Atul Gawande, a prominent surgeon and public health expert, dives deep into the repercussions of Elon Musk's controversial remarks about U.S.A.I.D. The conversation highlights the vital role of soft power in global health initiatives, particularly how funding cuts can jeopardize lives in conflict zones. Gawande reflects on the efficiency and impact of American foreign aid, admonishing the shift towards a more power-centric worldview. He also touches on vaccine confidence, linking it to historical hesitancy, and discusses ethical considerations in surgical practices.

Nancy Solomon, WNYC’s New Jersey reporter with deep insights into local politics, dives into the dramatic fall of Bob Menendez. She unravels his journey from the son of Cuban immigrants to a powerful Senator, now facing eleven years in prison for corruption. Solomon discusses Menendez's ties to bribes and the murky waters of political integrity. The conversation also touches on the implications of presidential pardons in corruption cases, casting a shadow on the future of anti-corruption efforts.

Stephen Kotkin, a historian specializing in Russia and a fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution, discusses Donald Trump's controversial stance on the Ukraine conflict. He highlights Trump’s admiration for Putin and critiques of Zelensky, raising concerns about U.S. foreign policy implications. Kotkin examines the changing landscape of American power and the limitations it faces, stressing that while Trump's views may be flawed, they reflect underlying realities in global politics. The conversation navigates the shifting geopolitical dynamics and the impact on U.S. commitments.

When Emily Nussbaum introduced Alan Cumming at the New Yorker Festival, she said, “Plenty of actors light up a room, but Alan Cumming is more of a disco ball—reflecting every possible angle of show business.” Cumming appears in mainstream dramas such as “The Good Wife,” and also more indie projects like his one-man version of “Macbeth”; his performances in musicals such as “Cabaret” are legendary. He also owns a nightclub; his memoir “Not My Father’s Son” was a bestseller, and so on. And Cumming plays the host on the Emmy-winning reality show “The Traitors.” He combines “a dandy Scottish laird—sort of James Bond villain, sort of eccentric, old-fashioned nut who has this big castle.” Spoiler alert: “It’s supposed to be my castle. It’s not.” Nussbaum asks about his perspective on reality TV before he started on “Traitors.” “Zero, really,” Cumming confesses. “I was a bit judgy. … The thing I don't like about a lot of those shows is that they laud and therefore encourage bad behavior and lack of kindness.” Before “The Traitors,” Cumming’s first brush with reality television was on “Who Do You Think You Are?,” a BBC genealogy program that confronted him with shocking secrets about his own family. “It made a good memoir, I suppose,” he jokes. “Just how awful that was. It was awful. But no, I don't regret it.”

Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota and former congressman, shares his insights on the Democratic Party's struggles in recent elections. He discusses the reasons behind the party's loss of support, especially among men, and the importance of effective communication to rebuild trust. Walz reflects on his proactive stance against the Trump administration and the challenges of addressing misinformation in political debates. He also emphasizes the need for unity among women in politics and the value of genuine public service over mere ambition.

Richard Brody, The New Yorker’s film critic known for his annual Brody Awards, joins Alexandra Schwartz, co-host of Critics at Large. They dive into the latest cinematic trends, critiquing films like 'The Brutalist' and discussing why 'Wicked' could nab Best Picture. Brody emphasizes the desire for comfort food in cinema, while predicting the 2025 Brody Awards winners. Their analysis of performance nuances and generative AI’s role in acting sparks engaging debate around the evolving landscape of film.

John Fetterman, the progressive U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania known for his distinctive style, candidly discusses the shortcomings of the Democratic Party, particularly in engaging male voters. He reflects on his unexpected bipartisan efforts, including a notable meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Fetterman criticizes the chaos in contemporary politics and compares the pursuit of political funding to 'hustling for money.' He also tackles significant issues like trans rights and the need for clarity amidst political turmoil, highlighting the urgency for better engagement with voters.

Join Roz Chast, a beloved cartoonist known for her humorous observations of everyday life, and writer Jia Tolentino as they celebrate a century of The New Yorker. Tolentino revisits Joan Didion’s essay on Martha Stewart, exploring themes of female power, perfectionism, and societal expectations. Chast highlights George Booth’s unique cartoons, capturing the delightful chaos of daily routines. Together, they reflect on how these works continue to resonate in contemporary culture, blending nostalgia with insightful commentary.

Anthony Romero, the Executive Director of the ACLU since 2001, discusses the organization's relentless legal battles against the Trump administration. He highlights the staggering 434 lawsuits filed during Trump's first term, addressing critical issues like birthright citizenship and gender-affirming healthcare. Romero warns of a potential constitutional crisis if the administration defies judicial orders, emphasizing the importance of civil liberties and activism. His insights shed light on the historical struggle over executive power and the ongoing fight to uphold the rule of law.

Basel Adra, a Palestinian filmmaker, and Yuval Abraham, an Israeli filmmaker, join to discuss their Oscar-nominated documentary "No Other Land," which highlights the demolition of Palestinian homes. They reveal how the film was created as an act of activism aimed at raising political awareness. Abraham points to a systemic denial of building permits for Palestinians, while Adra reflects on the deteriorating political landscape since filming began. Together, they emphasize the urgency of addressing these humanitarian crises and inspiring societal change.