Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky came to Washington DC earlier this week to plead with Congress to come together on $61 billion in new aid for the country in its war against Russia. His visit comes amid a failed Ukrainian counteroffensive and improved Russian performance on the battlefield. In this episode, we hear how Ukrainian forces are adapting to waning Western support and why this is a moment Russian President Vladimir Putin may be able to seize on in Moscow. Guest: Nick Paton Walsh,...
Dec 17, 2023•15 min
A high-profile criminal trial is underway in Atlanta that could have major implications for the music industry. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has alleged Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug is the cofounder of a criminal street gang responsible for violent acts and is pointing to his song lyrics as proof of the gang’s existence. In this episode, we examine the case and the controversy around the RICO statue used to charge it – the same law used to indict former President Donald Trump ...
Dec 10, 2023•16 min
In the last few years, Anderson Cooper has been going through boxes of things that belonged to belonged to his dad, who died when he was 10, his brother, who died when he was 21, and his mom, who died in 2019. He documented that journey in the first season of his podcast, “All There Is.” Now the podcast is back for a new season. In this episode, we hear from Anderson about what drove him to keep exploring grief and loss and how he brought what he learned with him to cover the Israel-Hamas war. G...
Dec 03, 2023•18 min
As the COP28 climate conference kicks off this week, world leaders will gather to discuss potential solutions to the crisis. Experts are increasingly looking at how artificial intelligence can help address certain aspects, despite a lack of regulation around the emerging technology. In this episode, we examine how AI could be used and look at whether the infrastructure needed to run the programs may actually end up harming the environment. Guests: Rachel Ramirez, CNN Climate Reporter Clare Duffy...
Nov 26, 2023•17 min
After Title 42 expired in May, some expected an influx of migrants to descend on communities along the US-Mexico border. While overall encounters dropped in October, some people say they are experiencing a growing number of migrants arriving on their properties. In this episode, we hear from some in the San Diego area about what they’re experiencing and explore why most migrants actually want to be encountered by border authorities. Guest: David Culver, CNN Senior National Correspondent Learn mo...
Nov 19, 2023•18 min
Earlier this year, record-setting wildfires in eastern Canada sent plumes of unhealthy air over US cities normally unaccustomed to wildfire smoke. Experts say climate change is making fires like these more likely and more intense. In today’s episode, we hear how a previous blaze in Canada changed how firefighters do battle with the flames and what it can tell us about how the building industry needs to adapt. Guest: John Vaillant, author of “Fire Weather: A True Story from a Hotter World” Read m...
Nov 12, 2023•19 min
As Israel moves troops into Gaza and continues to launch airstrikes as retaliation for the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack, thousands of civilians remain in the crosshairs. What does that mean for US support of Israel? In today’s episode, we explore how President Joe Biden is weighing humanitarian concerns with fears of a wider war in the region. Guest: Phil Mattingly, CNN Anchor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Nov 05, 2023•15 min
Four former allies of former President Donald Trump have pleaded guilty in the Georgia election subversion case in recent days, with all agreeing to testify on behalf of the prosecution at future trials. Meanwhile, a New York judge overseeing Trump’s civil fraud trial fined the former president $10,000 on Wednesday for violating a gag order. In today’s episode, we look at how the growing legal pressure could impact the former president as he balances the courtroom with the campaign trail. Guest:...
Oct 29, 2023•16 min
A new state law in Florida is making it easier for conservative groups to get certain books removed from school libraries. It has turned school board meetings into spectacles, with parents and outside voices reading out explicit passages from books without context to argue that they should not be available to minors. In today’s episode, we explore the tactics and hear from students about how they feel about the effort by adults to control which books they have access to. Guest: Elle Reeve, CNN C...
Oct 22, 2023•18 min
The Hamas assault on Israel has shocked the world and sparked fierce retaliation from Israel. Thousands of people have been killed in both Israel and Gaza, while Hamas claims to be holding over 100 people hostage. In today’s episode, we hear from our teams on the ground in Israel and people living through the conflict. Guests: Nic Robertson, CNN International Diplomatic Editor Becky Anderson, CNN International Anchor Clarissa Ward, CNN Chief International Correspondent Listen to Tug of War here....
Oct 15, 2023•19 min
In 2020, firearms surpassed motor vehicle accidents to become the No. 1 killer of children and teens in America. More than 1,300 children and teens have been killed by a gun so far this year, prompting calls for stricter regulations. However, behind those statistics and policy debates are devastating stories of loss and families left behind to pick up the pieces. In today’s episode, we hear one of those stories and look at how the parents of Anthony Alexander, Jr. are hoping their son’s legacy w...
Oct 08, 2023•19 min
Hunter Biden is due in court this week on federal gun charges after becoming the first child of a sitting president to be charged by the Justice Department. Separately, House Republicans held their first public hearing last week in the impeachment inquiry into his father - President Joe Biden – despite failing to show any evidence that the president himself received foreign money. There can be a lot to keep track of, so: what are the facts, and what is just political posturing? In today’s episod...
Oct 01, 2023•20 min
After the apparent death of Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin last month, there were questions about the future of the mercenary group and what Russian president Vladimir Putin would do to take back control. In today’s episode, CNN travels to the Central African Republic to see what that future looks like on the ground. We examine why Wagner remains popular there despite Prigozhin's death and look at why Russia continues to expand its reach into Africa. Plus, we get an update on the war in Ukraine...
Sep 24, 2023•19 min
Last week, the FDA and CDC signed off on updated Covid-19 vaccines that target currently circulating variants. It comes amid a recent uptick in hospitalizations and deaths in the United States ahead of winter that could see threats from three respiratory viruses – coronavirus, flu and respiratory syncytial virus. In today’s episode, we answer some frequently asked questions about the updated Covid-19 vaccines and look at how we should approach the virus nearly more than three years after its eme...
Sep 17, 2023•19 min
After a series of incidents in San Francisco, California authorities have asked General Motors to take some of its Cruise robotaxis off the road. It comes not long after California regulators gave the greenlight for Cruise and its competitor Waymo to charge for robotaxi rides in the city at any time of day. So what does that mean for the future of driverless cars? In today’s episode, we examine what it’s like to ride in one and why the technology has become a flashpoint in multiple cities. Guest...
Sep 10, 2023•15 min
As a new NFL season kicks off this week, old questions about the game’s safety are being asked following Damar Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest and Tua Tagovailoa’s multiple concussions last year. And it’s not just the pros: youth leagues around the countries have adjusted practice routines and safety protocols to guard against injuries that can carry long-term impacts. In today’s episode, we examine football’s deadly history and how it’s informing today’s game. Plus, CNN gets a look at new tech...
Sep 03, 2023•19 min
Eight Republican presidential candidates took the stage in Milwaukee last week for the first primary debate of the 2024 campaign. Notably missing, however, was frontrunner Donald Trump, who surrendered to Fulton County authorities a day later in the Georgia 2020 election subversion case. In today’s episode, we head to Milwaukee to recap the moments that mattered and to get a sense of how the debate could shape the race going forward. Guests: Dana Bash, CNN Anchor & Chief Political Correspond...
Aug 27, 2023•20 min
It’s been over a week since blazing wildfires ripped through the island of Maui, killing over 100 people and causing billions of dollars of damage. While the outpouring of support has been significant, some locals have voiced anger over the official response, lingering tourist presence, and real estate speculators trying to buy up land. In today’s episode, we hear stories of survival and look at how disasters like this one are forcing communities to ask tough questions about how prepared they ar...
Aug 20, 2023•19 min
Thousands of Hollywood actors and writers have been on strike for weeks demanding raises, regulation of artificial intelligence, and residuals from content created for streaming services. Meanwhile, thousands of hotel workers and public sector employees in Los Angeles have also staged work stoppages as they push for better wages. However, this uptick in labor unrest goes well beyond California. In today’s episode, we look at what’s driving a surge in union membership across the country and look ...
Aug 13, 2023•18 min
Donald Trump was indicted Tuesday on criminal charges by a federal grand jury in special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election, the latest in a series of unprecedented criminal indictments against the former President. In today’s episode, we examine the historic charges and how it appears prosecutors plan to make their case. Plus, a look at how the Republican frontrunner is expected to navigate a packed courtroom calendar while on the campaign trail. Guest...
Aug 06, 2023•18 min
A new group of drugs for type 2 diabetes and obesity have shown to be more effective for weight loss than any previous medications. Some medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have surged in popularity thanks in part to celebrity use. But who should be taking them? And are they safe? In today’s episode, we break down the future of the weight loss industry and examine why some of these medications could also help curb addictive behaviors. Guest: Meg Tirrell, CNN Medical Correspondent To learn more a...
Jul 30, 2023•18 min
Throughout the month of July, scorching temperatures have broken records on several continents — the latest in a trend caused by the climate crisis. Meanwhile, in the US, extreme rainfall has led to devastating floods and toxic wildfire smoke has drifted down from Canada, prompting unhealthy air alerts in multiple cities. In today’s episode, we break down why this moment is uniquely dangerous and look at how the climate crisis is already forcing people’s hands about where to live. Guest: Bill We...
Jul 23, 2023•18 min
The 2023 Women’s World Cup gets underway this week in Australia and New Zealand, featuring the largest field in tournament history. It comes a year after US Soccer and the United States Women’s National Team struck a deal over equal pay. However, advocates say many disparities remain between the men's and women’s games on the global stage. In today’s episode, we examine what strides towards equality are being made and get a preview of this year’s top teams and players. Guest: Amanda Davies, CNN ...
Jul 16, 2023•18 min
At least 12 candidates have announced a run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, setting up a crowded field ahead of the first primary debate next month. Former President Donald Trump still holds a strong lead in polling despite multiple criminal indictments, so will any candidate be able to unseat him? We look at exactly who is running and examine the different visions of the Republican party they are pitching to voters. Guest: Jake Tapper, CNN Anchor and Chief Washington Correspond...
Jul 09, 2023•18 min
More than a week after the aborted Wagner rebellion, it’s unclear what comes next for Russia and President Vladimir Putin. The eventual fate of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin is also murky after striking a deal with Belarus to end the insurrection. In today’s episode, we head to Moscow to get a view from the ground and examine what the greatest challenge to Putin’s leadership in decades says about his military’s performance in Ukraine. Guest: Matthew Chance, CNN Senior International Correspondent...
Jul 02, 2023•18 min
A record number of anti-LGBTQ bills have been proposed across the country this year, including a new push to ban access to gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. Beyond the debates and protests, some families are grappling over how to relate to the trans people in their lives. In today’s episode, we hear about a Black minister’s ongoing journey to accept his transgender daughter. Guest: Adrienne Broaddus, CNN Correspondent If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoug...
Jun 25, 2023•18 min
Last month, some of the top voices in artificial intelligence put out a warning about the technology, saying “mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority.” How seriously should we take a warning like that? In today’s episode, we examine what’s behind calls for stricter regulation and explore some of the ways AI is already being used in politics and health care. Guest: Donie O’Sullivan, CNN Correspondent To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.co...
Jun 18, 2023•19 min
Former President Donald Trump has been indicted on 37 counts in the special counsel's classified documents probe, the first time in American history a former president has faced federal charges. It sets up an unprecedented legal clash between President Joe Biden’s Justice Department and his potential 2024 general election opponent. In today’s episode, we break down what we know about the charges against Trump and his aide Walt Nauta. Guest: Paula Reid, CNN Senior Legal Affairs Correspondent To l...
Jun 11, 2023•20 min
After weeks of intense negotiations, the Senate passed a bill late Thursday evening that will avert a first-ever US default just days ahead of the deadline. In today’s episode, we examine why neither party is particularly thrilled about the deal and why a similar standoff in 2011 could foreshadow struggles for Republicans as they try to implement spending cuts. Guest: Tami Luhby, CNN Senior Writer To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy Learn more about your ...
Jun 04, 2023•19 min
In 2021, a blog post forced the US Coast Guard to confront a problem that had gone unchecked for years. A 19-year-old woman said she was raped while training to work on commercial ships. Then more sexual assault survivors in the industry came forward. In today’s episode, we hear why these women went public and what’s being done about it. Read more here. Guest: Blake Ellis & Melanie Hicken, CNN Investigates Senior Writers To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/pr...
May 28, 2023•19 min
