Pod Save the World

Noah Bullock, Executive Director of Cristosal, brings his insights on human rights in Central America. He discusses the brutal realities of El Salvador's prison system and the alarming alliance between Donald Trump and President Nayib Bukele. The conversation highlights Bukele's authoritarian tactics, including mass detentions and public fear manipulation, threatening democratic ideals. Bullock also sheds light on the risks faced by activists fighting against such regimes, emphasizing the urgent need for global awareness and support.

In a compelling conversation, David Miliband, President of the International Rescue Committee and former British Foreign Secretary, sheds light on the dire humanitarian crises in Myanmar and Sudan, worsened by USAID cuts. He discusses the critical need for robust responses to global challenges amid political upheaval and shifting alliances. The hosts also tackle the implications of far-right politics in Europe, Trump's controversial tariffs, and alarming security breaches in U.S. diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and effective humanitarian aid.

Jeremy Shapiro, Research Director at the European Council on Foreign Relations and expert on international relations, dives into the precarious political landscape of Europe. He discusses Turkey's authoritarian shift under Erdoğan, the volatile elections in Romania, and Hungary's challenges under Viktor Orbán. The conversation also touches on Israel's internal strife as Netanyahu seeks to silence critics and potential military actions. Shapiro brings a mix of humor and insight to these serious topics, shedding light on the overarching geopolitical tensions.

Pankaj Mishra, author of "The World After Gaza: A History," dives deep into the shifting dynamics of Israel's relationship with Holocaust memory. He reflects on decolonization and the role of writers in today's tumultuous landscape. The discussion critiques simplistic military interventions, urging a nuanced understanding of conflicts. Mishra emphasizes the human toll of these wars and the need for accountability amidst rising nationalism. His insights weave together historical and contemporary issues, revealing the interconnectedness of global and local struggles.

Today we're excited to bring you the first episode of Shadow Kingdom: God's Banker. In the summer of 1982, the Vatican’s top money man was found dead. Roberto Calvi was at the center of a prolific money laundering scheme that put him in the crosshairs of the Sicilian mafia, a secret far-right chapter of the Freemasons, and the Catholic Church. Forty years after his death was ruled a suicide, Shadow Kingdom host Nicolo Majnoni got a tip that there was more to the story. So who killed God’s banker?Shadow Kingdom is a new series from Crooked Media and Campside Media. Each season starts with a crime, and as the layers are peeled back to find out who or what is at the center of it, a larger system at play is revealed.Subscribe to Shadow Kingdom: God’s Banker wherever you get your podcasts or join Crooked's Friends Of The Pod subscription community to hear the full season right now. Join Friends Of The Pod at crooked.com/friends or subscribe through the Shadow Kingdom Apple feed.

Glenn Greenwald, a journalist known for his role in the Edward Snowden leaks, joins the discussion on pressing global issues. They dive into the potential Ukraine ceasefire and the implications of Canadian leadership changes amid a trade war with the U.S. Greenwald critiques the Trump administration's impact on free speech and examines censorship trends, particularly in Brazil. The conversation also touches on the legal challenges faced by Rodrigo Duterte and the complexities surrounding U.S. diplomacy with adversaries like Hamas.

Natasha Hall, a Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, delves into the intricacies of the Syrian crisis. She discusses how U.S. sanctions and foreign interference are destabilizing the region, despite the resilience of the Syrian people. The conversation highlights the implications of Israel's military actions and the role of Russia and local alliances. Natasha emphasizes the urgency of lifting sanctions to foster stability and explores how these geopolitical dynamics affect Syria's governance and broader Middle Eastern politics.

A chaotic meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky turned into a shouting match, revealing deep misunderstandings and stark differences on the war in Ukraine. The discussion unveils how domestic U.S. politics overshadowed genuine diplomatic concerns, highlighting JD Vance's role as an instigator. The consequences for U.S. foreign policy and the struggle for peace in Ukraine are examined, alongside the media's impact on international perceptions and the complexities of navigating alliances amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Zeke Faux, an investigative reporter for Bloomberg Businessweek and author of "Number Go Up," discusses the growing rift between the US and Europe regarding the war in Ukraine. He sheds light on the implications of an Argentinian President's memecoin and its connections to crypto schemes involving the Trump family. The conversation also touches on Germany's political shifts, the rise of right-wing sentiments in Europe, and the urgent need for coherent governance amidst global tensions.

Max Seddon, the Moscow Bureau Chief for the Financial Times, shares his insights on the recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy regarding Russia. He highlights the Kremlin's reaction to U.S.-Russia peace talks that exclude Ukraine, emphasizing the potential risks for Ukrainian sovereignty. The conversation also touches on the rise of far-right movements in Europe and how they influence international politics, as well as the intricate dynamics of Russian public sentiment amidst ongoing conflicts. It's a fascinating exploration of geopolitics and its far-reaching implications.