Best Roil Podcasts (2024)

1
A Fireside Chat with Gov. Kathy Hochul 55:19

5h ago55:19

55:19

New York’s top executive sat down with Times Union Capitol Correspondent Dan Clark this week for an exclusive interview at Hearst Tower. They talked about the 2024 elections, her support for President Biden, climate change, congestion pricing, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
World Reacts to Trump Assassination Attempt 1:22:58

23m ago1:22:58

1:22:58

Tommy and Ben discuss the global reaction to the assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the rise of political violence around the world, Trump VP pick JD Vance’s views on foreign policy, and more low-lights from the RNC. They also talk about the conviction of Senator Robert Menendez on corruption charges, the last news from Gaza, Robert Kagame’s…

1
French Election Shock, NATO Descends on D.C. 1:13:53

7d ago1:13:53

1:13:53

Tommy and Ben discuss the surprising French election results and debate whether Macron’s decision to call early elections was a success or failure, the Labour landslide in the UK, and how American politics loom large at this year’s NATO summit in Washington, DC. They also talk about the election of reformist Masoud Pezeshkian in Iran and how a new …

1
UK Election Preview with David Lammy 1:20:47

17d ago1:20:47

1:20:47

Ben is joined by guest host David Lammy, British MP and Shadow Foreign Secretary. They discuss the upcoming election in the UK on July 4th and how historic a Labour win by Keir Starmer would be, how to read into popular support for Nigel Farage and his far-right party, an election betting scandal from people within Rishi Sunak’s inner circle, and t…

1
Why Is Putin Going To North Korea? 1:23:26

24d ago1:23:26

1:23:26

Tommy and Ben discuss the “Peace Summit” held in Switzerland for the war in Ukraine and the glaring problem of Russia’s absence, Putin’s first visit to North Korea in 24 years and why this growing alliance is a troubling development, and the news that Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich will stand trial next week in Russia on espionage ch…

1
Far Right Surges in European Elections 1:19:07

1M ago1:19:07

1:19:07

Tommy and Ben discuss the success of far-right parties in the European Parliamentary elections and debate whether French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for snap elections in France is bold or disastrous. Then they talk about British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s shocking decision to skip a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the …

1
World Reacts to Trump’s Guilty Verdict 1:19:03

1M ago1:19:03

1:19:03

Tommy and Ben discuss Biden’s ceasefire proposal and debate whether going public with the plan will pressure Hamas and Israel to accept it, they also try to understand why Democrats agreed to invite Israeli PM Bibi Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress. Then they discuss global reactions to Trump’s guilty verdict, the debate over allowin…

1
Norwegian Prime Minister Explains Decision to Recognize a Palestinian State 1:31:50

2M ago1:31:50

1:31:50

Ben speaks to Jonas Gahr Store, the Prime Minister of Norway, who explains why he decided to formally recognize a Palestinian state alongside the leaders of Spain and Ireland. Then, Ben is joined by Fareed Zakaria to talk about the long term prospects for peace on multiple fronts like Israel and Palestine, Russia and Ukraine, and China and Taiwan. …

1
Introducing "Killing Justice" 3:38

2M ago3:38

3:38

When a judge in India dies of a heart attack, his passing barely makes the news. But when his niece approaches a journalist two years later, she shares a different story: that the circumstances around Judge Brijgopal Loya’s death have made his family doubt the official story. From Crooked Media and The Branch - Killing Justice investigates how one …

1
Liberians React to News a War Crimes Court is Coming, We Ask House Speaker Koffa What Comes Next and We Hear from a Court Advocate 27:34

2M ago27:34

27:34

Coming up in this episode … President Joseph Boakai makes history, taking the first step towards war and economic crimes courts for liberia. The move ends two decades of impunity for crimes that devastated the country and left two hundred and fifty thousand dead. We get citizen reactions from around the country. We ask what comes next with house sp…

1
Hamas and Netanyahu Accused of War Crimes 1:20:34

2M ago1:20:34

1:20:34

Ben and guest host Alyona Minkovski discuss the ICC’s application for arrest warrants against both Hamas and Netanyahu for war crimes, the mass exodus of civilians from Rafah, a US-Saudi pact supposedly being days away from being agreed to, and public rebukes against Netanyahu from members of his own war cabinet. They also talk about the Iranian pr…

1
Biden Punishes China 1:21:47

2M ago1:21:47

1:21:47

Ben is joined by guest hosts Daniel Kurtz-Phelan, Editor of Foreign Affairs magazine and Rana Ayyub, global opinion columnist for the Washington Post. Ben and Dan discuss a regrouped Hamas in northern Gaza, Secretary Blinken calling out the Israelis for not having a long term plan, Biden’s new tariffs on Chinese goods, the struggle to define Americ…

1
Israel Begins Rafah Offensive (feat. Ali Velshi) 1:15:31

2M ago1:15:31

1:15:31

Ben and guest host Ali Velshi discuss the latest developments on ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, the beginning of a military offensive in Rafah, the shutdown of Al Jazeera in Israel, and plans to ban TikTok in the United States. They also discuss Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first visit to Europe in 5 years, Putin’s inauguration …

1
Tucker Carlson Interviews "Putin's Brain" 1:25:29

2M ago1:25:29

1:25:29

Ben and Tommy discuss reports that a temporary ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas may be imminent, that Saudi Arabia has decided to normalize relations with Israel, and that the ICC may issue an arrest warrant for Israeli PM Bibi Netanyahu. They also hear from campus protestors in New York, discuss leaked intelligence repor…

1
Gaza Protests Roil College Campuses 1:23:45

3M ago1:23:45

1:23:45

Ben and Tommy discuss the House approving $26 billion in military aid to Israel despite strikes on Rafah and a continuously deteriorating humanitarian situation, the resignation of Israel’s intelligence chief, a report concluding that there’s no evidence for UNRWA having broad terrorist ties, and student protests over the war in Gaza at American un…

1
Breaking: Israel Strikes Back at Iran 50:42

3M ago50:42

50:42

In a bonus episode, Tommy and Ben talk about the reports that Israel launched a retaliatory strike deep inside Iran, why Iranian leaders are downplaying what happened, why the logic of deterrence is stupid, and the Biden administration’s muted response. They also talk about supplemental funding bills for Israel and Ukraine that the House will vote …

1
Iran Attacks Israel 1:21:35

3M ago1:21:35

1:21:35

Tommy and Ben discuss Iran’s missile and drone attack on Israel and whether Israel will retaliate, Biden’s message of restraint to Prime Minister Netanyahu, the republicans calling for all out war with Iran, and what Iran’s strike means for efforts to end the war in Gaza and pass additional funding for Israel and Ukraine. They also talk about Ukrai…

1
Biden Gives Israel An Ultimatum on Gaza 1:22:28

3M ago1:22:28

1:22:28

Tommy and Ben discuss Biden’s call with Israeli PM Bibi Netanyahu and threat to cut off US support for the war in Gaza, Israel’s announcement that it would open more aid corridors into Gaza, and the head spinning change in political support for the war in Washington. They also explain why Ecuadorian police raided Mexico’s embassy and sparked a glob…

1
Can Saudi Money Whitewash a Murder?: World Corrupt Season 2, Episode 4 59:51

3M ago59:51

59:51

In the final episode of this four-part series, Rog and Tommy trace the massive flow of Saudi money into Hollywood, Silicon Valley and Wall Street, and how the biggest venture capitalists and A-list celebrities seem to no longer care about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record. They also look back at the history of the US-Saudi relationship, and how Pr…

1
Israeli Strike Kills World Central Kitchen Staff in Gaza 1:02:00

4M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Ben and Tommy discuss an Israeli airstrike on an Iranian embassy building in Syria that killed several top Iranian generals, Israeli drone strikes that killed seven World Central Kitchen humanitarian relief workers in Gaza and what they tell us about Israel’s lack of concern about civilian causalities, and growing protests in Israel against Netanya…

1
A Major Investigation Finds Climate Change is Driving Nine out of Every Ten Liberian Farmers to Want to Migrate 28:22

4M ago28:22

28:22

Coming up in this episode … In the second of our two-part series on climate change, a major New Narratives investigation has found Liberia’s farming emergency is fueling a migration crisis. A survey of Liberian farmers finds years of crop failure has nine in every ten wanting to leave the country. As the number of migrants rises so do the number of…

1
Saudi Arabia: The New Home of Global Football: World Corrupt Season 2, Episode 3 59:20

4M ago59:20

59:20

In episode three of this four part series, Rog and Tommy explore the rise of Saudi Arabia’s domestic football league and why superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are flocking there. iNews’s chief football writer Daniel Storey joins the show to tell the tale of one of those players, former Liverpool captain and one-time “moral center” of Eng…

1
How Will Putin Respond to an ISIS Attack? (feat. Bernie Sanders) 1:22:01

4M ago1:22:01

1:22:01

Tommy and Ben discuss the deteriorating relations between the White House and Bibi Netanyahu's government after the UN Security Council calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, the stalling hostage negotiations in Qatar, and Trump's PR advice to Israel. Then, they talk about the ISIS attack at a Moscow concert hall and Putin's response. They also discuss Hon…

1
Saudi Arabia’s Despotic Ruler: World Corrupt Season 2, Episode 2 49:06

4M ago49:06

49:06

Roger Bennett and Tommy Vietor take a look at the history of Saudi Arabia, US-Saudi relations, and the Kingdom’s path to becoming a geopolitical force. They trace the unlikely rise of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman from a lowly place in the royal hierarchy to de facto leader of the country, and examine his record of enacting major social reforms …

1
Trump Says Jewish Democrats “Hate Israel” 1:23:33

4M ago1:23:33

1:23:33

Tommy and Ben discuss the looming famine in Gaza, reactions to Senator Chuck Schumer’s call for new elections in Israel, Trump’s claim that Jewish Democrats “hate Israel”, secret talks between the US and Iran over attacks in the Red Sea by Houthis. They also talk about Jared Kushner’s luxury real estate developments in Serbia and Albania, Putin’s o…

1
Football in the House of Saud: World Corrupt Season 2, Episode 1 48:02

4M ago48:02

48:02

Roger Bennet and Tommy Vietor are back for Season 2 of World Corrupt! And this time, Rog and Tommy are diving into how Saudi Arabia, the biggest exporter of oil in the world and a nation in the news for human rights abuses, became the latest geopolitical power player sweeping global soccer. The Saudis have poured billions of dollars into the world’…

1
Trump’s TikTok Flip Flop 1:24:48

4M ago1:24:48

1:24:48

Tommy and Ben discuss plans for delivering aid to Gaza through a maritime route and floating pier, US “red lines” over an Israeli invasion of Rafah and the public war of words between Biden and Netanyahu in weekend interviews. They they talk about Viktor Orban’s visit to Mar-a-Lago, concerns from the intelligence community about giving Trump classi…

1
World Corrupt Season 2: Trailer 2:20

4M ago2:20

2:20

And, we're back! Join Roger Bennet and Tommy Vietor for another season of World Corrupt, with a focus on why Saudi Arabia is investing billions in football. Episode 1 coming March 16.By Crooked Media

1
Why is the US air dropping aid to Gaza? 1:25:42

4M ago1:25:42

1:25:42

Tommy and Ben discuss the futility of aerial aid drops by the US in Gaza, Kamala Harris’ speech calling for an immediate ceasefire, Netanyahu rival Benny Gantz’s visit to Washington, and do a preview of President Biden’s State of the Union address. Then they discuss the breakdown of order in Haiti as gangs overrun prisons, a German audio leak about…

1
In Part One of a Two Part Series: Climate Change is Here. Farmers and Coastal Communities Struggle to Adapt 28:09

5M ago28:09

28:09

As our new government takes shape we look at a looming problem that threatens to upend life as we know it. We’re talking, about climate change. From Liberia’s coast to its forests people are feeling the impact of changing weather. In the first of two programs devoted to climate change we explore a new problem plaguing farmers: pests. We find the We…

1
CPAC Doubles Down on Creepy Autocrats 1:20:54

5M ago1:20:54

1:20:54

Ben and Tommy discuss President Biden’s claim that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas may be imminent, the domestic political problems the war is creating for Biden, the latest on efforts to defer attacks by Iran’s proxy groups in the Middle East, and some rare good news about Iran’s nuclear program. They also discuss the staggering casualty…

1
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 8: The Shit In The Frame 34:43

5M ago34:43

34:43

Guangcheng has put his life on the line to stand up for noble causes and principles. He has also thrown his support behind Trump and, more recently, a range of intolerant ideas. There are so many things to admire about him, but there are others that are hard to excuse. We thought with this series that we could show how all these things could be tru…

1
Can Ukraine Outlast Putin? 1:29:08

5M ago1:29:08

1:29:08

Tommy and Ben discuss the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the military defeat of Avdiivka, panic at the Munich Security Conference over Republicans blocking more aid to Ukraine, and how Ukrainians have adapted to living in a state of war. Then they talk about calls for accountability for Alexei Navalny’s death and his wife Yul…

1
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 7: Lost And Found In Translation 38:27

5M ago38:27

38:27

With a new position at the Catholic University of America and funding from a rightwing think tank, Guangcheng takes on a new challenge: strengthening his English. We examine why this became such a top priority for Guangcheng and his patrons, what it means to traverse borders and negotiate between languages, and how Guangcheng’s political beliefs ar…

1
Breaking: Putin Kills Alexei Navalny 50:14

5M ago50:14

50:14

Tommy and Ben discuss the breaking news that Russia’s most prominent opposition figure, Alexei Navalny, has died while in prison. The only information available so far is coming from prison officials and Russian government-run news channels, who claim that Navalny collapsed. Tommy and Ben talk about Navalny’s legacy, nearly universal blame being pu…

1
Trump Tells Putin to Invade NATO Nations 1:20:18

5M ago1:20:18

1:20:18

Tommy and Max Fisher talk about the disastrous humanitarian implications of Israel’s impending offensive in Rafah, the Biden administration’s shifting tone towards Israel, and efforts to reach out to the Muslim American community in Michigan. They also talk about Trump’s comments encouraging Russia to invade NATO members who don’t spend enough on d…

1
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 6: The Great Moving Right Show 42:37

5M ago42:37

42:37

Almost one year after arriving in the US, the New York Post publishes a story suggesting NYU is trying to sever ties with Guangcheng. Guangcheng alleges the university is bowing to pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. Guangcheng’s hosts at NYU accuse right wing political forces of misleading him. Things get very messy. Where Guangcheng lands …

1
Tucker Carlson Goes to Moscow 1:33:20

5M ago1:33:20

1:33:20

Tommy and Ben talk about US strikes against facilities in Iraq and Syria used by Iran-backed militia groups, White House denials that the conflict in Gaza has drawn America into a regional war, haunting statistics for children in Gaza, souring public opinion on the war, and dehumanizing commentary about the Middle East. They also discuss how Biden’…

1
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 5: Guangcheng’s Year of Living Famously 50:50

5M ago50:50

50:50

Following a tense negotiation between the US and China, Guangcheng arrives in the United States. He is greeted with a hero’s welcome. He gives speeches. He wins awards. And he tries to adjust to life in New York, hosted by NYU. But quickly cracks start to emerge beneath the glamorous facade.By Alison Klayman, Colin Jones, Yangyang Cheng

1
Will Biden Bomb Iran? 1:27:41

6M ago1:27:41

1:27:41

Tommy and Ben talk about the drone strike by an Iranian-backed group on a US base in Jordan that killed three US service members, the pressure on Biden to retaliate against Iran directly, and the muddled politics of war. They also cover allegations that UN employees in Gaza participated in the October 7th Hamas attack, the International Court of Ju…

1
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 4: Coming To America 47:12

6M ago47:12

47:12

Guangcheng escapes house arrest, but he’s not free yet. Without a real plan or a place to hide, he turns to the US embassy in Beijing. His moves set in motion a diplomatic maelstrom, where top officials from the two most powerful countries in the world negotiate over his fate – and their own.By Alison Klayman, Colin Jones, Yangyang Cheng

1
Netanyahu Rejects a Two-State Solution (again) 1:17:16

6M ago1:17:16

1:17:16

Tommy and Ben discuss the latest news out of Gaza, including a potential ceasefire deal that would include a two month stop in fighting in exchange for hostages, a look back at Bibi’s rejection of a two-state solution throughout his political career, and the news that the Biden administration is preparing for a sustained military campaign in Yemen.…

1
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 3: A Dissident Is Born 36:57

6M ago36:57

36:57

Guangcheng is kidnapped by Chinese authorities and thrown in jail. By keeping him under lock and key, the government hopes to take away his power. But his imprisonment transforms him into a cause and a symbol of dissent in China and across the world. Then after years of detention, Guangcheng decides to try to make an escape. But how and who can he …

1
Biden Launches Airstrikes Against Houthis in Yemen 1:21:03

6M ago1:21:03

1:21:03

Ben and Tommy discuss US airstrikes on the Houthi rebels in Yemen and why they are unlikely to deter them, and provide background and context on the Houthi’s origins and motivations. They also cover the latest in Gaza and frustration with the administration’s refusal to change course after 100 days. Then they discuss the recent spike in gang violen…

1
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 2: The Barefoot Lawyer 47:08

6M ago47:08

47:08

Guangcheng fights his biggest case in China – exposing the brutality of the One Child Policy. This, and a series of public and legal victories in the early 2000s, makes him into an icon in the US and an enemy of the state in China, an unlikely place for a blind man who grew up in a poor village. So how did it all begin? We talk to Guangcheng himsel…

1
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 1: Batman Gets Punched 28:14

6M ago28:14

28:14

It’s 2011. Hollywood A-lister Christian Bale is in China and gets punched in the face by security guards for trying to visit Chen Guangcheng, a local human rights activist under house arrest. It’s all captured by a CNN crew and broadcast across the world. A few months later Guangcheng would escape to the United States. But after you arrive in Ameri…

1
How Israel’s War with Hamas Could Escalate Into a Regional Conflict 1:20:39

6M ago1:20:39

1:20:39

Ben and Tommy cover the major developments in the war between Israel and Hamas, including the widening difference between Netanyahu and Biden on post-war planning, increasing criticism of the Israeli war effort within the Democratic Party, and the escalating risks of a regional war with Iranian-back proxy groups like the Houthi rebels and militia g…

1
Introducing “Dissident At The Doorstep” 3:19

6M ago3:19

3:19

What happens when someone becomes a human-rights icon – but then turns out to stand for something else entirely? Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng was locked up for fighting against China’s One Child Policy and suffered years of unlawful imprisonment. In 2012, following a daring midnight escape, he landed in the United States a hero. But that’s only…

1
SPECIAL: Democracy in Focus Goes to South Africa to Explore Reconciliation and See What Liberia Can Learn 28:35

7M ago28:35

28:35

This week… a special program Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission said justice, reconciliation and commemoration of the country’s troubled history was key to moving forward. That has not happened. We visit a country that is dealing with is past … post-apartheid South Africa. Thirty years since the system of racial segregation was ended we …

1
Behind the scenes stories of top PA political corruption cases from the U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted them on Episode 6 1:02:40

7M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Pa Political Digest bonus Episode 6 brings you behind the scenes of three top PA political corruption cases -- those involving Sen. Vince Fumo, Treasurer Rob McCord & Attorney General Ernie Preate -- from the U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted them. Veteran political journalists John Baer and Brad Bumsted were given the day off, and GOP political consul…

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