The Take

Join Drew Ambrose as he explores the growing preference for traditional healers in South Africa for mental health issues, highlighting the cultural methods and close relationships healers have with patients. Dive into an ancestral cleansing ceremony and discuss the role and limitations of traditional healers in the African mental health system.

How did a chemical company keep a popular pesticide on the market despite mounting research showing a link to Parkinson’s disease? Syngenta denies the link, but the weedkiller Paraquat is banned in more than 50 countries. Now, thousands of Americans are suing Syngenta, the maker of Paraquat. In this episode:  Jeremy Raff (@JeremyRaff), Producer of the Fault Lines film, “The Pesticide Playbook” Episode credits: This episode was produced by Tamara Khandaker, with Catherine Nouhan and our host Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. The Take production team is Amy Walters, Ashish Malhotra, Catherine Nouhan, Chloe K. Li, David Enders, Duha Mosaad, Khaled Soltan, Manahil Naveed, Marcos Bartolomé, Sarí el-Khalili, Sonia Bhagat, Tabish Talib, Tamara Khandaker, and Zaina Badr.  Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Aya Elmileik and Adam Abou-Gad is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is the Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Hiba Morgan, Al Jazeera Correspondent, and Mohanad El Balal, Founder of Khartoum Kitchen, discuss the looming famine crisis in Sudan. They explore the grassroots efforts to provide food aid in the absence of international support. The podcast sheds light on the struggle against hunger, challenges in aid delivery, and the critical need for more international assistance.

Al Jazeera Correspondent Kimberly Halkett discusses whether Trump can win with a criminal conviction. Topics include public reactions, legal process, victimization rhetoric in politics, Democrat campaign strategy, and the political impact of Trump's conviction.

Independent journalist Shola Lawal discusses the aftermath of a failed coup attempt in the DR Congo, exploring the motivations behind the coup, security challenges, unanswered questions surrounding the event, and the frustrations of the Congolese people amidst political turmoil.

Freelance journalist, Akram Al Satarri, and Al Jazeera correspondents, Kimberly Halkett and Imran Khan, discuss the ongoing truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas amidst heavy bombardment in Gaza. They delve into President Biden's ceasefire proposal, the struggles faced by hospitals in Gaza, and the political ramifications of the conflict.

Explore the dramatic courtroom saga of Donald Trump's hush money trial, political allies rallying amidst legal challenges, and the impact on Trump's campaign and media coverage. Re-evaluate societal priorities in light of the trial's revelations.

Al Jazeera's Lucia Newman discusses Mexico's upcoming historic female presidential election, highlighting the violence and challenges faced. Topics include Claudia Sheinbaum's campaign, Indigenous issues, violence in the election, and the impact on women's rights.

Tony Cheng, Al Jazeera English Correspondent, discusses the rebel fight for Myanmar, focusing on the youth's resistance to military conscription. The podcast explores the formation and challenges of the People's Defense Force, strategies to evade junta's air support, transformation of young fighters, and their resilience amidst uncertainty.

Lester Kiewit, Podcast Host, Good Morning Cape Town, discusses South Africa's upcoming election, exploring historical background, voter indecision, economic struggles, corruption allegations, and leadership challenges. The podcast analyzes key players, political dynamics, potential outcomes, and reflects on scenarios like coalitions and a government of national unity for rebuilding the country.