

Post Reports
The Washington Post
Post Reports is the daily podcast from The Washington Post. Unparalleled reporting. Expert insight. Clear analysis. Everything you’ve come to expect from the newsroom of The Post, for your ears. Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi are your hosts, asking the questions you didn’t know you wanted answered. Published weekdays around 5 p.m. Eastern time.
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Oct 31, 2023 • 23min
A night with the rat hunters
A group of people and their small dogs hunt rats late at night in Washington, revealing our complex relationship with animals. Rat hunting is both illegal and praised by residents and police officers. Ratscallions members do it for the team sport and to make their dogs happy. The podcast explores the origins of rat hunting and its thrilling but ineffective nature. It also delves into the motivations behind rat hunting and the unexpected reactions of passersby.

Oct 30, 2023 • 17min
The “second phase” of Israel’s war with Gaza
Israel's war with Gaza enters a new phase as a major ground assault begins. The communications blackout in Gaza causes panic and disrupts vital services. Israeli forces swiftly penetrate deep into Gaza. The conflict leaves both Israelis and Palestinians feeling existentially threatened. The long-term consequences and uncertainty of the Israel-Gaza conflict are explored.

6 snips
Oct 27, 2023 • 23min
How Taylor Swift became her own economy
Pop powerhouse Taylor Swift, nearly 2-decade career, projected to earn billions from her Eras Tour, making it the highest grossing concert tour in history. Discussed her economic impact and how cities have projected to earn millions from her shows. Also highlights her journey to stardom and long-lasting popularity.

Oct 26, 2023 • 30min
A family taken by Hamas
A family's ordeal after being taken hostage by Hamas in Gaza; the impact of the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza; the events leading up to the attack; the aftermath and the search for their family; recognizing the humanity and importance of bringing loved ones home; the history of hostage taking in the Hamas-Israel conflict.

Oct 25, 2023 • 16min
The new House speaker is Mike Johnson. Who?
Mike Johnson, U.S. Rep. from Louisiana and the new House speaker, is a relatively unknown congressman who emerged as the chosen speaker due to his broad support and involvement in overturning the 2020 election results. The podcast discusses the challenges faced during the selection process, the new speaker's conservative background, and the influence of Donald Trump on Republican politics. It also highlights the upcoming funding issues and international crises the House may have to address.

Oct 24, 2023 • 26min
The Trump allies pleading guilty
Guilty pleas of Trump allies in GA election interference case, Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesbrough, their roles in spreading false election fraud claims, impact on federal case, Jenna Ellis apologizes for representing Trump, other Trump indictments and fraud cases, gag orders in Trump's cases, and introduction of new investigative podcast.

Oct 23, 2023 • 19min
Mexico’s migration challenge
This podcast explores Mexico's migration challenge and the increasing number of people approaching the US-Mexico border seeking asylum. It discusses the pressure on Mexico to crack down on migrants, the struggles of their immigration system, and the overcrowding in migrant shelters. The podcast also highlights the difficulties faced by migrants crossing the border and the efforts of President Biden in addressing the situation.

Oct 21, 2023 • 32min
Deep Reads: A trans woman’s journey to acceptance
Artemis Langford, a trans woman, shares her journey of facing discrimination in a sorority, including death threats and a lawsuit. The podcast explores the challenges and controversies surrounding transgender issues on campus, the absence of hate crime legislation in Wyoming, and the impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Despite the court ruling, Artemis remains hopeful for her future.

4 snips
Oct 20, 2023 • 50min
How Lunchables ended up on school lunch trays
Reporters delve into the history of Lunchables and how ultra-processed foods ended up on school lunch trays, despite concerns about child nutrition. The emotional appeal and nostalgia of lunchtime in school are explored, as well as the marketing potential of Lunchables. The challenges of providing healthier options for school lunches and the rigorous new school nutrition standards are discussed. The popularity of Lunchables and its expansion into the National School Lunch Program are also highlighted.

Oct 19, 2023 • 25min
Will there ever be a new House speaker?
The podcast discusses the ongoing turmoil in the House of Representatives as they struggle to elect a new Speaker. It explores the failed attempts to find a replacement for Kevin McCarthy and the role of Jim Jordan. The podcast also analyzes Jordan's controversial actions and legislative record, including investigations and allegations of sexual assault. The episode concludes with a message of gratitude and information about Washington Post subscriptions.