Ep 1. Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Seat at the Table with Anand Giridharadas is a new talk show where the host invites guests from a variety of backgrounds to discuss the pressing issues of our time. In season 1, episode 1 titled Wednesday, April 22, 2020, Anand sets the tone for what viewers can expect from the show: thoughtful, nuanced conversations that aim to find common ground.

The guests on this episode are three women who are making a difference in their respective fields. The first is Ai-jen Poo, the director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and the co-director of the Caring Across Generations campaign. Ai-jen has been a tireless advocate for the rights of domestic workers, who often labor in poor conditions with little legal protection. During her conversation with Anand, Ai-jen talks about the effects of COVID-19 on domestic workers and their employers.

The second guest is Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician who previously served as the health commissioner for the city of Baltimore. Dr. Wen has been a vocal critic of the lack of preparedness in the US healthcare system, particularly when it comes to responding to pandemics. Anand and Dr. Wen discuss the challenges of managing the COVID-19 outbreak, and how healthcare workers are coping with the surge in patients.

The third guest is Eva Longoria, an actress, producer, and activist who has been involved in a number of political causes. Eva has been using her platform to draw attention to issues affecting Latinx communities, including the need for better access to healthcare and education. During her conversation with Anand, Eva talks about the impact of COVID-19 on these communities, and how she is working to support them.

Throughout the episode, Anand facilitates a lively and informative conversation with his guests. He is adept at asking probing questions that get to the heart of the issues they are discussing, while also keeping the discussion light and engaging. One of the highlights of the episode is when Anand asks the guests what they are doing to stay sane during the pandemic. Their answers are both relatable and inspiring, reminding viewers that even during these difficult times, we can find moments of joy and connection.

All in all, Seat at the Table with Anand Giridharadas season 1 episode 1 is an impressive debut for a new talk show. Anand proves himself to be a skilled host who is capable of leading thoughtful conversations on a variety of topics. The guests are all impressive in their own right, and their discussions are informative and engaging. Viewers who are looking for a show that delves into the big issues of our time will find a lot to enjoy in Seat at the Table.