Iran, Pangolin Trafficking, Storytelling Health

Guest: Ryan Vogel, Director of the Center for National Security Studies, Utah Valley University  Iran says it’s on the verge of boosting its stockpile of enriched uranium beyond the limit set in the 2015 nuclear agreement, unless it gets serious relief from sanctions imposed by the United States. Last year, the US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and has been waging a campaign of “maximum pressure” on Iran, including an attempt to drive Iran’s oil revenue to zero. The US also accuses Iran of attacks on two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf region last week, which Iran denies. But, America’s European allies are skeptical that Iran’s been up to as much mischief as the US claims. There’s international concern this could all escalate into a war.

Guest: Rachael Bale, Senior Editor of National Geographic’s Animals Desk One of the world’s most highly trafficked animals is one you may have never even heard of. It’s a small, weird-looking mammal covered in scales called a pangolin. It lives in parts of Asia and Africa and is endangered. Just a couple months ago, authorities in Singapore seized 28 tons of pangolin scales. Pangolin poaching is increasing, and it’s alarming experts.

Guest: Neal Baer, Pediatrician and Writer for TV Shows, ER, Law & Order: SUV, and Designated Survivor Have you ever watched a medical drama and wondered how much of it is true? Well it might be more real than you think. Dr. Neal Baer, is a pediatrician, adjunct professor at UCLA, and writer for the TV shows ER, Law & Order: SUV, and Designated Survivor where he uses his medical expertise to shed light on health issues.

Guest: Hans Hassell, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Florida State University, Author of “The Party's Primary: Control of Congressional Nominations” The first debate of the 2020 presidential election is set for next week in Miami –twenty Democrats vying for their party’s nomination will debate in two separate groups. They gotta split them up because one debate between 20 people would just be too unwieldy –and that’s already leaving out four others who didn’t meet the Democratic party’s criteria to participate in the debate.

Guest: Richard Binzel, Professor of Planetary Science, MIT An asteroid the size of a city-block is hurtling towards Earth, and scientists scramble to respond. They launch six spacecraft to slam into the asteroid and knock it off course –but, instead, a chunk splits off and makes a beeline for Central Park in New York City and destroys the lower half of Manhattan. That’s how a simulation went at NASA’s recent Planetary Defense Conference.

Guest: Kirsten Hawkes, ParentPreviews.com