Kai Wright

Trauma surgeons Mark Perlmutter and Feroze Sidhwa describe working in Gaza hospitals amid shortages of electricity, water, sanitation and other basic infrastructure. Their experiences, alongside those of Thaer Ahmad, are documented in American Doctor and include their later efforts to inform US media and Congress. The discussion also examines the unresolved ceasefire, with Israel demanding Hamas disarm and Hamas conditioning disarmament on an Israeli withdrawal.

Hosts Kai Wright and Carter Sherman discuss why abundant modern conveniences have not produced greater happiness. Academics Michèle Mendelssohn and Charlie Tyson argue that contemporary society is experiencing decadence without pleasure, shaped by extreme inequality and technologies such as artificial intelligence and GLP-1 drugs. They suggest that recovering the capacity to enjoy things may offer a way out of this joyless condition.

The video examines the rise of right-wing leaders across Latin America during Donald Trump’s second term, focusing on Colombia’s newly inaugurated president, Abelardo de la Espriella. Kai Wright speaks with former US ambassador to Panama John Feeley about why the region is moving rightward and how this shift could advance Trump’s objectives on immigration and efforts to contain China.

The episode examines whether US politics is approaching an inflection point after record public dissatisfaction with Congress. It discusses unusually large numbers of House Democrats voting to withhold military aid from Israel, competitive progressive primary campaigns, and the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America. On the Republican side, Lindsey Graham’s sudden death and Mitch McConnell’s continuing absence after a health scare raise questions about succession and a possible generational shift. The conversation also considers gerontocracy, political transparency, and whether these developments signal lasting change in either party.

Two recent ICE shootings in Texas and Maine that killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero have intensified public outrage, with no evidence supporting Homeland Security’s claims of self‑defense. The deaths are discussed as part of a broader pattern of violence linked to Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda, and the conversation examines rising demands for accountability and restrictions on ICE’s presence in US communities.

Chris Smalls discusses leading the successful unionization effort at an Amazon fulfillment center in Staten Island, his later departure from the union, and his continued activism, including protests at the Bezos-funded Met Gala. He reflects on the visibility activism brings and promotes his new book, When the Revolution Comes.

The New York Knicks move closer to ending a 53‑year championship drought after winning Game 1 of the NBA finals, setting up a high‑stakes contest against the San Antonio Spurs led by rising star Victor Wembanyama. Despite major financial forces surrounding the league, the matchup is framed as a series that resonates with everyday fans, as discussed by Kai Wright and Andrew Lawrence.

Graham Platner suspended his Maine Senate campaign following sexual assault allegations, adding to earlier controversies involving extremist symbols and reports of abusive behavior, all of which he denies. Despite these issues, he initially maintained voter support, prompting political reporters to examine why his candidacy persisted and what it suggests about privilege and political redemption as Democrats reassess their prospects for winning the Senate in November.

The discussion examines the US supreme court’s decision allowing Idaho and West Virginia to continue enforcing bans on transgender athletes, highlighting the broader legal and political efforts targeting trans youth. Guests Sam Levin and Chase Strangio outline the strategies driving the anti-trans movement and warn that the ruling could set precedents threatening wider civil liberties.

The discussion examines recent US supreme court decisions on issues such as voting rights, immigration and birthright citizenship, and explores how the court amassed its current level of power. Elie Mystal argues that reforms to limit that power are both constitutional and necessary.

As the US approaches its 250th anniversary, Eddie Glaude Jr argues that Black Americans have been central to the nation's formation and that their presence exposes the myth of a white republic. In conversation with Kai Wright, he discusses how the Trump administration normalized white supremacist rhetoric and attempted to reshape historical narratives. Glaude’s recently released book examines how race influences national commemorations.

Parents are increasingly seeking costly and unproven stem cell treatments for autism, a trend rising under support from US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. An investigation by Ed Pilkington links several treatment providers to Kennedy and highlights scientific concerns that the FDA may be easing strict regulations. Researchers warn that children are being exposed to experimental and unvalidated therapies as clinics rapidly expand across the US.

Elon Musk becomes the first trillionaire after SpaceX’s record-breaking IPO pushes the company’s valuation above $2tn, linking public financial markets more closely to the performance of rapidly expanding AI-driven firms. Expected IPOs from OpenAI and Anthropic, each approaching trillion‑dollar valuations, reinforce concerns that the stability of personal and national finances is increasingly tied to the success—and potential failures—of AI technologies, according to analysis from Guardian US tech editor Blake Montgomery.

Bipartisan backlash over Donald Trump’s $1.8bn slush fund led the administration to halt the effort, as Robert Reich characterizes the fund and its IRS audit immunity provision as emblematic of corruption. He argues that Democrats could gain political momentum by linking this corruption to the broader affordability crisis.

The discussion examines escalating US pressure on Cuba following the indictment of Raúl Castro and growing fears of potential American military action. Cuban leaders warn of severe consequences while citizens face uncertainty between two governments. Reporters in Miami and Havana describe how Cubans are coping and what outcomes they hope to see.

Low voter enthusiasm and a scandal-marred field have left California Democrats struggling to define a compelling choice for governor, raising questions about the party’s direction and whether Republicans could gain an unexpected opening in the state.

Nationwide access to mail‑order abortion pills has been preserved by the US supreme court, but the protection remains temporary as broader national abortion bans loom. Carter Sherman and Dr Angel Foster discuss how ongoing legal challenges are affecting patients across the US and outline potential consequences should stricter restrictions be enacted.

The US supreme court has temporarily preserved access to mail‑order abortion pills while broader legal and political challenges continue. Carter Sherman interviews Dr Angel Foster, who details how ongoing litigation affects patients nationwide and warns that a near‑total national abortion ban remains possible as political pressure intensifies.

The US Supreme Court has allowed continued nationwide access to mail‑order abortion pills while legal challenges proceed, leaving open the possibility of a future near‑total abortion ban. Carter Sherman speaks with Dr Angel Foster about how ongoing litigation affects patients across the United States and the potential consequences should restrictions tighten further.

The US Supreme Court’s decision to temporarily preserve access to mail‑order abortion pills leaves future availability uncertain as legal and political challenges escalate. Reporter Carter Sherman discusses how ongoing efforts toward a near‑total national abortion ban could affect patients, while Dr Angel Foster outlines the real‑world impacts already felt across the country and the potential consequences of further restrictions.

Nationwide access to mail‑order abortion pills remains in place after a US Supreme Court decision, but legal threats continue as a near‑total abortion ban looms. Carter Sherman speaks with Dr Angel Foster about how ongoing challenges to medication abortion are affecting patients across the country and what further restrictions could emerge.

Hasan Piker’s growing involvement with Democratic candidates draws renewed scrutiny following critical commentary about his past statements, yet the attention appears to boost his prominence. Host Kai Wright speaks with Piker to explore his goals and the real‑world impact of his online influence.

Nationwide access to mail‑order abortion pills remains intact after a US Supreme Court decision, but legal threats to mifepristone continue. Carter Sherman speaks with Dr Angel Foster about how these ongoing challenges affect patients and how a near‑total abortion ban could emerge across the US.

A Hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius led to three deaths and global concern, though experts confirm it is not a new pandemic threat. Health correspondent Melody Schreiber explains that the episode highlights weakened US readiness caused by Trump-era public health funding cuts and widespread misinformation, raising broader concerns about future pandemic preparedness.

A discussion with Stacey Abrams examines the impact of the US Supreme Court’s Louisiana v Callais decision, which barred the use of race in redistricting and effectively dismantled key provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. States across the South have begun eliminating majority‑Black districts, creating electoral instability ahead of the midterms. Abrams argues that despite the ruling’s harmful effects on representation, strengthening democratic participation through expanded voter engagement remains essential.