EVERY DEGREE MATTERS

Saffran discussed Minnesota immigration enforcement operation ends after major arrests; Gallup stops tracking presidential approval ratings; AG Pam Bondi testifies before House Judiciary Committee; more middle-class Americans sell plasma to make ends meet; Trump signs bill ending government payments to deceased people; U.S.–Japan announce $36B energy & critical minerals investment; 62nd Munich Security Conference convenes; India hosts AI Impact Summit 2026; Bangladesh holds historic parliamentary election on Feb 12; and civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson dies at 84 on Feb 17."Middle-Class Americans Selling Plasma to Make Ends Meet"

Saffran discussed the Los Angeles County accounts for 18% of all U.S. home healthcare billing, spotlighting massive alleged fraud in hospice care—one doctor billed $120 million in a year overseeing 1,900 patients—prompting federal crackdowns. Newly released Epstein files (January 2026) mention figures like Elon Musk (email exchanges), Bill Gates, Donald Trump (tips without evidence of wrongdoing), Howard Lutnick, Richard Branson, and others in social or correspondence ties, but no new charges emerged from the millions of pages. A brief partial U.S. government shutdown ended quickly in early February 2026 after Congress passed and Trump signed a $1.2 trillion package funding most agencies through September, with a short-term extension for Homeland Security amid immigration debates. Conservative Laura Fernández won Costa Rica's presidency decisively, continuing the region's rightward shift with tough-on-crime and pro-U.S. policies. UK PM Keir Starmer's recent China visit—the first in years—yielded visa-free travel deals for Brits, trade agreements, and efforts to stabilize ties. The U.S. and India struck a trade deal cutting tariffs on Indian goods to 18% in exchange for India halting Russian oil purchases and pivoting toward U.S. supplies. Gaza's Rafah crossing partially reopened in early February, enabling limited pedestrian crossings and medical evacuations under the ongoing ceasefire framework."18% of US Healthcare Billing Flagged for Fraud"

Saffran discusses the ICE's mass deportation push has turned deadly with federal agents fatally shooting U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis amid Operation Metro Surge, igniting fierce protests, clashes, Justice Department probes, and nationwide backlash. Economic jitters mount as U.S. consumer confidence craters to a 12-year low of 84.5 (Conference Board index), the weakest since 2014 amid job fears and high costs. Globally, Trump has pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Climate Agreement (again) and the WHO, while a blockbuster India-EU trade deal—the "mother of all deals"—unlocks a $27 trillion market for nearly 2 billion people. Diplomatic momentum builds with trilateral U.S.-Russia-Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi yielding progress toward a potential ceasefire (more rounds ahead), even as Trump intensifies pressure on Iran via fresh sanctions, military buildups, and blunt threats to force a new nuclear deal. A whirlwind of domestic division and bold foreign pivots defines the moment."U.S. Consumer Confidence Plunges to 12-Year Low"

Saffran discusses about the DOJ launches criminal probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell over his renovation testimony, supercharging the fight over Fed independence as Trump pushes for big rate cuts; JPMorgan now sees zero Fed cuts in 2026 and maybe even a hike in 2027; financial stocks tank after Trump revives his 10% credit-card rate cap plan; DHS pours $115M into counter-drone tech for the 2026 World Cup; Trump threatens 25% tariffs on any nation still trading with Iran amid deadly protests and nationwide internet blackout; U.S. speeds up exit from 60+ UN climate & science pacts; and ex-Tory Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi defects to Reform UK—watch for the full market, geopolitical, and political fallout right now."Iran Invasion Would Devastate the US Economy"

Today's episode covers major U.S. political and international developments: a U.S. military operation capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on drug charges; Congress advancing measures to avoid a government shutdown; the controversy over a Minneapolis Hilton canceling federal law enforcement bookings; the dissolution of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting due to funding cuts; President Trump's fraud investigation into California; his threats to acquire Greenland; and key outcomes from the Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris supporting Ukraine's post-ceasefire security." US Captures Dictator Maduro"

Saffran discusses the Federal Government Halts All Child Care Funding to Minnesota Amid Fraud Allegations, Independent journalist Nick Shirley unpacks the millions of fraud in the state of Minnesota. He also talked about the first ever lunar mission in 50 years that would be launched in February 2026 with 4 astronauts. Saffran also expressed his opinion about the ongoing protest happening in Iran due its crippling economy due US and global sanctions. ‘Happy New Year 2026”  

Saffran discusses the surprising US Economy growth to 4.3% in Q3, China–EU Trade Friction Escalates on electric vehicle and dairy products tariffs. Winter storm hits 16 major US states putting millions of people in danger. He also talks about the recent positive development of the peace plan between Russia and Ukraine as the President of Kuraine said to meet Donald Trump on Sunday at Mar la logo. "US Economy Surges: GDP Up 4.3% in Q3"

Saffran discusses the horrific Mass Shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach and Brown University US, Rob Reiner and his wife found dead in LA and Kansas City Chiefs Knocked Out of Playoffs NFl and he also talks about President Trump Trump signs executive order preventing states from enforcing their own AI regulations.

Saffran discusses The Federal Reserve Interest Cuts marking the third consecutive cut in 2025, Australia's Under‑16 Social Media Ban and devastating floods in parts of Asia hundreds dead amid cyclones and monsoon rains.

Saffran discusses the ongoing Epstein Files controversies, potential conflict between the United States and Venezuela, and COP30.

Saffran discusses the newly released epstein files, government reopens for business, International Olympic Committee considering banning transgender athletics and COP30 that's happening in Brazil. 

Saffran discusses the newly elected NY mayor, Stock and Crypto market liquidation, dodger winning the consecutive world series on game 7."NYC's : Youthful Economic Ruin" Saffran

Saffran discuss the ongoing government shutdown, the New York mayoral race, and the NBA gambling scandal.

Saffran, Christian, and the podcast's first guest, Arman, discuss the complex history and rich culture of Iran with unique insights from Arman.

Saffran and Christian discuss the assassination of political activist and media personality Charlie Kirk and the ramifications.  “When you deliberately distort and selectively present the truth, you lie.” - Charlie Kirk

Saffran and Christian discuss turning 30 years old, lessons learned, and looking towards the future.

Saffran and Christian discuss the importance and health of the ocean, climate change, research, marine innovations, and niche vocabulary.

Saffran and Christian discuss important elements of Asian and American cultures from their own experience and perspectives spanning two continents and touching on faith, belonging, and trust

Saffran and Christian discuss the conflict in Ukraine, its build up, and its consequences. 

Saffran and Christian discuss the Holy Land, the responsibility and roles of heads of government, and the corruption of power. See pt 1. here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwOWUEWkMz8  

Saffran and Christian discuss the unfolding starvation, ongoing humanitarian crisis, and accusations of genocide in Gaza from several perspectives.

Saffran and Christian discuss relationships between people in society, fulfillment and sacrifice, taking risks, and swimming pools. “You can't stand on the shore and be afraid of the depths.” - Saffran's father

Saffran and Christian discuss the differences between American and Eastern cultures, what it means to be an American, generational divides and political polarization, and innovative seaweed ink.

Welcome to Every Degree Matters introuction Podcast, hosted by Saffran Mihnar and Christian Mortelliti. Join us as we explore today's most pressing issues—political polarization, environmental challenges, and the rapid pace of technological change. With thoughtful yet approachable discussions, we offer the perspectives of two everyday individuals navigating the complexities of our world. Tune in weekly for engaging, candid conversations that shed light on the topics shaping our lives, on Every Degree Matters.

Grace gatera from Kigali, Rwanda, she has been heavily involved in the mental health and social well being of the people impacted by the heartbreaking 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, including her family who were the survivals. What Grace is doing is an example of how one family can make a huge difference. We need to come together to overcome issues like mental health and social wellbeing. If you wish to connect with her please find her on LinkedIn.

Sydney Steenland from Brisbane, Australia right now living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sail Boat with her family. From a fun home school project with her dad in building a recycle machine later became The Sea Monkey Projects. They collect all plastic waste from the ocean and factories and then upcycle or recycle them into products. She was inspired by looking at the amount of plastic waste that has been collected in the sea. Living more than a decade on the sailboat at the age of 17, Sydney and her family have already upcycled 59,000 products and are now on the path to having a plastic-free world. you can reach out here via the website https://www.seamonkeyprojects.com/

Callie Broaddus is from Washington DC in USA, she was inspired by her late sister Finley Broaddus and believes that young people have the power to change the world. Founded the Reserva: The Youth Land Trust with goal to rebuild the ecosystem and habitat in Ecuador. Spent most of her early career working as a wildlife photographer and journalist. She believes that we are going in the right direction but we need prioritize our work. you can reach out here via the website. https://reservaylt.org/about   

Get to know more about our host saffran mihnar. On this podcast you can learn more on the work that he is be doing on climate change and environment. What inspired him to start this podcast, the vision and the actions that we can take to make an impact in the world.

My name is Saffran Mihnar, welcome to Every Degree Matters. In this Podcast, I'm going to speak with real people who have been doing fantastic work, starting from their local community to an entire country, in finding innovative solutions and ideas to create a sustainable, fair and equitable world. These people believe that change starts with us. I will discuss these issues under the lens of social, economic, environment and governance. We need to act now and change the course of direction towards building a sustainable world because we are running out of time! Join me every week on every degree matters to be inspired by these amazing people not only in the United States of America but all around the world. I firmly believe Every Degree Matters!