Pod Save the World

Jim Himes, a Congressman from Connecticut and intelligence committee member, engages in a revealing conversation about the intertwining of Trump's business ventures with global politics. They discuss alarming instances of corruption, including Vietnam's fast-tracked Trump golf project and cryptocurrency's risks. The dialogue also covers the sensitive issues of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, recent violence, and the changing landscape of U.S. national security policies. Himes emphasizes the serious implications of politicizing intelligence in these turbulent times.

Dr. Feroze Sidwha, a trauma surgeon from Stockton, California, has volunteered in Gaza, treating the horrors of conflict. He shares harrowing accounts of the severe injuries faced by children caught in violence. The conversation emphasizes the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, exposing the emotional toll on medical staff. Sidwha's experiences highlight a critical need for empathy and understanding beyond media narratives, shedding light on the urgent healthcare challenges amidst ongoing political turmoil.

In this engaging discussion, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy sheds light on the significant corruption surrounding Trump's first foreign trip to the Middle East. He reveals alarming details about financial exchanges with Gulf autocrats and how these actions could affect U.S. foreign policy. The conversation also touches on the lifting of sanctions on Syria and the implications for regional stability. Murphy discusses how congressional leaders may respond to these ethical concerns, highlighting the need for greater accountability in politics.

Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders in the US, sheds light on the alarming decline of global press freedom. He discusses the challenges journalists face, particularly in conflict zones, and the impact of U.S. policies on media independence. Weimers emphasizes the urgent need for funding to support independent journalism amid rising misinformation. The conversation also touches on the implications of Israel's controversial plan to reoccupy Gaza, highlighting the humanitarian concerns entwined in political maneuvers.

Oleksandra Matviichuk, a Ukrainian human rights lawyer and 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, shares her insights on the devastating humanitarian impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine. She highlights the urgent need for accountability regarding war crimes and emphasizes the resilience of Ukrainians in their fight for democracy. The conversation also touches on the cultural and political implications of the conflict, as well as the moral duty to support Ukraine and document the experiences of its victims, calling for global solidarity and justice.

Tommy and Ben discuss the latest scandal engulfing Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and why even his defenders say the Pentagon is in chaos, a report about the FBI Director’s jet-setting lifestyle, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s mindless reorganization of the State Department. They also talk about Pope Francis’ moral leadership on global affairs, how China is winning the trade war and concern that the impact of Trump’s tariffs might be irreversible, why US airstrikes on the Houthi rebels have failed to deter them, a new political crisis for Israeli PM Bibi Netanyahu, the latest from Gaza, and why Swedes are Netflix and chilling to the Moose Migration.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

In this engaging discussion, Josh Rogin, a lead global security analyst for the Washington Post and author of "Chaos Under Heaven," provides insights into the chaotic U.S.-China relations during Trump's presidency. He critiques Trump’s troubling foreign policy decisions and the influence of key advisors that fueled a trade war. The conversation also covers the implications of Trump’s meeting with El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, concerns over civil liberties, and the political shifts observed in Canada and Australia under Trump's controversial legacy.

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.