Ari Berman, a national voting rights correspondent for Mother Jones and author of Minority Rule, dives into the intricacies of election integrity. He discusses the over 100 lawsuits filed by Republicans aimed at contesting the upcoming election, revealing patterns from the 2020 Stop the Steal movement. Berman also highlights the evolution of voting laws post-Obama, the rise of partisan control in states like Georgia and Texas, and the initiatives Democrats are pursuing to secure voting access. His insights uncover the ongoing battle over electoral trust.

Catherine Cullen, a CBC senior parliamentary reporter and host of CBC Radio’s The House, discusses the escalating tensions between Canada and India after serious allegations against Indian diplomats emerged. These accusations include orchestrating criminal acts against Canada’s Sikh community, triggering public safety warnings. Cullen also sheds light on the unrest within the Liberal Party, where a secret document hints at potential leadership changes amid growing discontent. The diplomatic fallout could reshape the political landscape in both nations.

Hani Mahmoud, an Al Jazeera reporter based in Deir al Balah, shares his firsthand experiences of survival amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. He paints a vivid picture of the humanitarian crisis, highlighting the struggles of families coping with displacement and loss. Hani recounts the emotional toll of witnessing mass graves and the fragile daily lives of those facing food and water shortages. His powerful narratives illuminate the profound impact of war on civilians, driving home the urgency of understanding their plight.

Louise Decker, a former PE teacher, shares her experience in a reality TV space travel challenge. Ryan McBride recounts his mental and physical hurdles as a contestant, while Steve Hester humorously discusses his struggles with fitness. Comedy writer Charlie Skelton offers insights into the behind-the-scenes chaos of the show. They all explore the thrill-seeking mindset and the absurdity of auditioning, revealing how trust and authenticity can be distorted in the pursuit of entertainment.

Welcome to the world of conspiracy and paranoia. A horrifying act of domestic terrorism brings right wing radio some unwanted attention, which pushes one fan of the supernatural away from politics, while a pair of anti-government broadcasters dig their heels in.This is episode 3 of The Flamethrowers, the story of how radio energized and then radicalized a conservative base. This series was originally produced in 2021. Hosted by Justin Ling. More episodes are available here.

Dan Beckerman, the producer of the controversial biopic ‘The Apprentice,’ dives into the film's journey from Cannes acclaim to intense backlash. He discusses the complex dynamics between Donald Trump and lawyer Roy Cohn, showcasing how Cohn shaped Trump's ambitions. Beckerman also reveals the film's challenges, including legal threats from Trump's team, and the fine line between fact and fiction in storytelling about powerful figures. The conversation reflects on the evolution of Trump's public persona and its relevance in today's media landscape.

Jennifer Sciubba, a leading political scientist and demographer, discusses the alarming decline in global birth rates and its implications. Canada now boasts a record low fertility rate of 1.3 babies per woman. Sciubba explores the challenges of aging populations, particularly in countries like Japan and Italy. She critiques ineffective pronatalist policies that fail to address women's needs and warns against alarmist narratives that politicize reproduction. The conversation highlights the necessity of holistic approaches to family support and societal values.

Thomas Mantz, President and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay, discusses the community's preparation as Hurricane Milton nears. He shares the emotional struggles of residents faced with evacuating amid severe traffic and fuel shortages. Meteorologist Eric Holthaus sheds light on the unique vulnerabilities of Tampa Bay, exacerbated by climate change. They explore the risks of severe storm surges, the impact of urban growth on disaster preparedness, and the looming challenges for emergency services and vulnerable populations in the face of this unprecedented storm.

Caitlin Dickerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter for The Atlantic, delves into her gripping experiences in the Darién Gap, a perilous jungle route frequented by migrants risking everything to reach the U.S. She shares harrowing tales of families, especially children, facing extreme dangers in their quest for safety. The discussion highlights the complex migration landscape, including the influence of organized crime and misconceptions surrounding migration. Dickerson emphasizes the urgent need to humanize migrant stories amidst a polarized immigration debate.

Jonathan Dekel-Chen, a longtime resident of Nir Oz kibbutz, shares his harrowing experience following the October 7th attack that claimed many lives and took his son hostage. He describes the profound changes in his community's life since that fateful day. The discussion delves into the emotional turmoil faced by hostage families, their fight for governmental support, and the challenging dynamic of seeking a resolution amidst escalating conflict. Dekel-Chen highlights the urgency of keeping the hostages' plight in the public eye, amid a backdrop of geopolitical tensions.