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
Aug 6, 2025 • 25min
Gazans Are Starving. It’s a Manmade Catastrophe.
Abe Ajrami, a dedicated Palestinian aid worker based in the U.S., vitalizes the Gaza Soup Kitchen's mission to stave off famine in Gaza amidst a dire humanitarian crisis. He sheds light on the alarming starvation gripping the region and questions the international community's response to perceived genocide. Personal stories evoke the desperation faced by families seeking food, while he passionately advocates for meaningful support and a potential path toward a two-state solution. Ajrami's insights challenge perceptions and call for human dignity in the face of adversity.
5 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 51min
They Followed Doctors’ Orders. The State Took Their Babies.
Shoshana Walter, a seasoned reporter for Reveal, delves deep into the harrowing stories of mothers facing child welfare investigations due to their prescribed addiction medications. Jade Dass shares her personal struggle after taking Suboxone during pregnancy and losing custody of her newborn. The discussion uncovers the disconnection between medical advice and state actions, emphasizing societal stigma and the emotional turmoil families endure. Walter's upcoming book further explores these critical issues, shedding light on the intersection of motherhood, addiction, and systemic challenges.
8 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 33min
The Bible Says So…or Does It?
Dan McClellan, a scholar of the Bible and religion known for his insightful content on TikTok, dives into the nuances of biblical interpretation. He discusses how historical misuse of scripture has shaped contemporary beliefs, touching on topics like the 'sin of empathy' and issues of wealth in the Bible. McClellan confronts the manipulation of biblical texts for political agendas and reflects on the disparities between academic scholarship and popular interpretations. His journey from non-religiosity to scholarship adds a personal touch to the conversation.
23 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 50min
Trump’s New World (Dis)order
Nate Halverson, a Reveal reporter, investigates the Trump administration's controversial threats to reclaim the Panama Canal alongside Panamanian journalist Andrea Salcedo. They discuss how these threats are igniting protests in Panama, with citizens grappling with the specter of historical U.S. invasions. The conversation touches on the complexities of U.S.-Panama relations and the ramifications of perceived Chinese influence over the canal. Insightful reflections on past grievances highlight the delicate balance of national identity and foreign policy.
14 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 26min
Ibram X. Kendi vs. America’s “Antiracism Backlash”
Ibram X. Kendi, a renowned historian and activist, is celebrated for his impactful works on antiracism, including "How to Be an Antiracist." In this discussion, Kendi dives deep into the backlash he has faced regarding his advocacy for active antiracism, particularly in the wake of criticisms related to DEI policies. He addresses the detrimental effects of recent political decisions on both Black and white communities. Kendi also shares insights from his new children's book, "Malcolm Lives!" emphasizing the power of historical narratives in fostering understanding and solidarity.
17 snips
Jul 19, 2025 • 51min
The Landlord Gutting America’s Hospitals
Hannah Levintova, a reporter for Mother Jones, dives into the troubling saga of Medical Properties Trust (MPT) and its impact on American hospitals. She reveals how MPT's costly rent is straining facilities like Glenwood Regional Medical Center, leading to inadequate patient care and alarming financial crises. Levintova discusses the broader implications of for-profit healthcare and corporate neglect, along with the urgent need for accountability, highlighting community responses and the complex ties between health and profit.
32 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 32min
The Real Conspiracy Behind the Texas Floods
David Sirota, a renowned journalist and co-writer of the Oscar-nominated film Don’t Look Up, dives into the pressing issue of climate change and its role in the devastating Texas floods. He critiques government inaction and highlights the failures of both parties to adequately address these crises. Sirota also discusses the implications of Zohran Mamdani's recent political win, shedding light on the ideological divides within the Democratic Party and the need for a stronger populist movement in the face of rising disillusionment among voters.
10 snips
Jul 12, 2025 • 50min
We Regret to Inform You
In this thought-provoking discussion, investigative reporter Brian Howey uncovers shocking practices used by police in California regarding death notifications. Guest Bruce Praet, co-founder of Lexipol, controversially advises officers to gather potentially damaging information about victims before informing families of their deaths. Howey reveals how this tactic affects grieving families and their legal struggles. The emotional turmoil and ethical dilemmas surrounding these methods shed light on the urgent need for reform in law enforcement communication practices.
Jul 9, 2025 • 31min
Is AI Pushing Us Closer to Nuclear Disaster?
Daniel Holz, a University of Chicago professor and founder of the Existential Risk Laboratory, discusses the alarming update of the Doomsday Clock now set at 89 seconds to midnight. He explores the intertwined threats of nuclear war and AI in military applications, emphasizing their potential to propel humanity toward catastrophe. Holz shares historical insights about the clock and encourages public engagement and awareness to combat these pressing risks, while highlighting hopeful past successes in averting disaster.
Jul 5, 2025 • 51min
A Decade of Reveal
Aaron Glantz, a dedicated reporter known for his investigation into the VA's opioid prescription practices, joins former executive producer Kevin Sullivan to reflect on a decade of impactful journalism. They discuss the opioid crisis among veterans, highlighting personal stories like Marine Corps veteran Tim Fazio's struggles with addiction. The conversation also covers significant investigations revealing injustices in water usage and labor exploitation, illustrating the power of journalism to drive social change and accountability.
