
Consider This from NPR
The hosts of NPR's All Things Considered help you make sense of a major news story and what it means for you, in 15 minutes. New episodes six days a week, Sunday through Friday.Support NPR and get your news sponsor-free with Consider This+. Learn more at plus.npr.org/considerthis
Latest episodes

10 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 11min
Flooding is common in Texas Hill Country. This was different
Survivors share chilling accounts of a rapid flood that rose 26 feet in mere minutes, leaving devastation in its wake. The podcast delves into the community's urgent search and rescue efforts and their remarkable resilience. It highlights the role of climate change in intensifying extreme weather, revealing a 20% increase in heavy rainfall since the 1950s. With property damage exceeding $80 billion, discussions center on the urgent need for improved flood management strategies and the lasting impact of geography on natural disasters.

15 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 12min
When it comes to vaccines, how are pediatricians restoring trust?
Vaccines are becoming a tricky topic for parents as new guidelines spark confusion. The shift from universal recommendations raises questions about public trust. Pediatricians are stepping up to rebuild that trust, addressing concerns and misinformation with compassion. Conversations between healthcare providers and families are crucial for clarifying the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Ultimately, fostering strong relationships can help guide parents in making informed choices for their children.

16 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 13min
The songs that define America
This discussion explores how music shapes American identity, especially around Independence Day. It highlights the evolution of 'This Little Light of Mine' into a civil rights anthem. The emotional power of songs like 'Fanfare for the Common Man' and Bob Dylan's 'The Times They Are a-Changin'' is examined, revealing their role in promoting unity during challenging times. A young choir's journey to perform at the March for Our Lives illustrates the timeless importance of protest anthems and their ability to inspire hope across generations.

10 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 9min
The Trump domestic policy megabill is set to become law
A sweeping domestic policy bill has passed Congress, featuring drastic cuts to clean energy incentives, Medicaid, and food assistance while boosting tax cuts and immigration enforcement. President Trump's role in rallying support from a divided Republican Party is examined amidst growing political tensions. The implications for American taxpayers are significant, with potential long-term effects on federal debt and the safety net for millions. The legislation's controversial nature sets the stage for upcoming midterm elections amid an increasingly polarized political landscape.

15 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 11min
Saving history one story at a time
Tom Dreisbach, NPR investigative correspondent, sheds light on the urgent need to preserve Holocaust narratives as the number of survivors dwindles. He confronts the unsettling rise of Holocaust denial and the dire consequences of forgetting these harrowing stories. The podcast poignantly highlights the journey of a Jewish survivor of Buchenwald and the American soldier who liberated him, intertwining their personal accounts. This powerful discussion emphasizes the emotional scars left by such tragedies and the moral dilemmas faced during one of history's darkest times.

15 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 8min
House Speaker may have to make a lot of promises to get bill to Trump's desk
A critical tax and spending bill has cleared the Senate, bringing President Trump's agenda closer to fruition. However, challenges lie ahead for House Speaker Mike Johnson as he navigates differing priorities among Republicans. The negotiations have highlighted tensions around tax breaks and the potential backlash regarding Medicaid cuts. Meanwhile, affordability concerns are influencing election strategies in blue states. The stakes are high as upcoming votes could shape the future political landscape.

24 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 8min
Why a GOP senator says the budget bill breaks Trump's promise
Senate Republicans grapple with a budget bill that could slash Medicaid funding, potentially affecting millions. A Republican senator highlights the dilemma of breaking promises made by a former president on healthcare. The impact on rural communities is dire, with fears of hospital closures and increasing travel distances for patients. Experts discuss the inadequate funding solutions for rural hospitals and the broader implications for healthcare access. The conversation reveals deep concern about the future of healthcare in vulnerable areas.

16 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 11min
What this term says about where the Supreme Court is headed
Greg Stohr, a Supreme Court reporter for Bloomberg News, dives deep into the recent rulings that have shifted the balance of power toward the presidency while curtailing judicial authority. He discusses the implications of significant decisions on birthright citizenship and the new limitations on federal judges' powers. The conversation also explores the dynamics of the Supreme Court's conservative supermajority, focusing on how these changes may shape future legal challenges, voting rights, and the interpretation of the Constitution regarding race.

9 snips
Jun 28, 2025 • 13min
Iran's nuclear sites got bombed. North Korea? It's another story
In this conversation, Anthony Kuhn, NPR's correspondent in Seoul, shares insights from his extensive coverage of North Korea and China. He discusses the contrasting U.S. approaches to Iran and North Korea regarding nuclear strategy. Kuhn reveals the challenges reporters face when covering North Korea's tightly controlled regime and the evolving diplomatic dynamics. He also reflects on his journey to becoming an Asia expert and offers valuable advice for aspiring journalists looking to report on the complexities of North Korea.

36 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 11min
The Supreme Court just lifted a key check on presidential power
The podcast dives into the Supreme Court's controversial ruling limiting federal judges' ability to issue universal injunctions, a critical check on presidential power. It raises eyebrows about the implications for immigration and citizenship as the court expands executive authority. With a humorous touch, the hosts discuss the potential flood of litigation stemming from this decision. Additionally, they explore the inherent risks of executive overreach and the challenges posed to constitutional rights. The dynamic between the presidency and the judiciary takes center stage.