Christina Hillsberg, a former CIA intelligence officer and writer, delves into the evolving role of women in the intelligence community. She discusses the uneven progress toward gender equality, highlighted by alarming sexual harassment scandals within the CIA. Furthermore, Christina shares personal stories that illustrate both the challenges and triumphs of women in espionage. The conversation emphasizes the need for mentorship and solidarity among female leaders while reflecting on the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced in intelligence work today.

Barb McQuade, a legal expert and professor at the University of Michigan Law School, dives into Donald Trump's complex legal landscape as he heads into 2024. They discuss the critical implications of the New York fraud trial and the challenges posed by the January 6th case, as well as the strategy behind choosing legal venues like Florida. McQuade emphasizes the urgent need to resolve issues concerning mishandled classified documents. With impending verdicts, they predict how these legal troubles could shape Trump’s campaign and the broader political climate.

Fred Kaplan, a national security correspondent at Slate and author of multiple nuclear weapon-focused books, discusses his debut novel, "Capital Calamity." He explores a fictional scenario where a consultant triggers a war with China, raising intriguing questions about morality in the defense industry. The conversation touches on U.S.-China relations and the risks of a second Trump term. Kaplan also dispels myths about Cold War strategies, emphasizing the evolving nature of nuclear policy and the significance of responsible leadership in global stability.

Kristen DiCerbo, Chief Learning Officer at Khan Academy and a 2024 AI 100 honoree, dives into the transformative potential of AI in education. She discusses how AI can complement traditional teaching, offering personalized feedback through tools like Conmigo while emphasizing the need for human connection. Kristen highlights the historical evolution of teaching technologies and advocates for AI’s role in fostering lifelong learning. The conversation also touches on mastering learning techniques and the importance of individualizing educational experiences.

The hosts discuss Trump's controversial AG nomination of Pam Bondi following Gaetz's withdrawal. They tackle the troubling appointment of Marjorie Taylor Greene to lead a new subcommittee, raising eyebrows about its effectiveness. The conversation shifts to the impact of government spending and the heavy influence of money in politics, especially following a close Senate defeat. Finally, they delve into post-election turmoil and the challenges facing negotiators at the COP29 climate summit amid ongoing political uncertainty.

Norman Ornstein, a renowned Congressional scholar and co-host of the Words Matter podcast, dives into the surprising silence of Trump following Matt Gaetz's withdrawal from the attorney general race. He unpacks the strained dynamics within the Republican Party, revealing how GOP senators are maneuvering amid internal factions. Ornstein discusses the implications of Trump's diminishing control and highlights potential shifts in party loyalty as political resilience among senators is tested. Will they challenge his authoritarian tendencies? Only time will tell.

Jeremy Hurewitz, author of "Sell Like a Spy" and a corporate security consultant, dives into the intriguing overlap between espionage tactics and business strategies. He shares insights on the power of relationships, emphasizing active listening as a vital skill in both worlds. Hurewitz draws parallels between journalists and intelligence officers, underscoring their shared talents in building trust. Expect some fun sports predictions too, as he cheekily debates Juan Soto’s future between the Yankees and the Red Sox!

Felicia Wong, President and CEO of the Roosevelt Institute and advisor in the Biden-Harris Administration, dives into the economic landscape following Trump’s victory. She discusses the stark contrast between Trump’s transactional politics and FDR’s broad support. Wong analyzes the implications of potential shifts in administration on neoliberalism and inflation. She also addresses the media's role in shaping economic narratives and the enduring challenges of wage disparities from past policies, stressing the need for transformative movements to achieve equity.

The podcast dives into the International Criminal Court's recent warrants for Israel and Hamas leaders, analyzing the potential geopolitical fallout. It discusses the U.S. veto on a Gaza ceasefire amid rising Ukrainian tensions. Listeners hear about the ongoing cultural impact of the musical 'Wicked' and how movie quality has evolved. Additionally, the ethical dilemmas surrounding corporate monopolies and scrutiny on tech giants are explored, alongside the challenges of AI and search engine effectiveness.

This week, Donald Trump confirmed that he will use the military to carry out mass deportations. This prompted a surprisingly sharp response from GOP Senator Rand Paul, who denounced the idea as a “huge mistake” that will send a “terrible image” to the world and likely be “illegal” to boot. But why is it left to a fringe figure in the GOP to denounce Trump’s vile threats? Where are the rest of Republicans on this? We talked to Tom Nichols, a writer for The Atlantic and a sharp observer of the MAGA-fication of the GOP, about what will really happen within the military and beyond once these threats get put into action—and why it poses such a menace to the country.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices