DD—The conversation pivots to an interview with Norman Finkelstein, a well-known critic of Israel’s policies, who laments that Palestinian liberation has shifted from being a left-wing cause to primarily a right-wing issue in contemporary discourse, especially within the podcast landscape. Finkelstein emphasizes that right-wing critiques of Israel now dominate due to the left’s retreat from the topic. His unease centers on the idea that the right-wing obsession with Israel risks fueling antisemitism and the problematic normalization of the notion that Jewish loyalty to Israel conflicts with American interests.

DH—Geopolitical analyst and former US Marine Brian Berletic of The New Atlas discusses Iran’s ongoing response to US provocations in the Persian Gulf/Strait of Hormuz, and boldly analyzes Trump’s negotiations as a set up for a broader World War 3 agenda unfolding before our eyes.

PAUL EDWARDS—Johnson took the part of the defeated French in refusing to allow Vietnam to end its colonial status and become a sovereign state under the wise, principled leadership of Ho Chi Minh, who openly revered American ideals, intending to adopt them.  In a cynical betrayal of those ideals—typical for America—the U.S. backed the wealthy, elite, landlord class and very soon owned the war.

INDRAJIT—One of my favorite creatures is the kabaragoya, or water monitor. There are two types of monitor: the land monitor is not dangerous and supposedly edible, while the water monitor is dangerous if you ever mess with them. One got into my house once (long story) and I just left. I just sat on the other side of the road until they wandered out by themselves. These are magnificent creatures but not to be messed with.

JM—Following the kidnapping of Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, Trump announced Venezuela’s interim authorities would turn over 30 million to 50 million barrels of high-quality oil directly to the United States estimated to be worth roughly $2.8 billion. These funds would be kept in U.S-controlled accounts to benefit both the U.S. and Venezuela.