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Impromptu

Latest episodes

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9 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 20min

Is gravity catching up to Trump?

Karen Tumulty, a Washington Post columnist focused on politics, and Jason Willick, also from the Post with expertise in law, dive into the legal troubles facing Trump as well as the mild GOP dissent from his policies. They discuss the potential cracks in MAGA unity, consumer confidence plummeting, and the implications of recent local elections. The duo explores how Trump's tariff decisions may be alienating key supporters and reflect on shifts in voter dynamics as the political landscape evolves.
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Mar 28, 2025 • 25min

Why we want to believe in every wellness fix

A fitness influencer posted a video of his over-the-top morning routine that’s racked up nearly a billion views. What does the video’s popularity tell us about our culture’s obsession with so-called wellness? Are people just searching for meaning in a world that can feel out of control? Columnists Drew Goins, Molly Roberts and Ted Johnson talk about our culture’s endless appetite for wellness fixes.Here’s the video referenced in the show.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.
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Mar 25, 2025 • 26min

Make Democrats excited again

Shadi Hamid, a columnist with expertise in American politics and the Middle East, joins fellow columnist Matt Bai from the Washington Post for a lively discussion. They delve into the Democratic Party's struggle to find a unified message since the GOP took over. Topics include the need for fresh leadership to revive voter connections, the importance of grassroots movements, and how economic challenges could create political opportunities against Trump. Their insights offer a blueprint for Democrats to regain passion and relevance amid chaos.
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Mar 21, 2025 • 21min

Well, at least we aren’t severed or stuck at a White Lotus

Monica Hesse, a columnist for the Washington Post, joins hosts Drew Goins and Molly Roberts to dive into the allure of escapist television like 'Severance' and 'White Lotus.' They explore how these shows provide both entertainment and deeper societal commentary, reflecting contemporary work culture and identity. The group humorously addresses our changing viewing habits, examining the contrast between highbrow and everyday TV. They discuss how the need for lighthearted content has become essential in a world overwhelmed with serious narratives.
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Mar 18, 2025 • 23min

Just come in legally, they said

The Trump administration is taking its immigration attacks beyond the border. Federal officials have detained green card holder and Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil, and have picked up other legal immigrants returning from travel abroad. What does all of this mean for the legal immigration system? Columnists Dana Milbank, Eduardo Porter and Shadi Hamid discuss the chilling effects of this “hinge moment” in Trump’s presidency.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.
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Mar 14, 2025 • 20min

Some beautiful, slightly deranged ideas for more sunshine

You think you’ve heard all you need to about daylight saving time, but we promise you haven’t heard it quite like this. Most people hate changing the clocks back and forth each fall and spring, but they can’t seem to agree on how we could do it better. In this episode, Drew Goins, Molly Roberts and David Von Drehle take us on a journey of DST through history and around the world. They also pitch some wild ideas for how we can better optimize the sunlight, which is what we're guessing everybody really wants.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.
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Mar 11, 2025 • 22min

Trump’s shock-and-awe strategy hits the economy

As President Trump stays bullish on tariffs, sending markets spiraling and personal anxieties soaring, the Republican-led Congress is trying to pass a budget. Do Democrats have any levers to pull, or should they just let Republicans own whatever happens next? Dana Milbank, Heather Long and James Hohmann talk through the negotiations in Washington this week and how Trump’s unclear messaging could hurt business.Additional reading:Heather Long: A Trump recession has become a real possibilitySubscribe to The Washington Post here.
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Mar 7, 2025 • 20min

Out with the girl boss, but in with…what?

When a few dozen women in pink suits strode into the House for the joint address to Congress last week, something felt a little, well, off. Partly, it seemed taken from a tired old playbook. Partly, it sent a garbled message. But mostly it pointed to the fact that many liberal women don’t know what to do in this post-resistance era. Columnists Molly Roberts and Monica Hesse speak with contributor Carolina A. Miranda about the backlash to “girl boss” culture, how women on the MAGA right are finding their look and why the aesthetics of it all matter.Additional reading by our columnists:Monica Hesse: Democrats sent a scary message with those pink outfitsCarolina Miranda: Welcome to the era of Trump Trad Subscribe to The Washington Post here.
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Mar 5, 2025 • 22min

Did Trump’s address to Congress trap Democrats?

In this discussion, Ramesh Ponnuru, a seasoned columnist renowned for his conservative insights with the Washington Post, shares his thoughts on President Trump’s unconventional and lengthy address to Congress. He explores the intense partisanship showcased, with Democrats booing and heckling, which raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. Ponnuru delves into the implications of Trump's triumphalist tone and the impact on future governance. The conversation reveals a landscape fraught with political tension and the challenges that lie ahead.
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Feb 28, 2025 • 21min

The Oscar films ask more questions than they answer

Alyssa Rosenberg, a film critic and movie buff, joins the conversation to dissect this year's Oscar-nominated films. They explore the blurred lines between heroes and villains, revealing how these films challenge traditional narratives. The group discusses the controversial themes of identity and ethics found in a gripping story about a cartel leader and a lawyer. They also delve into the complex portrayals of gender identity and transformation in works like 'Conclave' and 'Anora,' highlighting the rich narratives in today's cinematic landscape.

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