In this engaging discussion, Sarah Topol, a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine focusing on American empire, dives into the layered history of Guam. She shares poignant narratives of Roy Gamboa's childhood between fishing trips and papaya picking with his grandfather. The conversation reveals Guam's complex identity as a U.S. territory, its historical struggles for autonomy, and the ongoing military presence's impact on local life. Through personal stories and broader geopolitical dynamics, listeners gain insight into the Chamorro people's resilience and the island's pivotal role in U.S.-China relations.

Sarah A. Topol, a journalist who reported for The New York Times Magazine, dives deep into the harrowing story of Ivan, a captain who deserted the Russian army. She shares gripping accounts of soldiers escaping wartime service, revealing their cunning maneuvers and emotional struggles. The podcast explores personal testimonies of fear, the fight for asylum, and the moral dilemmas faced by these deserters. Each narrative highlights the chaos of military life and the profound toll the war takes on families and society.