Kenneth Werner, a journalist covering Donald Trump's trials, shares insights into the hush-money trial, dissecting Michael Cohen's pivotal testimony and its implications. Meanwhile, Greg Karlstrom, the Middle East correspondent, dives into the militia problem, highlighting how weak governments struggle with armed groups reshaping power dynamics. The discussion also touches on the evolving portrayal of sexuality in film, revealing trends towards less but more explicit content in contemporary cinema.
Michael Cohen's testimony in Trump's trial revealed potential campaign finance violations and falsifications in business records.
The Middle East faces a significant issue with militias exploiting grievances, weakening governments, and perpetuating tensions.
Deep dives
Exploring Wealth and Finances
Discussing the experiences of individuals who have amassed significant wealth, the podcast delves into the complexities of managing large sums of money, questioning how it is spent, invested, and its impact on personal relationships. By interviewing individuals who openly share their financial stories, the podcast aims to shed light on the often intimate and undisclosed aspects of managing substantial wealth.
Trump's Legal Trials
Detailing the ongoing legal proceedings against Donald Trump, the podcast covers the trial involving the payment of hush money to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. The testimonies of key figures, including Michael Cohen, shed light on allegations of campaign finance violations and business record falsifications, with the defense attempting to challenge the witness' credibility. The trial's significance in Trump's legal challenges and potential implications for future verdicts are central themes of the discussion.
Militias and State Power in the Middle East
Examining the influence of non-state actors in the Middle East, the podcast delves into the destabilizing role of militias in weakening governments and perpetuating regional tensions. Highlighting examples from Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria, the discussion emphasizes how militias exploit grievances, conflicts, and state support to enhance their power, posing challenges to state authority and accountability. The analysis underscores the broader repercussions of tolerating militias and the cautionary lessons for governments in the region.
Michael Cohen has been testifying in Donald Trump’s hush-money trial. Did the former president’s fixer provide what the prosecution had hoped for? The Middle East has a militia problem. Many of the region’s governments are too weak to keep them down; others simply let them in (10:36). And investigating whether there is more or less sex on the silver screen these days (19:06).