October 5, 2021

Ryan Hampton, who's in long-term recovery after a decade of using opioids, was part of a watchdog committee set up by the Department of Justice to represent all of Purdue’s Pharma's creditors, from states and hospitals to people like himself. Hampton’s new book is out today and tells the inside story of these proceedings -- a David vs Goliath tale that he discusses with Hari Sreenivasan.

Fiona Hill served as President Trump’s advisor on all things Russia, with a seat on the National Security Council. She was a key witness at Trump’s first impeachment trial, where her forthcoming testimony gave warning of how our divisions can be exploited. Her new book, "There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the 21st Century," reflects on working for three presidents.

California is facing yet another environmental calamity. An offshore oil spill estimated at 144,000 gallons has prompted Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. Orange County's beaches now face devastation as the oil moves inshore, forcing beach closures and killing wildlife. At the center of the disaster is Huntington Beach, south of Los Angeles. The city's mayor joins the show.

Taiwan’s president is warning of “catastrophic consequences” if the island nation were to fall to China, as Beijing continues to send warplanes towards Taiwan in record numbers. Nearly 150 planes have been flown into Taiwan's defense zone over the past four days, in the latest sign of an increasingly assertive China. What is China’s endgame here. Sheena Greitens joins the show to discuss.