

Impromptu
The Washington Post
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 8, 2024 • 24min
Just how bad will the Middle East get?
As tensions between Israel and Iran soar, columnists David Ignatius and Josh Rogin talk with Damir Marusic about the broader forces at play in the conflict, the lack of plans for a stable future and what a Trump victory would mean for the U.S.-Iran relationship.Read more from David Ignatius on this issue: “What the Oct. 7 attacks didn’t change”“Trump courts disaster by underestimating Iranian death threats”Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Oct 5, 2024 • 13min
How a cyber sleuth in the IRS takes down terrorists
The IRS may be one of the most hated departments in the federal government, but it turns out it does more than just collect taxes. Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks got to know the folks in charge of the IRS’s cybercrime unit which investigates criminals who use cryptocurrency. In this bonus episode, Brooks talks with Michael Lewis about what she learned. Read Geraldine Brooks’s full article here: Meet the black-belt, tattooed IRS official who saved 23 children from their abusersAnd 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 Lanchester

Oct 2, 2024 • 21min
JD Vance had nowhere to go but up
Karen Tumulty, a sharp political columnist, Dana Milbank, known for his contemporary insights, and Ruth Marcus, an expert in political analysis, delve into J.D. Vance's recent vice-presidential debate performance. They highlight how Vance's attempt to soften his stance on abortion reflects Republican anxieties ahead of the election. The trio also discusses the lingering impact of the Jan. 6 events, the dynamics of live fact-checking during debates, and the challenges candidates face in navigating polarized politics while aiming to connect with voters.

Sep 28, 2024 • 10min
What’s a government for? Let me count the ways.
Join acclaimed author Michael Lewis, known for his deep dives into finance, and journalist John Lanchester, celebrated for his urban insights, as they unravel the complexities of government counting. They discuss how inflation numbers reflect national values and decision-making. The duo highlights the critical role data plays in governance, especially in crises like the pandemic. They also delve into the murky waters where fact meets fiction, emphasizing a growing mistrust in information and the urgent need for authentic narratives in policy debates.

Sep 24, 2024 • 24min
The meaning of ‘Jeopardy!’ in a post-truth America
Amanda Ripley, a contributing columnist, joins former 'Jeopardy!' contestants Alexandra Petri, Drew Goins, and Ryan Vogt to discuss the show's cultural significance. They reflect on how 'Jeopardy!' has stood the test of time in a 'post-truth' America, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and community. The guests share behind-the-scenes anecdotes, the psychological pressures of competition, and the show's role in fostering intergenerational connections. With humor and nostalgia, they explore what makes 'Jeopardy!' a beloved staple in American homes.

Sep 21, 2024 • 12min
To find new planets, you have to dim the stars
Dave Eggers, an acclaimed author known for his innovative storytelling, teams up with Michael Lewis, a master of narrative nonfiction, to delve into NASA's groundbreaking efforts at the Jet Propulsion Lab. They explore how scientists are working to detect planets hidden by distant stars, revealing the challenges and excitement of the search for extraterrestrial life. They also discuss innovative techniques like the revolutionary star shade concept, showcasing the passion and dedication of those reaching for the stars.

Sep 17, 2024 • 29min
The real reasons Americans are having fewer kids
In this discussion, Shadi Hamid, an opinions columnist, and Heather Long, who focuses on economic issues, join style columnist Monica Hesse to unpack the reasons behind declining birth rates in America. They delve into how economic pressures, shifting societal values, and personal choices shape these trends. The conversation questions whether the current worries about a fertility crisis are justified and emphasizes the need for family-friendly policies. Humorously, they touch on the trials of parenting in public, highlighting the chaotic yet relatable moments every parent faces.

Sep 11, 2024 • 21min
Harris wiped the floor with Trump. But what did we learn about her?
Did the debate cause a vibe shift? Columnists Charles Lane, Megan McArdle, Dana Milbank and Jim Geraghty discuss how much voters care about policy, whether Trump made any good points and how his false claims about pet-eating immigrants mask a genuine issue.And don't forget to check out the first two stories in our series, “Who is Government? Seven writers go in search of the essential public servant.” The Canary, by Michael LewisThe Sentinel, by Casey CepKeep an eye on Washington Post Opinions each Tuesday morning to see future installments.

4 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 31min
What do men want?
In this enlightening discussion, Richard Reeves, founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men, joins columnists Theodore Johnson and Shadi Hamid to delve into the modern masculinity crisis. They explore the challenges of health, education, and workforce participation facing men today. The conversation highlights the need for role models and community connection while advocating for a redefined masculinity centered on support and collaboration. They also humorously use Hannibal Lecter to critique traditional masculine ideals.

Aug 27, 2024 • 13min
Why not pay teachers $100,000?
As American kids head back to school, columnist Daniel Pink makes the case for paying teachers more money. High-quality teachers, he argues, significantly improve student learning, so shouldn’t they be paid as much as somebody assessing insurance premiums on your car? Plus, humor columnist Alexandra Petri discusses sending her child to school for the first time. This essay by Daniel Pink is part of a year-long project with Washington Post Opinions called “Why Not?” Check out some of the other columns in his series:Why not ban left turns on busy streets?Why not shake up the Olympics? Why not overhaul America’s national holidays?Why not require a civics test as a rite of passage for all Americans?Don’t miss any of Daniel Pink’s “Why Not?” columns. You can follow his LinkedIn newsletter here.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.