Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Maximilian Alvarez, Chief of Staff at The Real News Network, dives deep into pressing issues like government surveillance and the Assange case. He discusses the implications of FBI and NSA spying, particularly concerning journalists. The chaos in Haiti post-assassination is explored, revealing connections to U.S. interventions and corruption. Alvarez also critiques political responses to events like January 6th, emphasizing the role of undercover agents and media narratives. He highlights the growing wealth gap and advocates for community organizing to address systemic injustices.

In a captivating discussion, Jordan Chariton, founder of Status Quo News, dives into pressing issues like Exxon's corruption in climate legislation and the tragic Surfside building collapse showcasing regulatory failures. He highlights the inhumane labor practices at Amazon and draws parallels to Britney Spears' conservatorship, emphasizing personal autonomy lost in capitalism. The conversation takes on the illusion of freedom in America, discussing systemic inequalities and homelessness, calling for urgent reforms and community advocacy.

Guest Ross Barkan, author of "The Prince: Andrew Cuomo, the Coronavirus, and the Fall of New York," dives into key political topics. He explores the repercussions of Bill Cosby's overturned conviction on the Me Too movement and society's approach to justice. Barkan discusses Nina Turner's progressive campaign and the pushback from establishment figures. The conversation also covers legal challenges facing the Trump Organization and the troubling implications of NSA surveillance. Lastly, he highlights the chaotic NYC mayoral race and the growing influence of billionaires on democracy.

Matt Stoller, the Research Director for the American Economic Liberties Project, dives into a myriad of pressing issues. He critiques the Biden administration's military strikes in Syria, emphasizing the links between the defense industry and foreign policy. The dialogue explores the influence of financial giants like BlackRock on economic policies, highlighting wealth inequality. They also address cancel culture, stressing the importance of free speech. The conversation wraps up with insights on the decline of friendships due to technology and the implications of Facebook's legal challenges.

Matt Taibbi, a journalist known for his critical views on politics and media, joins the conversation to unpack a host of pressing issues. They dive into Biden's infrastructure deal, exploring concerns over privatization. The tragic Surfside collapse raises questions about government accountability. UFO reports spark intrigue alongside discussions on Julian Assange’s case and media freedom. The debate on critical race theory in the military reflects broader societal distractions. Finally, shifting attitudes towards socialism highlight the post-pandemic landscape.

Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President at the Quincy Institute and expert on Middle Eastern politics, joins the discussion on pressing global dynamics. They delve into the implications of recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings and the political landscape of New York City, particularly the shift with India Walton's election. The conversation also tackles media distrust fueled by infotainment, the ongoing struggles of labor movements, and the complexities of U.S. foreign relations amidst evolving politics in Iran and Israel.

Ross Barkan, a contributor to The Nation and author of 'The Prince,' joins the discussion to dissect the controversies surrounding leadership in New York during COVID. They dive into the impact of corporate practices, spotlighting Amazon's wasteful item destruction. The conversation extends to the Supreme Court's favoritism towards corporations, particularly its rulings affecting NCAA athletes and legal accountability. They also analyze the emerging populist conservatism in America and its implications for the NYC mayoral race, showcasing a significant political evolution.

In this engaging discussion, Josh Rogan, a columnist at the Washington Post known for his sharp insights, tackles the soaring housing prices in the U.S. and their impact on first-time buyers. He shares concerns about private equity's role in market dynamics and wealth inequality. The conversation also dives into the Capitol riot, examining FBI involvement and the need for transparency. Additionally, they discuss Texas' energy crisis, corporate influence, and the urgent issues facing U.S. infrastructure, leaving listeners with critical questions about accountability and reform.

Jeff Stein, an economics reporter for The Washington Post, joins the discussion about media misinformation and historical fiction's impact on politics. They dive into Hillary Clinton's political narrative and critique the media's relationship with leaders. The conversation shifts to the complexities of U.S. foreign policy and recent domestic extremism strategies. Stein elaborates on workforce changes post-pandemic and highlights the ongoing struggles within the Democratic Party regarding infrastructure negotiations and climate initiatives.

Joe Rogan, a renowned comedian and host of The Joe Rogan Experience, joins to dive into the nuances of long-form podcasting. He shares insights on the crucial role of authenticity in interviews and the technical aspects that enhance communication. The conversation also touches on Hollywood's complexities, the toll of social media negativity, and the significance of personal growth in navigating fame. Rogan emphasizes the importance of skepticism in politics, fostering engaging conversations that challenge the status quo.