Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Explore the escalating conflict in Ukraine, as military tensions rise and a major Russian convoy heads for Kyiv. The conversation dives into American public sentiment, with strong support for sanctions but hesitance on military involvement. They tackle Hillary Clinton's warmongering stance and the complexities of a potential no-fly zone. Historical parallels to past conflicts underscore the urgency of diplomatic solutions. Plus, a look ahead to the State of the Union reveals how global crises are reshaping domestic policies.

Derek Thompson, a writer for The Ringer and host of the podcast 'Plain English', joins for a deep dive into the Ukraine crisis. They analyze Putin's nuclear threats and the bravery of anti-war protests. The conversation shifts to the media's selective empathy and bias in covering humanitarian crises. They explore the economic fallout from the conflict, including global wheat exports and potential food crises. With increasing Western military commitments against Russia, they emphasize the need for strategic diplomacy to avoid catastrophic outcomes.

In this captivating discussion, guest James Li, a YouTube creator focused on business, politics, and social issues, joins Krystal and Saagar to tackle several pressing topics. They dive into the plummeting ratings of the Olympics, revealing how geopolitical tensions and a lack of star power are affecting public interest. The conversation shifts to a rat infestation crisis at Family Dollar, exposing vulnerabilities in food safety. Plus, they dissect how MBA programs may perpetuate greed over ethics, questioning the moral compass of future corporate leaders.

The hosts delve into the rapid escalation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, examining the resilience of Ukrainian defenses and President Zelensky's call to arms. They analyze the geopolitical ramifications and explore Russia's trade dynamics amid increasing sanctions. Discussions include the economic fallout impacting global markets and rising oil prices, alongside the widening socioeconomic disparities exacerbated by the crisis. There's a heartfelt reflection on the importance of responsible reporting and the societal impact of historical events amidst this turmoil.

Ross Barkin, a sharp political commentator from New York City, digs into the escalating tensions in Ukraine sparked by Putin's latest speech. He critiques media narratives that distort the truth about international conflicts and the Havana syndrome. The discussion flows into the controversy surrounding Trump’s Truth Social launch and the implications of a Saudi-backed golf league. Barkin also analyzes the turmoil at CNN and the troubling use of facial recognition technology in Canada, revealing deeper issues of identity politics and authoritarianism.

Paul Prescod, host of The Jackman Show and Senate candidate, joins Oren Cass, executive director of American Compass, for a lively discussion. They dive into the escalating Ukraine conflict, the crackdown on Canadian protests, and the CDC's controversial data handling. They also uncover the ethical issues surrounding media figures like Jeffrey Epstein's associate and critique CNN's integrity. The conversation shifts to the child tax credit's impact on families, worker representation in corporate governance, and the growing role of crypto as a means of financial freedom.

In this lively discussion, Matt Stoller, an economic advocate focusing on monopolies, and Shalene Title, a drug policy attorney, tackle hot-button issues. They dive into Biden's legal standoff over student debt and CIA's controversial data collection practices. The conversation shifts to the implosion of CNN and declining media trust. They also dissect the evolving landscape of marijuana legalization, highlighting the tension between activism and corporate interests, and explore the economic implications of big cannabis.

Robert Kuttner, co-founder of The American Prospect and a political economy expert, joins the discussion on pressing issues. They dissect Ukraine's media portrayal and NATO's role, questioning mainstream narratives. The conversation touches on Canada's crackdown on the Freedom Convoy and the dangerous implications for civil liberties. Kuttner also critiques the Democratic Party’s disconnect with the working class, emphasizing the need for centrism. Finally, they explore the risks of dependency on China for supply chains and its effects on U.S. trade policy.

Kyle Kondik, a political analyst and author of "The Long Red Thread," joins the discussion to explore the heated political landscape leading up to the midterms. They dive into the unfolding Ukraine crisis and Canada's response to truck protests. Kondik shares insights on Biden's plummeting approval ratings and their potential impact on his re-election. The conversation also critiques media biases in covering protests and examines the disconnect between public sentiment and government action, forecasting key electoral trends.

Ali Latifi, an Afghan journalist, shares an eye-opening perspective on the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal. The discussion highlights ongoing struggles, such as the mismanagement of Afghan assets that has worsened living conditions for ordinary citizens. Tensions in Ukraine also take center stage, with U.S. foreign policy being critiqued for its impacts on civilians. The episode dives into the political landscape in Canada, media drama surrounding Joe Rogan, and examines the broader implications of NATO and the U.S.'s historical choices.