🇧🇷 Brazil Episodes

Guest: Fernando Gomes, neurosurgeon, neuroscientist, and associate professor at the USP School of Medicine. In this first episode of 2026, O Assunto answers a question: what is the importance of doing a “mental cleanse” and giving your brain time to rest? In conversation with Natuza Nery, neuroscientist Fernando Gomes answers this and other questions related to the main organ of the human nervous system. Fernando details how the human brain works – and what our real capacity is for doing more than one task at a time. The doctor explains what happens when there is overstimulation – although our brain can switch its focus of attention, “multitasking” mode can lead to problems such as stress, anxiety, and memory loss, in addition to changes in blood pressure. In the conversation, Fernando discusses the cultural belief that women are, naturally, more adept at performing several tasks simultaneously. The neuroscientist evaluates that the act of doing many things at once is a "great fallacy" from a biological point of view. Finally, Fernando emphasizes the importance of leisure and maintaining sleep quality for brain health.

Guest: Ana Maria Gonçalves, author of "A Color Defect". 2025 marked a historic chapter for Brazilian culture: writer Ana Maria Gonçalves arrived at the Brazilian Academy of Letters. It was the first time in 128 years that a Black woman took a seat at the ABL. This Tuesday, December 30, O Assunto reruns Natuza Nery's conversation with Ana Maria Gonçalves, recorded days before the writer's inauguration at the ABL. The author of the book that became a landmark of our contemporary culture discusses the place of Black women in Brazilian literature. Ana Maria tells how the protagonist Kehinde was created, an African woman who survived the Atlantic crossing and the violence of slavery in Brazil. Kehinde was inspired by the life of Luísa Mahin, mother of the poet and lawyer Luiz Gama – a key figure in Brazilian abolitionism. In the conversation, Ana Maria discusses the differences between Brazil in 2006 – the year her main novel was published – and the country today. "A Color Defect" won the Casa de las Américas Prize in 2007, one of the most important in Latin America. In 2024, the book was the theme of the samba-enredo of the Portela samba school. Throughout the episode, excerpts from "A Color Defect" are read by journalist Maju Coutinho and actor Lázaro Ramos – he gives voice to stanzas from Luiz Gama's poem "My Mother" and letters written by the author.

Guests: Poliana Casemiro, g1 reporter; and Renata Paparelli, Professor of Psychology and Coordinator of the Work Clinic at PUC-SP. Every year, mental health-related illnesses keep 500,000 Brazilians away from work. Anxiety, depression, and stress are among the diagnoses. This is a global crisis with impacts also on the economy. The World Health Organization (WHO) points out that mental health-related issues cause losses in the order of US$1 trillion per year globally. This Monday, December 29, O Assunto reruns an episode that discusses what is behind the explosion of absences due to mental health-related issues. And analyzes what this says about the work environment in Brazil and other countries. Natuza Nery speaks with Poliana Casemiro, a g1 reporter who conducted the survey based on exclusive data obtained from the Ministry of Social Security. Poliana provides an X-ray of the numbers that reveal the existence of a mental health crisis among Brazilian workers. She recounts what she heard from workers and reports how companies act to mitigate the problem. Afterward, Natuza speaks with psychotherapist Renata Paparelli. A Professor of Psychology and Coordinator of the Work Clinic at PUC-SP, Renata also coordinates the Worker's Health Actions Nucleus. She is the one who analyzes what is behind the explosion of work absence cases due to problems such as depression and anxiety.

Guests: César Tralli, Globo and GloboNews presenter, and Bruno Tavares, Globo reporter. In August 2025, the mega-operation Hidden Carbon exposed a complex scheme involving the criminal faction PCC, the fuel sector, and the heart of the Brazilian financial system: Faria Lima. The investigation showed how the PCC infiltrates agents into fintechs and investment funds to hide dirty money from organized crime. According to the federal revenue, R$ 52 billion was moved in four years. It was from this operation that new layers of organized crime began to be unveiled, revealing an even deeper and more sophisticated network. This Friday, December 26, O Assunto reruns the most listened-to episode of the year. "Fintechs have become a black hole," César Tralli summarizes in conversation with Natuza Nery in this episode. Globo presenter, Tralli reports what he heard from investigators and tells how the investigation against organized crime reached the country's financial heart. Before that, Natuza talks with Bruno Tavares, the Globo reporter who first revealed the mega-operation against the PCC. He explains how this investigation originated and answers why the fuel sector is so attractive for the practice of crimes.

Guest: Oliver Stuenkel, professor of International Relations at FGV and researcher at Harvard University and the Carnegie Endowment. On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump reassumed the presidency of the USA. And, in this first year of his second term leading the White House, he governed with all eyes on him, generating practically daily headlines. Throughout 2025, Trump made controversial statements and live-streamed announcements. Everything designed to make an impact. In this episode, Natuza Nery talks with Oliver Stuenkel, professor of International Relations at FGV and researcher at Harvard University and the Carnegie Endowment, who analyzes Trump's strategy of governing like a "showman". He explains what Trump's relationship with Lula – and the US's with Brazil – looks like after a rollercoaster involving massive tariffs and the accusation that the Brazilian government and Judiciary were promoting a "witch hunt" against Jair Bolsonaro. Oliver comments on Trump's strategy of positioning himself as a "peace agent" in global geopolitics and points out the prospects for the US president in domestic politics – and what he can expect from the 2026 midterm elections. Oliver also assesses signs that Trump might attempt a third term, which is prohibited by the American Constitution.

Guest: Vera Magalhães, columnist for O Globo newspaper, anchor at CBN radio, and presenter of the Roda Viva program on TV Cultura. One of the last projects approved by the Senate this year was the one that reduces sentences for those convicted of the January 8 coup acts: the Sentencing Bill. One of the beneficiaries is former president Jair Bolsonaro, held at the Federal Police Superintendence since November. President Lula said he would veto the text, a measure that could be overturned by Congress and still be challenged by the Supreme Federal Court. It is a long process that exposes the clash between the Powers seen throughout the year. In this episode, Natuza Nery talks with journalist Vera Magalhães to take stock of what 2025 was like in politics. Vera analyzes why Congress advanced on sentence dosimetry so soon after the convictions determined by the Supreme Court. She also evaluates the stance of the Chamber, which ended the year under the weakened leadership of Hugo Motta, amidst low legislative productivity and unprecedented scenes of violence. Finally, Natuza and Vera discuss what to expect from 2026. Vera outlines the electoral scenario after the arrest of Jair Bolsonaro, the anointing of Flávio Bolsonaro as the political heir of Bolsonarism, and Lula's recovery after facing the massive price hike. What are the fragilities and trump cards of each camp on the eve of a new election year?

Guest: Thomas Traumann, GloboNews commentator. In the US since March, Eduardo Bolsonaro (PL-SP) had his term as congressman revoked this Thursday (18). In addition to him, Alexandre Ramagem (PL-RJ) also lost his position in the Chamber of Deputies. The decision came from the Chamber's Board of Directors and was signed by the House Speaker, congressman Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB). For different reasons, the two former Bolsonaro-allied congressmen who are in the US lost their mandates. In this episode, Natuza Nery talks to Thomas Traumann to recall what led to the revocation of Eduardo's and Ramagem's mandates – and why this decision was made by the Chamber's leadership now, one week after the House Plenary had disregarded a decision by the Federal Supreme Court and acquitted fellow Bolsonaro-ally Carla Zambelli (PL-SP) from revocation. Arrested in Italy, Zambelli ended up resigning days later. Thomas explains Eduardo's political and legal situation – without a mandate and without privileged forum, Jair Bolsonaro's son also lost support from US President Donald Trump. Thomas also answers what could happen to Ramagem, who fled to the US before being sentenced to prison for attempted coup d'état and and is considered a fugitive from Brazilian justice.

Guests: Léo Arcoverde, GloboNews reporter; and Joísa Dutra, FGV do Rio professor and former Aneel director. More than 2.2 million properties lost power in São Paulo after a storm with winds of over 90 km/h hit the city. Hundreds of trees fell and hit the power grid, under the responsibility of Enel - the concessionaire providing energy to the capital and cities in Greater São Paulo. The episode brought to light an old problem – since 2020, Enel has already received R$ 374 million in fines applied by the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) due to poor service provision. After yet another episode in which millions of people lost power and hundreds of millions of reais in losses, a meeting between federal, state, and municipal governments decided to initiate the process of terminating the contract with Enel. In a conversation with Natuza Nery, GloboNews reporter Léo Arcoverde explains how the company reached a critical point in service provision in São Paulo. He recalls the November 2023 blackout, when millions of people lost power – in some areas, the lack of supply lasted a week. He details the difference between intervention and forfeiture processes and explains what Enel claims to justify the blackouts. Afterwards, Natuza welcomes Joísa Dutra, FGV do Rio professor and director of the Center for Regulation in Infrastructure at the same institution, FGV CERI. Joísa, who was an Aneel director between 2005 and 2009, explains how contract termination processes with energy concessionaires work. She also answers what could happen to Enel and what guarantees customers have with the prospect of the concession ending.

Guest: Marco Antônio Martins, g1 Rio reporter. The arrest of federal judge Macário Ramos Júdice Neto this Tuesday (16) exposed another layer of the TH Joias case. Arrested in September, the now ex-state deputy TH Joias (MDB) is being investigated for involvement with criminal factions. Earlier this month, deputy Rodrigo Bacellar (União Brasil), then president of Alerj, was also arrested on suspicion of leaking confidential information from Operation Unha e Carne, precisely the operation that led to TH Joias' arrest. In the 2nd phase of the operation, carried out this Tuesday, the Federal Police have indications that Macário helped Bacellar leak information to TH Joias. The judge was the rapporteur of the TH Joias case in the second instance of the Rio de Janeiro Judiciary. Documents and message exchanges obtained by investigators show the closeness between the judge and the now ex-president of Alerj. In this episode, Natuza Nery talks with Marco Antônio Martins, g1 Rio reporter. Marco Antônio recalls who TH Joias is and the suspicions surrounding the former deputy. He recalls how Bacellar was arrested and released days later, and the indications that the judge arrested this Tuesday helped leak information about the case. Finally, Marco Antônio answers what makes this case different from others involving politicians in RJ, a state where five of the 11 governors elected since redemocratization have been arrested – and where even oversight bodies have been targets of corruption investigations.

Guest: Demétrio Magnoli, GloboNews commentator and columnist for O Globo and Folha de S.Paulo. José Antonio Kast was elected president of Chile with a significant advantage: he received over 58% of the votes, defeating left-wing candidate Jeannette Jara in the second round. During the campaign, Kast promised to strengthen public security and tighten immigration rules. Aligned with the conservative right, Kast moderated his discourse in recent months. Having been elected, he met with current left-wing president Gabriel Boric and began the transition process - his inauguration will be in March 2026. Kast's victory reinforces a recent movement of the right's advance in South America. In October, Bolivia — a country traditionally governed by the left — broke a cycle of nearly two decades. To analyze the result of the Chilean election and explain the status of the South American continent's ideological map, Natuza Nery welcomes Demétrio Magnoli, GloboNews commentator and columnist for O Globo and Folha de S. Paulo newspapers. Demétrio assesses which changes by Kast – and the electorate – led to his victory in his third presidential race. He analyzes the logic of "rejection election" and answers whether this phenomenon is repeated in other countries on the continent. Finally, Demétrio concludes on the state of right and left-wing forces in South America – and what common traits exist among countries governed by presidents from both political specters.

Guests: Regina Célia Almeida, co-founder and vice-president of the Maria da Penha Institute; and Amanda Sadalla, co-founder and executive director of Serenas. Tainara was dragged. Daniele, stabbed to death. Alane and Layse, shot. Catarina, raped and strangled. Maria Katiane, assaulted and found dead after falling from the 10th floor. All of them, victims of a recurring crime in Brazil: femicide. In the first six months of 2025, there were 718 cases: on average, four women are killed every day in the country. A crime that continues to grow, despite its penalty being stiffened since last year. Under current law, those who commit femicide can be sentenced to up to 40 years in prison. In this episode, Natuza Nery speaks with Amanda Sadalla, co-founder and executive director of Serenas, an organization that works to prevent violence against women and girls; and also hears from Regina Célia Almeida, co-founder and vice-president of the Maria da Penha Institute. Amanda explains how prevention and the guidance of public agents are fundamental in combating femicide and violence against women. She also talks about the importance of educating boys and girls to break cycles of aggression and cites the United Kingdom as an example of good practices to prevent this type of crime. Regina responds about what type of public policy needs to exist to assist victims of domestic violence and highlights how the so-called shelters are essential for assisting women and girls. Finally, Regina emphasizes the importance of women recognizing when they are victims of violence and abuse.

Guests: Fernanda Vivas, journalist and producer for TV Globo in Brasília; and André Trigueiro, TV Globo journalist and commentator and editor-in-chief of Cidades e Soluções, on GloboNews. Two years after the Supreme Court ruled that the temporal framework is unconstitutional, the Senate approved a PEC (Proposed Constitutional Amendment) that includes the thesis in the Constitution. According to the text, indigenous peoples will only be able to claim possession of areas they permanently occupied on October 5, 1988. In practice, if communities cannot prove they were on the lands on this date, they may be expelled. The senators' analysis of the text was rapid: the two-round vote occurred in just one night – the House's rules stipulate a five-business-day interval. In parallel, at the Federal Supreme Court, ministers resumed analysis of four lawsuits related to the temporal framework and indigenous land rights. To explain in detail what the temporal framework is, what was approved in the Senate, and the proposal's path from now on, Natuza Nery speaks with Fernanda Vivas, a TV Globo journalist in Brasília. Afterwards, Natuza speaks with André Trigueiro, GloboNews commentator and editor-in-chief of the Cidades e Soluções program. Trigueiro assesses the constitutionality of the temporal framework and points out the consequences of its eventual definitive approval for indigenous peoples and for sectors of agribusiness.

Guest: Davi Tangerino, criminal lawyer and Law professor at UERJ. Approved by the Chamber of Deputies during the early hours of Wednesday (10), the so-called "Dosimetry Bill" now proceeds to the Senate. There were 291 votes in favor and 148 votes against, in addition to 1 abstention. The vote ended at 2:30 AM, after a chaotic Tuesday in the Chamber. The text provides for reducing the sentences of those convicted in the coup plot, including former president Jair Bolsonaro and the military members of the crucial core. The bill expands the possibility that the penalty for one crime may be absorbed by another -- which is what is expected to happen with Bolsonaro's conviction for violent abolition of the Democratic Rule of Law and for the crime of attempted coup d'état. And it also reduces the time of imprisonment in a closed regime for some cases, from 25% to 16%. The expectation is that the text will be analyzed in the Senate as early as next week. If approved by Congress, the bill proceeds to presidential sanction. Explaining the main points of the Dosimetry Bill is Davi Tangerino, Law professor at the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). In a conversation with Natuza Nery, the criminal lawyer details what happens with the sum of sentences for different crimes – and in Bolsonaro's specific case, what changes in the conviction for attempted coup d'état and violent abolition of the Democratic Rule of Law. The professor also answers what happens with the so-called regime progression in Bolsonaro's case. And who, besides the former president and the other convicted individuals in the coup plot, could benefit if the bill becomes law.

Guest: Davi Tangerino, criminal lawyer and Law professor at UERJ. Approved in the Chamber during the early hours of Wednesday (10), the so-called Dosimetry Bill now proceeds to the Senate. There were 291 votes in favor and 148 votes against, plus 1 abstention. The vote ended at 2:30 AM, after a chaotic Tuesday in the Chamber. The text provides for reducing the sentences of those convicted in the coup plot, among them former president Jair Bolsonaro and the military personnel from the crucial core. The bill expands the possibility that the penalty for one crime may be absorbed by another -- which is what is expected to happen with Bolsonaro's conviction for violent abolition of the Democratic Rule of Law and for the crime of attempted coup d'état. And it also reduces the time of sentence in closed regime for some cases, from 25% to 16%. The expectation is that the text will be analyzed in the Senate as early as next week. If approved in Congress, the bill goes for presidential sanction. Davi Tangerino, Law professor at the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), explains the main points of the Dosimetry Bill. In a conversation with Natuza Nery, the criminal lawyer details what happens with the sum of penalties for different crimes – and in Bolsonaro's specific case, what changes in the conviction for attempted coup d'état and violent abolition of the Democratic Rule of Law. The professor also answers what happens with the so-called regime progression in Bolsonaro's case. And who, besides the former president and the other convicted individuals in the coup plot, may benefit if the bill becomes law.

Guest: Ana Flor, g1 columnist and GloboNews commentator. Deputy Glauber Braga (PSOL-RJ) occupied the chair of the Speaker of the Chamber, Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB) around 4 PM on Tuesday (9). Hours earlier, Motta had announced that he would put to a vote later this week the revocation of Braga's mandate, who is accused of breaching parliamentary decorum by assaulting a militant from the Free Brazil Movement (MBL) in April 2024. Glauber Braga refused to leave Motta's chair until, at 5:34 PM, the TV Câmara signal was cut and the legislative police removed the press from the Plenary. Subsequently, shortly after 6 PM, Deputy Glauber was forcibly removed from the Presiding Board by the legislative police. After the commotion, Motta reopened the Chamber's proceedings. Around midnight, the deputies began to analyze the bill that benefits Jair Bolsonaro and others convicted of attempted coup. To explain how the confusion unfolded and what happened afterward, Natuza Nery speaks with journalist Ana Flor. A g1 columnist and GloboNews commentator, Ana Flor details the degree of unprecedented nature of the events recorded in the Chamber of Deputies this Tuesday. Directly from Congress, the journalist points out the difference in posture adopted by Hugo Motta now and in August, when Bolsonaro-allied parliamentarians occupied the Speaker's chair for two days. Ana also details the prospects for analyzing the revocations of the mandates of Glauber and deputies Carla Zambelli, Alexandre Ramagem, and Eduardo Bolsonaro, also announced by Hugo Motta for the coming days.

Guest: Octavio Guedes, g1 columnist and GloboNews commentator. Announced by Jair Bolsonaro's own eldest son, the choice of Flávio to run for President in 2026 shook up the electoral landscape. On Friday (5), the senator for Rio de Janeiro surprised allies and opponents by making public that he had received the mission directly from his father, the former president who is imprisoned for attempted coup d'état. Jair's decision came at the end of a busy week for the Bolsonaro clan. Days earlier, former first lady Michelle publicly imploded the attempt to forge an alliance between the PL and Ciro Gomes in Ceará. Flávio and Carlos Bolsonaro criticized her publicly; shortly after, Flávio apologized. Flávio's pre-candidacy, however, was born under the suspicion of Centrão party leaders, who prefer governors positioning themselves as options for the dispute. Such as the governors of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos), and Paraná, Ratinho Jr. (PSD). Over the weekend, Flávio himself pondered the possibility of not going all the way, stating that his pre-candidacy "has a price" and could be withdrawn if a counterpart were offered in return. To analyze and explain the scenario in which Jair Bolsonaro anointed his eldest son to run for President, Natuza Nery speaks with Octavio Guedes, g1 columnist and GloboNews commentator. In the conversation, Octavio Guedes comments on the movements of the center, the right, and Bolsonarism, in addition to projecting Flávio's political and electoral viability at the polls in 2026.

Guests: Letícia Carvalho, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority (ISA); and Luigi Jovane, professor at the Department of Physical, Chemical, and Geological Oceanography of the Oceanographic Institute of USP. The ocean floor is an immense deposit of chemical elements. Among them, copper, iron, and zinc, essential for the production of chips, electric car batteries, and solar panels. They are found at a depth of about 5 km, where only machines can withstand the water pressure and extremely low temperatures. And the economic potential of the seabed generates an international race for its commercial exploration. US President Donald Trump wants to boost the activity even in international waters, which represent 66% of the entire ocean area. But to whom do these riches belong? Elected Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, Brazilian oceanographer Letícia Carvalho is interviewed by Victor Boyadjian in this episode. Letícia explains the need for a legal framework for deep-sea exploration and the status of discussions on the matter. Letícia answers what international instruments are necessary to ensure that commercial exploitation rules are complied with. Before that, the conversation is with Luigi Jovane, geophysicist and professor at the Oceanographic Institute of USP. He details which minerals are found on the ocean floor and their importance for the global economy. The professor discusses the technologies involved in this type of exploration and the environmental risks involved.

Guest: Samuel Pessôa, researcher at FGV IBRE and BTG Pactual, and holds a PhD in economics from USP. The third-quarter GDP result, released this Thursday (4), showed a slowdown in the Brazilian economy. The loss of momentum – an advance of only 0.1% in the period – was already expected and points to a growth above 2% for the year. Meanwhile, inflation recedes to 4.4%, a rate within the target limit for the last 12 months – contrary to market predictions, which estimated a price increase of around 6% for 2025. To explain what these numbers say about the current state of the Brazilian economy and what to expect for 2026, Victor Boyadjian talks with Samuel Pessôa. A PhD in economics from USP and a researcher at FGV Ibre and BTG Pactual, Pessôa analyzes the country's macroeconomic data and explains why the 2025 result exceeded market expectations – and issues warnings about possible pitfalls, especially regarding the fiscal aspect. Pessôa also comments on why, even with a heated job market, inflation stopped accelerating – and how this relates to interest rate expectations for 2026. He further analyzes the reasons leading the stock market to register records in recent weeks and points out prospects for the Brazilian economy under the impact of external and internal influences.

Guest: Cláudio Couto, political scientist and professor at FGV São Paulo. Hours after STF Justice Gilmar Mendes decided that only the Prosecutor General's Office can request the impeachment of Court members, the President of the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, made a statement defending the House's prerogative to initiate such proceedings. Gilmar's decision still needs to be ratified by the Supreme Court's Plenary. Previously, the law allowed this to be a prerogative of "every citizen." The friction is yet another element in the recent clash between Congress and the other two branches of government. The Senate and the Executive have been in crisis since President Lula nominated Jorge Messias for a vacancy in the STF. Messias needs to be approved by senators – but faces resistance, as some parliamentarians preferred Rodrigo Pacheco for the open position on the Court. In this episode, Victor Boyadjian hosts political scientist Cláudio Couto to explain what other elements are in the background of this dispute. A professor at FGV São Paulo, Cláudio analyzes the responses and actions of Congress following decisions by the Executive and the Judiciary. And concludes how the recent frictions generate environmental and fiscal damages, and, above all, harm the country's population.

Guest: Maurício Santoro, PhD in Political Science from the University Research Institute of Rio de Janeiro, Iuperj. The American government has an action plan ready for Venezuela should Nicolás Maduro leave power, according to what the Pentagon disclosed this Tuesday (2). The US Department of Defense made the statement days after the ultimatum given by Donald Trump to the Venezuelan president expired: according to the Reuters news agency, the American gave until November 28 for Maduro to leave Venezuela. In this episode, Victor Boyadjian talks with Maurício Santoro, PhD in Political Science from the University Research Institute of Rio de Janeiro, Iuperj. Santoro points out how Trump placed himself in a political "trap" by escalating pressure against the Maduro regime. And analyzes internal pressures in the US regarding the attacks made by the Trump administration on boats in the Caribbean. A collaborator at the Center for Political-Strategic Studies of the Brazilian Navy, Santoro explains how the US stance towards Maduro represents a change in the American government's position in Latin America. And clarifies Brazil's situation in the face of a possible US invasion of the neighboring country and conflict on Venezuelan soil.