Post Reports

Michael Birnbaum, White House correspondent for The Washington Post, shares insightful analysis of U.S.-Saudi relations. He discusses the lavish welcome given to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the stark contrast to the backlash following Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Birnbaum explores the geopolitical pressures that maintain ties with Saudi Arabia, as well as potential personal and business connections between Trump and the crown prince. The conversation covers defense deals, the investment landscape, and MBS's push to reshape Saudi Arabia's image through culture and sports.

In this engaging discussion, Rick Maese, a seasoned sports reporter from the Washington Post, delves into the gambling epidemic sweeping through sports. He explores how modern sportsbooks operate, revealing the surge in mobile betting and prop bets. Recent scandals involving NBA coaches and players raise questions about integrity and addiction. Maese warns that while legalized betting offers some safety, the industry teeters on the edge of compromising trust and competition. Is the thrill of sports betting worth the risks? Tune in for insights!

Samantha Sherry, a Features reporter for The Washington Post, shares insights from Blexit's visit to Howard University during homecoming, revealing mixed student reactions ranging from protests to interest in financial literacy. Sabrina Rodriguez, a national politics reporter, discusses the rising share of Black voters supporting Trump in 2024 and the Republican Party's strategic outreach efforts. They explore the potential longevity of these shifts and the appeal of conservative messaging among young Black voters.

Join journalist Billy Baker, author of "We Need to Hang Out," as he dives into the importance of adult friendships. He discusses the loneliness epidemic and shares his personal journey into male loneliness after a Globe assignment. Discover the concept of the 'Velvet Hook'—soft, regular connections that keep friendships alive. Billy provides practical tips, like prioritizing friendship as a daily task and using shared interests to form bonds. He even challenges listeners to reach out to someone they miss. Friendship can be cultivated, one courageous ask at a time!

Join Dan Merica and Matthew Choi, political reporters from The Early Brief, as they navigate the newly released Epstein emails revealing troubling ties to Donald Trump. They delve into the political motivations behind the timing of the email release and explore the White House's reaction and GOP pushback. The conversation shifts to the recent government shutdown, dissecting why it ended, the lessons learned for both parties, and the implications for future negotiations. Don't miss their insights on how affordability could shape the upcoming midterms!

Karen DeYoung, Senior National Security Correspondent for The Washington Post, and Samantha Schmidt, Mexico City Bureau Chief, explore the turbulent U.S.-Latin America relationship under Trump. They discuss U.S. military actions against Maduro and the precarious tension with Venezuela. The conversation delves into Colombia's shifting dynamics under President Petro, the influence of migration on policies, and America's backing of right-leaning leaders. Together, they unravel the historical context and modern strategies shaping U.S. involvement in the region.

Susannah George, an International correspondent for The Washington Post, and Peter Spiegel, managing editor at the same outlet, delve into the astonishing journey of Ahmed al-Sharaa. Once a designated terrorist, al-Sharaa toppled Assad and made history by visiting the White House as Syria's leader. They discuss al-Sharaa's past, including his imprisonment and shift from insurgent to revolutionary leader. The conversation covers his efforts for Syria's future, the need for U.S. support, and the challenges of reconciliation in a fractured nation.

Acclaimed director Kathryn Bigelow, known for her Oscar-winning films, discusses her latest project, A House of Dynamite, which delves into the threat of nuclear war. She shares her childhood fears of atomic bombs and her drive to explore decisions made in moments of crisis. Co-creator Noah Oppenheim contributes his journalistic background to the screenplay, emphasizing the normalization of nuclear risk. They address public reactions, recent news of potential nuclear testing, and the film’s urgent call for conversation around denuclearization and safer policies.

Liz Goodwin, a national political reporter for The Washington Post with a focus on congressional politics, joins the discussion on the recent government shutdown. She explains why a faction of Senate Democrats voted with Republicans to restart the government and the implications of this compromise. Goodwin highlights the failed negotiations over ACA subsidies and the growing divide within the Democratic Party, as well as the political risks facing Republicans amid this crisis. The fallout from these decisions could reshape future negotiations.

Jordie Poncy, a clinical psychologist and cancer patient, shares his journey of diagnosis and recovery, transforming his experience into a source of strength for others at Moffitt Cancer Center. Together with Jennifer Gregg, a professor and expert in meaning-focused therapy, they discuss how finding purpose can motivate patients. Jordie emphasizes the power of empathy in counseling, while Jennifer offers practical steps to regain vitality through small acts aligned with personal values, showcasing hope in the face of illness.