Kenneth Roth, a longtime human rights advocate and former executive director of Human Rights Watch, dives into pressing global issues. He discusses the escalating tensions in Ukraine amid a critical meeting between President Zelensky and U.S. leaders, emphasizing the dire need for democracy defense. Roth also critiques U.S. military involvement worldwide, urging accountability in conflict and spotlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He explores potential solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stressing equal rights and international action as crucial for peace.

Dr. Khaled Al-Ser, a Palestinian surgeon from Nasser Hospital, shares harrowing experiences from the frontlines of healthcare in Gaza, detailing the abuses faced by medical workers. Najee Abbas discusses the plight of Palestinian prisoners and the urgent need for international advocacy. Mark Graham highlights efforts to preserve digital archives of government materials, stressing the importance of maintaining access to critical information. Together, they illuminate the intersections of human rights, geopolitics, and the challenges of providing healthcare in conflict zones.

Mark Graham is the Director of the Wayback Machine at the Internet Archive, a pivotal nonprofit dedicated to preserving digital history. He delves into the implications of recent governmental changes affecting access to information and the traditional role of archives. Topics include the significance of the Wayback Machine in safeguarding our digital past, humorous anecdotes about the early Internet, and the urgent need to archive social media amid new restrictions. Graham also discusses the regulatory landscape for AI and its impact on libraries, emphasizing community engagement.

Peter Hotez, an internationally recognized physician focused on vaccine development, discusses the alarming resurgence of measles in the U.S. and vaccine skepticism's impact on public health. Bronco Marchatic, a Jacobin staff writer, highlights federal layoffs amidst global crises, including the humanitarian fallout in Sudan and violence in Gaza. Sharifa Belkudus, reporting from Lebanon, shares insights on the emotional toll of military operations and the resilience of affected communities, while examining Hezbollah's leadership changes and their political implications.

Corey Doctorow, a science fiction writer and tech activist, teams up with Sister Helen Prejean, an anti-death penalty crusader and author. They delve into Elon Musk's controversial influence on U.S. government agencies and the mass resignation of Doge staff protesting his management. The duo also confronts the ethical implications of capital punishment, discussing the wrongful conviction of Richard Glossop and the urgent need for prison reform. Their dialogue highlights the intersection of technology, justice, and societal change.

Steven Engelberg, Editor in Chief of ProPublica, sheds light on Donald Trump's ambitions during his second presidency. Jose Olivares discusses the humanitarian crises exacerbated by U.S. and Israeli political actions, while Reed Brody shares insights on the complexities of prosecuting war crimes. The conversation tackles the alarming implications of federal job security under Musk, the racial justice contributions of federal workers, and the urgent need for transparency regarding migrant detention at Guantanamo Bay.

Mariam Barghouti, a Palestinian writer and journalist from Ramallah, sheds light on the challenging situation in the West Bank. She discusses the severe humanitarian crises and the impact of military operations on Palestinian communities. Barghouti interweaves personal stories with reflections on resilience amidst suffering. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of current geopolitical tensions, including ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, and highlights the urgent need for international support to address these challenges.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Keith LaMar, an Ohio death row inmate and author, shares his experiences in solitary confinement and the psychological toll of his situation. He vividly recounts his transformative journey and the importance of mentorship in prison. Joined by Amy Gordiejew from the Justice for Keith LaMar Foundation, they highlight grassroots advocacy efforts and the role of art and music in raising awareness about wrongful convictions. Together, they inspire hope and resilience in the face of impending execution.

Julian Vasquez Heilig, an expert in higher education and Professor at Western Michigan University, joins David Sirota, founder of The Lever and former advisor to Bernie Sanders. They delve into the troubling impact of recent government policies on education, particularly the dismantling of DEI initiatives. The duo critiques the shift towards a patriotic curriculum that masks historical injustices and discusses how current political dynamics threaten academic integrity. They emphasize the necessity for universities to champion democracy amid rising authoritarianism.

Chris Doles is the President of IFPT Local 98, advocating for federal workers' rights amid threats from government cuts. Historian Quinn Slobodian discusses 'crack-up capitalism,' examining the destructive political ideologies of Trump and Musk and their implications. Kambali Musavuli highlights the dire consequences of Western demand for minerals in the DRC and critiques external political influences. Together, they reflect on the urgent need for labor rights and social justice as a response to escalating crises.