Stateside with Kai and Carter

Epizodes

• The comedian taking on AI datacenters 01.06.2026 35min

  Last summer, Wisconsin comedian Charlie Berens started getting messages from people in his state about plans for a major datacenter in their community. When Berens dug in, he was shocked to discover the impact the datacenter would have on local residents. So he responded with comedy. The video he posted online about the datacenter went viral, and Berens has been on the frontlines of the fight against datacenters ever since. Carter Sherman speaks to Berens about how he is using his comedy as a tool for activism Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• What if Trump invades Cuba? 29.05.2026 39min

  When the US indicted Raúl Castro recently, it was another step in the escalating pressure campaign the Trump administration is conducting against Cuba’s communist government. As Cuba’s president warns of a “bloodbath” if the US engages in military action, how are Cubans coping and what outcome are they hoping for? Host Kai Wright speaks with Mónica Baró Sánchez, a Cuban reporter in exile in Miami, and the Guardian’s Cuba correspondent Ruaridh Nicoll in Havana, about what they’re hearing from Cuban citizens stuck between two governments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Are Democrats losing in California? 27.05.2026 39min

  Across California, ballots sit unopened as voters struggle to decide who to back as their chosen candidate for governor. US senior political correspondent Lauren Gambino tells Kai Wright that the race has been a head-scratcher for Democrats. Despite a huge field of candidates, the race has been mired in scandal and few have managed to cut through. What does this say about the future of the Democratic party, and does this leave an opening for Republicans in the Golden state? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• What is Hasan Piker’s dude bro project really about? 22.05.2026 51min

  Soon after Twitch streamer Hasan Piker started campaigning with Democratic candidates this spring, an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal was published with the headline “Democrats are too cozy with Hasan Piker". That triggered a fever pitch of more op-eds and interviews asking Piker to respond to past statements he’s made on Israel's war in Gaza, 9/11, and more. But the controversy surrounding him hasn’t slowed his momentum or influence – if anything, it’s amplified both. Host Kai Wright talks to Piker and asks, what exactly is this very online, very popular figure trying to achieve in the real world?Check out the Guardian's December 2025 profile of Hasan Piker here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Why the fight over abortion pills is only just beginning 20.05.2026 41min

  The US supreme court has preserved nationwide access to mail-order abortion pills – for now. As Carter Sherman explains, the fight to protect this medication is far from over, as a nationwide, near-total abortion ban could be on the horizon. Carter speaks with Dr Angel Foster, co-founder of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project, who reveals how the legal battle over abortion pills has affected patients across the US – and what could happen next Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Hantavirus isn’t the next Covid. But here's why we should actually worry 18.05.2026 36min

  All month, people all over the world have been nervously watching as the Hantavirus spread aboard a cruise ship called the MV Hondius. Three people from the ship died and as the virus spread to other passengers, people wondered – is this the next pandemic? It isn't. But as Guardian health correspondent Melody Schreiber tells host Kai Wright, the outbreak revealed how Trump's cuts to government funding for public health and a climate of rampant misinformation have affected our readiness for the next pandemic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• How ICE turned its violent arrest of a US citizen into content 15.05.2026 42min

  In June 2025, Christian Cerna went to a protest in his neighborhood against ICE raids and allegedly punched a border patrol agent. He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault, but denies that he ever hit the officer. Days after the protest, Christian was violently arrested in front of his family by ICE officers, who filmed the whole operation and later posted it to social media. Christian tells Carter Sherman how the experience took a "heavy toll" on him and Sam Levin reveals the reporting behind the story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Stacey Abrams on why the gutting of the Voting Rights Act is 'evil' 13.05.2026 35min

  The US supreme court demolished the 1965 Voting Rights Act when they ruled in Louisiana v Callais last month that states can’t consider race in redistricting. Southern states from Tennessee to Alabama have rushed to erase majority Black districts, sparking chaos for the midterm elections. Kai Wright talks with Stacey Abrams, voting rights activist and former Georgia house minority leader, about the fallout from the decision, and why, even now, she thinks the way forward is still through engaging more voters to participate in democracy: “They have fractured communities and said we’re going to scatter these seeds. Our job is to grow.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Coming soon ... Stateside with Kai and Carter 30.04.2026 1min

  The news is stressful. Talking about it doesn’t have to be. Join The Guardian’s Kai Wright and Carter Sherman for conversations with the best journalists and biggest thinkers. First episode on 13 May and then episodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.