Pod Save the World

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.

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.