
Impromptu
Smart when you need it, fun when you want it — with hosts who feel like friends. Impromptu is your twice-a-week conversation with Washington Post columnists who bring fresh insight and perspective to the stories shaping the week. On Tuesdays, Dana Milbank and his colleagues dig into the political news that actually matters. Then, on Fridays, Drew Goins and Molly Roberts ease you into the weekend, breaking down the cultural moments you can’t stop thinking about.
Latest episodes

9 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 23min
Is Trump chickening out on foreign policy?
In this engaging discussion, Catherine Rampell, a columnist at The Washington Post, and Jim Geraghty, a senior political correspondent for National Review, dissect Trump’s foreign policy strategies. They explore Wall Street's skepticism about Trump's tariff threats, coining the term TACO. The duo analyzes his muddled approach to pressing global issues like Ukraine and Iran, highlighting the challenges of making meaningful political deals amidst his unpredictable tactics. Their insights reveal a complex landscape of national security and economic implications.

May 30, 2025 • 24min
Movies in 2025: reduce, reuse, recycle
Will Leitch, a contributing columnist known for his insights on movies and cultural trends, joins the conversation to dissect Hollywood's relentless embrace of remakes. The discussion reveals the challenges of originality amid a sea of nostalgia, spotlighting successes like the live-action 'Lilo & Stitch' versus flops such as 'Snow White.' Leitch emphasizes the importance of communal movie experiences and critiques the industry's shift toward profit-driven storytelling, raising questions about the future of creativity in film.

May 27, 2025 • 29min
Can universities survive this?
Catherine Rampell, a columnist at The Washington Post focused on economics and education, joins fellow columnist Jason Willick, who covers law and politics, to dissect President Trump's combative stance on universities. They explore the implications of potential funding cuts aimed at higher education, particularly for international students who are vital to university finances. The conversation also unveils the political tensions in academia and discusses the looming tax increases on university endowments and their potential impact on accessibility for all students.

May 23, 2025 • 24min
We’ll defend Sesame Street with our life
Monica Hesse, a columnist at The Washington Post, passionately defends the beloved legacy of Sesame Street. The conversation uncovers its critical role in children's education and the challenges it faces today. Hesse reminisces about iconic public broadcasting shows and their profound influences on society. They discuss the importance of public funding for quality educational content versus commercial children’s media. The dialogue highlights how public broadcasting shapes American values and engages the audience in meaningful societal issues.

14 snips
May 20, 2025 • 22min
There’s nothing beautiful about this big bill
Natasha Sarin, a professor at Yale Law School and columnist, delves into the contentious tax and spending bill that could harm lower-income communities. The conversation highlights Moody's downgrade of the U.S. economic rating, raising alarms about increased national debt. Sarin and her fellow commentators explore the political tug-of-war among Republicans concerning vital services like Medicaid, the implications of proposed tax cuts favoring the wealthy, and the pressing need for bipartisan cooperation amidst growing economic challenges.

4 snips
May 16, 2025 • 26min
AI is getting smarter. But are we?
Megan McArdle, a columnist for The Washington Post focusing on AI's societal impacts, joins Monica Hesse, who explores humanity and trends. They tackle the evolving role of AI in education, comparing it to past tech disruptions. The duo reflects on leveraging AI for efficiency in daily life while ensuring critical thinking in education remains strong. They also discuss the tension between AI's benefits and potential loss of creativity, questioning how to maintain human connections amid technological advancements. The future of work and personal authenticity takes center stage.

7 snips
May 13, 2025 • 22min
The Art of the Grift
Explore the intriguing world of political influence as billionaires cozy up to power. A luxury plane gift raises ethical red flags while the murky waters of cryptocurrency invite corruption. The podcast dives into the financial ties between tech giants and political figures, with negotiations that shift market dynamics. Understand the complex relationship between wealth and governance, shedding light on transparency issues and the implications of personal gain in leadership. It's a wild ride through money, politics, and ethics.

May 9, 2025 • 25min
Birth rates are falling. So what?
Bina Venkataraman, a columnist at The Washington Post and author of The Optimist's Telescope, dives into the complexities of declining birth rates. She challenges common notions of financial incentives, arguing they often miss deeper societal issues. The conversation explores how political ideologies influence public perception of parenthood and the role of immigration in addressing labor shortages. Venkataraman critiques the pronatalist movement's tension with individual choice, calling for a holistic approach to family planning amidst economic implications.

10 snips
May 6, 2025 • 24min
Trump’s math is just … no
Catherine Rampell, an Opinion columnist at The Washington Post, and Eduardo Porter, a member of the editorial board there, dive into the chaotic landscape of tariffs and trade wars. They humorously tackle Trump's economic predictions while questioning the real impact on American consumers. The discussion covers the complexities of Republican budget negotiations and the looming threat of recession, blending skepticism about current fiscal policies with cautious optimism about the future.

17 snips
May 2, 2025 • 25min
What college costs — and what it’s worth
Heather Long, an economics columnist at The Washington Post, dives into the rising costs of college and the complex value it holds today. She discusses how inflation and student debt are changing perceptions of higher education, questioning its return on investment. The impact of AI on job opportunities is also examined, sparking debate about the necessity of degrees. Long highlights the social benefits of college, like personal growth and networking, while suggesting a shift towards skill-based education as viable alternatives gain traction.