This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit riveraandreeves.substack.com The ceasefire with Iran has a very big asterisk on it—and the media isn't helping anyone figure out what's actually in it. This week, Meseidy and Rachel break down the chaotic reporting surrounding the Iran negotiations: conflicting 10-point plans, a White House pushing back on its own president's statements, a mysteriously revived Ayatollah, and China quietly pulling strings behind the curtain. They also get into NATO's stunning refusal to open airspace during the conflict, why European allies are playing a dangerous game of ingratitude, and what the political consequences could look like heading into the midterms. Plus: the podcast class revolt, Lawrence O'Donnell's latest brain melt, summer grilling recommendations, and a cat who brought home a snake. It's the episode that covers everything—because everything is happening at once. Thank you Lindsey K, Rachael McBee, Elisa Planty, Kate, Elizabeth, and many others for tuning into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS * The Ceasefire Asterisk — Why this pause isn’t a deal, what’s actually being negotiated, and why Iran’s track record gives zero reason for optimism * Media Malpractice on the 10-Point Plan — How legacy outlets (and even Fox) ran with Iranian state media talking points as fact—and the administration’s pushback * China’s Hidden Hand — Evidence suggests it was Beijing, not the Ayatollah, driving the ceasefire—and what that means for the deal’s durability * NATO on the Naughty List — European allies refused airspace access despite decades of US investment; Trump’s now moving troops and setting deadlines * The Podcast Class Revolt — Tucker, MTG, Rogan, and others publicly breaking with Trump, and why the independent media ecosystem is fracturing under pressure * The Lawrence O’Donnell Moment — A full monologue about the word “man.” We are not joking. Follow Us On Youtube! Hit play, grab your coffee, and catch up on what’s actually happening. If this episode earns a share, send it to someone who’s been repeating the same three talking points since Saturday. They need this more than they know. Not a paid subscriber yet? Join us LIVE Tuesday & Thursday at 12:30 pm, get ad-free access the moment we publish, plus our monthly live unfiltered stream every last Saturday at 11:30 AM EST. Subscribed Listen For Free at 6pm Chapters 0:00 Cold Open & Show Intro 3:15 What Actually Happened: The Iran Ceasefire Timeline 7:00 The 10-Point Plan, Iranian State Media & Media Malpractice 13:00 Should You Share Iranian Propaganda? The Information Vacuum Problem 20:00 China's Hidden Role & the Ayatollah's Convenient Revival 28:00 Trump's Truth Social Post: What It Actually Means 33:00 Iran's Wins, Losses & the Uranium Question 37:00 The Podcast Class Revolt & Political Consequences 46:00 NATO Fallout: Airspace Denied, Troops May Move 54:00 Bloomberg Report: Trump Sets European Deadline 1:00:00 Lawrence O'Donnell's Monologue (You Have to See It) 1:04:00 Listener Q&A: Summer Grilling + Crock Pot Tips 1:10:00 Cats, Snakes, Mice & Bats: The Full Ecosystem Report
