As Hanukkah celebrations draw to a close under the shadow of the horrific anti-Semitic attack in Sydney, Bianna Golodryga speaks to Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann about navigating grief with faith, empathy and togetherness. And, the South Korean film racking up Golden Globe nominations, director Park Chan-wook talks about his new film "No Other Choice", tackling unemployment with horror and humor. Then, the singer-come-politician looking to unseat Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni after 40 years in power. ...Show moreCNN’s Larry Madawo speaks to Bobi Wine about the violent opposition crackdown ahead of the country's general election. Plus, veteran broadcaster David Dimbleby speaks to Christiane about his new BBC docu-series "What's the Monarchy for?",  lifting the lid on the secretive inner workings of Britain's royal family. From Christiane's archives, how a family of refugees found sanctuary in 1970s America after fleeing Communist Poland's crackdown on democratic dissent. And finally, celebrating 250 years of the legendary British writer Jane Austen and her long-lasting cultural impact.   Air date: December 20, 2025   Guests:  Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann Park Chan-wook David Dimbleby

Dec 20, 2025

First, Brianna speaks with activist Chase  Strangio about pushing back against what many see as President Trump's war against trans people. Then, visual artists Gilbert & George give us an up-close look at their weird and wonderful world. And reporter Tom Gjelten joins the show to discuss the dangerous intersection of antisemitism, Christian nationalism, and the Republican party.

Dec 19, 2025

World leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss an unprecedented plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance more support for Ukraine. Critics argue that it's legally questionable and risks serious retaliation from Moscow. Correspondent Clare Sebastian joins the show from Brussels.   Also on today's show: author Marietje Schaake, "The Tech Coup"; playwright Bess Wohl and actor Kristolyn Lloyd, "Liberation"; Zoe Weissman, a survivor of both the Brown University and Parkland school shootings

Dec 18, 2025

"An alcoholic's personality," "a right-wing absolute zealot," and "a conspiracy theorist" are some of the descriptions of President Trump and top members of his team by his Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in a new Vanity Fair interview. She claims her words were taken out of context and key administration figures are standing by her. But are fractures starting to appear in the Trump coalition? David A. Graham, staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "The Project: How Project 2025 is Reshaping America," joins the show to discuss.  Also on today's show: Brian Winter, Editor-in-Chief, Americas Quarterly; Steve Huffman, CEO and Co-founder, Reddit

Dec 17, 2025

Are we one step closer to peace in Ukraine? After two days of negotiations between the US, Ukraine and Europe, there certainly seems to be optimism in the air. Now the new proposal goes back to the Kremlin, but is President Putin ready to accept the terms? We ask Kurt Volker, former US Ambassador to NATO, who served as special envoy to Ukraine during President Trump's first term.  Also on today's show: Former Ukrainian Economy Minister Tymofiy Mylovanov; actor and playwright Yousef Sweid & playwright and director Isabella Sedlak discuss Sweid's one-man play, "Between the River and the Sea"; author Saikrishna Prakash, “The Presidential Pardon”

Dec 16, 2025

Australia's tight-knit Jewish community is reeling in the aftermath of a mass shooting targeting a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach. Australia's Jewish leaders have been warning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his government about rising antisemitism for several years now. As the Hanukkah holiday continues, with its celebration of light and resistance, Bianna speaks with Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann from Melbourne.   Also on today's show: British Conservative MP Alicia Kearns; Director Park Chan-Wook; US Senate Democrat Andy Kim

Dec 15, 2025

It’s been a tough week for Europe after President Trump described the continent as "weak" and "decaying". Can US-Europe relations recover? Christiane gets the view from both sides of the pond, with former US Defense Department official Celeste Wallander and Oxford historian Peter Frankopan. A year since the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the country’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa talks to Christiane about Syria’s future following a decade of civil war. Plus, who are the “Pink Ladies”? A spe...Show morecial report on Britain's new protest movement which is echoing far right rhetoric. Then, into the past with author Jonathan Freedland, who reveals the hidden history of the millions of Germans who resisted Nazi rule. From the archives, how one man from Harlem trekked to the North Pole to inspire New York's schoolchildren. And finally, Nobel Peace Laureate Maria Corina Machado makes a daring journey to Oslo, telling the world what the award means to her.    Air date: December 13, 2025   Guests:  Celeste Wallander & Peter Frankopan  Ahmed al-Sharaa  Jonathan Freedland

Dec 13, 2025

Syrians are celebrating one year of freedom from the Assad regime, but there are many wounds still to be healed, and the work of transitional justice must now take place. It's a process that links Syria to the US, South Africa and many other countries in between. Ruti Teitel, professor of law at New York Law School and author of "Presidential Visions of Transitional Justice" and Aria Florant, co-founder and CEO of Liberation Ventures, an organization advocating for slavery reparations in the US, join the show.   Also on today's show: Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland; law school professor Kate Shaw

Dec 12, 2025

After nearly a year in hiding, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado snuck out of her country and appeared in public after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. The 58-year-old dedicated her prize in part to President Trump, who is taking an aggressive strategy against the Maduro regime. Contributor Stefano Pozzebon has been following this story closely, and joins the show from Caracas.  Also on today's show: Venezuelan Opposition Leader Leopoldo López; Marshall Prject staff writer Shannon Heffernan & Futuro Media reporter Julieta Martinelli; New Yorer staff writer Susan Glasser

Dec 11, 2025

It has been a year like no other for two of Britain's best-known institutions. The BBC, the country's independent public broadcaster, has found its editorial integrity in question, and has been forced to defend its practices on multiple occasions. The British monarchy too, is under greater scrutiny than perhaps ever before. David Dimbleby is a veteran journalist who knows both institutions well. "What's the Monarchy For?" is his latest project airing on the BBC now. He joins the show from London.  Also on today's show: author Kiran Desai ("The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny"); Minnesota State Senator Zaynab Mohamed

Dec 10, 2025