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Episodes
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Jul 22, 2025 • 57min
Sharks On The Big Screen And In The Big Blue Sea
Jasmine Graham, a marine biologist and author of "Sharks Don't Sink," joins Simon Therold, a senior scientist at Woods Hole, and John Horn, an entertainment correspondent, to explore the dual life of sharks in culture and reality. They discuss the fear perpetuated by the film "Jaws" and its lasting impact on public perception. Graham shares shark conservation insights, revealing the threats these majestic creatures face today. Additionally, they dive into myths surrounding shark behavior and the urgent need for a shift in narrative to support their survival.

Jul 21, 2025 • 36min
'If You Can Keep It': The Layoffs At The Departments Of State And Education
In this discussion, Akbar Shahid Ahmed, a Senior diplomatic correspondent at HuffPost, and Laura Meckler, a National Education Writer for The Washington Post, dive into the significant layoffs at the Departments of Education and State. They explore the repercussions of losing senior intelligence analysts at a crucial time for U.S. diplomacy, and the impact of educational staff reductions on student loan management. Personal stories highlight the emotional toll on employees and raise concerns about the future of both education policies and foreign relations.

12 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 26min
The News Roundup For July 18, 2025
In this discussion, guests include Alexis Simendinger from The Hill, Megan Scully of Bloomberg News, and David Rennie of The Economist, among others. They tackle the Senate's approval of controversial budget cuts to foreign aid, particularly affecting public media. A devastating incident in Gaza raises concerns over humanitarian efforts. The panel also delves into the political fallout from Donald Trump's connections to Jeffrey Epstein, and the rising inflation rates, scrutinizing their impacts on the economy and upcoming elections.

Jul 18, 2025 • 2min
Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media
Congress's recent move to cut federal funding for public media raises alarming concerns. The discussion highlights how this could devastate local journalism, particularly in rural areas. Advocates stress the critical role of public media in building trust and connection within communities. The urgency for community support to keep these services alive is emphasized, igniting a call to action for listeners to contribute to preserving this vital resource.

Jul 17, 2025 • 33min
The Future Of US Funding For HIV Treatment And Prevention
Aporva Mandavilli is a science and global health reporter at The New York Times, while Rachel Bender Ignacio is a physician and researcher at the University of Washington and Fred Hutch Cancer Center. They discuss the precarious future of PEPFAR funding and the urgent implications of potential budget cuts on global HIV treatment efforts. The conversation also highlights recent advancements in HIV research, including promising vaccines and prevention tools. Key challenges in sustaining funding for research and maintaining health equity are emphasized, alongside cultural shifts in HIV awareness.

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.


