Honestly with Bari Weiss

Mike Huckabee, America’s ambassador to Israel and former governor of Arkansas, discusses pivotal topics in a time of global unrest. He sheds light on the complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the threat of Iran's nuclear ambitions. Huckabee critiques misleading media narratives that fuel anti-Semitism, stressing the need for responsible reporting. He also explores the U.S.-Qatar relationship and its implications, while pushing for proactive engagement in foreign policy to ensure stability in the region.

In the past few weeks, Qatar has been all over the news with flashy headlines of a $400 million luxury jet that the country gifted to President Donald Trump. It symbolized their opulence and eagerness to please the U.S. But 40 years ago, Qatar was a country with a gross domestic product (GDP) of a few billion dollars. Since the 19th century, it has been run by the Al Thani family, which can trace its roots in the region back thousands of years. Qatar was long considered a backwater. The main industries were fishing and pearls. It was impoverished for the vast majority of its history. Its royal family was dwarfed by rivals in Saudi Arabia. Then everything changed. It turned out that the largest liquified natural gas field was sitting just off the coast of Qatar. And with the help of American energy giants like ExxonMobil, Qatar began exporting LNG in 1997. In a few decades, Qatar’s GDP grew exponentially. Today it’s over $200 billion. Qatar hosts the main air base for American forces in the Middle East. It hosted the World Cup in 2022. And it’s embarking on a series of business and military deals with the U.S.—earmarked at $1.2 trillion. There are a lot of petro-states in the region. Some, like Saudi Arabia, exceed Qatar’s wealth by hundreds of billions. But what Qatar has chosen to do with its money—morality aside—is farsighted. Qatar has chosen to focus a huge amount of money and resources on influence. In the past 15 years, Qatar has developed a sophisticated apparatus to embed itself into American society in a way that would shock most Americans. They’ve done it by investing in our politicians, universities, newsrooms, think tanks, lobbying firms, and corporations—all on an unprecedented scale. In all, the tiny Gulf nation has spent almost $100 billion to establish this influence. So what’s the problem? Well, Qatar’s push to buy influence has made their connection to the Muslim Brotherhood ever more alarming and apparent. Frannie Block and Jay Solomon published a massive investigative report on Qatar’s seismic influence strategy for The Free Press. It’s called “How Qatar Bought America.” Today on Honestly, I ask Jay and Frannie how Qatar built this ecosystem, what they want in return, and what it has already gotten them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and co-author of "Original Sin," and Alex Thompson, Axios political reporter, delve into the unsettling reality of President Biden's cognitive decline. They discuss a cover-up by both the Biden administration and the media, dismissing troubling evidence for political convenience. The guests emphasize the media's failure to hold power accountable while unraveling the dynamics of Biden's leadership and the loyalty culture that stifles dissent. Their insights raise critical questions about journalistic integrity and the nation's political future.

Agnes Callard, a philosophy professor at the University of Chicago and author of 'Open Socrates,' shares her unconventional love story. She fell in love while married, leading to a swift divorce, and now lives with both her ex-husband and current partner, all while raising their children together. Agnes dives deep into complex topics like love, consent, and societal expectations, urging listeners to balance personal aspirations with the dynamics of relationships. Her philosophical insights serve as a guide to understanding the intricacies of love and personal growth.

A heartbreaking account unfolds as two young Israeli embassy staffers are murdered, revealing a troubling rise in antisemitism and violence. The discussion highlights the disconnect between media narratives and the real threats facing communities. Attention is drawn to how radical ideologies are becoming normalized, challenging previous beliefs about their isolation. The urgent need for public awareness and engagement in combating hatred is underscored, alongside reflections on societal silence regarding these pressing issues.

Join Aravind Srinivas, an AI expert and CEO, Nicholas Carr, a tech author, Fei-Fei Li, a leading AI professor, and Jaron Lanier, a pioneer in virtual reality, as they dive into the complexities of truth in an AI-driven world. They discuss AI's transformative power, the dilemmas it poses to human identity, and the critical impact on education and societal values. The debate tackles how AI can both enhance and undermine truth, advocating for a human-centered approach to navigate these challenges while preserving our essence and curiosity.

Former New York governor Andrew Cuomo discusses his turbulent political journey, from being 'America's Governor' during the pandemic to facing scandals that led to his resignation. He shares insights on his mayoral campaign, emphasizing public safety and urban issues. Cuomo critically examines the current governance challenges in NYC, including homelessness and education, while addressing identity politics and the need for unity in the Democratic Party. He also reflects on the impact of COVID policies and offers a peek into his personal favorites in the city.

Patrick McGee, a business journalist and author, sheds light on Apple’s intricate ties to China. He discusses how Tim Cook’s leadership has turned Apple into a powerhouse, reliant on Chinese manufacturing. McGee critiques the intense labor conditions involved in iPhone production, while revealing the ethical dilemmas faced by both consumers and American companies. He also explores the national security implications of this dependency, questioning what decoupling from China would truly mean for the future of tech and industry.

Dr. Casey Means, co-founder of Levels and a leading advocate for the Make America Healthy Again movement, discusses her nomination for Surgeon General. She emphasizes the need for root cause medicine to tackle chronic illnesses and critiques the healthcare system's focus on managing symptoms. Casey also addresses the disconnect between health policies and the realities of obesity and diabetes in America. With insights on nutrition, technology, and personal health practices, she champions a proactive approach to improving public health through better dietary choices.

George Raveling, a pioneering former basketball coach and mentor to Michael Jordan, shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood in segregated D.C. to becoming a respected force in sports. He recounts pivotal moments in his career, including standing next to Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington. Raveling emphasizes the power of mentorship and education, while also discussing the evolving landscape of athlete empowerment and the need for a balance between sports and personal growth.