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
Sep 13, 2025 • 51min
The Strike That Broke a Supermax Prison
Michael Montgomery, a veteran reporter at Reveal, joins former inmates Jack Morris and Farouk Salvant to explore the harrowing realities of Pelican Bay State Prison. They discuss Jack's transformative hunger strike against prolonged solitary confinement that ignited the largest protest in U.S. history. Farouk shares his painful experiences of isolation, illuminating the psychological toll on inmates. Together, they reveal the flaws in the prison system and the fight for dignity and reform, forging a narrative of resilience and solidarity.
7 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 25min
Being Black in America Almost Killed Me Part 2
In this conversation, Trymaine Lee, a journalist and author, dives deep into the generational trauma in the Black community. He discusses his family's painful history, including racially motivated murders, which profoundly shapes his work as a journalist. Lee emphasizes the emotional toll of covering violence and the importance of mental health awareness. He advocates for open dialogues within the community to foster healing and resilience, exploring how storytelling can challenge systemic oppression and promote a deeper understanding of Black identity in America.
13 snips
Sep 6, 2025 • 50min
Taken by ICE
In this gripping discussion, producers Katie Mingle and Stephen Rascón, along with reporter Julia Lurie, detail the traumatic human stories behind Trump's mass deportations. They share a woman's desperate encounter with ICE, and the heart-wrenching separation of families due to aggressive immigration raids. Personal stories illuminate the emotional impact on communities, with tales of resilience amidst chaos, such as a Nigerian restaurant owner facing her brother's detention. The conversation delves into the chilling effects of policy and resistance from affected communities.
6 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 27min
Being Black in America Almost Killed Me Part 1
Trymaine Lee, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and MSNBC contributor, shares his powerful journey after surviving a massive heart attack. He reflects on the impact of gun violence on Black lives, revealing the emotional weight he carries as a journalist. Trymaine also discusses the intersection of his health crisis with his work, illuminating the challenges Black journalists face in addressing systemic issues while navigating their own identities. His transformative experiences underscore the urgent need for empathy and community in storytelling.
14 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 51min
Will the National Parks Survive Trump?
In this engaging discussion, Heath Druzin, an Idaho public radio reporter, and Doug Smith, a wildlife biologist credited with the successful wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone, explore the ecological significance of wolves and their ongoing challenges. They highlight the impact of budget cuts on conservation efforts, revealing emotional stories from park scientists like Nadia Hamdan, who addresses the dire consequences for endangered species. The conversation dives into ideological battles affecting historical narratives within national parks, emphasizing the urgent need for public support.
18 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 31min
Why Rehab Often Fuels Relapse Instead of Recovery
Shoshana Walter, a staff writer at The Marshall Project and author of "Rehab, An American Scandal," delves into the chaotic landscape of America’s rehab industry. She examines how the system often exploits patients, leading to higher relapse rates. The discussion highlights stark racial disparities in treatment, revealing how the opioid crisis intersects with past drug epidemics. Walter also discusses the puzzling decline in overdose deaths while cautioning against complacency, reflecting on the need for compassionate approaches in addressing addiction.
Aug 23, 2025 • 51min
A Baby Adopted, A Family Divided
Andrew Becker, a reporter specializing in investigative journalism, joins the discussion alongside Bernice Yeung to unravel the controversial adoption saga of David Leavitt. They explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding the adoption of a Native American child by a non-Native family, revealing how it skirts the Indian Child Welfare Act. The conversation dives into the generational trauma faced by the Native family, leaving them feeling dispossessed, and highlights the legal and emotional turmoil that ensue when cultural identities clash in custody battles.
9 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 27min
Why Conservatives Are Trying to Kill the Voting Rights Act
Jamelle Bouie, a New York Times columnist known for his insights on history and politics, dives into the Voting Rights Act's 60-year legacy. He discusses how the law has been undermined by recent Supreme Court decisions and argues that the U.S. is facing a constitutional emergency. Bouie critiques the Democratic Party as overly cautious and emphasizes the need for bold leadership. He also explores how learning from Republican strategies could enhance voter engagement, highlighting the effectiveness of simple messaging in reaching constituents.
Aug 16, 2025 • 50min
What Police Weren’t Told About Tasers
Matt Masters, a Kansas City police officer, shares the heart-wrenching story of his son, Bryce, who suffered cardiac arrest after being tased for over 20 seconds during a routine stop. Once a proponent of taser use for its perceived safety, Masters now challenges the transparency of Taser International regarding the dangers of this weapon. The conversation dives into taser marketing, the ethics of their use in law enforcement, and urgent calls for greater accountability and safety awareness in police training.
8 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 28min
Trump’s Homelessness Crackdown Has Been Tried Before. It Didn’t Work.
Sam Tsemberis, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Pathways Housing First Institute, shares his insights on the critical issue of homelessness. He discusses the implications of the Trump administration's shift from the Housing First approach to punitive measures. Tsemberis highlights the importance of stable housing as a foundation for recovery and critiques the dangers of moving funding away from housing to treatment. He underscores the proven successes of Housing First and advocates for a compassionate, systemic change in addressing homelessness.
