Ruth Michelson

Ruth Michaelson, a journalist based in Istanbul, delves into the booming industry of leg-lengthening surgery in Turkey. She uncovers the emotional and physical toll of the procedure, revealing patients’ struggles with pain and regret. The conversation highlights how societal pressures shape the desire for height, particularly among men, and discusses the psychological complexities tied to body image. Additionally, Michaelson explores the rise of medical tourism and the allure of combining surgery with a vacation, while cautioning about the potential risks involved.

Sami Kent, a senior producer and Turkish politics expert, joins Ruth Michaelson, a Guardian foreign correspondent in Istanbul, to discuss the eruption of public protests after President Erdoğan's arrest of rival Ekrem Imamoglu. They delve into the parallels with the 2013 Gezi Park protests and explore how Imamoglu's rise symbolizes hope for democracy. They also scrutinize Turkey's political landscape, the public’s response to government crackdowns, and Erdoğan's international maneuvering amid growing unrest.

William Yang, Senior Northeast Asia analyst, discusses the nuanced trade outcomes of the recent US-China summit, including symbolic tariff cuts and the complexities around fentanyl enforcement. Ruth Michelson, a Middle East journalist, dives into Chancellor Merz's visit to Turkey, exploring pivotal defense and migration talks. Karen Krasanovich shares spine-chilling horror movie recommendations for Halloween, while Andrew Muller rounds up the week’s cultural highlights, touching on political oddities and recent events. Simon Brook offers insights into the implications of AI deepfakes in elections and the ongoing UK-China tensions.

Hugh Lovett, a senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the implications of the UN's backing for Morocco's autonomy plan in Western Sahara and the risks of closing the UN mission. Greg Scruggs analyzes the postponement of the Summit of the Americas, highlighting regional tensions and diplomatic fallout. Iceland's Minister of Industries and Tourism, Hannah Katchen-Fridiksen, shares insights on reshaping tourism strategies and managing visitor seasons, revealing how local cultures can benefit from tourism.

Ruth Michelson, a journalist based in Istanbul, and Stephen Borowick, a staff writer in Seoul, share insights on the recent dismantling of propaganda loudspeakers at the North-South Korean border. They discuss how this move may ease tensions and reshape diplomatic strategies, particularly through cultural exports like K-pop. Matt Wolf dives into the current trends in theater, exploring how technology influences performances. Meanwhile, Cécile Verdier highlights the evolving dynamics of the luxury market, emphasizing craftsmanship and consumer shifts towards quality.