Rachel Humphreys

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 U.S. ambassador to Panama John Feeley about why the region is moving rightward and how that shift may support Trump’s foreign-policy goals, particularly on immigration and efforts to contain China.

More than 120,000 Flock automatic license plate readers operate across 6,000 US communities, mostly for law enforcement. Privacy campaigners criticize the cameras as a mass-surveillance system that can target private citizens and immigrants, while Flock maintains that they are important for public safety. Although some cities are cancelling contracts, a self-described underground vigilante movement believes official opposition is too slow and is attempting to destroy the cameras, with Nomark claiming a mission to eliminate them nationwide.

The episode examines whether progressive Democrats can replicate recent victories in liberal cities by winning major primaries in the politically competitive Midwest. It focuses on Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, where progressive Abdul El-Sayed faces establishment candidate Haley Stevens, and considers what the contest reveals about Democratic anger following Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the party’s internal divisions, and the broader struggle for control of the 2026 midterms and the presidency.

After a lull in fighting, US and Iranian airstrikes resumed, killing at least 20 members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces. As the US-Iran conflict enters its fifth month with no clear end in sight, Carter Sherman, Julian Borger and Deepa Parent examine whether the war could become an open-ended conflict and assess the risks that recent escalation poses to the wider Middle East.

Guardian reporter Madeleine Aggeler discusses her decision to deliberately gain weight through “bulking” to become stronger, and how the experience challenged her previous beliefs about body size and food. With Carter Sherman, she examines the growing popularity of strength training and weightlifting among women and questions whether it promotes healthier body acceptance or merely extends toxic diet culture.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Princeton professor Eddie Glaude Jr. discusses the conflicts underlying the American project with Kai Wright. He argues that Black Americans have been central to building the country while also exposing the myth of a purely white republic. The conversation examines how the Trump administration has normalized white supremacist rhetoric and sought to recast or erase difficult parts of US history. Glaude's book, America, USA: How Race Shadows the Nation's Anniversaries, is also highlighted.

Clinics across the United States are charging parents tens of thousands of dollars for controversial stem cell treatments for children with autism, including children as young as 18 months. The investigation examines providers’ connections to Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and reports concerns from scientists that the Food and Drug Administration could loosen restrictions on unproven stem cell therapies. The treatment’s rapid growth raises questions about medical evidence, child safety, commercialization and federal oversight.

Elon Musk has become the world's first trillionaire after SpaceX reached a valuation above $2 trillion through what is described as the largest IPO ever. Massive investment in artificial intelligence is also boosting the valuations of OpenAI, Anthropic and other technology companies. The discussion examines how these IPOs could tie broader financial fortunes to AI's continued success and the risks posed by a potential collapse in the sector.

Chris Smalls discusses leading Amazon workers at a Staten Island fulfillment center to a historic union vote in 2022, his subsequent firing, rise to prominence in the labor movement, and departure from the union amid internal tensions. He also explains his freelance activism, including protesting the Jeff Bezos-funded Met Gala, and argues that attracting public attention can make activism more effective. His book, When the Revolution Comes, is highlighted.

Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens discusses how messages from residents led him to investigate plans for a major AI data center in the state. After discovering potential impacts on local communities, he created a viral comedy video and became involved in opposition to data center development, using humor as a tool for activism.

A video analysis of California’s gubernatorial primary, where a large field of Democratic candidates, scandals and limited voter enthusiasm have made the race difficult to follow. Lauren Gambino discusses with Kai Wright what the contest reveals about the Democratic Party’s ability to inspire voters and whether its weakness could create an opening for Republicans in the traditionally Democratic state.

The US Supreme Court has temporarily preserved nationwide access to mail-order abortion pills, but the legal fight is continuing. Carter Sherman examines how challenges to medication abortion have affected patients and speaks with Dr Angel Foster of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project about the risks ahead, including the possibility of a near-total nationwide abortion ban.

The US Supreme Court has temporarily preserved nationwide access to mail-order abortion pills, but the legal battle over medication abortion remains unresolved. Journalist Carter Sherman speaks with Dr Angel Foster of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project about how litigation has affected patients and the possibility that a nationwide, near-total abortion ban could be pursued next.

The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily preserved nationwide access to mail-order abortion pills, but the legal fight over medication abortion remains unresolved. Carter Sherman speaks with Dr Angel Foster of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project about how litigation and restrictions have affected patients and what could happen if a nationwide, near-total abortion ban becomes possible.

The podcast examines the US Supreme Court’s temporary preservation of nationwide access to mail-order abortion pills and explains why legal challenges are expected to continue. Carter Sherman speaks with Dr Angel Foster of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project about how the litigation has affected patients and what the prospect of a nationwide, near-total abortion ban could mean for medication abortion access.

The US Supreme Court has temporarily preserved nationwide access to mail-order abortion pills, but the legal fight over medication abortion continues. Carter Sherman discusses how the litigation has affected patients with Dr Angel Foster, co-founder of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project, and examines the possibility of a near-total abortion ban in the future.

The US Supreme Court has preserved nationwide access to mail-order abortion pills, including mifepristone, but only temporarily. Carter Sherman discusses the continuing legal fight with Dr Angel Foster, co-founder of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project, who explains how litigation has affected patients across the United States and what could happen if further challenges lead to a nationwide, near-total abortion ban.

Christian Cerna, a US citizen who attended a protest against ICE raids, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault after allegedly punching a Border Patrol agent, though he denies striking the officer. Days later, ICE officers violently arrested him in front of his family, filmed the operation, and posted the footage on social media. Cerna describes the arrest as taking a heavy toll, while the program examines the reporting behind the incident and ICE’s use of the footage as content.

The episode explores how South Korea’s severe personal debt crisis, with household debt reaching about 105% of GDP, informs the themes of Squid Game. It examines why the violent series resonated with South Korean and international audiences and considers what its global success reveals about Netflix’s power to shape cultural tastes.

The audio examines how South Korea’s severe personal debt crisis, with household debt equivalent to about 105% of GDP, informs the themes of Squid Game. Nemo Kim explains the economic and social conditions behind the series’ depiction of impoverished people risking their lives for money, while Ellen E Jones considers why those themes resonate internationally. The episode also explores how Squid Game’s global success demonstrates Netflix’s growing power to shape cultural tastes.