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
8 snips
May 21, 2025 • 24min
She Denied Mel Gibson a Gun—Then Trump’s DOJ Fired Her
Liz Oyer, a former U.S. pardon attorney and public defender, recounts her abrupt ousting after refusing to reinstate Mel Gibson’s gun rights. She shares the pressures of upholding integrity amidst political turmoil and allegations of corruption within the DOJ. Oyer also highlights the troubling pattern of pardoning white-collar criminals and the urgent humanitarian concerns of displaced people worldwide. Her testimony before Congress sheds light on the intersection of politics and justice, raising alarms about the politicization of the federal pardon system.
10 snips
May 17, 2025 • 51min
Lessons From a Mass Shooter’s Mother
Mark Follman, National Affairs Editor at Mother Jones and author of 'Trigger Points', teams up with Chin Rodger, mother of Isla Vista shooter Elliot Rodger. Together, they confront the harrowing aftermath of violence and the crucial lessons learned about identifying warning signs. Chin shares her painful journey of grief and her insights into threat assessment, detailing how missed opportunities can lead to tragedy. They discuss the importance of recognizing psychological patterns and intervene early to prevent future violence.
6 snips
May 14, 2025 • 17min
Pet-Eating Lies to Deportation Fears: Haitians in Trump’s Crosshairs
Lindsay Aime, co-founder of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center in Springfield, Ohio, shares his experiences as a Haitian immigrant navigating a turbulent political landscape. He recalls the shocking moment when a presidential candidate accused Haitians of eating pets, highlighting the negative stereotypes targeting his community. Aime discusses the severe fears of deportation and the impact of immigration policies on families. He emphasizes the importance of community support and the urgent need for safety amid uncertainty for Haitian immigrants in the U.S.
May 10, 2025 • 50min
Alabama’s Threats to Prosecute Abortion Helpers
Nina Martin, a reporter for Reveal, discusses Alabama's stringent abortion laws and the ongoing adaptations of local advocates. Janice Fountain, executive director of the Yellowhammer Abortion Fund, shares insights on providing essential support in a climate of fear. They explore the legal threats surrounding assistance for out-of-state abortions, the resilience of advocacy groups, and the critical relationship between reproductive and family justice. Their stories highlight the personal struggles faced by women and the community's dedication to supporting reproductive rights.
21 snips
May 7, 2025 • 31min
Nikole Hannah-Jones: Trump Is Erasing Black History
Nikole Hannah-Jones, an acclaimed New York Times journalist and Howard University professor, delves into how the Trump administration is actively dismantling civil rights and DEI policies. She highlights the alarming speed of this regression and reflects on the challenges of reframing American history amid political opposition. With her groundbreaking work on The 1619 Project, she underscores the necessity of understanding the complexities of Black history and the urgent need for community action in light of these growing threats.
19 snips
May 3, 2025 • 51min
In Fallujah, We Destroyed Parts of Ourselves
Guests Mike Ergo, a former Marine team leader, and Ronaldo Aponte, a company medic, share gripping insights from the Battle of Fallujah, discussing not only the intense combat but also the deep emotional scars left behind. Kathleen Faircloth remembers her son, a lance corporal who lost his life in the battle, reflecting on the profound impact of war on families. The conversation explores themes of grief, the struggles of veterans adjusting to civilian life, and the urgent need for better mental health support within the military community.
17 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 31min
How Public Schools Became Ground Zero for America’s Culture Wars
In a gripping discussion, investigative journalist Mike Hixenbaugh tackles the heated culture wars infiltrating public schools. The conversation kicks off with Hixenbaugh's shocking personal experience when a protest turned his front yard into a battleground over race and politics. He examines how schools embody broader societal tensions, especially around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hixenbaugh also explores the fierce opposition at school board meetings, shedding light on the emotional toll on educators and highlighting the role of misinformation in shaping public perceptions.
10 snips
Apr 26, 2025 • 50min
Teaching Kids to Read: How One School District Gets It Right
Emily Hanford, an education reporter and host of APM Reports' 'Sold a Story,' investigates the remarkable reading success of Steubenville, Ohio. She highlights how progressive teaching methods have dramatically improved literacy outcomes, even among low-income students. The district's unique approach prioritizes sounds over names and emphasizes community involvement. Hanford also raises concerns about a new Ohio law that could jeopardize these advancements, making it clear that effective reading instruction is crucial for all students.
28 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 27min
How Trump Exploits Working Class Pain
Arlie Hochschild, a sociologist and author of 'Stolen Pride, Lost Shame,' delves into the economic struggles in rural America and their political implications. She shares insights from her time in Pikeville, Kentucky, where the decline of coal jobs and rising opioid issues have fueled a complex emotional landscape. Hochschild argues that while Trump taps into the pride and pain of these communities, his policies may not provide the tangible benefits they seek. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding these experiences to bridge political divides.
Apr 19, 2025 • 51min
How Police Guns End Up in the Hands of Criminals
Alon Stevens, a reporter for The Trace and host of The Gun Machine podcast, dives into the haunting journey of police guns ending up in criminal hands. He shares the devastating story of Maria Leslie, whose grandson was killed by a Glock once owned by law enforcement. The discussion reveals alarming trends in police firearm disposal practices that lead to these weapons being resold rather than destroyed. Stevens highlights the pressing need for reevaluation of policies and accountability in the face of rising gun violence.
