Esme Stallard, a BBC Climate Reporter, reveals alarming insights from the latest UN report on sea level rise, emphasizing the impact on vulnerable Pacific islands. Will Grant shares a lively account of Mexico's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, an environmental scientist, and her ambitious sustainability plans. Meanwhile, the podcast dives into the chocolate crisis in Ivory Coast, where climate change has driven cocoa prices soaring. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by farmers and the urgent need for supportive measures.

BBC's Mexico correspondent and Latin America and Caribbean Editor discuss Mexico's violent election, drug cartel influence, safety concerns, and the potential impact of the first female President. They examine the intertwined nature of violence and politics, challenges faced in combating corruption, and the candidates' approaches to crime. The podcast also explores the economic influence of cartels, trade unions, and President Lopez Obrador's measures benefiting informal workers.

In a lively discussion, Christian Fraser, BBC chief presenter specializing in US election coverage, sheds light on Donald Trump's claimed 'unprecedented mandate' as he seeks a second term. Will Grant, reporting from Florida, offers insights into the buoyant mood among Trump supporters, while Bernd Debusmann shares perspectives from Pennsylvania regarding Kamala Harris's underperformance. They delve into surprising voter demographics, including Latino support for Trump, and explore the electoral landscape's implications for both parties in the upcoming elections.

Guests include Sarah Rainsford, a BBC correspondent in Moldova covering the EU referendum amid Russian interference, and Nick Sturdee, who reports on Ukrainian fighters in the Kursk region. Mike Wendling explores voter anxieties in Wisconsin as Halloween approaches, reflecting deeper concerns about democracy. Will Grant shares insights on life in Cuba after a nationwide blackout due to Hurricane Oscar. Finally, Rebecca Henschke discusses her investigation into a global animal torture ring and the rescue of macaque monkeys, weaving together themes of resilience and activism.

Will Grant, BBC's correspondent for Mexico, Central America, and Cuba, sheds light on the dire circumstances prompting migration from these regions, while Bernd Debusmann, BBC's politics reporter in Washington DC, analyzes the political ramifications in the U.S. ahead of the election. They discuss contrasting immigration policies between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, the impact of these policies on both migrants and Americans, and how global factors like climate change affect migration trends. Their insights reveal the complex interplay between hope, politics, and the American dream.