Douglas Brinkley is a Professor of History at Rice University, a CNN Presidential Historian, and a contributing editor at Vanity Fair. He has received seven honorary doctorates in American Studies. He has authored more than 25 books, including several highly acclaimed presidential biographies. Six of his books were named New York Times “Notable Books of the Year” and seven became New York Times bestsellers. The New York Historical Society selected Brinkley as their official U.S. Presidential Historian. He is on the Board of Trustees at Brevard College and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library. He is a member of the Century Association, Council of Foreign relations and James Madison Council on the Library of Congress.

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Bret Stephens joins Larry Mantle for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on today’s most pressing issues — from the state of American democracy to foreign policy, media polarization, and the future of political discourse.

Former U.S. Ambassador Michael McFaul and democracy scholar Larry Diamond join America at a Crossroads to explore the global state of democracy, the threat of authoritarianism, and America's role in defending freedom. Drawing on deep foreign policy and political experience, they discuss Russia, China, and the future of democratic values at home and abroad.

In this week’s America at a Crossroads, political strategist Sarah Longwell and attorney George Conway join veteran journalist Warren Olney for a candid, forward-looking conversation about where the country is headed. Amid deep polarization and political uncertainty, they explore signs of optimism, the resilience of democratic institutions, and what it will take to secure a better future for the United States.

What does a second Trump term mean for the Middle East and America’s global role? Ambassador Dennis Ross, a veteran diplomat and Middle East expert, joins journalist Larry Mantle for a timely and wide-ranging conversation on U.S. foreign policy in 2025. From Israel and Iran to shifting alliances in the region, Ross offers insight into how statecraft may evolve under Donald Trump—and what’s at stake for America abroad.

Join legal analyst and former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman in conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Patt Morrison for a timely and thought-provoking discussion on the future of the American justice system. As political pressures mount and public trust wavers, they explore whether our legal institutions can withstand today’s unprecedented challenges.

Susan B. Glasser writes Letter from Biden's Washington for The New Yorker. She previously served as editor of Politico during the 2016 election cycle, founding editor of Politico Magazine, and editor-in-chief of Foreign Policy magazine — earning three National Magazine Awards during her tenure.

Madeleine Brand is the host of the award-winning daily news and culture show Press Play on KCRW, where she covers national and local stories through a Southern California lens. She's also the co-host of The Legal Eagle Files, KCRW's popular legal affairs podcast.