Today on AirTalk, US journalist Evan Gershkovich has been released from Russian custody in what is being called one of the largest prisoner exchanges between Russia and the West. Also on the show, we explore the history of political campaign songs and how they affect a candidate's brand; we dive into the history of soap operas; listeners share how homelessness has changed since Mayor Karen Bass took office; the commander of the Mars simulation mission on their one-year mission; our TV critics review the latest releases; and more.

• Russia releases US journalist in largest East-West prisoner exchange (00:17)
• What can a campaign song tell us about a candidate? (27:56)
• The history of soap operas (41:38)
• Preview: LAist survey on homelessness (31:24)
• Mars simulation commander on one-year mission (1:03:32)
• TV-Talk (1:26:36)