The Lede

In this compelling discussion, Paul Caruana Galizia, whose mother was assassinated for her investigative work in Malta, joins journalist Faisal Al Yafai. They delve into the dangerous world of investigative journalism, revealing the emotional and professional toll it takes. Paul shares his journey from grief to becoming a voice against corruption, while exploring Malta's complex socio-political landscape post-decolonization. They also discuss the vital role of storytelling in honoring legacies and the ongoing fight against political corruption.

As The Lede takes a summer break, listen again to one of our favorite conversations from the past year, which was shortlisted in the International Women's Podcast Awards. This week, we go back to a conversation between Zahra Hankir, author of “Eyeliner: A Cultural History,” and New Lines’ Ola Salem about the fascinating history of the humble eyeliner. Produced by Finbar Anderson

As Global Insights on The Lede takes a summer break, listen again to one of our favorite episodes from the past year. We published this episode about the rise of toxic masculinity in Kenya and South Africa following the murders of two Kenyan women this January, with insight from South African author Rosie Motene and Caroline Kimeu, The Guardian’s East Africa global development correspondent.  Produced by Patrick Hagan and Finbar Anderson

On this week’s episode of The Lede, sociologist Eman Abdelhadi and David Faris, author of “It’s Time To Fight Dirty: How Democrats Can Build a Lasting Majority in American Politics,” join New Lines’ Danny Postel in Chicago to discuss the ongoing battle to determine the future of the Democratic Party. Further reading: Kamala’s Progressive Skeptics Produced by Finbar Anderson

Ex-Pentagon adviser Jasmine El-Gamal sits down with New Lines’ Faisal Al Yafai on The Lede for a wide-ranging discussion that covers her time working as a translator during the Iraq War and at Guantanamo Bay, the unique perspective she gained working as an adviser to the Pentagon for three U.S. defense secretaries, and Joe Biden’s failures on Gaza. Further reading: Lost and Found in Guantanamo Bay Produced by Finbar Anderson

Lebanon is no stranger to conflict. For many of its citizens, a vicious 15-year civil war and a short but brutal war with Israel in 2006 are within living memory. Now, another conflict simmers on the country’s southern border with Israel and threatens every day to expand across the country. New Lines’ Faisal Al Yafai speaks to Lebanese translator and writer Lina Mounzer to understand what the atmosphere in Lebanon is like under the threat of a new war, and political analyst Faysal Itani for his take on the geopolitical currents playing out on the Lebanese-Israeli border. Further reading: It Felt Like Love by Lina Mounzer Produced by Finbar Anderson

In 100 episodes on The Lede over five seasons, we have had the pleasure of interviewing politicians, authors, academics, thinkers, explorers and plenty of journalists. To celebrate our 100th episode, we held a live event in front of an audience to discuss how the United Kingdom is viewed from an outsider’s perspective. Our guests were the foreign correspondents Barbara Serra and Michael Peel as well as a returning panelist, satirist Karl Sharro. Produced by Finbar Anderson

On this episode of Global Insights on The Lede, host Kwangu Liwewe discusses the inexorable rise of soccer stars of African origin with former Nigeria player Segun “The Mathematical” Odegbami and soccer journalist Ponga Liwewe. Produced by Finbar Anderson

On this week’s episode of The Lede, host Faisal Al Yafai catches up with New Lines Politics Editor Danny Postel from Milwaukee, where Postel has been attending the Republican National Convention. Their conversation comes after a momentous week in U.S. politics that not only saw an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally, but also the announcement of Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio as Trump’s running mate for the upcoming presidential election. Al Yafai also talks to Meredith McCarroll, author of a New Lines profile of Vance. Further reading: J.D. Vance and the Myth of White Exceptionalism

On this week’s episode of The Lede, veteran journalist Mark Danner joins New Lines’ Politics Editor Danny Postel for a discussion on Donald Trump, Joe Biden and the possible autocratic future looming ahead for America. Further reading: The Mass Psychology of Trumpism — Watch the accompanying video here The United Auto Workers Rejected Trump. Members Aren’t So Sure How the War in Gaza Is Shaping the 2024 Elections — And the Future of the Democratic Party A Deliberate Political Madness? Produced by Finbar Anderson