
Start Here
A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.
Latest episodes

12 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 31min
How the Trump-Zelenskyy Feud Boiled Over
In this discussion, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, shares insights on the tumultuous relationship between his country and the United States during the Trump administration. He details intense negotiations and the challenges of securing support amid the conflict with Russia. The conversation also touches on the intertwining of political events with cultural milestones, like the Oscars, illustrating how global politics and entertainment reflect and influence each other. Finally, the podcast delves into the fragile peace negotiations in the Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting humanitarian concerns.

7 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 30min
"Dig We Must": The US-Ukraine Minerals Deal
Karen Travers, ABC News White House correspondent, shares insights on the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, emphasizing the significance of rare earth minerals amidst ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Alex Stone delves into the mysterious deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, prompting a chilling investigation. Patrick Rievel discusses the unexpected arrival of the controversial Tate brothers in the U.S., linking them to serious human trafficking allegations. These discussions intertwine tragedy, politics, and the complexities surrounding global dynamics.

4 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 31min
Top DOGE: Trump Backs Musk to Cabinet
Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, joins the conversation as President Trump hands over a cabinet meeting that unexpectedly leads to sweeping layoffs. Musk discusses his controversial influence on government operations, stirring mixed reactions from federal employees. The episode also tackles a family's struggles against a railroad's land acquisition in Georgia, highlighting the tough balance between modernization and community rights. Meanwhile, evolving dynamics in American Christianity are explored, revealing surprising trends among younger generations.

5 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 31min
House GOP (Barely) Passes Its Budget Blueprint
In a lively discussion, Jay O'Brien shares the chaotic scene as House Speaker Mike Johnson rallies support for a contentious budget plan with significant cuts. Elizabeth Schulze dives into the alarming dip in consumer confidence, linking it to rising costs and economic unease. Devin Dwyer examines the Supreme Court's landmark decision to overturn Richard Glossop's conviction after decades, shedding light on crucial due process issues. Together, they unravel the tension in Congress and the implications for everyday Americans.

9 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 29min
Trump Defends His Ukraine Peace Plan
Stephen Portnoy, former head of the White House Correspondents Association, dives into the Trump administration's controversial press policies and the AP's First Amendment lawsuit. He discusses the implications of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on international relations and how this turmoil affects U.S. financial aid dynamics. Portnoy also sheds light on a significant courtroom battle over media access and governmental accountability. Plus, intriguing finds like graffiti at the Lincoln Memorial reveal surprising cultural connections from the past.

16 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 30min
[REPLY REQUIRED:] Elon Musk’s Ultimatum
Selena Wang, ABC senior White House correspondent, and Martha Raddatz, chief global affairs correspondent, dive into the political storm surrounding recent federal firings. They discuss Elon Musk's new job requirements for government workers and the fallout from President Trump's dismissal of Joint Chiefs of Staff members. The duo also examines the tension created in the workplace amid job security concerns and the critical health situation of Pope Francis, highlighting its implications on global leadership.

17 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 26min
Bus Bombs in Tel Aviv
Join Matt Gutman, ABC's chief national correspondent known for his expertise on Middle Eastern conflicts, and Rick Klein, the savvy political director at ABC, as they dissect recent bomb attacks on Israeli buses, intensifying regional violence. They delve into the heart-wrenching dilemma faced by families of hostages and the political shifts within the GOP as it navigates the challenge of Trumpism. Plus, they discuss the James Bond franchise's transition to Amazon, weighing fan expectations against new media realities.

Feb 20, 2025 • 29min
Trump Calls Zelenskyy a “Dictator”
Juju Chang, co-anchor of Nightline, interviews Christina Murray about her lawsuit against an IVF clinic for implanting the wrong embryo. The conversation highlights the legal and emotional turmoil of IVF patients facing malpractice. Additionally, the podcast dives into President Trump's comments labeling Ukraine's Zelenskyy as a 'dictator', sparking discussions on misinformation and U.S.-Ukraine relations amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. The complexities of political motivations behind legal matters, like those concerning New York City Mayor Eric Adams, are also examined.

8 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 28min
America’s Russia Reversal
American diplomats unveil a new strategy to mend ties with Russia amid ongoing tensions over Ukraine. In a surprising twist, President Trump aligns with Putin's views on the conflict. Meanwhile, A$AP Rocky celebrates his acquittal in a notable shooting case that rattled the music industry. The podcast also raises alarms about declining vaccination rates amid a measles outbreak in West Texas, while humorously addressing KFC's relocation from Kentucky. These stories highlight the intertwining of diplomacy, celebrity culture, and public health crises.

14 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 30min
Crash Landing in Canada
Devin Dwyer, ABC's senior Washington reporter specializing in the Supreme Court, dives into the shocking Delta flight incident that flipped upside down in Toronto, highlighting the passenger evacuation and safety protocols. The discussion navigates the complex international landscape amid ongoing Ukraine-Russia tensions, emphasizing Ukraine's lack of representation in critical diplomatic talks. Additionally, Dwyer explores legal questions surrounding federal layoffs and the implications of recent political appointments, revealing the intricate interplay between law and governance.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.