Jonathan Menjivar

Kai Wright speaks with trauma surgeons Mark Perlmutter and Feroze Sidhwa about their volunteer work in Gaza, where they treated patients amid shortages of electricity, water, sanitation and other basic infrastructure. The doctors are featured in the documentary American Doctor, which follows their frontline experiences alongside Thaer Ahmad and their efforts to recount what they witnessed to US media and Congress. The segment also examines the stalled ceasefire, with Israel demanding Hamas disarm and Hamas refusing until Israel withdraws.

Hosts Kai Wright and Carter Sherman discuss why abundant modern conveniences have not produced greater happiness or pleasure. Academics Michèle Mendelssohn and Charlie Tyson argue that contemporary society represents a form of decadence marked by extreme inequality but diminished enjoyment, with technologies such as artificial intelligence and GLP-1 drugs illustrating the loss of meaningful pleasure. They suggest that reclaiming decadence could help people recover the ability to have fun.

Carter Sherman speaks with Guardian columnist Rebecca Solnit about Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate’s possible extradition to the UK, their alleged ties to the Trump administration, and what the case reveals about the relationship between the manosphere, Republican politics and sexual violence. The discussion examines Donald Trump’s connections to misogynistic influencers and asks why some people may tolerate or support a president who expresses hostility toward women.

Progressives, including members of the Democratic Socialists of America, have recently defeated establishment Democrats in elections in New York, Washington DC and Seattle. The episode examines whether that momentum can extend beyond liberal urban centers to Michigan, where progressive Abdul El-Sayed is challenging establishment candidate Haley Stevens in the Democratic Senate primary. The races are framed as an early test of progressive strength in the Midwest and a possible indicator of the Democratic fight ahead of the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential contest.

The podcast examines whether the 2026 US midterm elections will be free and fair as Donald Trump seeks changes to election rules, including restrictions on mail-in voting and a proposed Save America Act with strict voter ID requirements. Voting rights groups warn that these efforts could suppress voters, while Trump has also accused China of interfering in the 2020 election without providing evidence. Host Kai Wright discusses the risks to election integrity and possible voter responses with legal affairs editor Garrett Epps of Washington Monthly.

A Guardian video examines how the cyclospora parasite has sickened thousands of people across at least 41 US states. Reporter Melody Schreiber and host Carter Sherman argue that cuts to the CDC and FDA under Donald Trump have weakened the agencies’ ability to identify the source, contain the outbreak and prepare for future disease emergencies. The discussion traces the role of a food supplier, considers the future of US public health, and offers advice on safe food preparation.

Mary Beard discusses Christopher Nolan’s hit adaptation of The Odyssey, arguing that it loses the poem’s sensual nuance and mishandles its portrayal of women. The conversation explores modern political and cultural attempts to appropriate the ancient world, highlighting the growing interest of figures like Elon Musk in claiming ownership of classical narratives.

A Stateside episode discusses the 2026 World Cup before the final, focusing on Argentina’s semi-final victory over England, Lionel Messi’s legacy, and the upcoming Argentina–Spain final. The hosts and Guardian soccer editors also assess the tournament’s most memorable moments and decide who or what won the broader “World Cup vibes” contest, with Donald Trump humorously ruled out. A correction clarifies that Roberto “Pico” Lopes, rather than Cape Verde teammate Vozinha, was recruited via LinkedIn.

The discussion examines mounting water scarcity in the western United States, focusing on the shrinking Colorado River Basin that supports 40 million people. Gabrielle Canon describes intensifying conflicts over water and the ecological risks posed by potential damming or diversion of the Yampa River. The segment also notes reactions to the death of Senator Lindsey Graham and references ongoing political analysis related to his legacy.

The discussion highlights how newly launched 'Trump accounts' stem from an organized pronatalist movement seeking to boost birthrates, backed by influential rightwing figures such as JD Vance and Elon Musk. The scheme, presented as financial support for families, is portrayed as part of an ideological project linked to far‑right ideas including the 'great replacement' conspiracy theory.

A podcast examines the Trump administration’s prosecution of leftist activists involved in an anti‑ICE protest that resulted in decades-long prison sentences, raising concerns about civil liberties and the future of protest rights. Guardian reporter Lex McMenamin discusses interviews with the convicted activists, while additional context from Sam Levine highlights the broader implications for First Amendment protections.

The discussion examines how Iranians are enduring the war, highlighting economic devastation, government repression and the challenges facing civilians as the Iranian government gains leverage in ongoing negotiations. It also considers the longer-term consequences for the United States, outlining what Americans may have already lost as a result of the conflict.

A far-right ideology known as remigration, now adopted as policy by the Trump administration, seeks to pressure immigrants into leaving the United States through punitive measures. Carter Sherman speaks with journalist Paola Ramos about immigrants who have chosen to leave and the potential implications for the American Dream, as federal agencies publicly promote remigration goals.

Explains how Donald Trump’s presidency influences the organization and atmosphere of the 2026 World Cup across the US, Mexico and Canada, with Jeff Rueter outlining changes to the tournament’s rules and dynamics while Kai and Carter discuss notable teams to watch.

The Knicks’ Game 1 win moves them closer to ending a 53‑year championship drought, while the Spurs rely on emerging star Victor Wembanyama. Discussion focuses on each team’s identity, the stakes of the series, and why the matchup resonates with fans despite the sport’s commercial landscape.

A bipartisan backlash forced the Trump administration to halt a planned $1.8bn slush fund that included immunity from future IRS audits for Donald Trump and his family. Robert Reich argues the plan exemplifies deep corruption and believes Democrats could gain political traction by linking this corruption to the broader affordability crisis.

Escalating US pressure on Cuba following the indictment of Raúl Castro raises fears of possible military action, with Cuba’s president warning of severe consequences. Voices from Miami and Havana describe how Cubans are coping and what outcomes they hope for as they navigate tension between the two governments.

Twitch streamer Hasan Piker’s involvement with Democratic campaigns prompted criticism following a Wall Street Journal opinion piece highlighting his past statements on issues including the Israel–Gaza war and 9/11. Despite the backlash, his influence has grown, prompting a discussion with host Kai Wright about Piker’s aims and real‑world political impact.

A Hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius caused global concern but lacked the characteristics of a new pandemic. The incident highlighted weaknesses in US preparedness linked to cuts in public health funding under the Trump administration and the effects of widespread misinformation, raising concerns about readiness for future health threats.

A recent US supreme court ruling in Louisiana v Callais eliminated the use of race in redistricting, prompting several southern states to dismantle majority-Black districts and generating election‑year turmoil. Stacey Abrams discusses the ruling’s consequences for Black voters and democratic participation, arguing that expanding voter engagement remains the best path forward. The episode features analysis of the fractured political landscape and the accelerated impact on upcoming midterms.

A discussion of the US Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling highlights its impact on the Voting Rights Act and the rapid elimination of majority‑Black districts in several southern states. Stacey Abrams argues the decision fractures communities but maintains that increased voter engagement remains the path forward.

The discussion examines the US Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v Callais, which barred states from considering race in redistricting and effectively dismantled key protections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Southern states rapidly eliminated majority Black districts, creating uncertainty for upcoming elections. Stacey Abrams argues the decision fractures communities but maintains that increasing voter engagement remains the strongest path forward.

The US Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v Callais, which barred states from considering race in redistricting, prompted southern states to eliminate majority‑Black districts ahead of the midterms. Stacey Abrams discusses the impact of the decision and argues that expanding voter participation remains essential despite the setbacks.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v Callais eliminated the use of race in redistricting, prompting several Southern states to dismantle majority-Black districts ahead of the midterm elections. Stacey Abrams discusses the consequences of the decision and argues that expanding democratic participation remains the best response to efforts that fracture communities and suppress representation.

A recent US supreme court ruling barring the consideration of race in redistricting has led southern states to eliminate majority Black districts. Stacey Abrams discusses the destabilizing effects of the decision and emphasizes the need to increase voter engagement despite the setbacks.