The Heat Podcast

Chuxiao Qu in The Wandering Earth (2019)
February 10, 2020

Why Chinese cinema is on the rise

China’s movie market is booming – and doesn’t need Hollywood for the next big blockbuster. If you’re an explorer of good films around the world, China may be your next destination. With us to talk about the rise of China’s movie industry is Janet Yang. She’s a Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning producer with deep roots in China.

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Trump's State of the Union
February 6, 2020

After Trump’s acquittal, can Americans have faith in Congress?

After the U.S. Senate’s near party-line vote to acquit, what’s next for Donald Trump’s presidency? The Democratic lawmakers that tried to end it? And Americans faith in their own government? We’re joined by conservative Alex Vogel, former general counsel for the National Republican Senatorial Committee and CEO of the Vogel Group.

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February 4, 2020

Coronavirus: Is a global pandemic near?

Coronavirus has spread to at least 23 countries – with infections and related deaths exceeding 2003’s SARS epidemic. Is a full blown pandemic near? We spoke to Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health.

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Brexit is NOW
January 31, 2020

Brexit is NOW: What’s next?

After years of contentious debate among politicians and citizens – the United Kingdom is no longer a part of Europe. But how will business, trade, immigration, and British identity be transformed? And who’s ready? We were joined by Steven McCabe, Associate Professor and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Brexit Studies at Birmingham City University.

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Auschwitz
January 27, 2020

Will the voices of Auschwitz be forgotten?

Seventy five years after the liberation of Auschwitz, anti-semitism is on the rise. With many survivors passing on from old age, many worry their voices – and lessons – may be forgotten. To examine the legacy of the holocaust, we were joined by Erin McGlothlin, Chair and Associate Professor of German and Jewish Studies at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

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Trump Impeachment trial
January 26, 2020

Trump impeachment: Is the U.S. Constitution equipped?

For President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, the battle lines are clearly drawn. But is this what the founding fathers had in mind when they wrote Article One of the U.S. Constitution? Lincoln Mitchell – a political analyst and professor at Columbia University joins us to explore the problems with America’s impeachment process.

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Rebel fighters run for cover in front of a burning gas storage terminal during a battle
January 21, 2020

Can Libya be saved from a complete collapse?

Libya’s civil war continues to escalate as the international community scrambles to find a political solution. Though a recent summit in Berlin did result in an agreement to stop the flow of arms into the war-torn country, will it be enough to kickstart peace negotiations – and steer Libya away from a complete collapse? Hafed Al Ghwell, Senior Fellow at SAIS Foreign Policy Institute, joins us to talk about the latest.

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What does Phase One of the China-U.S. trade deal accomplish?
January 16, 2020

What does Phase One of the China-U.S. trade deal accomplish?

On Wednesday, U.S. President Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu signed a “Phase One” trade deal at the White House. But what does it accomplish? To break down the agreement, we were joined by James P. Moore, Jr., CEO and Founder of the Washington Institute for Business, Government and Society. PLUS: CGTN’s Nathan King shares his observations from the signing and the nearly two-year trade dispute.

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America's endless wars
January 14, 2020

The cost of America’s endless wars

After nearly 20 years and more than $6-trillion spent on endless conflicts – what has America gained? We spoke with Ron Paul, former Republican Congressman and presidential candidate, about the current standoff with Iran, and what drives the U.S. push to war.

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Bollywood’s Richa Chadha on India’s rape crisis
December 12, 2019

India’s rape problem

An interview with Bollywood actress Richa Chadha about India’s ongoing rape crisis. She speaks on the danger and frustration faced by India’s women – as they struggle to be heard by law enforcement, the government, and the culture as a whole.

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November 25, 2019

Why El Salvador’s women are choosing suicide

El Salvador also has one of the highest rates of violence against women. It’s no surprise that many are seeking a permanent solution. Suicide. CGTN’s Nitza Soledad Perez joins us to talk about the Salvadoran women trapped in an endless cycle of despair – and what – if anything – can be done about it.

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November 18, 2019

Impeachment hearings: What’s next?

Last week’s open impeachment hearings investigating President Trump was the first chance for American’s to evaluate the integrity of – not only the witnesses – but those charged with questioning them. We speak to Elie Mystal of the Above the Law website about key moments – and what to expect in the coming days.

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October 16, 2019

How Russia is becoming the Middle East’s main power broker

After U.S. abandoned the Kurds in Northern Syria, the former ally turned Damascus – and Moscow – for protection from Turkish assault. As the U.S. withdraws from Middle East, is it handing over its role as power broker – and peace keeper – to Moscow? Anton Fedyashin of American University joins us to discuss Russia’s growing reach.

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October 9, 2019

Egypt’s crackdown: How far will it go?

At least 2,300 people in Egypt were imprisoned this month after protests against President el-Sissi’s government. Will there be a tipping point? To help us understand the unrest, we were joined by Ahmed Fathi, who covered the Egypt’s Arab Spring, and Islamic reformer and author Dr. Tawfik Hamid.

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October 4, 2019

Why can’t the US win in Afghanistan?

This week, Afghanistan’s presidential election was marred by violence and charges of fraud, and the Taliban proposed new peace talks with the U.S.. We’re joined by CGTN’s Sean Callebs, who was there last Spring talking to everyday citizens about life in the war torn nation.

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September 25, 2019

Climate Change: Are we too late?

Record breaking heat waves; wildfires in the Arctic; glacier melts flooding Greenland; and July was the hottest month in history. How bad is this going to get? Climate strategist Paul Bledsoe joins us to talk what needs to be done… now.

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September 20, 2019

Will the INF Treaty’s collapse restart a dangerous nuclear arms race?

In 1987, the INF Treaty between the U.S. and Soviets was a significant step in reducing the threat of nuclear war. But in 2019, both parties pulled out. Why? And will the treaty’s demise mean a dangerous new arms race? Kingston Reif joins us for a look forward.

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