Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

The hosts discuss Biden's booster shot plan and the mixed messaging on vaccinations. They analyze the resignation of Twitter's CEO and the ethical controversies surrounding Chris Cuomo. Conversations shift to Amazon's labor practices and the misinformation narrative fueled by Hillary Clinton. They explore why conservatives report higher happiness, linking it to community and faith ties. The episode also critiques media control over political discourse while emphasizing deeper societal issues affecting happiness across the political spectrum.

In this engaging discussion, Abdul El-Sayed, a public health expert and former Detroit Health Department director, delves into the urgent implications of the Omicron variant and its global response. He critiques the ongoing vaccine inequity and highlights the disconnect between Big Pharma and public health priorities. The hosts explore ethical dilemmas surrounding political nepotism, including Jared Kushner's financial interests. Additionally, they confront the struggles for workers' rights amidst corporate power, making this conversation a compelling blend of politics and health.

Holiday traditions take a humorous turn as the hosts critique mainstream media's Thanksgiving advice amidst rising food costs. The discussion dives into the intricacies of Malcolm X's assassination, unraveling government roles in the mystery. There's also a thoughtful exploration of the dark side of government informants, revealing alarming financial investments and their entanglements in criminal activities. As CNN undergoes a significant shakeup, the podcast highlights the evolving news landscape and the struggle for authenticity in journalism.

Brianna Joy Gray, host of the Bad Faith podcast and former National Press Secretary for Bernie Sanders, joins the discussion on pressing contemporary issues. They dive into the Waukesha attack and its implications for criminal justice, economic strategies under Jerome Powell, and the intertwining of wealth and politics with figures like Jeff Bezos. The conversation also tackles navigating political talk during Thanksgiving, the overlooked trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, and the complexities of discussing race, aiming for deeper understanding in political discourse.

Chris Smalls, a prominent activist and organizer, shares his experiences fighting for workers' rights at Amazon. He discusses the ongoing challenges and strategies involved in unionizing efforts, particularly in Staten Island. The conversation also covers the implications of the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict and the ongoing supply chain crisis ahead of the holidays. Additionally, they critique the Democratic Party's disconnect with voters and debate the significance of grassroots movements in advocating for labor rights.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Perez, a contributor to The Daily Poster with expertise in Medicare drug pricing, joins Krystal, Saagar, and Kyle Kulinski. They unravel the tangled web of pharmaceutical lobbying, revealing how it shapes legislative outcomes and hampers drug pricing reforms. The hosts explore the intense battle between Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg, Tulsi Gabbard’s political evolution, and John Oliver’s coverage of union issues. A thought-provoking look at health policy and political maneuvering awaits!

Chris Arnade, author of "Dignity" and Substack writer, dives into pressing societal issues. He discusses the alarming rise in opioid deaths, connecting it to economic disparities and addiction's impact on the working class. Arnade highlights the debate around vaccinations and personal freedoms amidst misinformation, as well as the concerning situation of Peng Shuai, blending sports with human rights. They also critique Biden's public image and explore the disconnect between elite narratives and everyday struggles, emphasizing the need for genuine community.

Kyle Kulinski, known for his YouTube channel Secular Talk, fills in as guest host. He dives into Kamala Harris's struggles as VP, examining her low approval ratings and political ramifications. The duo discusses Beto O’Rourke’s challenging bid for Texas governor and the disconnect with Latino voters. They critique Democrats' tax policies favoring the wealthy, while highlighting labor updates and the current strikes showing increased public support for workers. Kulinski also warns against authoritarianism echoing China's past, stressing the need for a more empathetic economic dialogue.

Invest investigative reporter Ken Klippenstein brings his insights on Saudi Arabia's influence on U.S. politics. The discussion dives into the Great Resignation and its roots in the pandemic, alongside rising staffing shortages. They unpack the Republican Party's internal strife with a clash between Chris Christie and Donald Trump. Klippenstein also sheds light on the ethics of drone strike operations, exposing the Pentagon's lack of transparency. The conversation critiques the media's focus, emphasizing the pressing issues often overlooked.

Kim Kelly, a labor reporter and author of "Fight Like Hell," joins the discussion on significant labor movements in the U.S. Recently, fast food workers and coal miners have been striking for fair wages and better conditions, with labor shortages changing the power dynamics in the workplace. The dialogue also touches on Kyrsten Sinema's questionable ties to pharma money and Kamala Harris's declining approval ratings. A critique of Ivy Getty's opulent wedding highlights the stark divide between the elite and working-class struggles, emphasizing the need for solidarity.