Andrew Thompson, a Latin American specialist, Julia Lasica, a keen observer of global affairs from her travels, and Darshana M. Barua, author on Indian Ocean geopolitics, dive into the implications of North Korean troops aiding Russia in the Ukraine conflict. The discussion unfolds South Korea's potential military response, while also probing Brazil's waning influence in BRICS. They explore the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean and the rising role of African nations in shaping geopolitical landscapes. A lively and insightful conversation!

Julie Norman, a UCL politics lecturer, Tessa Shishkovitz, a UK correspondent for Falter, and philosopher Hanno Sauer delve into the strategies of US election candidates like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris as they target undecided voters. They discuss the complexities of voter dynamics, particularly among Latino and Amish communities. The trio also reflects on the current tensions in the Middle East, touching upon the implications of leadership changes and the humorous side of political events, like a quirky airport hug policy.

Shanae Bostas, a journalist in the Netherlands, shares exciting insights about Amsterdam's first rave train, where party vibes meet daytime travel. The conversation also features Vincenzo de Bellas, director at Art Basel, discussing the dynamic atmosphere of Art Basel Paris and its innovative art spaces. They navigate through the cultural quirks of greetings and how they shape workplace interactions. The episode delivers a fascinating blend of nightlife innovation and the evolving art scene, showcasing the intersection of culture and community.

Nina dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent, and Nick Gowing, a distinguished fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, join Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East reporter, to discuss the significant implications of Yahya Sinwar's death on the conflict in Gaza. They delve into the political shakeup within Hamas and Israel's tactical dilemmas moving forward. The conversation also touches on Ukraine's strategic plans for victory, Italy's controversial surrogacy legislation, and the evolving royal sentiments in Australia as King Charles III prepares for his visit.

Bill Hayton, an expert on geopolitics at Chatham House, and Chris Sanders, animation legend and director of The Wild Robot, dive into the nuances of U.S.-Israeli relations during a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They explore the stark contrasts between public and private diplomacy, shedding light on political implications ahead of elections. The duo also reflects on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's effectiveness and discusses the importance of climate education in universities, emphasizing the evolving role of animation in storytelling.

John Everard, a former British diplomat with experience in North Korea, joins political journalist Terry Stiasny and Afghan media mogul Saad Mohseni to dive into a diplomatic spat between Canada and India. They discuss Canada's expulsion of Indian diplomats over a serious allegation involving a Sikh leader's murder, examining the historical tensions at play. The conversation also highlights North Korea's provocative actions in destroying inter-Korean roads and the evolving challenges faced by media in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

Isabel Hilton, an expert on China and founder of China Dialogue, shares insights on Taiwan's sovereignty amid escalating Chinese military drills. James Rogers, an associate professor in international journalism, weighs in on the implications of U.S. troop deployments in Israel. The conversation touches on the complexities of justice in a decades-old murder case from Germany, exploring how historical accountability is approached. They even debate the relevance of trigger warnings in discussing classical literature like Chaucer’s 'Canterbury Tales.'

William Kentridge, a celebrated South African artist known for his poignant explorations of apartheid and colonialism, shares insights on his latest exhibition. He discusses the unique role of theatre and visual arts as tools for societal reflection and dialogue. The conversation highlights the paradox of Norway's green energy ambitions amid its oil wealth and pays tribute to beloved voice actor Nobuyo Ōyama, celebrating her impact on Japanese culture and unexpected connections to Norway.

Join Josh Fennett, Nick Manese, Chris Lord, Tyler Brulé, and Andrew Tuck for a vibrant discussion live from Istanbul. They delve into the city's dynamic design scene and the revival of Hatay, revealing how tradition meets modernity. Chris shares insights on Istanbul's reopening to the world, while Tyler discusses orchestrating the Quality of Life Conference. Andrew explores the themes of urban development, and the group emphasizes the importance of sustainable city living and personal connections amidst the conference's exciting atmosphere.

Elizabeth Braw, a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council and author of *Goodbye Globalisation*, teams up with Sir William Patey, a former British Ambassador, to delve into the escalating tensions in the Middle East. They discuss Netanyahu's alarming threats toward Lebanon and Hezbollah, weaving in perspectives on global security threats from Russia and Iran. The duo also anticipates the upcoming Nobel Peace Prize, examining nominees and the humanitarian efforts of groups like World Central Kitchen, alongside thought-provoking commentary on contemporary issues.