Episodes

  • Welcome to Dante’s Inferno

    Welcome to Dante’s Inferno
    Oct 31 2024
    Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank have long felt abandoned by the world, facing deadly, low-intensity conflict with Israel. The October 7th attacks and the brutal response have made it impossible to imagine a return to the previous, unstable status quo. But all wars end, and survivors, especially Gaza’s youth, will bear lasting scars. Could this tragedy lead to a better future and even a Palestinian state, or will the crisis persist? Our guest, Italian war reporter Francesca Borri, has lived in the West Bank since 2007, respected by both Arabs and Israelis. Notably, she was the first Western journalist to interview Yahya Sinwar, facilitating direct talks between Hamas and Israel.
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    34 mins
  • Seeking Safe Passage

    Seeking Safe Passage
    Oct 24 2024
    Over 250 years ago, Robert Burns wrote, "Man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn." His words resonate today as millions are forced to flee their homes due to war, climate change, poverty, and more. Yet, overcrowded camps, drownings, and forced returns too often await them. Instead of focusing on solutions, much of the effort goes into stopping migration. In this episode, Sasha Chanoff, founder of RefugePoint, discusses innovative solutions to help refugees in extreme danger and how we can change the future for migrants worldwide.
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    39 mins
  • America’s Unhappy Choice

    America’s Unhappy Choice
    Sep 26 2024
    Americans are once again gearing up for a presidential election, often called the most important in their lifetimes. The two candidates, former President Trump and Vice President Harris, represent starkly different choices, yet many voters wish they had other options. With just over five weeks until Election Day, both candidates are fighting to break a near tie in the polls, especially in swing states. Political consultant Scott Miller, a seasoned advisor to both Republican and Democratic campaigns, offers insights into how the candidates aim to sway undecided voters and boost turnout in a nation where many still don't vote.
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    37 mins
  • A New Iran?

    A New Iran?
    Sep 12 2024
    This summer, Iranians elected Masoud Pezeshkian, a cardiac surgeon and political reformer, as their new president, surprising many foreign observers who doubted anyone could defeat hardliners. Questions remain about whether he won with or without support from Iran’s Supreme Leader and Revolutionary Guards, and whether he can address the country's significant domestic and international challenges, including reducing Western sanctions. Hossein Mousavian, a former Iranian diplomat and Princeton scholar, offers insights into Pezeshkian’s presidency, Iran’s future, and what it means to be a "reformer" in Iran’s complex political landscape. Should the West reconsider negotiations with Iran?
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    37 mins
  • Best New Thinking: The Art of Dying Well

    Best New Thinking: The Art of Dying Well
    Sep 5 2024
    Explore the intricacies of end-of-life care and perspectives on death in this episode of "New Thinking for a New World." Dr. Christian Ntizimira, founder of the African Center for Research on End-of-Life Care, delves into the social, psychological, cultural, and spiritual aspects shaping the final days. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that may reshape your views on the inevitable. This episode was originally published on February 1, 2024.
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    20 mins
  • Best New Thinking: Truth, and Nothing But

    Best New Thinking: Truth, and Nothing But
    Aug 29 2024
    In today's world, facts are everywhere, but instead of fostering informed discussions, many people push their own "facts." Technology, like the broom in Goethe’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice, has run amok. Wouldn't it be better if open-source information and smart tech clarified issues instead of complicating them? Fortunately, people like Eliot Higgins, founder of Bellingcat, are working to achieve this. Listen to this episode of New Thinking for a New World as Higgins discusses how Bellingcat separates fact from fiction through online open-source investigation. This episode was originally published on May 23, 2024.
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    32 mins
  • Israeli’s Divided House

    Israeli’s Divided House
    Aug 22 2024
    Israel is at war, not just with external enemies like Hamas, Iran, and the Houthis, but also with itself. Even before October 7th, internal conflicts were dividing the country. Today, over three-quarters of Israelis are concerned about deep political rifts, and more than half worry about religious versus secular tensions. Amidst the war, these divides persist, highlighted by a recent extremist breach of an army base. This episode focuses on the human impact of these conflicts. In this episode, hear from Leora Hadar, a West Bank settler and peace activist, and Naty Barak, a kibbutz resident and sustainability expert, as they share their perspectives on the ongoing tragedy.
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    47 mins
  • Middle East Tinderbox, Houthi Edition

    Middle East Tinderbox, Houthi Edition
    Aug 15 2024
    The Middle East is a tinderbox, with conflicts across Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Iran, and Israel, any of which could spark a larger war. Yemen, where Iranian-backed Houthis control much of the population and are attacking Red Sea shipping and Israel, is a key flashpoint. Our guest, Allison Minor, a Middle East expert at the Brookings Institution, discusses how these tensions could escalate into a broader regional conflict and whether a general war can be avoided.
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    37 mins