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Dec 11, 2024 • 58min

What's Next for Syria?

Syrians continue to celebrate the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the dictator whose decades-long rule was marked by terror and violence against his own people. But the situation on the ground is fluid and complex. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, one of the key rebel groups controlling Damascus, has former ties to Al-Qaeda and is currently labeled a terrorist group by the United States government. Its leader, Mohammed al-Bashir, was appointed Syria’s caretaker prime minister and said Tuesday he’ll run a transitional government until March. Meanwhile, Israel launched dozens of airstrikes Tuesday targeting Syrian military installations and weapons stockpiled by the Assad regime. We’ll talk about what’s next for Syria and the alliances that kept Assad in power and get reactions from Syrians in California.Guests:Ruth Michaelson , journalist based in Istanbul, The GuardianNatasha Hall, senior fellow with the Middle East Program, Center for Strategic and International StudiesSammy Hajomar, Los Angeles resident of Syrian descentMarwan Chehadeh, San Diego resident of Syrian descent
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Dec 11, 2024 • 58min

CEO’s Murder Reveals Americans’ Anger Over Healthcare System

Sarah Kliff, an investigative healthcare reporter for The New York Times, delves into the uproar following the murder of UnitedHealthcare's CEO, highlighting the public's fury over insurance claim denials. Kliff discusses the alarming Gallup survey revealing a decline in Americans’ satisfaction with healthcare quality. She offers insights on navigating the broken system and emphasizes the need for patients to safeguard their interests. The conversation also contrasts different healthcare models, advocating for reforms that prioritize patient care.
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Dec 10, 2024 • 58min

Trump’s Picks for FBI Chief and National Intelligence Director Face Challenges

Garrett Graff, a journalist and historian known for his work on national security, joins Josh Meyer, a domestic security correspondent at USA Today. They dive into Trump's controversial nominations of Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence and Kash Patel as FBI chief. The discussion reveals concerns about Gabbard's ties to authoritarian regimes and Patel's intent to dismantle the FBI. They analyze the potential implications for U.S. national security and the broader challenges these nominees might face in confirmation.
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Dec 10, 2024 • 58min

Inflation Slowed Down, But Will Americans See Lower Prices?

Annie Lowrey, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives deep into the complexities of inflation and its impact on Americans. She highlights how the pandemic reshaped consumer behavior and prices, especially in housing. Lowrey discusses the public's perception of economic distress influencing political views, particularly in an election year. With rising costs in essentials like housing and energy, she examines the tough choices families face. The conversation also touches on tariffs and their role in price fluctuations, revealing the intricate connections between policy and daily life.
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Dec 9, 2024 • 58min

California’s Unemployment Fund is ‘Broken,’ New Report Finds

Lauren Hepler, an investigative reporter for CalMatters, sheds light on California's struggling unemployment system, which is drowning in a $20 billion debt. Her insights reveal conflicting views between businesses and labor groups over necessary tax reforms. Kim Tanner, a Carlsbad resident, shares her harrowing experience with fraudulent activities linked to the California EDD, dramatizing the human cost of the bureaucratic failures. Together, they underline the urgent need for structural changes to ensure better support for Californians during crises.
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Dec 9, 2024 • 58min

What We Learned From the Tsunami Scare

Join experts Dave Snider, a Tsunami Warning Coordinator, and Lori Dengler, a geophysics professor, as they dive into the recent tsunami warning scare in Northern California. They discuss the complex protocols of tsunami alerts and the confusion that arose in different cities, like Berkeley. Dan Brekke sheds light on the effectiveness of local emergency responses, while Brian Garcia highlights the importance of timely and accurate information. Together, they stress the significance of preparedness and clear communication to better protect communities during such emergencies.
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Dec 6, 2024 • 58min

The Best Podcasts of 2024

Nicholas Quah, a podcast critic at Vulture, shares his insights on the evolving podcast landscape in 2024. Ronald Young Jr., producer and host of 'Weight for It,' discusses the cultural impact of podcasts in politics and gender discourse. Wil Williams, CEO of Hug House Productions, highlights influential podcasts like 'Wait For It.' The trio examines how podcasts shape societal narratives and offer personal recommendations, while also addressing the ongoing challenges within the industry.
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Dec 6, 2024 • 58min

Therapist Sahaj Kaur Kohli on How to Respond to, ‘But What Will People Say?

Sahaj Kaur Kohli, a therapist, mental health columnist for the Washington Post, and founder of Brown Girl Therapy, shares her journey as a child of Indian immigrants. She addresses the unique mental health challenges faced by children of immigrants, including high parental expectations and ‘thriver's guilt.’ Sahaj discusses the formation of bicultural identity and the emotional impact of intergenerational trauma. Her new book provides practical advice for navigating identity, love, family, and the personal stories that inspire her work in mental health.
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Dec 5, 2024 • 58min

How Could Tariffs Affect California?

Ana Swanson, a trade and economics reporter for The New York Times, Edward Alden from the Council on Foreign Relations, and Don Lee from the Los Angeles Times delve into the potential fallout of proposed tariffs on California's economy. They discuss how tariffs could inflate prices on goods like cars and avocados. The conversation highlights the vulnerability of key industries and the possible economic ripple effects, including shifts in sourcing and manufacturing. Their insights reveal the complex web of trade relations and the daunting challenges for consumers and businesses alike.
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Dec 5, 2024 • 58min

Is Avian Flu the Next Pandemic?

Dr. Michael Payne, a large animal vet researcher, discusses the severe impact avian flu has had on California's livestock, including its alarming spread to dairy cattle. Susanne Rust, an investigative reporter, highlights how the virus's mutation poses risks, with cases surfacing in humans, including dairy workers and a child. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Peter Chin-Hong evaluates the pandemic potential and reassures listeners about current risks, while emphasizing the importance of monitoring and public health responses.

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