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
9 snips
Sep 28, 2024 • 51min
Did the US Cause Its Own Border Crisis?
Laura Ascencio Bautista shares her poignant journey from Guerrero, Mexico, where violence and government persecution drove her to seek asylum in the U.S. She recounts the harrowing experience of separating from her daughters in pursuit of safety. The conversation uncovers how U.S. foreign policies have exacerbated the violence in her homeland, revealing a disturbing cycle that fuels migration. Additionally, the complexities of current U.S. immigration policies and their impact on vulnerable families come to light, making for a powerful exploration of hope and despair.
Sep 21, 2024 • 50min
Black in the Sunshine State
Delve into the poignant reflections of returning to Jacksonville, Florida, amid personal loss and rising racial tensions. Explore the chilling aftermath of a racially motivated mass shooting that stirs deep fears within the African-American community. Understand the political landscape as laws restrict discussions on racial and LGBTQ+ issues. Personal stories illuminate the struggle against erasure in education and the fight for fair representation in politics. This journey reveals how history shapes current battles for inclusivity and recognition.
Sep 14, 2024 • 50min
Your Retirement Investments Are Probably Fueling Climate Change
Jonathan Jones, a Reveal reporter, investigates the alarming connection between retirement investments and fossil fuels. He uncovers how giants like Vanguard are fueling climate change, despite a global push for sustainability. The discussion also highlights grassroots activism against polluting projects, revealing the tension between financial security and environmental ethics. Jones emphasizes the need for investors to align their portfolios with sustainable practices and calls for accountability from investment firms to protect our planet.
Sep 7, 2024 • 50min
She Ate a Poppy Seed Salad. Child Services Took Her Baby.
Susan Horton, a mother of five, shares her shocking experience with child welfare after consuming a poppy seed salad. Despite her explanations, a hospital drug test falsely indicated opiate use, leading to the immediate removal of her newborn. The discussion dives deep into the systemic failings of drug testing for expectant mothers, highlighting the emotional turmoil these inaccuracies cause. Horton passionately advocates for better understanding and reform, showcasing the chilling impact such misdiagnoses have on families across the country.
Aug 31, 2024 • 51min
They Followed Doctors’ Orders. The State Took Their Babies.
Jade Dass, a mother navigating the challenges of opioid addiction treatment during pregnancy, shares her harrowing story. After following medical advice, she faced an investigation by child welfare authorities and lost custody of her newborn daughter. The podcast delves into systemic issues surrounding addiction medicine and the stigmatization of mothers using prescribed medications. It sheds light on racial biases in child welfare policies and highlights Jade's desperate fight to keep her family together against a backdrop of legal complexities and societal judgment.
Aug 24, 2024 • 51min
A Baby Adopted, A Family Divided
David Leavitt, a wealthy Utah politician, shares his controversial adoption story, revealing how he leveraged connections to secure custody of a Native child. The discussion uncovers the emotional complexities of the adoption process and highlights the fraught implications of the Indian Child Welfare Act. Investigators explore the ethical dilemmas and the pain felt by the child's Native family due to federal oversight failures. Tensions surrounding tribal sovereignty and historical injustices further complicate the narrative, shedding light on the deep scars left by such adoptions.
Aug 17, 2024 • 51min
The COVID Tracking Project Part 3
Ibram X. Kendi, a prominent author and historian known for his groundbreaking work on antiracism, joins the discussion to debunk the myth of COVID-19 as 'the great equalizer.' He highlights how the virus disproportionately affected people of color, with mortality rates nearly double that of White individuals. Kendi also reveals the challenges faced by The COVID Tracking Project in navigating CDC data discrepancies and stresses the need for reform in public health infrastructure to prepare for future crises.
Aug 10, 2024 • 50min
The COVID Tracking Project Part 2
Amy Gleason, a health care technologist and member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, shares her harrowing experiences managing COVID-19 data. She reveals shocking gaps in federal data reporting that hindered effective responses. Gleason recounts the chaotic early days of pandemic response, where her team battled bureaucratic red tape and a severe lack of essential medical supplies. The conversation highlights the pivotal role of The COVID Tracking Project, which provided invaluable real-time data, illuminating the emotional weight and urgency behind their work during a national crisis.
Aug 3, 2024 • 50min
The COVID Tracking Project Part 1
In this conversation, Rob Meyer and Alexis Madrigal, both reporters from The Atlantic, delve into the harrowing early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. They reveal how a lack of reliable data and testing created chaos, leading to over a million deaths in the U.S. Their reporting spurred the COVID Tracking Project, a grassroots initiative that gathered critical data when federal agencies struggled. The duo emphasizes the urgent need for transparency and collaboration in public health to prepare for future pandemics.
Jul 27, 2024 • 51min
The Churn
Adam Aurand, a former mechanic, shares his transformative journey from battling schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse to finding hope. He reveals the chaotic loop of emergency rooms and psychiatric hospitals that many face in the flawed U.S. mental health system. The conversation dives into the emotional turmoil faced by families during hospital discharges and underscores the systemic failures in support for those with mental illness. Historical insights illuminate the urgent need for reform and community resources in improving mental health care.
