Tommy and Ben dig into a week of an “almost” deal, a sweeping AI warning, and a terrifying Ebola outbreak.

First up, the Iran deal that was supposedly days away somehow produced new US airstrikes instead, and the guys break down why the path to a permanent ceasefire remains littered with obstacles from Netanyahu wanting to escalate in Lebanon, to Trump suggesting Iran join the Abraham Accords. Then they bid a fond farewell to Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned as Director of National Intelligence under circumstances that depend entirely on who you ask. Pope Leo XIV dropped a 42,000-word encyclical on artificial intelligence that urges leaders to grapple with the impacts it will have on war, democracy, and the future of humanity. Trump’s Taiwan sellout is now official, with the administration quietly pausing a $14 billion arms sale just in case they need the munitions to fight Iran. The guys also give a sobering update on the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and a man raises awareness for prostate cancer and bullying in schools by putting his manhood on the line. And finally, Tommy sits down with Ben about his brand-new book, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches, out now.

Buy Ben’s book All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches  and subscribe to his Substack here.

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