Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Explore Biden's bold rhetoric on Putin and the implications for U.S.-Russia relations. Reflect on Obama's influential return to the White House and the ongoing struggle for unionization at Starbucks and Amazon. Delve into Elon Musk's Twitter play and how it may shape free speech policies. Witness the fight for labor rights among iron workers facing corporate pushback. The episode also critiques the challenges of Truth Social and the need for strong protections for organized labor in today's shifting landscape.

Christian Smalls, President of the Amazon Labor Union and a pivotal figure in the first successful Amazon warehouse unionization, discusses the monumental victory of the union and the company's counteractions. He emphasizes the grassroots strategies that helped workers overcome corporate tactics. The conversation also touches on the current situation in Ukraine, Russia's resilient economy amidst sanctions, and the ethics of media coverage. Smalls advocates for community support and solidarity in fighting for workers' rights against corporate interests.

David Sirota, an award-winning journalist and filmmaker, joins union organizer Daisy Pitkin, who shares her experiences advocating for workers in Arizona, and tech columnist Christopher Mims, who unravels the complexities of global supply chains. They tackle the Hollywood distractive narratives seen at the Oscars, critique Fox News’ political coverage, and delve into the challenges of labor organizing in today's climate. The conversation highlights pressing issues like taxation disparities, media censorship, and the evolving landscape of supply chain resilience.

Join Tobias Demel, producer of HBO Max's "Gaming Wall Street," as he dissects the GameStop saga and the complexities of Wall Street dynamics. The conversation unveils the crisis in financial practices and explores how regular investors challenged institutional power. They also tackle Biden's controversial support for regime change in Russia and delve into allegations surrounding Hunter Biden’s dealings with the Chinese Communist Party. Plus, a critical look at CNN+ and its struggle to find an audience amidst shifting media landscapes.

Hayden Wright, President of UMWA Auxiliary Locals, shares insights on the ongoing Warrior Met Coal Miner strike as workers advocate for better wages and conditions. He discusses the strength of union solidarity in the face of corporate tactics. The conversation also dives into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, exploring military strategies and the disconnect in leadership. Additionally, they touch on the rising challenges of homeownership, highlighting the struggles faced by millennials amid economic pressures and corporate landlords.

The discussion dives into Biden's plans, including a billionaires tax and heightened defense spending amidst recession fears. There are intriguing insights into ongoing Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations and skepticism surrounding Russia's intentions. The impact of Hunter Biden's scandal on public perception and media coverage is examined, along with the implications of fluctuating Treasury yields signaling economic downturns. Finally, the hosts critique the current political landscape, media narratives, and the challenges ahead for the midterms.

Joining the discussion is Tobias Demel, producer of the HBO Max documentary on the GameStop saga, shedding light on the uprising of retail investors against Wall Street. The conversation dives into Biden's controversial comments on regime change in Russia and the struggles within the GOP primaries. They tackle the chaotic Oscars incident and the intersection of labor rights with celebrity activism, while also critiquing the politicization of fitness culture. Demel's insights on the GameStop phenomenon reveal a tumultuous clash of everyday investors challenging the financial status quo.

Andrew Perez, a senior reporter at The Lever News, discusses Verizon's union-busting practices and the critical need for independent journalism. Justin Gest, a policy expert, dives into the shifting political allegiances of Latino voters and the implications for the Democratic Party. Kyla Scanlon analyzes rising commodity prices amid geopolitical tensions, while James Lee breaks down the complexities of Web3, questioning its promise of democratization and highlighting potential power disparities. Together, they tackle pressing issues in labor, politics, and technology.

Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute, discusses U.S.-Iran relations and the implications of the Iran nuclear deal. He examines dissent within the Russian government amid the Ukraine conflict and the perils of escalating nuclear tensions. The conversation also touches on the political fallout from the Biden and Kamala Harris administration, highlighting tensions within their teams and issues like gas prices and Wall Street's influence. Parsi cautions that effective diplomacy is crucial to avoid further instability in the region.

Igor Kotkin, a Russian socialist writer and activist, shares his perspective on the devastating impact of the war in Ukraine. He discusses the deterioration of U.S.-Russia relations and the looming threat of a Russian cyberattack. The conversation delves into the generational wealth gap, highlighting the struggle of younger Americans amid economic inequality. Kotkin also touches on the pressing food crisis in Moscow, juxtaposed with the absurdity of celebrity culture's intersection with serious political issues.