Impromptu

In a month filled with uncertainty, the hosts dive into the search for gratitude. They discuss how family traditions can provide a comforting sense of normalcy. Examining global poverty, they celebrate progress while sharing enlightening personal stories. They reflect on community strength in a divided nation, highlighting the importance of democratic rights. Nature as a source of solace and the resilience of American democracy are key themes. Ultimately, they encourage a thankful mind-set, echoing Lincoln's call to recognize blessings even during tough times.

As potential deep cuts to federal agencies dominate headlines, it’s more important than ever to understand the people who make the government run. In the final installment of our “Who is Government” series, comedian and filmmaker W. Kamau Bell delves into the antitrust division of the Justice Department and learns about the surprising ways it can help America live up to its promise.Watch Bell’s video or read his column here: The RookieAnd be sure to check out the rest of the “Who is government?” series.The Canary, by Michael LewisThe Sentinel, by Casey CepThe Searchers, by Dave EggersThe Number, by John LanchesterThe Cyber Sleuth, by Geraldine BrooksThe Equalizer, by Sarah Vowell

People are justifiably alarmed at the prospect of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. being in charge of U.S. health policy. He amplifies conspiracy theories, is anti-vaccine and makes bizarre health claims that aren't backed up by evidence. But underneath his rhetoric, Kennedy has floated some interesting ideas, like limiting processed foods or banning pharmaceutical ads. Deputy Opinions editor Charles Lane talks with physician and columnist Leana Wen and editor Rob Gebelhoff about separating fact from fiction and what we should actually do to make America healthier.Read more from Leana Wen about Kennedy’s positions:“RFK Jr.’s views on fluoride aren’t as crazy as you might think” “The main reason RFK Jr. is unqualified to serve as HHS secretary”Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Join political insiders Matt Bai, a contributing columnist for The Washington Post, and Theodore Johnson, who shares his insights on civic engagement. They explore the current political climate, discussing how Trump's latest election feels eerily familiar yet markedly different. The conversation emphasizes the importance of healthy dialogues in a polarized society and strategies for fostering unity through sports and the arts. They also touch on the roles of vulnerability and humor in political discourse, offering a refreshing look at engagement.

Donald Trump won. But why? Were Americans really just mad about their grocery bill? Columnists Ruth Marcus, Dana Milbank and James Hohmann grapple with this election result as an “X-ray into our national soul.”Read more from Washington Post columnists:“No, the way to cope with a Trump win isn’t moving to Canada”“A big win for the Blow It Up Party, but what then?”Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

None of us can know the outcome of the election, but our columnists talk through the campaign’s final spasms. Ruth Marcus, Dana Milbank and James Hohmann discuss the shifting mood in Pennsylvania, whether abortion will be as motivating this time around and if Donald Trump can get “crypto bros and the guy who vapes” to actually vote.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

In the final stretch of the campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris is making a play for Republicans who don’t like Donald Trump. But can they be swayed to vote for a lifelong Democrat? Columnists Megan McArdle, Jim Geraghty and Ramesh Ponnuru discuss what they’re hearing from fellow conservatives about this election and the future of the GOP. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Heather Long, an Economy columnist at The Washington Post, and Molly Roberts, an editorial writer and columnist, dive into the murky waters of America's tipping culture. They discuss the pressure consumers face with preset tips and how this complicates the wage structure for service workers. The conversation also explores global tipping practices and political implications of tipping taxation. With a humorous critique of the absurdities in tipping, they advocate for clearer compensation systems to support service workers more fairly.

In the final stretch of the presidential campaign, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are turning to popular lifestyle and comedy podcasts to woo different audiences. We were curious whether the candidates sounded any different in these environments than at their rallies. So columnists Charles Lane, Molly Roberts and Perry Bacon listened in and discussed what they learned.Listen to the podcasts we discussed in the episode here:Donald Trump on “This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von”Donald Trump on “Flagrant”Kamala Harris on “Call Her Daddy”Kamala Harris on “All the Smoke”

The National Archives might seem like a distant trove of documents and arcane laws for Americans far from Washington. But many of these national treasures are actually relevant to our lives. Author Sarah Vowell found the people inside the Archives who are making sure everybody can access these documents and find their stories. Read Sarah Vowell’s full story here: The EqualizerAnd check out the rest of the “Who is government?” series.The Canary, by Michael LewisThe Sentinel, by Casey CepThe Searchers, by Dave EggersThe Number, by John LanchesterThe Cyber Sleuth, by Geraldine BrooksThe original version of this audio mistakenly referred to one of the Citizen Archivists as Bernard Weintraub, but his name is Joel Weintraub. We regret the error.