netflix special Life dives into the emotional rollercoaster of IVF, and he’s grappling with what it means to wield real cultural influence. As presidents and political power players now appear on his shows, Schulz straddles a strange new role: part comic, part commentator, part reluctant media force. Love him or hate him, he’s not just asking the questions — he’s changing who gets to ask them. This is a must-read/watch. (The New York Times; alternate link)

“What I’d like to see more is people asking the questions that they are curious about themselves, instead of trying to pander to what their audience is curious about.”

The women leaning into traditional values: At Turning Point USA’s Young Women’s Leadership Summit, thousands of young women gathered for a message that blended faith, wellness, and traditional values. Speakers emphasized family over career, encouraging attendees to rethink feminism, modern dating, and personal ambition. Influencers like Alex Clark are leading a cultural shift where lifestyle advice intersects with conservative politics, attracting a growing base of followers through health, homemaking, and anti-mainstream messaging. For many, it’s less about party platforms and more about reshaping how to live, not just how to vote. (The New York Times; alternate link)

“Women like me are realizing climbing this corporate ladder doesn’t fulfill you.”

Rock’s reluctant icon: Bruce Springsteen has released Tracks II: The Lost Albums — 74 unreleased songs spanning genres and decades, many from his so-called “lost” ’90s period. In a rare deep-dive interview, he reflects on creative detours, his discomfort with Born in the U.S.A., and why timing kept these records in the vault. Now, he’s focused on going deeper, not bigger — with more music, a biopic, and no plans for a farewell. (Rolling Stone; alternate link)

“My attitude is I was never interested in going bigger. I was always interested in going deeper. That’s how I’ve conducted my career.”

The queen of alt rock angst: Alanis Morissette, the high priestess of emotional honesty, is back — wiser, messier, and more herself than ever. Thirty years after Jagged Little Pill exploded onto the scene, she’s still unafraid to talk trauma, therapy, addiction, and the contradictions that make her whole. From battling postpartum depression to redefining intelligence through homeschooling, Morissette sees healing as both personal mission and public performance. (The Guardian; alternate link)

“I really consider myself a sort of existential cockroach.”

✨ The rest of this newsletter is only available for premium members of The Profile, whose support makes this work possible. If you’re not already a premium member, consider upgrading your subscription below for access to an additional section of weekly audio + video recommendations. ✨