Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Glenn Greenwald, a renowned journalist and author known for his critical take on government surveillance, joins the conversation. They dive into the violent Russian resistance and what’s fueling dissent amid the Ukraine conflict. Labor strikes are also scrutinized, revealing how workers demand better conditions in the U.S. The impact of Fed policy on global markets and rising inflation takes center stage, alongside a fascinating discussion on Edward Snowden's citizenship and the ethical challenges facing journalism today.

Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President at the Quincy Institute, shares insights on Iranian politics and foreign policy. They discuss the troubling protests in Iran sparked by a woman's death in police custody, emphasizing the historical context and lack of leadership in the movement. The conversation also highlights rising tensions between the U.S. and Russia, nuclear threats, and implications for global security. Additionally, they touch on the political fallout from the welfare scandal involving Brett Favre and the impact on impoverished communities.

David Sirota, a journalist focusing on economic and political issues, and James Lee, host of 5149, dive into the murky waters of dark money in politics. They discuss its influence on campaigns, particularly in the Georgia Senate race featuring Herschel Walker. The conversation critiques the Lincoln Project's tactics, examines the return of the Clintons to philanthropy, and hilariously recounts a chaotic Southwest Airlines flight where passengers were given ukuleles. Finally, they tackle pressing housing issues and the misleading narratives surrounding them.

Vince Kilos, a lead worker organizer aiming to unionize a Home Depot store outside Philadelphia, shares insights on labor struggles amid rising costs. He discusses the impact of the current housing market, with skyrocketing rents pushing people towards rentals. The conversation highlights parallels between global tensions, like Putin's military mobilization, and local movements for workers' rights. Kilos passionately advocates for fair wages and safe working conditions, shedding light on the crucial role of community support in these efforts.

Max Alvarez, Editor-in-chief of The Real News Network and host of Working People, joins the discussion on critical issues facing society today. They delve into Putin's military mobilization and its global implications. The conversation shifts to Big Tech, exploring a ruling against monopolies and the challenges of surveillance capitalism. Alvarez also highlights labor issues, including the struggles of railway workers amidst ongoing negotiations. Additionally, tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and its impact on U.S. politics are examined.

Vince Quiles, a lead organizer for a Home Depot unionization effort, joins the discussion on important labor movements. He shares insights into the grassroots union formation, emphasizing the need for independence and better worker conditions. The conversation also highlights the broader implications of recent geopolitical tensions, including Putin's nuclear threats and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Additionally, they touch on the challenges faced by the housing market, rising gas prices, and the legal battles surrounding Trump. It's a lively exploration of critical issues affecting workers and society today.

J. Miles Coleman, an expert on midterm elections and associate editor at Sabato's Crystal Ball, dives into the tumultuous housing market and its impacts on buyers and renters alike. The discussion also tackles Puerto Rico's ongoing recovery struggles after recent hurricanes and the political implications of Biden's 2024 candidacy. Coleman highlights voter turnout dynamics for the upcoming midterms, emphasizing trends in Republican engagement. He further unpacks the lab leak theory and its political ramifications, offering a nuanced look at today's pressing issues.

The hosts dive deep into global tensions, exploring the implications of President Biden's remarks on nuclear threats related to Ukraine. They discuss the future of Nancy Pelosi’s leadership amid Democratic party divisions and critique billionaire philanthropy's role in democracy. The TikTok dilemma raises concerns over data privacy and national security, while the railway workers' unrest highlights issues of corporate greed. Engaging with their audience's feedback, the hosts showcase the vibrant energy of their recent live show.

Matt Stoller, an antitrust expert, and Congressman Ro Khanna, a Silicon Valley representative, dive into the implications of youth voter dynamics and the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. They explore how these factors play into modern American politics and elections. The discussion critiques corporate union-busting tactics at Starbucks and dives into the inequities of the U.S. credit card system. They also advocate for reforms like the FedNow initiative, aiming to modernize the payment landscape and tackle monopolistic practices.

This week dives into the complexities of the Ukraine conflict, detailing the counteroffensive's territorial gains and its broader economic repercussions. Discussions around inflation and interest rates paint a daunting picture for businesses and families alike. The struggles of railway workers, caught in tense contract negotiations, reveal larger labor issues. Polling dynamics ahead of the midterms raise questions about political support and voter sentiment. Amidst all this, the hosts promote a shift towards more meaningful journalism.