Pod Save the World

In this engaging discussion, Congressman Jason Crow, a veteran and member of the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, shares insights on the impact of Trump's shifting stance on Ukraine and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. He highlights the potential fallout from the 'Big Beautiful Bill' on America's global standing and the importance of a cohesive Democratic approach to international relations. Crow also addresses pressing issues like military funding and the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for renewed Congressional oversight.

Listeners delve into the chaos of U.S. foreign policy influenced by Trump's administration. The discussion tackles military actions against Iran and the dire situation in Gaza. Legal and political wrangling surrounding Netanyahu's corruption trial adds another layer of intrigue. The podcast also highlights the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the complexities of international relations, revealing both the dark and absurd realities of global politics, including a humorous look at a new luxury resort in North Korea.

Nilou Tabrizi, a visual forensics reporter at The Washington Post and co-author of a book on Iran's women-led uprising, shares her insights on the recent turmoil in Iran. She discusses how Iranian civilians are affected by military actions and their challenges in reporting amidst conflict. The conversation also highlights the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations, the limitations of military solutions, and the deep emotional impact on ordinary Iranians. Tabrizi emphasizes the resilience of the Women's Life Freedom movement and the importance of understanding personal narratives in geopolitics.

Tommy and Ben dive into the recent airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and examine the horrific possible retaliations. They discuss how these actions could escalate tensions across the Middle East. The hosts critique the administration's messaging and suggest that the Democrats need a better strategy. They explore the complexities of military versus diplomatic approaches and highlight the dire consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire. Global reactions to the U.S. foreign policy shifts and the implications for international relations are also a focus.

In this engaging discussion, U.S. Representative Greg Landsman weighs in on the possibility of U.S. military involvement in Iran, advocating for action while also supporting the war in Gaza. He debates the ramifications of such strategies, confronting the risks of regime change and media influence on public perception of war. The conversation also touches on the alarming topic of Landsman being targeted in a shooting incident, highlighting the personal stakes involved in today's heated political climate. Insights into bipartisan tensions and the need for a principled foreign policy are also explored.

Tensions escalate as Israel launches a surprise military assault on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and military leadership. The discussion dives into the geopolitical implications, including the possible fallout and Iranian retaliation. Experts analyze the effectiveness of these strikes and historical contexts, while also debating how Democrats should respond. The broader diplomatic landscape is explored, emphasizing the necessity for careful engagement amid the volatility of U.S.-Israel relations during the last administration.

Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, shares her insights on how COVID reshaped global politics and the importance of partnering with big tech to curb radicalization. She emphasizes the need to balance complex truths regarding Gaza and discusses empathetic leadership during crises. The conversation dives into the broader implications of trust in institutions and the importance of principled politics, all while reflecting on her new book, "A Different Kind of Power." Ardern's unique perspective offers hope amid today's political chaos.

Ali Velshi, an MSNBC anchor and author of "Small Acts of Courage," joins to discuss a range of pressing global issues. They dive into Ukraine's bold drone strike on Russia, exposing the complexities of the ongoing conflict. The conversation shifts to the troubling humanitarian situation in Gaza and the roles of Arab nations in supporting Palestinian rights. They also address the challenges posed by U.S.-China trade tensions, as well as the rising tide of right-wing populism in Europe, emphasizing the critical need for responsible journalism in today's political landscape.

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.