Ray Romano, Laura Coates, and Walter Kirn join the podcast to discuss Italian family stereotypes, racial segregation, trigger warnings on conservative op-eds, publishing controversies, Hunter Biden, Bradley Cooper, true crime podcasts, NSA monitoring, Die Hard as a Christmas film, changes in Bethlehem, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

When Laura Coates decided to become a prosecutor in Washington, D.C., she was told that the job would be “human misery.” She says she remembers thinking, “If there's one person in the justice system who could do something about human misery, surely, it's the powerful prosecutor.” After four years, she quit.Laura’s book is Just Pursuit: A Black Prosecutor’s Fight For Fairness.We need your help. We are conducting a short audience survey to help plan for our future and hear from you. To participate, head to vox.com/podsurvey, and thank you!Say hello on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Accomplice. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts: iTunes.com/CriminalShow.We also make This is Love and Phoebe Reads a Mystery.Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop. Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tim Alberta is a staff writer at The Atlantic and author on evangelicalism in America. Laura Coates, a CNN anchor and legal analyst, joins alongside Buck Sexton, a former CIA analyst and radio show co-host. They humorously explore the influence of evangelicals in politics, especially their support for Trump. The discussion tackles voter engagement strategies, particularly among young Black men, while also critiquing gender identity and masculinity in today’s political landscape. Additionally, they offer a witty take on absurd political endorsements amidst serious global issues.

Laura Coates, a CNN legal analyst and host, joins as co-host to dissect the vibes from the recent DNC. They highlight standout speakers and Tim Walz's inspiring pep talk. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham brings her insights, discussing shifts in political endorsements, particularly RFK Jr.'s surprising move to back Trump. The conversation also tackles the importance of authenticity in political messaging and features a humorous take on the rising influence of celebrities in elections, blending politics with relatable anecdotes.

Ray Romano, Laura Coates, and Walter Kirn discuss topics such as the impact of weight loss drugs, the success of 'Everybody Loves Raymond', challenges for stand-up comedians, sports investments, Trump's immunity claim, and the shift in polling numbers for the 2020 Democratic candidates.