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Episodes
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Oct 1, 2025 • 30min
Checking In On The Federal Workforce As The Government Shuts Down
Join Lisa Desjardins, PBS NewsHour correspondent, Max Steyer, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, and Eileen Sullivan, New York Times reporter, as they navigate the fallout from a massive government shutdown. Discover the chaos behind the exodus of over 150,000 federal employees and the emotional toll on those who remain. They address how the administration's tactics leverage layoffs, the confusion within agencies, and the broader economic impacts, all while challenging public perceptions of federal workers.

Sep 30, 2025 • 33min
How Spending Time In Nature Helps Our Health
Marc Berman, an environmental neuroscience researcher and author of 'Nature and the Mind,' shares fascinating insights on how nature boosts our mental and physical health. He reveals that just a short stroll in nature can enhance attention by 20%. Even for those who aren't nature enthusiasts, cognitive benefits can still be experienced. Berman underscores the importance of nature in coping with grief and depression, and suggests that as little as 120 minutes a week can be beneficial. He also highlights the value of virtual nature for those lacking access.

Sep 30, 2025 • 22min
Why Are Russian Aircraft Violating NATO Airspace?
Emma Burroughs, European security correspondent for the Associated Press, dives into NATO's recent challenges with Russian aircraft violating airspace. She discusses incidents involving drones and MiGs in Poland, Romania, and more. Emma explores gray-zone tactics that destabilize democracies and details NATO's response strategies. The connection between Ukraine's war and these incursions is highlighted, along with the complexities of establishing no-fly zones and the impracticality of a 'drone wall.' The nuances of NATO's defensive approach and escalation risks are critically examined.

Sep 29, 2025 • 41min
'If You Can Keep It': James Comey And The Justice Department
Mary McCord, a former Acting Assistant Attorney General at the DOJ, joined Glenn Thrush, a New York Times reporter on DOJ matters, and Lucan Way, a democracy professor at the University of Toronto. They delve into the unprecedented pressure on the DOJ amidst Trump’s presidency, discussing how prosecuting figures like James Comey raises concerns about political weaponization. Lucan provides insights on authoritarian tactics and their chilling effects on democracy, while Mary highlights the erosion of DOJ independence and the implications for future prosecutions.

27 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 25min
The News Roundup For September 26, 2025
Join Arthur Delaney, a legal analyst from HuffPost, and Wendy Benjaminson, a senior editor at Bloomberg, as they dissect the political implications of the latest Comey indictment and the potential government shutdown. Taylor Poplarz shares insights on Trump's unpredictable policies, while Greg Karlstrom provides a deep dive into the Gaza conflict and the precarious situation of aid deliveries amid drone attacks. Michelle Jamrisco critiques Trump's inflammatory U.N. speech, and James Kitfield discusses NATO's response to Russian provocations.

Sep 25, 2025 • 32min
The Future Of Cancer Research In The US
In this discussion, Rachana Pradhan, a health policy correspondent, highlights the significant cuts to the National Cancer Institute and their implications. Jennifer Guida, a former NCI program director, sheds light on the specific grants terminated and their impact on training and research. Dr. Otis Brawley, an oncology expert, warns about the long-term consequences of these cuts on patient care and cancer research progress, emphasizing the risks to vulnerable populations and the future pipeline of scientists.

Sep 24, 2025 • 31min
The Conditions In ICE Detention Centers
Join Laura Barone-Lopez, a White House correspondent at MSNBC; Muzaffar Chishti, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute; and Sophia Gregg, an ACLU immigrant rights attorney, as they dive into the troubling conditions in ICE detention centers. They discuss the record surge in detainees, the cruel realities of overcrowding, and the legal loopholes affecting detainee rights. The guests reveal how federal policing changes impact immigration arrests, and the troubling role of private companies in expanding detention capacity. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation!

9 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 36min
'If You Can Keep It': The Fight Over Funding The Government
Megan Scully, Congress editor for Bloomberg News, dives into the legislative machinations behind government funding and the looming shutdown risks. Joel Payne, Chief Communications Officer at MoveOn, discusses progressive strategies for Democrats to navigate this political storm. Brian Boitler, founder of Off Message, offers insights on messaging and maintaining caucus unity. They explore implications for services and employees, debate leverage options, and analyze how Democrats can effectively negotiate amid a chaotic funding landscape.

17 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 19min
The News Roundup For September 19, 2025
Join Steve Clemens, an editor-at-large for The National Interest, Zoe Clark, political director for Michigan Public, Jack Datch, defense reporter at Politico, and Elizabeth Hagedorn, State Department correspondent at El Monitor, as they tackle pressing issues. The panel discusses the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show amid free speech concerns and critiques the UN report alleging genocide in Gaza. They also cover military developments in Ukraine, Trump's UK visit, and the implications of federal troop deployments, providing a sharp analysis of today's political landscape.

Sep 19, 2025 • 12min
ICYMI: US Destroys Another Boat Coming From Venezuela
In this discussion, Konstantin Toropin, a Pentagon reporter for the Associated Press, delves into the recent U.S. military strikes on Venezuelan boats, which led to a tragic loss of life. He illuminates the controversy surrounding the claims that these boats were connected to drug trafficking and the lack of public evidence backing such assertions. The conversation also highlights bipartisan concerns about the legal implications of the strikes and the escalating militarization of U.S.–Venezuela relations, raising questions about the potential for deeper conflicts.


