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Arthur Delaney, a Senior reporter at HuffPost, and Martha Gimbel, Executive director at Yale's Budget Lab, delve into the controversial GOP megabill and its implications for Americans. They unpack potential tax breaks, particularly for the wealthy, and discuss the legislative journey back to the House. The duo highlights the risks to healthcare funding and the impact on Medicaid. Additionally, they explore immigration provisions and economic consequences, emphasizing the bill's significant ramifications on essential services and the national debt.

Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter for The New York Times, joins Samar El-Kaudry, a Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh, to discuss pressing health issues. They delve into the recent cuts to U.S. vaccine funding and the potential global repercussions. The conversation shifts to the critical link between menopause and cardiovascular disease, emphasizing how hormonal changes elevate heart risks for women. Listeners gain insights on the importance of proactive heart health and better communication with healthcare providers during menopause.

Catherine Stewart, a journalist and author focusing on the intersection of faith and politics, joins Ian Millhiser, Vox's senior correspondent on the Supreme Court. Together, they delve into the rising challenges to the separation of church and state, particularly during the Trump administration. The discussion highlights the politicization of religious liberty and recent Supreme Court rulings favoring Christian nationalism. They emphasize the need for grassroots engagement to protect democratic values and maintain a secular public sphere.

Elissa Slotkin, a Michigan Senator and former CIA analyst, brings her unique perspective on pressing national issues. She discusses the challenges facing the Democratic Party as it prepares for midterm elections, emphasizing the need for a fresh economic vision. Slotkin dives into U.S. military actions in Iran and the importance of nonpartisan politics in security matters. Additionally, she reflects on immigration reform, advocating for policies that support small businesses and address fears within immigrant communities.

Arthur Delaney, a senior reporter at HuffPost, joins forces with Wendy Benjaminson from Bloomberg News and Margaret Tolliv, director at Syracuse University, to dissect NATO's pledge to ramp up defense spending amid global tensions. James Kipfield evaluates the fallout from U.S. airstrikes in Iran and their implications for international relations. Akbar Shahid Ahmed delves into the complexities of aid in Gaza, underlining the tragedy of violence and skepticism surrounding humanitarian efforts. Together, they unravel the intricacies of politics and policy shaping current events.

Jordan Thomas, a cultural anthropologist and former hotshot firefighter, and Amy Cardinal Christensen, a Métis Senior Fire Advisor, dive into the changing landscape of forest fires. They discuss how climate change is intensifying wildfires and the urgent need for adaptive strategies. The duo highlights the significance of Indigenous fire management practices, which have been historically overlooked, and stress the lessons that can be learned from these traditions for modern fire prevention. Their conversation underscores the need for a shift towards sustainable and informed fire management.

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.