Podcast Summary: Amanpour
Episode: From Washington's Shutdown to Afghanistan's Internet Blackout
Host: Christiane Amanpour
Date: October 4, 2025
Overview
This episode of Amanpour delivers a sweeping view of current global affairs, with a primary focus on the United States’ government shutdown, its political ramifications, and echoes abroad. The episode also explores the politicization of the U.S. military under the Trump administration, Afghanistan’s ongoing internet blackout and its devastating effects—particularly on women—and cultural conversations including a discussion with director Benny Safdie about his new film "The Smashing Machine," and a tribute to the late Jane Goodall. The show blends hard-hitting politics with human stories of resilience and inspiration.
1. U.S. Government Shutdown & the State of American Democracy
Main Segment: 00:42–09:41
Key Discussion Points
- The episode opens with the historic U.S. government shutdown—the first in six years—and explores how this crisis underlines both political division and the impact on ordinary Americans.
- Host Christiane Amanpour interviews Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a veteran of bipartisan negotiation, about why Democrats voted for the shutdown and the looming battle over healthcare and government programs.
- Senator Shaheen addresses concerns about the Trump administration's efforts to fire federal workers and dismantle elements of the U.S. administrative state, referencing Project 2025.
- Discussion shifts to the controversial military gathering in Washington called by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, scrutinizing its cost, purpose, and the attempted politicization of the U.S. military.
- The Senators reflect on the fragility of bipartisanship and the uphill struggle Democrats face when outnumbered in both houses and the executive branch.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On healthcare negotiations:
"I'm very concerned about making sure that people in America can continue to get access to health care at a cost they can afford ... that people are not facing a doubling of their insurance rates, which is what is being anticipated."
— Senator Jeanne Shaheen [03:16] -
On the politicization of the military:
"All this president has done and Pete Hegseth has done since they took office is to try and politicize the military ... We need to demand in Congress to know where that money's coming from ... it was nothing but a political pep rally for Donald Trump."
— Senator Shaheen [05:27] -
On the use of U.S. cities as military training grounds:
"For the president to suggest that he is going to violate the law and use cities as a training ground for our military is just beyond the pale."
— Senator Shaheen [07:30] -
On bipartisanship:
"We can't throw up our hands and say we aren't going to talk to each other. That's why we're in a government shutdown, is because we've refused to talk to each other."
— Senator Shaheen [09:00]
Timestamps
- [00:42] — U.S. shutdown introduction & context
- [03:03] — Start of interview with Senator Shaheen
- [08:44] — Bipartisanship discussion
- [09:38] — Close of interview
2. The Smashing Machine: Benny Safdie on Empathy, Loss, and Dwayne Johnson
Film Segment: 09:55–18:51
Key Discussion Points
- Director Benny Safdie discusses his new film "The Smashing Machine," starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as MMA fighter Mark Kerr—a figure of both physical prowess and emotional vulnerability.
- The conversation explores the movie’s intent: subverting the traditional "win-focused" sports cinema narrative by finding "thrill in the loss."
- Safdie explains his aim to create "radical empathy" by inviting audiences into the inner struggles of someone often seen as a symbol of invincibility.
- Insight into Dwayne Johnson's performance, casting, and personal transformation for the role.
- Christiane touches on Safdie’s own trajectory—working solo for the first time instead of alongside his brother Josh, and how that creative divergence feels.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On radical empathy:
"Mark Kerr was one of those people ... doing ... violent and aggressive [things], but at the same time he was very soft spoken and very beautiful ... A man who was struggling very deeply ... he didn't let it define him ... I thought, it would be amazing if everybody ... could get inside his brain ..."
— Benny Safdie [12:20] -
On loss, not just victory:
"Normally in these ... fight movies, the thrill comes in the win. And I wanted to see if I could do something a little different, where sometimes maybe the thrill can come in the loss ..."
— Benny Safdie [14:03] -
On his collaboration with his brother and going solo:
"It was just a natural progression of things. And I think it's kind of exciting that ... the two of us get to go out there and ... do what we love."
— Benny Safdie [17:09]
Timestamps
- [12:06] — Safdie interview intro
- [13:26] — Discussion of casting Dwayne Johnson / method acting
- [15:36] — Safdie discusses his work under Christopher Nolan and the shift from working with his brother
- [18:01] — Reflections on competition, motivation, and pride
3. Afghanistan’s Internet Blackout and Women’s Resistance
Report Segment: 18:51–23:37 | Archive & Reflections: 30:29–34:46
Key Discussion Points
- In the aftermath of a nationwide Taliban-imposed internet shutdown, Amanpour looks at the consequences for ordinary Afghans, especially women and girls—whose access to education and the broader world relies on connectivity.
- Amanda Davis follows Afghan women footballers exiled in England, reuniting to form a FIFA-endorsed "refugee team" after being barred from representing Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. Their story exemplifies both tragedy and resilience.
- The segment highlights the lengths Afghan women go to in pursuit of freedom and normalcy: learning to drive, accessing education, securing jobs, and fighting for recognition in global sports.
- Archive reporting revisits Afghanistan’s first period after Taliban rule (2001), the cautious joy as TV, satellite dishes, and communication returned, and the ongoing battle for progress.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On denied recognition:
"We want FIFA to recognize us as an international woman Afghanistan. And we are tired of calling get called refugee."
— Afghan footballer [21:55] -
On fighting for attention from FIFA:
"We have been screaming out loud, we have been knocking every closed door to get FIFA's attention, to listen to our voices and we have really face silence for four years. These girls lost their time."
— Khalida Popol, first captain of Afghanistan Women's team [22:53] -
On the Taliban’s restrictions and defiance:
"The only thing they've not been able to do is go from playing their football here in Doncaster to representing their country wearing the shirt of Afghanistan on the international stage."
— Amanda Davis [21:25] -
On the blackout’s effect:
"No working banks, hospitals struggling to function, planes grounded ... no FaceTime or social media, no news from the outside world, and no way to reach your loved ones abroad. This was the harsh reality for 43 million people in Afghanistan ..."
— Christiane Amanpour [30:29]
Timestamps
- [18:51] — Introduction to Afghan women footballers in exile
- [21:55] — FIFA’s stance and the athletes’ struggle for recognition
- [30:29] — Archive: Life under and briefly after Taliban’s telecom bans
4. Tom Johnson: Leadership, CNN’s Golden Era, and Overcoming Depression
Interview Segment: 23:37–30:27
Key Discussion Points
- Former CNN President Tom Johnson joins Amanpour to share anecdotes from his new memoir, reflecting on his eventful hiring (including a disastrous first dinner with Ted Turner), and his stewardship during global events such as the Gulf War.
- Johnson recounts how CNN’s technological innovations allowed the network to remain live from Baghdad during the opening of the Gulf War, dramatically boosting CNN’s global reputation.
- The interview covers the personal cost of success, with Johnson candidly discussing his lifelong battle with depression, emphasizing that it is a treatable illness, and the pivotal support his wife provided.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On his CNN hiring dinner:
"Ted and Jane were totally oblivious. They were so in love ... Ted offered me the job. ... As Ted was leaving, he shouted 'you've still got the job if you want it.'"
— Tom Johnson [24:48] -
On CNN’s Baghdad breakthrough:
"So when the bombs did fall, CNN was still up live with audio and was the only network from Baghdad at that time."
— Tom Johnson [26:17] -
On living with depression:
"If there is one message that I try to deliver in my book, it is depression is a treatable illness ... And I can't overstate the importance of having a spouse who was able to endure some of the worst of my times."
— Tom Johnson [28:56]
Timestamps
- [24:31] — Johnson interview begins
- [26:17] — CNN’s technological breakthrough
- [28:56] — Johnson on depression and support from his wife
5. Tribute to Jane Goodall: Legacy and Memories
Tribute Segment: 34:46–37:13
Key Discussion Points
- Following the news of Jane Goodall’s passing at 91, Amanpour recalls her personal encounters with the legendary primatologist, underlining Goodall’s pioneering study of chimpanzees, humor, charm, and advocacy for the natural world.
- Excerpts revisit Goodall’s memories of falling in love with Tarzan (wishing he’d picked her), being doubted for her gender and appearance, and ultimately gaining acceptance once her discoveries were verified.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On Jane’s early inspiration:
"When I was 10, I read Tarzan and fell in love. And we. That wretched Tarzan, what did he do? He married the wrong Jane."
— Jane Goodall [36:15] -
On being doubted for her looks:
"There were people saying, well, you know, she's only famous because of her legs and she's a Geographic cover girl, and we don't need to take anything seriously."
— Jane Goodall [37:14] -
Amanpour’s tribute:
"She was revolutionary. She was funny, she was gorgeous, and she enjoyed the odd shot of whiskey. And Jane Goodall inspired us to care for something more than ourselves."
— Christiane Amanpour [37:25]
Concluding Thoughts
In a tightly packed episode, Amanpour masterfully moves from the turmoil of modern politics to intimate stories of resistance, personal purpose, and scientific wonder. The episode weaves a consistent thread: the importance of empathy, courage—whether in government, sport, or science—and the fight, often against great odds, for dignity and truth.
For further listening
The episode also features brief cultural notes (Tony Shalhoub’s bread series; smart home tech), but its core message remains one of global engagement and the power of personal stories to shed light in tumultuous times.