Post Reports

Yasmeen Abutaleb, a national politics reporter for The Washington Post, dives into Barack Obama's evolving role post-presidency. She discusses how Obama has emerged from the shadows to confront Trump’s tactics and navigate complex redistricting battles. With a focus on elevating new leaders, Obama’s strategic public interventions during crises and his behind-the-scenes orchestration—including an impactful ad for Prop 50—illustrate his unique influence within the Democratic Party. Yasmeen offers insight into Obama’s frustrations and his cautious approach to preserving the power of his voice.

Esme Fuller-Thompson, Director at the Institute for Life, Course and Aging, discusses groundbreaking research revealing that 25% of older adults improve their health after 60. Florine Schuber, a vibrant 91-year-old, shares her inspiring journey of strength training post-falls, emphasizing the power of social connections and lifestyle changes. They highlight the significance of psychological health in recovery and offer practical advice for aging actively and making new friends, proving that resilience and self-care can lead to reinvention at any age.

Dan Diamond, a White House reporter for The Washington Post, discusses the swift demolition of the East Wing to build a grand ballroom, highlighting its political and architectural implications. Dan Merica, co-anchor of The Early Brief newsletter, analyzes the fallout from controversial comments made by Maine Senate hopeful Graham Plattner, including past online posts and their impact on his campaign. They also dive into the nuances of voter tolerance for past behavior and the shrinking pool of nominees in Trump's administration.

Gerrit De Vynck, a technology reporter for The Washington Post, reveals leaked recordings from Peter Thiel's controversial lecture series, where the billionaire labels opponents of regulation as 'legionnaires of the Antichrist.' Thiel's provocative views intertwine faith with tech, portraying critics as threats to financial freedom. De Vynck highlights Thiel's apocalyptic framing of politics, his relationship with Trump, and the growing conservatism in Silicon Valley, questioning how these ideas impact tech's influence in political landscapes.

Ben Golliver, an NBA reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the fresh NBA season, tackling key questions like whether the Oklahoma City Thunder can defend their championship. He discusses the decline in viewership due to cord-cutting and highlights the league's new broadcasting strategies aimed at attracting younger fans. Golliver also examines the rising number of international players, the potential return to China, and how injuries in the Eastern Conference could shape the playoff landscape.

In this captivating discussion, Philip Kennicott, Senior art and architecture critic for The Washington Post, dissects the audacious Louvre jewel heist. He reveals how thieves executed their plan with disguises and a quick escape through a window. Philip dives into the historical significance of the stolen Napoleonic-era jewels and shares the public outrage in France regarding security failures. He also explores the challenges thieves face in selling such high-profile gems, emphasizing the broader implications of this theft on cultural access and inequality.

National security reporter Alex Horton, known for his insights on military actions, discusses U.S. strikes on Caribbean boats, with a focus on recent attacks linked to drug trafficking. He highlights the shift from Coast Guard operations to military strikes under Trump's administration and the lack of evidence supporting these actions. Horton delves into the implications of survivors from Colombia complicating legal narratives and the potential motivations behind these operations, including speculation about regime change in Venezuela and strained U.S.-Colombia relations.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Fuchsia Sirwa, a social and health psychology professor at Durham University, shares insights on optimism, well-being, and resilience. She highlights how mindset shifts and practices like gratitude can foster happiness. Atdhe Trepca, the filmmaker behind the viral 'Are You Happy?' project, reveals the surprising candidness in people's responses about joy amidst hardship. They explore whether happiness is a choice and the impact of social support on well-being, blending personal stories with research-backed evidence.

Shelley Moore Capito, a Senior U.S. Senator from West Virginia and a key player in Senate Republican leadership, discusses the ongoing federal government shutdown. She emphasizes the need to reopen the government before tackling health care reforms, specifically around ACA subsidies. Capito expresses a willingness to vote on a temporary extension but stands firm against the demands that would guarantee outcomes for Democrats. She also raises concerns about the erosion of congressional authority and the implications of extreme online rhetoric among political groups.

Tom Sietsema, a revered food critic for over 25 years, shares fascinating insights from his extensive dining career. He discusses his unique ordering strategies to evaluate the dining 'theater' and the importance of maintaining anonymity while reviewing. Listeners will learn how Tom chooses restaurants, the value of repeat visits, and his tips for enjoying a night out. He also reflects on the challenges of writing reviews and the evolving role of critics amid online reviews, all while cherishing the connections he made with readers.