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Ryan Crocker, a former U.S. ambassador to six countries, Susan Ziada, and Gordon Gray, discuss the crucial roles of ambassadors in protecting U.S. citizens abroad during crises. They share insights from recent alerts in Qatar and delve into the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy. The conversation touches on the importance of effective communication and relationships amongst agencies, especially in times of conflict. They also evaluate the impact of political ambassadorships versus those with formal training, emphasizing the evolving geopolitical landscape.

José Andrés, a Michelin-starred chef and humanitarian, shares his journey in feeding millions through World Central Kitchen. He discusses the emotional power of food, revealing personal stories that connect it to love and significant life events. Andrés reflects on his childhood culinary experiences, the challenges of providing aid in conflict zones like Gaza and Ukraine, and the resilience of humanitarian heroes. With his new memoir, he emphasizes food's role in cultural understanding and social change.

Robert P. Jones, founder of the Public Religion Research Institute and author on the intersection of race and religion, joins Ian Millhiser from Vox, a Supreme Court expert. They dive into Trump's new Commission on Religious Liberty, debating the erosion of church-state separation. The conversation explores how this administration's actions might shift the balance of religious freedom and politics in the U.S. They also discuss the implications of religious liberty on education and the challenges faced in navigating anti-discrimination laws amidst claims of bias.

Greg Carlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, shares insights on the recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-Iran relations. He discusses Iran's defensive posturing and possible retaliatory actions, revealing the intense anxiety felt by Gulf states. The conversation explores the implications of these strikes for regional stability and international diplomacy, as well as how this escalation might influence Iran's nuclear ambitions amid ongoing complexities in U.S. foreign policy.

Andrew Friedman, a Senior reporter with CNN Climate and Weather, and Nicholas Kuznets, a Climate reporter for Inside Climate News, dive deep into the rollback of U.S. climate policies during President Trump's tenure. They discuss how these changes threaten air and water quality and the impact on marginalized communities. They also touch on budget cuts that hinder disaster preparedness amidst a challenging hurricane season and explore how climate policy shifts affect daily life through extreme weather events. A thought-provoking conversation on urgent issues!

Writer and professor Eve L. Ewing discusses her research on race and education, focusing on how schools can shape the experiences of marginalized children. She questions the historical and current structures that perpetuate inequity, particularly in Black and Native communities. Ewing highlights the punitive practices in education and the need for empathy and inclusivity. She also sheds light on the traumatic legacy of government boarding schools aimed at erasing Indigenous cultures, urging for a more diverse representation in modern educational narratives.

Nabarun Dasgupta, a street drug scientist with two decades in overdose prevention, joins Kaylee McLeod, director of Philadelphia's overdose response unit, and Aneri Patani, a senior correspondent focusing on mental health and addiction. They discuss the recent 27% drop in overdose deaths, attributed to public health initiatives and naloxone accessibility. The conversation dives into federal funding challenges, demographic disparities in overdoses, and effective harm reduction strategies, emphasizing the need for empathy and community support in tackling the ongoing crisis.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East correspondent at The Economist, analyzes the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. He reveals the motivations behind Israel's strikes on Iranian military targets and media outlets, aiming to undermine Iranian propaganda. The conversation explores the implications of a controversial plan to target Iran's leadership on its nuclear ambitions. Karlstrom also addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amidst ongoing violence, highlighting the complexities of U.S. negotiations in the region.

J. Patrick Kulikan, Editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer, offers insights into a tragic shooting that claimed the life of a state representative in Minnesota. He discusses the swift manhunt that led to the arrest of suspect Vance Boelter, revealing his troubled past and alarming political motivations. The conversation dives into the emotional impact on the community and families involved, as well as the political fallout and unexpected unity among leaders in response to the crisis. Kulikan also highlights the role of civic culture and political tensions shaping Minnesota today.

Elizabeth Goitein, a legal expert with the Brennan Center for Justice, and Mark Nevitt, a law professor and retired Navy commander, dive into the legal complexities of deploying the National Guard domestically. They discuss the Posse Comitatus and Insurrection Acts, examining how these laws set the stage for modern presidential authority. The conversation highlights the tension between public safety and individual freedoms and explores the military's role in civil unrest, especially in light of historical events like the 1992 Los Angeles riots.