The Nexus with Art Swift

The CIA's former director of operations, Jack Devine, joins me to discuss Russian aggression relating to Alexei Navalny, cyber attacks against the US, Russian bounties and Vladimir Putin's power. Devine also talks about his new book, "Spymaster's Prism" and chronicles his overseeing "Charlie Wilson's War," among other high profile CIA operations. And I'll ponder whether we should tolerate those espousing QAnon and election fraud.

With "In the Crosshairs of Twitter," I am joined by Jordan Tygh, a Coast Guard veteran and former political operative in the California Republican Party. Jordan became a notorious overnight celebrity when he posed with a ballot box in October 2020, asking people to vote for now-Congresswoman Michelle Steel. His life was turned upside down when he was accused of illegal activities on Twitter, drawing the ire of Jimmy Kimmel, Alex Padilla & Xavier Becerra. But was he at fault? This is his story.

In "The Enticing World of Nostalgia," Estelle Erasmus, an author and professor, joins the Nexus to discuss her article in Wired, "Friends, Fleetwood Mac and the Viral Comfort of Nostalgia." We dive into why nostalgia is so comforting in 2020, what are some of the cultural items people are nostalgic about, and whether there is a dark side to nostalgia. Also, I'll talk about the new COVID-19 vaccine and the troubling anti-vaxxer movement.

In "The Golden Age of Television," legendary broadcasting announcer Randy West talks about his decades in show business. Randy has worked on some of the greatest game shows and reality shows in history, from The Price is Right to Deal or No Deal, The Weakest Link to Big Brother. He will share his views on the golden eras in television and where the industry is going. His stories about Dick Clark, Ryan Seacrest and other luminaries are priceless. Also, in this very hard year for us all, I will explain what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving.

In "Joe Biden's Victory," we break down the impact of the election with Danny Barefoot, a political strategist and managing partner at Anvil Strategies. Barefoot talks about why this victory is a mixed bag, whether President Trump will return, the impact of Nancy Pelosi and why "defund the police" was such a toxic saying in 2020. Also, I'll reflect on the improbable journey of Joe Biden and why there is a lot of hope for his administration, despite our current rancor.

Your polling questions answered! We speak with Jay Leve, the president & CEO of Survey USA, a survey research firm with an "A" rating from website Five Thirty Eight. Leve breaks down what brand new presidential and Senate polls in Georgia & North Carolina mean, while saying Americans should have a "healthy skepticism" about polling overall. Leve provides a lively and witty history of polling, explaining how we got to where we are now. Also, I discuss Fleetwood Mac and Van Halen, why they're big again and what they mean to me.

In "A Dog Called Hope," former special operations officer Jason Morgan joins to discuss his best-selling book about the service dog who stepped into his life. We trace Staff Sergeant Morgan's journey from being a combat meteorologist for the Air Force to an injury that rendered him paralyzed. Morgan's recovery takes on a whole new dimension when he meets Napal, a service-trained Labrador who helps Jason find a sense of purpose again. I'll also talk about how this warrior's recovery is an inspiring tale for finding our way in these pandemic times.

In "The Tragedy of China's Uyghurs," I'm joined by Nury Turkel, a human rights lawyer who serves on the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Turkel, who was born in a "re-education" camp in China during the Cultural Revolution, goes in depth about what is happening in that region in China - concentration camps, exploitation and destroyed families. Are the Trump Administration's efforts to fight the problem working? Also, I'll tackle the mail-in voting morass.

I'm joined by Spike Cohen, the Libertarian Party nominee for Vice President. Cohen explains why he is ideally suited to govern the United States with presidential nominee and recent Nexus guest Jo Jorgensen. He also details how we can defeat coronavirus, improve race relations and living with multiple sclerosis fuels him. Spike Cohen also offers biting thoughts on Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Finally, a tribute to my father, Arthur Swift Sr., who passed away from coronavirus and how much he inspired me.

In "Putin's People," reporter and Russia expert Catherine Belton discusses her new book about Vladimir Putin's rise to power. We cover the fall of the Soviet Union, Putin's hand in the downfall of Boris Yeltsin, the rise of the Russian oligarchs and the relationship between Donald Trump and Russia. Will Putin rule forever? There are some dark clouds on the horizon that may surprise you. Also, we will look back at 25 great episodes of The Nexus.