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Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist and author known for her work on decision-making and change, dives deep into how life’s unexpected shifts affect our brains and identities. She shares her own fears of uncertainty and explores how to adapt to upheaval. Maya emphasizes the importance of reframing change as a revelation and cultivating openness to ambiguity. She discusses the role of nature and awe in gaining perspective, and how building community can support us through transitions, all while challenging traditional views on trauma and identity.

Kenneth R. Rosen, an expert on Arctic geopolitics and author of 'Polar War,' dives into the complexities of Trump's interest in Greenland. He debunks myths around foreign threats in the region and discusses the implications of U.S. military presence on local communities. Rosen explores the challenges of climate-driven infrastructure decline, Greenland's increasing aspirations for independence, and the changing dynamics of Arctic diplomacy fueled by warming temperatures. He emphasizes the need for U.S. investments in Arctic capabilities to keep pace with rivals.

Brian O'Hara, Chief of the Minneapolis Police Department, shares his concerns about the aggressive tactics of federal ICE agents following a tragic shooting. Zainab Mohamed, a Democratic state senator, discusses fears within the Somali community and legislative efforts to address fraud and rebuild trust. David Schultz, a political science professor, analyzes the legal implications of Minnesota's lawsuit against federal authorities, highlighting tensions between state and federal enforcement. The conversation paints a vivid picture of a community grappling with safety and justice.

Paul Post, a political science professor focused on U.S. foreign policy, Rachel Myrick, a Duke University professor researching public opinion on foreign affairs, and Andra Gillespie, a political analyst from Emory University, dive into the complexities of American military interventions. They discuss Trump's Venezuela actions as a modern reflection of 19th-century doctrines and the potential political implications for his administration. The panel examines whether foreign interventions serve to distract from domestic issues and the risks of unilateralism in global relations.

Arthur Delaney, a senior reporter for HuffPost, shares his insights on political analysis and the GOP’s response to welfare fraud allegations in Minnesota. Amanda Becker from The 19th discusses the implications of the Department of Health and Human Services freezing $10 billion in aid. Catherine Lucey of Bloomberg News talks about the geopolitical fallout of Nicolás Maduro's arrest. The panel debates the Trump administration's shifting stance on foreign interventions, highlighting concerns about military actions in Venezuela.

Josh Gerstein, a Senior legal affairs reporter at Politico, teams up with Mary McCord, the executive director of Georgetown University's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection, to dissect the legal battles of the Trump administration. They explore the unprecedented volume of lawsuits, the scrutiny of mass deportations, and tricky court cases like Kilmar Abrego Garcia's mistaken deportation. The conversation also delves into the implications of retaliatory firings and upcoming legal flashpoints, blending courtroom drama with political intrigue.

Vera Bergengruen, a National security reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the recent upheaval in Venezuela. She discusses Trump's announcement regarding Venezuelan oil and questions the logistics of this transfer. The focus shifts to Delcy Rodríguez, the U.S. choice for Venezuela's leadership, highlighting her public defiance contrasted with private negotiations with U.S. officials. Bergengruen also examines the U.S. demands for Rodríguez to sever ties with adversaries, illustrating a shift in U.S. geopolitical strategy in the region.

Mary-Claire Jelanik, an Associated Press reporter and author of 'Storm at the Capitol'; Lisa Desjardins, PBS NewsHour correspondent; and Igor Bobik, HuffPost senior reporter, share their gripping firsthand accounts of the January 6th attack. They discuss the evolving narratives around that day, the impact of Trump's pardons, and the normalization of political violence. The guests highlight the emotional toll on law enforcement and the media, while emphasizing the urgent need for a shared truth to safeguard democracy.

Join Kate Woodson, founder of the Invisible Threads Impact Lab, Max Steyer from the Partnership for Public Service, and Gabe Fleischer of the Wake Up to Politics newsletter as they delve into the state of American democracy entering 2026. They discuss how mental health impacts civic engagement and the institutional threats posed by political leaders. Young people's skepticism towards democracy is highlighted, alongside strategies for effective public engagement and local action. The conversation emphasizes the need for resilience and ownership in democracy's future.

Join Jana Levin, a physics and astronomy professor, as she delves into the physics of time travel. Regina Barber, a former astrophysicist and science reporter, discusses the allure of time travel in media. Literary critic Jonathan Russell-Clark shares insights on narrative techniques in time travel stories, highlighting classics like 'Back to the Future' and 'Donnie Darko.' They tackle deep questions about free will, scientific possibilities, and the cultural significance of time travel narratives, all while debating where they would go if given the chance.