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Join Dr. Paul Offit, a renowned pediatric infectious disease specialist, Julie Rovner, a seasoned health policy journalist, and Laura Unger, an investigative reporter exposing anti-science legislation. They delve into the alarming rise of over 400 bills targeting vaccines and public health in state legislatures. The conversation uncovers the organized groups behind this movement, the potential resurgence of preventable diseases, and personal stories illustrating the real-world consequences of these legislative actions. Trust in public health is at a crossroads.

Bernadette Woods Plackey, Chief Meteorologist at Climate Central, joins to discuss the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa, currently hitting Jamaica. She explains how rapidly intensifying storms pose increased threats due to climate change. The conversation reveals that slower-moving storms lead to greater rainfall and damage. Bernadette highlights the structural vulnerabilities of buildings against 180+ mph winds and the compounded risks of sea level rise. Immediate needs for affected communities post-hurricane, such as shelter and clean water, are also addressed.

Faiza Patel, a legal expert at the Brennan Center, shares insights on the complexities of hate speech, emphasizing the risks of broad definitions that could target diverse groups. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, from American University, discusses the normalization of hate rhetoric and its effects on violence trends. Rachel Carroll Rivas from the SPLC talks about the shifting landscape of extremist movements and how narratives are shaped by influencers. Together, they dissect the implications of political rhetoric and the blurred lines surrounding domestic terrorism.

Megan Scully, Congress editor at Bloomberg News, and Taylor Poplar from Spectrum News dive into the government shutdown's ramifications, highlighting missed paychecks and stalled worker payments. Zoe Clark discusses how Michigan communities are grappling with SNAP benefit crises. Felicia Schwartz provides insights into the fragile Gaza ceasefire, while Robbie Grammer and James Kitfield analyze U.S. foreign policy and defense strategies. Together, they unravel the intricacies of congressional dynamics and the international political landscape.

Dr. Melinda Ring, an integrative medicine physician, discusses the clinical use and safety of supplements, while emphasizing the importance of reputable information. Peter Lurie, a former FDA commissioner, advocates for stricter regulations and critiques existing enforcement gaps. Daniel Fabricant, representing the natural products industry, defends current practices. They explore the reasons behind the growing popularity of supplements, highlight safety concerns, and debate the efficacy of alternatives versus pharmaceuticals.

Join John Horak, VP of research at The Ohio State University, and Terry Virts, former NASA astronaut, as they delve into the impending deorbit of the International Space Station in 2030. They discuss the ISS's rich history of international collaboration and groundbreaking scientific research. Horak outlines plans for commercial space stations and the challenges of privatizing space. Virts shares his personal experiences aboard the ISS, from adapting to microgravity to the emotional weight of its legacy, emphasizing its role in future lunar and Mars missions.

Mark Cooper-Jones, co-creator of the Map Men YouTube series and author of This Way Up, teams up with comedian Jay Foreman to explore the captivating world of maps. They dive into the mystery of phantom islands like Sandy Island and the fascinating history behind map errors. The duo discusses how cartographic mistakes reveal deeper stories about society and perspective, while also touching on the emotional connections we have with maps. Their witty banter makes the topic of navigation both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Kate Hidalgo-Ballows, a staff reporter at The Chronicle of Higher Education, dives into the Trump administration's controversial Compact for Academic Excellence. Joining her is Robert Kelchin, a professor at the University of Tennessee, who discusses the unprecedented federal conditions on funding. They explore the implications of capping international student enrollment, how universities are responding, and the threat to academic freedom. The conversation reveals deep concerns about the future of higher education amid increasing political influence.

Wendy Benjaminson, a senior editor at Bloomberg News, discusses the implications of John Bolton's recent indictment and the ongoing political fallout. Margaret Tollev analyzes the impact of federal shutdowns on public services and the economy. Olivier Knox shares insights into recent Pentagon press corps developments. Greg Myrie provides on-the-ground reporting from Israel, detailing the Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchanges. James Kitfield highlights the U.S. operations near Venezuela as part of the fight against drug cartels, showcasing complex geopolitical dynamics.

Becca Wallenwinder, former director of policy and planning in special education, discusses the devastating effects of staffing cuts on programs supporting children with disabilities. Laura Meckler, national education reporter, analyzes the political landscape surrounding these cuts. Chad Rummel, executive director at the Council for Exceptional Children, shares the real-world implications for special education teachers and families. Together, they highlight the importance of federal oversight, the risks of losing IDEA protections, and the urgent need for advocacy.