The gang dives into a new Gallup poll showing American pride at historic lows, with a record-breaking 56-point gap between Republicans and Democrats. They debate whether that decline signals a deeper national malaise or just partisan fatigue. Then they turn to Texas, where Governor Abbott vetoed a sweeping THC ban, keeping the state’s booming hemp industry alive — for now. With court battles and special sessions looming, they unpack what smart regulation of cannabis products should actually look like.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:12:44 - American Pride

00:54:15 - Texas Weed

01:22:59 - Emails

01:55:59 - Wrap-up

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes

12:01 Iran Military Actions and Diplomatic Relations

17:59 Trump's Influence on Middle Eastern Politics

21:10 Israel's Role in Regional Conflicts

47:07 The Rise of a Democratic Socialist in NYC

01:20:08 Bagel Orders and Cultural Preferences

01:24:51 Iran's Nuclear Ambitions and International Relations

01:35:11 Trust Issues in Therapy and Personal Relationships

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The gang breaks down America’s escalating involvement in the Middle East, as Trump demands Iran’s unconditional surrender following Israel’s devastating strikes. With the threat of a broader conflict looming, they debate what role the U.S. should play and whether military action is inevitable. They also explore new research linking trust to happiness, asking how much trusting others — from family to institutions — shapes our well-being in a time of deep social division.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:11:36 - Iran

01:02:10 - Trust

01:19:15 - Emails

01:47:15 - Wrap-up

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The gang dives into the unrest in Los Angeles following aggressive ICE raids and Trump’s decision to deploy thousands of National Guard troops and Marines without state approval. With tensions escalating between local officials and the federal government, they debate the constitutional lines around immigration enforcement, protest rights, and the use of military force on American streets. Then, they tackle how generative AI is gutting internet traffic for news publishers, as AI-generated answers from companies like Google and OpenAI displace traditional search. As usual, it's raising questions about the future of journalism in a post-search world.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro

00:14:44 - LA Protests and Riots

00:52:24 - AI and the Publishing Industry

01:03:14 - Emails

01:22:44 - Wrap-up

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The gang digs into Elon Musk’s public denunciation of the GOP’s sprawling domestic policy bill, which he called a “disgusting abomination,” prompting pushback from Republican leadership and delight from Democrats. Then they take on the ethics of gene-editing mosquitoes out of existence to fight deadly diseases like malaria. Is it worth tampering with nature to save lives, or are we playing God with an ecosystem we barely understand?

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:02:34 - January 6th Pipe Bombs

00:24:10 - Elon Musk and the Big Beautiful Bill

00:58:01 - Mosquitos

01:16:35 - Emails

01:37:08 - Wrap-up

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Justin, Jen, and Heaton unpack the revised U.S.–Nippon Steel deal, which walks back a full foreign buyout in favor of a limited partnership aimed at easing national security and labor concerns. The crew also dives into the FDA’s shift toward a more targeted COVID booster policy, based on individual risk and prior infection. It's a move that has drawn both praise for scientific rigor and criticism for potentially weakening public trust, and it remains to be seen whether these compromises are strategic or shortsighted.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:07:37 - US-Nippon Steel Deal

00:28:15 - COVID Booster Recommendations

00:59:04 - Emails

01:18:16 - Wrap-up

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The gang reacts to Joe Biden’s recent cancer diagnosis, reigniting speculation over his health during his presidency and whether past statements masked deeper issues. They also break down the bizarre prison interview between Harvey Weinstein and Candace Owens, where the disgraced producer denied wrongdoing and attempted to reframe his public image through a right-wing lens. The panel debates what this says about #MeToo's legacy, public memory, and the state of political rehabilitation.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:08:50 - Joe Biden's Cancer

00:52:14 - Harvey Weinstein

01:15:11 - Emails

01:35:50 - Wrap-up

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The gang discusses growing concerns around Senator John Fetterman, as a wave of staff departures and reports of erratic behavior raise questions about his health and leadership. Fetterman dismisses the scrutiny as politically motivated, but Senate Democrats are quietly debating how best to support him amid mounting criticism. Then they examine the temporary U.S.-China trade truce, where both sides agreed to lower tariffs for 90 days in hopes of stabilizing markets — though underlying tensions remain far from resolved.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:46 - Jury Duty

00:16:01 - Otamatone

00:23:43 - Qatari Jet

00:33:48 - John Fetterman

01:02:40 - US-China Trade

01:28:54 - Emails

01:45:45 - Wrap-up

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