Reveal
The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX
Reveal’s investigations will inspire, infuriate and inform you. Host Al Letson and an award-winning team of reporters deliver gripping stories about caregivers, advocates for the unhoused, immigrant families, warehouse workers and formerly incarcerated people, fighting to hold the powerful accountable. The New Yorker described Reveal as “a knockout … a pleasure to listen to, even as we seethe.” A winner of multiple Peabody, duPont, Emmy and Murrow awards, Reveal is produced by the nation’s first investigative journalism nonprofit, The Center for Investigative Reporting, and PRX. From unearthing exploitative working conditions to exposing the nation’s racial disparities, there’s always more to the story. Learn more at revealnews.org/learn.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 27, 2025 • 51min
A Decade of Reveal
In this engaging celebration of ten years of impactful journalism, investigative reporter Aaron Glantz reveals how he uncovered alarming trends in veterans' opioid prescriptions, highlighting the overdose crisis. He shares the poignant story of Tim Fazio, illustrating how data can empower local journalists. Additionally, insights into reporting on water shortages in California and labor abuses in the Dominican Republic showcase the team's relentless pursuit of truth. Listen as they reflect on how these investigations have shaped awareness and prompted significant reforms.
Dec 24, 2025 • 31min
The Bible Says So…or Does It?
Dan McClellan, a religious scholar and TikTok sensation with nearly a million followers, delves into the fascinating intersections of biblical texts and contemporary interpretations. He highlights the disparity between academic insights and popular beliefs, particularly in the realm of empathy and wealth. McClellan also quips about his comic-book T-shirts, making scholarship more accessible. He challenges the notion that the Bible is purely a historical document, arguing for its rhetorical diversity and the way it has been used as a tool for power throughout history.
13 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 51min
Fancy Galleries, Fake Art
Giselle Rigatau, an investigative reporter known for her deep dives into art fraud, and Jason Hernandez, a lead federal prosecutor specializing in art crimes, unpack a scandal where two prestigious galleries sold over $80 million in fake masterpieces. They discuss the cunning methods behind the operation and the challenges of prosecuting art crimes, shedding light on why galleries escaped indictment. Additionally, they explore a looted Modigliani painting linked to the Panama Papers, revealing the tangled web of ownership and legal battles that followed.
Dec 17, 2025 • 29min
Why Trump Deemed Basic Sanitation Illegal DEI
Catherine Coleman Flowers, an environmental justice activist and author, shares her journey advocating for sanitation equity in America. She highlights shocking sanitation issues in rural and urban areas, emphasizing the impact of aging infrastructure and climate change. Flowers discusses her memoir, "Holy Ground," filled with personal essays aimed at inspiring hope and resilience. She draws intriguing biblical parallels to critique current policies, and identifies emerging environmental threats like data centers, urging communities to take charge in designing fair projects.
Dec 13, 2025 • 51min
Lessons From Trump’s “War” on Chicago
Ashley Cleek, a producer and reporter with a focus on community impact, shares firsthand accounts of fear in Chicago due to Operation Midway Blitz. Investigative journalist Joseph Cox reveals the troubling use of ICE’s facial-recognition tech and the implications of surveillance apps on civil rights. They discuss grassroots organizing in response to federal raids, showing how communities are banding together to resist intimidation. The chilling atmosphere highlights not only immediate risks but also the long-term effects of expanded surveillance in American cities.
Dec 10, 2025 • 30min
Trump’s Gilded White House Makeover Is All About Power
Erin Thompson, an art historian and professor specializing in art crime, delves into the power dynamics of monuments and aesthetics. She discusses Trump's extravagant White House renovations, exploring how gilded touches serve as political symbolism. Thompson links historical practices of statue removal to current controversies, revealing the often fraudulent funding behind Confederate monuments. She also reflects on how monuments shape community identity and discusses the challenges of grassroots activism in changing public spaces.
12 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 51min
The Gaza Flotilla Story You Didn’t Hear
Dane Hunter, a sailor from the British Virgin Islands, shares his first-hand experiences from the Global Sumud Flotilla aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade of Gaza. He describes the harrowing moments when the flotilla was attacked by drones, and the chilling experience of being boarded at gunpoint by the Israeli Navy. Hunter also discusses the camaraderie among crew members and the harsh conditions in detention. The podcast reveals unexpected impacts on Gaza fishermen and highlights the growing global protests that followed the flotilla's mission.
23 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 37min
One on One With Trump’s Black MAGA Pastor
Lorenzo Sewell, a Detroit pastor and prominent Black conservative, shares his journey from a life in gangs to becoming a key supporter of Donald Trump. He discusses his controversial prayer at Trump’s inauguration, which adapted Dr. King's words, and addresses the challenges of racial definitions with host Al Letson. Sewell defends his conservative beliefs, linking them to his faith and family values while engaging in a spirited debate about the impact of Trump's policies on Black communities. His insights into faith, politics, and personal transformation make for a compelling conversation.
Nov 29, 2025 • 50min
Alabama’s Threats to Prosecute Abortion Helpers
Nina Martin, an investigative reporter focused on reproductive rights, teams up with Janice Fountain, executive director of the Yellowhammer Abortion Fund, to discuss Alabama's harsh abortion laws. They delve into the chilling effect of Attorney General Steve Marshall's threats against those aiding out-of-state abortions. Janice shares how her organization had to pause services to protect clients. The conversation also highlights a recent lawsuit challenging these threats, advocating for the rights to travel and free speech in the face of strict regulations.
10 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 19min
What Is Riley Gaines Hiding? We Investigated.
Madison Pauly, an investigative reporter for Reveal/CIR, digs deep into Riley Gaines, a swimmer turned conservative activist. She highlights how a tied race with a transgender woman propelled Gaines into the spotlight. Pauly reveals the financial engine behind Gaines' anti-trans activism and unpacks the lawsuit she filed against the NCAA, which could reshape trans athlete policies. With insights from former teammates, Pauly explores the undercurrents of sport, politics, and personal narratives that fuel this ongoing controversy.
