The NPR Politics Podcast

Every weekday, NPR's best political reporters are there to explain the big news coming out of Washington and the campaign trail. They don't just tell you what happened. They tell you why it matters. Every afternoon.

Rank #1: NPR Politics Live From DC: The Road To 2020.
This is a special episode, recorded in front of a live audience at the Warner Theater in Washington, DC on Friday, November 8th. The cast breaks down everything you need to know about who's running for president, and how impeachment affects the race. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political correspondent Scott Detrow, political correspondent Asma Khalid, White House reporter Ayesha Rascoe, and senior editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro. Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

Rank #2: In Fight With 'Chuck And Nancy,' Trump Says He'd Be 'Proud' To Shut Down Government.
In a testy and dramatic Oval Office exchange with Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Chuck Schumer, President Trump made clear he would be "proud" to shut down the government in less than two weeks if he doesn't get funding for his border wall. This episode: White House correspondent Tamara Keith, political editor Domenico Montanaro and Congressional correspondent Scott Detrow. Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.org. Find and support your local public radio station at npr.org/stations.

Up First

NPR's Up First is the news you need to start your day. The three biggest stories of the day, with reporting and analysis from NPR News — in 10 minutes. Available weekdays by 6 a.m. ET, with hosts Rachel Martin, Noel King, David Greene, and Steve Inskeep. Now available on Saturdays by 8am ET, with hosts Lulu Garcia-Navarro and Scott Simon. Subscribe and listen, then support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.

Rank #1: Saturday, November 16th, 2019.
What we learned from the impeachment hearings, and what will we hear next week? Three service members accused or convicted of war crimes are cleared by President Trump; why did the Pentagon want him to stay out of it? Plus, a setback in the fight to eradicate polio.

Rank #2: Friday, November 15th, 2019.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch testifies publicly in the impeachment inquiry today. What more will she reveal? What prompted Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to agree to release department records amid a fight over student loan forgiveness? And will Lebanon's protests be quelled by a potential new prime minister?

On Point

Go behind the headlines: From the economy and health care to politics and the environment – and so much more – On Point hosts Meghna Chakrabarti and David Folkenflik speak with newsmakers and real people about the issues that matter most. On Point is produced by WBUR for NPR.

Rank #1: Meet The Scientist On A Mission To Save The Snails.
Snails are running out of time in Hawaii. Without intervention, 100 species will disappear in the next decade. David Sischo and Elizabeth Kolbert join Meghna Chakrabarti.

Rank #2: Venice Is The Latest Victim Of Historic Flooding From Climate Change.
Venice is reeling from historic floods. And the systems designed to prevent this kind of damage aren’t completed, and may not work anyway. Sylvia Poggioli, Toto Bergamo Rossi and Rafael Bras join Meghna Chakrabarti.

Here & Now

NPR and WBUR's live midday news program

Rank #1: Helping Asylum-Seekers At U.S.-Mexico Border; 'The Bakersfield Sound'.
An encampment in Matamoros, Mexico, is a stopping point for asylum-seekers who are waiting for a chance at legal entry into the United States. The conditions at the encampment are poor but a group of U.S. volunteers called Team Brownsville is crossing the border daily to help. Also, Bakersfield, California, has a rich country music history, and a massive new box set documents that legacy. Scott B. Bomar, author of "The Bakersfield Sound," joins us.

Rank #2: Trade War's Impact On Pennsylvania Farmers; The Next Big Radio Hits.
The agricultural industry is one of the hardest-hit sectors in the United States' trade war with China. Amid new hopes of a trade deal, Emily Pontecorvo reports on how Pennsylvania farmers are faring as they bring in their second harvest of the season. Also, KCRW DJ Anthony Valadez shares five artists he thinks will be huge in 2020.

Fresh Air

Fresh Air from WHYY, the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues, is one of public radio's most popular programs. Hosted by Terry Gross, the show features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.

Rank #1: Judd Apatow On His Mentor, Comic Garry Shandling.
Filmmaker and producer Judd Apatow (Superbad, Girls, The 40-Year-Old Virgin) talks about his late mentor, stand-up legend Garry Shandling, and the personal trauma that formed him. "Garry was a wounded person. He was a neurotic man," Apatow says. "He was a guy constantly attempting to evolve and heal. I felt like there's so many lessons that people can get from learning about how he lived his life." Apatow explores Shandling's life and legacy in the HBO documentary 'The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling' and the accompanying book, 'It's Garry Shandling's Book.'

Rank #2: Conan O'Brien.
Conan O'Brien recently switched up the format of his late-night show, and is about to launch the second season of his podcast, 'Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend.' He says the name of his podcast is a joke — sort of. "Sometimes when you're in the public eye, it can get murky as to who's really my friend. Who's going to come visit me in the hospital? Who's going to come over to my house when my dog dies and drink cocoa with me? Who are those people?" He also talks about his unusual career trajectory, and how his comedy has been driven in part by anxiety. Also, he sings a song.

The Daily

This is what the news should sound like. The biggest stories of our time, told by the best journalists in the world. Hosted by Michael Barbaro. Twenty minutes a day, five days a week, ready by 6 a.m.

Rank #1: A Third Grader’s Guide to the Impeachment Hearings.
This morning, the House of Representatives begins public hearings in the impeachment inquiry against President Trump. Before those hearings get underway, we sat down with someone who’s unafraid to ask all the questions we’ve been too embarrassed to say out loud.  Guests: Michael S. Schmidt, who covers national security and federal investigations for The New York Times, spoke with Bianca Giaever, a producer for “The Daily,” and Leo, a third grader, to answer his questions about the impeachment inquiry. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Background reading: In the first nationally televised hearings of the impeachment inquiry, Democrats will look to make the case that Mr. Trump’s dealings with Ukraine constitute high crimes and misdemeanors.These will be the first presidential impeachment hearings in more than two decades. Here’s how this inquiry is likely to be different than the last.Meet the public officials likely to be most prominent in the inquiry.

Rank #2: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017.
A baker in Colorado refused to create a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. After he was charged with discrimination, he argued that his First Amendment right to free speech was being violated. The case is now going to the Supreme Court. Guests: Jack Phillips, the baker; Adam Liptak, who covers the Supreme Court for The New York Times. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily.

1A

1A is home to the national conversation. Joshua Johnson hosts with great guests and frames the best debate in ways to make you think, share and engage.

Rank #1: The News Roundup for November 8, 2019.
A top diplomat revises his testimony to impeachment investigators. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions announces a run for Senate. And Virginia may no longer be a swing state.Around the world, Delhi closes schools because of toxic smog. Haiti nears a boiling point. And there's a peace deal in Yemen. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1A.

Rank #2: Miracle On Your Street: How The Post Office Handles Holidays.
This week, the U.S. Postal Service will deliver nearly 200 million packages. It's an essential service — with some major challenges. Is today's post office sustainable? Would you miss it if it shrank or went away? And if it is worth saving, how should we save it?Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to our podcast. Have questions? Find us on Twitter @1a.

Planet Money

The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, "Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy." Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.

Rank #1: #948: A Series Of Unfortunate Recessions .
A Halloween journey into the economists' worst nightmare, an endless time loop of recession after recession after... | Subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.

Rank #2: #539: What's A Penny Worth?.
We try to figure out what makes cents.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Pop Culture Happy Hour is a fun and freewheeling chat about the latest movies, television, books, and music.

Rank #1: Jojo Rabbit And What's Making Us Happy.
Jojo Rabbit is already an Oscar favorite. The dark comedy from director Taika Waititi won the audience award at the Toronto International Film Festival. That's preceded a best picture nomination in 10 out of the last 11 years. Based on a 2004 novel by Christine Leunens, the film follows Jojo, a German boy who remains loyal to Adolf Hitler as World War II winds down. In fact, he envisions the leader as his imaginary friend.

Rank #2: Avengers: Infinity War and What's Making Us Happy.
The Avengers try to keep a space-tyrant from performing cosmic genocide. The film doubles down on character interactions both familiar and unfamiliar. Guest: Code Switch co-host Gene Demby.

Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!

NPR's weekly current events quiz. Have a laugh and test your news knowledge while figuring out what's real and what we've made up.

Rank #1: Best of WWDTM.
As summer ends, we revisit our interviews with Matt Smith, Fabien Cousteau, and more.

Rank #2: Regina King.
Regina King, actor, joins us along with panelists Paula Poundstone, Mo Rocca, and Shannon O'Neill.

All Songs Considered

Hosts/nerds Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton are your friendly music buddies with the week's best new music discoveries, including conversations with emerging artists, icons and more. Hear songs that can completely change your day, with humor, heart and (sometimes) a whole lot of noise. Directions for use: Morning commute, the gym, or alone time. (If rash persists, discontinue use.)

Rank #1: New Music Friday: Sep. 20.
Our shortlist of the best albums out this week includes Brittany Howard's masterpiece, Jaime, sad bangers from Tove Lo, a profoundly beautiful, debut solo LP from Mountain Man's Molly Sarlé and more.

Rank #2: Hobo Johnson's Journey From Homelessness To A Major Label Contract.
On the day before his album came out, Hobo Johnson joined me to play DJ. We discussed the making of his album and played some of the music that has inspired him over the years. I think you'll be surprised by some of his picks.

PBS NewsHour - Full Show

Listen to the complete PBS NewsHour, specially formatted as a podcast. Published each night by 9 p.m., our full show includes every news segment, every interview, and every bit of analysis as our television broadcast. Is this not what you're looking for? Don't miss our other podcasts for our individual segments, Shields and Brooks, Politics Monday, Brief but Spectacular, and more. Find them in iTunes or in your favorite podcasting app.

Rank #1: November 11, 2019 - PBS NewsHour full episode.
Monday on the NewsHour, embattled Bolivian President Evo Morales resigns, leaving the country with a vacuum of power. Plus: Violence grips Hong Kong protests, an impeachment inquiry update, how Rudy Giuliani became involved with Ukraine, Politics Monday with Amy Walter and Tamara Keith, the Supreme Court takes up DACA "Dreamers," rural arts in Minnesota and a Veterans Day commemoration.

Rank #2: November 10, 2019 - PBS NewsHour Weekend full episode.
On this edition for Sunday, November 10, three officials will testify in public hearings this week as part of the impeachment inquiry, and humanitarian workers along the U.S.-Mexico border face prosecution under federal law for helping undocumented migrants. Megan Thompson anchors from New York.

TED Radio Hour

Guy Raz explores the emotions, insights, and discoveries that make us human. The TED Radio Hour is a narrative journey through fascinating ideas, astonishing inventions, fresh approaches to old problems, and new ways to think and create.

Rank #1: Big Data Revolution.
Once invisible details of our lives can now be tracked and turned into data. Will this make life easier or more complicated? This hour, TED speakers imagine how Big Data will reshape our world. Guests include tech journalist Kenneth Cukier, scientist Riccardo Sabatini, data analyst Susan Etlinger, and astronomer Andrew Connolly. (Original broadcast date: September 9, 2016)

Rank #2: Failure Is An Option.
Failure can be devastating, but it can also make us stronger and smarter. This week, TED speakers explore how failure clears the way for success, in our everyday work, and our innermost lives. Guests include entrepreneur Astro Teller, economist Tim Harford, business leader Casey Gerald, and writer Lidia Yuknavitch. (Original broadcast date: July 29, 2016)

Hidden Brain

Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.

Rank #1: When Did Marriage Become So Hard?.
Marriage is hard — and there are signs it's becoming even harder. This week on Hidden Brain, we examine how long-term relationships have changed over time, and whether we might be able to improve marriage by asking less of it.

Rank #2: Episode 56: Getting Unstuck.
At one time or another, many of us feel stuck: in the wrong job, the wrong relationship, the wrong city – the wrong life. Psychologists and self-help gurus have all kinds of advice for us when we feel rudderless. This week on Hidden Brain, we explore a new idea, from an unlikely source: Silicon Valley.

The New Yorker: Politics and More

A weekly discussion about politics, hosted by The New Yorker's executive editor, Dorothy Wickenden.

Rank #1: Elizabeth Warren and the Revolution in Economics .
Senator Elizabeth Warren has made a "wealth tax" one of the centerpieces of her presidential campaign. The plan was developed with the help of the economists Emmanuael Saez and Gabriel Zucman, part of a new generation of economists whose work focuses on the failures of free markets and advocate what many see as radical social change. John Cassidy joins Dorothy Wickenden to discuss how this cohort is affecting policy among the Democratic candidates, and whether the economy might help Donald Trump's 2020 re-election bid.

Rank #2: Sophia Takal’s “Black Christmas,” and the Producer Jason Blum on Horror with a Message .
On a sound stage in Brooklyn, Sophia Takal is racing to finish her first feature film, in time for a December release. The film is a remake of “Black Christmas,” an early slasher flick from Canada, in which sorority girls are picked off by a gruesome killer. Horror “takes our everyday anxieties and dread and externalizes them for us,” Takal told WNYC’s Rhiannon Corby, “and allows us to witness a character going through it and usually surviving.” Takal brought a very 2019 sensibility to the remake, reflecting the ongoing struggle of the #MeToo movement. “You can never feel like you’ve beaten misogyny,” she said. “In this movie, the women are never given a rest. They always have to keep fighting.” “Black Christmas” is produced by Jason Blum. Blum found his way to horror films almost by accident: his company, Blumhouse Productions, produced “Paranormal Activity,” which was made for a few thousand dollars and then earned hundreds of millions at the box office. He went on to make high-prestige projects, such as Jordan Peele’s “Get Out,” which became one of the very few horror films to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. Blum understands that a truly frightening movie needs more than good “scares.” “What makes horror movies scary,” he told David Remnick, “is what’s in between the scares,” meaning how it taps into the audience’s anxieties about issues in the real world. Having a message sells, Blum thinks.