Dylan Ratigan

How do we start to eliminate the myths about Islam and the Middle East to get to a basis of reality from which to make decisions? What about the often strained oil-based relationship between the U.S. and the Middle East, and the massive blurring of the lines between an ancient religion and the politics of the region? Dylan recently spoke to Juan Cole, a professor of history at the University of Michigan, and author of Engaging the Muslim World. His blog Informed Comment is a detailed look at the politics and culture, history and religion of the Middle East.

The Chinese have seized the high ground from the U.S. in the 21st century digital information war.In fact, we may be in the middle of a new Cold War-style race — one based on technology and information instead of nuclear warheads and tanks. Joseph Menn is reporter covering technology security and privacy for the Financial Times and author of Fatal System Error: The Hunt for the New Crime Lords Who Are Bringing Down the Internet.

Why have there not been any prosecutions in the financial crisis? Lawrence McDonald is as intimately familiar with how badly you’re being screwed by the American financial system, and how corrupt the governments decision making is to address not only reforming the financial system but servicing justice inside the financial system. He is the author ofA Colossal Failure of Common Sense: The Inside Story of the Collapse of Lehman Brothers. Larry is currently with McDonald Advisory Group and DC Tripwire, specializing in both research and asset management.

You're just one person -- how can you change the world? Deepak Chopra tells us how.

There has been little significant discussion of the need for real debt restructuring, either in the U.S. or in Europe.Additionally, American taxpayers may be more linked to the European financial crisis than they realize.We talk to Sean Egan of Egan-Jones Ratings Company for insight into the U.S.'s risk profile in the global financial market.

Is capital intended to be invested in innovation and development to solve problems, or will it continue to be intended to be used merely as a speculative device in the casino of the U.S. economy? To get answers, Dylan spoke to Dr. Mohamed A. El-Erian, the CEO and co-CIO of PIMCO, a global investment management firm and one of the world’s largest bond investors.

"I want the government to live up to their promises." It’s a short statement, and a simple one — but coming from Congressman and Presidential hopeful Rep. Ron Paul, it’s a definition of a movement. The doctor from Texas attracts a tremendous, highly engaged and often passionate following, but there are many who find that they have a hard time figuring out where he fits into the current “status quo” political debate. A debate which so often rewards those who can spit out soundbites versus those who want to engage and wrestle with the fundamental questions regarding the direction of our country.

An update on three troubling U.S. trade deals with South Korea, Panama, and Colombia. Dylan talks to Lori M. Wallach -- she has been director of Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch since 1995. Wallach is an expert on the operations and outcomes of trade policies such as NAFTA, WTO, CAFTA and more. She is steeped in the domestic and international politics of current trade negotiations and disputes.

You’ve heard the demands from DC insiders. “Cut this! Cut that! Cut the war! Cut health care!” The truth is, there is no cut big enough to solve America’s problems, which means only growth will save us. “It’s easy to sit around and talk about what needs to be chopped up. It takes courage to talk about what you’re going to build,” says Dylan.

What would change if our country started looking at the real cost of fossil fuels? Could the private sector effectively develop alternative fuels that can compete with them, or goes the government need to step in somehow? To get answers, Dylan talks with former Shell Oil president, energy expert and founder of Citizens for Affordable Energy, John Hofmeister.

We are on a collision course with a global restructuring — do the countries of this world and those who lead them have the guts to actually do it? To find answers, we called Josh Rosner. Josh is Managing Director at independent research consultancy firm Graham Fisher & Company, where he advises regulators and investors on housing and mortgage financial issues. Previously he was the Managing Director of financial services research for Medley Global Advisors and was an Executive Vice President at CIBC World Markets.

How would you like to be the most sued company in all of America? That’s an honor most of us would hope not to achieve, but Bank of America has come in first place in that category. Chris Whalen, co-founder of Institutional Risk Analytics, once again joins Dylan to highlight the latest problems with Bank of America.

"The power shift did not start with Obama, but his tenure confirms and completes it." Whether or not you agree with that statement, don't miss this incredible interview with William Greider of The Nation.

Andrew Jenks, host of MTV's World of Jenks, discusses the plight, aspirations and ambitions of his generation. We had the opportunity to talk to Andrew about what inspires him, and what he plans to do with his ever-expanding television and social media audience.

100 years ago, the monopolies took over this country, and it took a man by the name of Teddy Roosevelt to break them up and restore fairness. We’re looking for some more politicians like that -- we'd like you to meet Rep. Brad Miller.