Pod Save the World

Today we're excited to bring you the first episode of Shadow Kingdom: God's Banker. In the summer of 1982, the Vatican’s top money man was found dead. Roberto Calvi was at the center of a prolific money laundering scheme that put him in the crosshairs of the Sicilian mafia, a secret far-right chapter of the Freemasons, and the Catholic Church. Forty years after his death was ruled a suicide, Shadow Kingdom host Nicolo Majnoni got a tip that there was more to the story. So who killed God’s banker?Shadow Kingdom is a new series from Crooked Media and Campside Media. Each season starts with a crime, and as the layers are peeled back to find out who or what is at the center of it, a larger system at play is revealed.Subscribe to Shadow Kingdom: God’s Banker wherever you get your podcasts or join Crooked's Friends Of The Pod subscription community to hear the full season right now. Join Friends Of The Pod at crooked.com/friends or subscribe through the Shadow Kingdom Apple feed.

Glenn Greenwald, a journalist known for his role in the Edward Snowden leaks, joins the discussion on pressing global issues. They dive into the potential Ukraine ceasefire and the implications of Canadian leadership changes amid a trade war with the U.S. Greenwald critiques the Trump administration's impact on free speech and examines censorship trends, particularly in Brazil. The conversation also touches on the legal challenges faced by Rodrigo Duterte and the complexities surrounding U.S. diplomacy with adversaries like Hamas.

Natasha Hall, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, delves into the intricacies of the Syrian crisis. She discusses how U.S. sanctions and foreign interference are destabilizing the region, despite the resilience of the Syrian people. The conversation highlights the implications of Israel's military actions and the role of Russia and local alliances. Natasha emphasizes the urgency of lifting sanctions to foster stability and explores how these geopolitical dynamics affect Syria's governance and broader Middle Eastern politics.

A chaotic meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky turned into a shouting match, revealing deep misunderstandings and stark differences on the war in Ukraine. The discussion unveils how domestic U.S. politics overshadowed genuine diplomatic concerns, highlighting JD Vance's role as an instigator. The consequences for U.S. foreign policy and the struggle for peace in Ukraine are examined, alongside the media's impact on international perceptions and the complexities of navigating alliances amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Zeke Faux, an investigative reporter for Bloomberg Businessweek and author of "Number Go Up," discusses the growing rift between the US and Europe regarding the war in Ukraine. He sheds light on the implications of an Argentinian President's memecoin and its connections to crypto schemes involving the Trump family. The conversation also touches on Germany's political shifts, the rise of right-wing sentiments in Europe, and the urgent need for coherent governance amidst global tensions.

Max Seddon, the Moscow Bureau Chief for the Financial Times, shares his insights on the recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy regarding Russia. He highlights the Kremlin's reaction to U.S.-Russia peace talks that exclude Ukraine, emphasizing the potential risks for Ukrainian sovereignty. The conversation also touches on the rise of far-right movements in Europe and how they influence international politics, as well as the intricate dynamics of Russian public sentiment amidst ongoing conflicts. It's a fascinating exploration of geopolitics and its far-reaching implications.

Sara Jacobs, a Congresswoman from California and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, discusses the dire consequences of Trump’s contentious plan to claim Gaza, threatening stability in Egypt and Jordan. The podcast delves into the implications of cutting USAID and the effects on foreign aid in Africa, spotlighting innovative health solutions amidst funding cuts. Jacobs emphasizes the urgency of bipartisan support to safeguard foreign assistance and tackle national security challenges linked to humanitarian crises.

Yousra Elbagir, a Sky News Africa Correspondent, shares insights on the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on the M23 rebel group's control over mining resources. She discusses the humanitarian crisis connected to the conflict and the underlying geopolitical motives, including Rwanda's involvement. The conversation also critiques the stark contrast between international condemnation of violence in Africa and ongoing exploitation by foreign entities, reflecting on historical injustices and growing anti-Western sentiments.

Peter Beinart, an author and editor known for his work on Jewish identity, joins the discussion to unpack the profound challenges faced by the Jewish community post-Gaza conflict. He emphasizes the necessity of honest dialogue about antisemitism and Israeli policies. The conversation dives into the ethics surrounding foreign aid cuts under Trump, particularly regarding detrimental impacts on global health initiatives. They also explore pressing geopolitical issues, including the deepening crises in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian landscape, making a case for empathetic engagement and understanding.

Sam Rose, Acting Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza, provides a firsthand look at the dire humanitarian crisis following the recent ceasefire. He discusses the immense struggle for aid in a war-torn region and highlights the urgent needs of civilians who yearn for basic rights. The emotional toll on families affected by the conflict is palpable, revealing personal stories amid the broader statistics. Rose emphasizes the critical role of organizations like UNRWA in delivering support and addresses the complex challenges that remain for Gaza's inhabitants.