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Latest episodes

Jul 16, 2025 • 39min
What Medicaid Cuts Mean For Americans
Julie Rovner, Chief Washington correspondent for KFF Health News, Brian Blaze, former health policy advisor to Trump and founder of Paragon Health Institute, and Kim Bemstaffer, Executive Director of Colorado's Medicaid program, delve into the ramifications of proposed Medicaid cuts. They discuss potential insurance losses for millions, the threats to rural hospitals, and the complexities of legislative efforts. The conversation highlights personal stories from impacted families and explores how these policy changes could reshape healthcare access across the U.S.

Jul 15, 2025 • 12min
ICYMI: Trump's Move For A Peace Deal In Ukraine
Idris Ali, a national security correspondent for Reuters, sheds light on Donald Trump's frustrations regarding stalled peace negotiations in Ukraine. Trump threatens new tariffs and sanctions if a deal isn't reached soon. The discussion delves into the complexities of U.S. arms support for Ukraine through NATO, balancing public opinion with geopolitical realities. Ali also highlights the challenges of negotiating peace amidst ongoing warfare and the contrasting strategies of Ukraine and Russia as the conflict continues to unfold.

Jul 14, 2025 • 32min
'If You Can Keep It': The United States At 250
Glenn Nye, former Democratic representative and current CEO of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress, teams up with Lauren Harper, a leading advocate for press freedoms at the Freedom of the Press Foundation. They dive into the upcoming 250th anniversary of the U.S., discussing the evolution of American identity and key innovations in science and democracy. The conversation addresses the challenges of government transparency and citizen advocacy, highlighting urgent reforms needed to safeguard democracy as the nation celebrates its rich history.

Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 23min
The News Roundup For July 11, 2025
This week’s discussion features Josh Wingrove from Bloomberg News, Taylor Poplarz from Spectrum News, and other esteemed guests. They tackle the aftermath of deadly flooding in Texas and the urgent need for better disaster preparedness. Attention shifts to President Trump's controversial trade policies and his recent Nobel Peace Prize nomination by Netanyahu. Additionally, they delve into the Pentagon’s reversal on arms shipments to Ukraine and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy amid global tensions.

Jul 10, 2025 • 39min
The Megabill And The Green Economy
Join J.L. Holtzman, Senior Reporter at Heatmap News; Robbie Orvis, Senior Director at Energy Innovation; and Katie Fehrenbacher, Climate Tech Reporter for Axios Pro, as they navigate the complexities of the recent climate legislation. They discuss how new laws impact electricity costs, particularly in Texas, and the potential repercussions for solar and wind projects. The experts highlight the urgent need for renewable energy resources amid rising energy consumption and examine the balance between innovation and legislative challenges in the green economy.

Jul 9, 2025 • 31min
Seeking Shade In A Warming World
Sam Block, a journalist and author of 'Shade, the Promise of a Forgotten Natural Resource', joins V. Kelly Turner, an urban planning expert at UCLA, to discuss the escalating threat of extreme heat. They explore how shade can be a vital resource in combating rising temperatures, especially for vulnerable urban populations. The conversation highlights the importance of urban planning that integrates green spaces, addressing inequalities in access to shade, and the need for tailored heat action plans to protect marginalized communities.

Jul 8, 2025 • 12min
ICYMI: Rescue And Recovery Efforts Continue In Texas
Sarah Spivey, a Meteorologist at KSAT News, discusses the devastating effects of a 100-year flood in Central Texas, which has tragically claimed nearly 90 lives. She highlights the heroic rescue efforts amidst ongoing threats of heavy rain. The conversation also dives into the region's unique geographical challenges and shortcomings in flood warning systems. Spivey emphasizes the need for improved alerts and infrastructure to protect communities, while addressing the crucial role of meteorologists during such extreme weather events.

Jul 7, 2025 • 11min
ICYMI: The Megabill, Medicaid And Rural Americans
In this discussion, Jessica Glenza, a Senior health reporter at The Guardian, highlights the significant implications of a major tax and spending bill, focusing on its drastic cuts to Medicaid. She explains how these cuts threaten the healthcare access of 11.8 million Americans, particularly in rural areas like Kentucky. Glenza also addresses the critical role Medicaid plays for vulnerable populations and the potential strain on rural healthcare systems. The conversation sheds light on the unpredictable future of healthcare in these communities as they brace for economic challenges.

Jul 7, 2025 • 33min
'If You Can Keep It': American Values
Alana Ronlevy, managing director of Gallup, and David Brooks, opinion columnist for The New York Times, discuss the core values that define America. They reveal surprising survey insights showing family tops the list of priorities across demographics. The conversation touches on generational shifts in national pride, the intersection of faith and politics, and the role of organized religion in community cohesion. They also explore the tension between governmental support and civil society, highlighting how collective values influence the pursuit of the American dream.

Jul 4, 2025 • 34min
Best Of: Questioning Quantum Mechanics
In this discussion, Erica Carlson, a physics professor at Purdue University and host of The Quantum Age, joins Shohini Ghosh, a professor of physics and computer science at Wilfrid Laurier University, to unravel the perplexing world of quantum mechanics. They break down complex topics like quantum computing and its security implications for cryptocurrencies. The duo also dives into quantum materials and their applications in technology, from MRI machines to the aspiring quantum internet, making these scientific concepts accessible and engaging.