Caroline Crampton, author of "A Body Made of Glass," dives deep into illness anxiety disorder and its cultural history, discussing personal experiences with hypochondria and new therapeutic methods. She highlights the fine line between responsible health vigilance and irrational fears. Film critic John Powers reviews two new spy series, "Black Doves" and "The Agency," contrasting their narrative styles and exploring themes of identity and morality. The insights into health anxiety and storytelling make for a thought-provoking listen!

Ken Bensinger, a Pulitzer Prize finalist from the New York Times, discusses the influential America First Policy Institute and its nearly 300 executive orders poised to reform civil service and more in a potential Trump second term. He underscores the Institute's controversial ties to Trump's agenda and compares it to Project 2025. Meanwhile, film critic John Powers examines the poignant film 'A Real Pain', exploring how it blends humor with the complexities of Jewish identity and historical trauma, offering a thought-provoking cinematic experience.