

Post Reports
The Washington Post
Post Reports is the daily podcast from The Washington Post. Unparalleled reporting. Expert insight. Clear analysis. Everything you’ve come to expect from the newsroom of The Post, for your ears. Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi are your hosts, asking the questions you didn’t know you wanted answered. Published weekdays around 5 p.m. Eastern time.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 19, 2021 • 22min
America’s broken supply chain
David J. Lynch, a global economics correspondent at The Washington Post, delves into the tangled web of America’s supply chain crisis. He shares insights from his visits to Southern California's congested ports, revealing the daunting delays affecting toys, clothing, and more. Lynch discusses how pandemic disruptions have reshaped purchasing behavior and contributed to shortages just before the holidays. He highlights the connections between rising inflation, outdated infrastructure, and the pressing need for improved logistics to restore the flow of goods.

Oct 18, 2021 • 18min
Colin Powell’s complicated legacy
Karen DeYoung, National security correspondent for The Washington Post and author of Colin Powell's biography, dives into the complex legacy of the first Black Secretary of State. She discusses Powell's controversial role in the Iraq War and his evolution within the Republican Party, marked by a shift away from traditional conservatism. DeYoung reveals insights into Powell's life, from his immigrant roots to his military service, and reflects on the impact of his pivotal UN speech. A fascinating exploration of a multifaceted figure in American politics.

Oct 15, 2021 • 20min
The NBA’s Kyrie problem
Ben Golliver, an NBA reporter for The Washington Post, dives into Kyrie Irving’s controversial decision to remain unvaccinated and its ramifications for the Brooklyn Nets. This choice not only impacts Irving's career but also raises questions about the responsibilities of public figures. Golliver discusses the tension between individual rights and collective health, as well as how Irving's outspokenness has made him a divisive figure in the league. The conversation illuminates the broader societal implications of an athlete's choice amid ongoing vaccination debates.

Oct 14, 2021 • 15min
Should defending Taiwan be a red line for the U.S.?
Dive into the escalating military tensions in Taiwan's airspace as Chinese warplanes conduct record incursions. Explore Taiwan's political landscape, featuring the conflict between pro-independence sentiments and calls for unification with China. Discover Taiwan's defense strategies in response to increased threats and the U.S.'s delicate position in the region. Finally, unravel China's rhetoric on peaceful unification versus aggression, highlighting Taiwan's role in broader geopolitical struggles.

Oct 13, 2021 • 17min
A new model for affordable housing
Kyle Swenson, a reporter for The Washington Post, dives into a groundbreaking affordable housing initiative in North Lawndale, Chicago. He highlights efforts to transform renters into homeowners, breaking the cycle of poverty through financial education. The discussion touches on the historical roots of housing inequality, the need for federal support, and the potential of community-driven projects to foster generational wealth. Swenson also draws parallels with successful programs like Nehemiah Homes in Brooklyn, illustrating a hopeful path forward for underserved communities.

Oct 12, 2021 • 23min
The Black voters disappointed in Biden
Cleve Wootson, a White House reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the disheartening sentiment among Black voters regarding Biden’s unfulfilled promises. The discussion reveals a significant drop in enthusiasm as voters express their concerns over systemic racism and political neglect. Nsé Ufot from the New Georgia Project emphasizes that many voters feel disconnected from the Democratic party's agenda. As the electoral landscape shifts, the urgency for Democrats to reengage with this crucial demographic before the midterms is highlighted.

Oct 11, 2021 • 17min
Why child-care workers are quitting
Heather Long, an Economics correspondent for The Washington Post, dives into the urgent issue of the child-care worker shortage. She discusses the low wages and lack of benefits that drive workers away, exacerbated by the pandemic. The ripple effects are significant, leaving parents, particularly mothers, struggling to return to work. Long emphasizes the emotional and economic toll this crisis has on families and highlights the pressing need for investment in early childhood education to retain and attract qualified staff.

Oct 8, 2021 • 20min
What do we do about Facebook?
This week, a whistleblower revealed Facebook's troubling priorities, raising alarms about user safety versus profit. A massive outage only highlighted our dependence on the platform, sparking discussions on regulation. Experts examined the mental health impacts of social media, especially on teens, urging for stronger oversight. Parents face challenges navigating their children’s internet use, while adults grapple with their own social media habits. Calls for a cultural shift within Facebook's leadership grew louder, prioritizing trust and safety.

Oct 7, 2021 • 19min
Looted treasure and offshore accounts
Cambodia is demanding the return of looted religious artifacts tied to a notorious collector hidden in major museums. The intricate story unfolds the deep cultural connection of the Cambodian people to these stolen treasures and the challenges they face in reclaiming them. Meanwhile, revelations from the Pandora Papers spark a bipartisan push in the U.S. for financial reforms to tighten regulations on offshore secrecy, raising questions about accountability in the trust industry and ethics in antiquities acquisition.

Oct 6, 2021 • 19min
Putin, a shop cleaner and a Monte Carlo mystery
Paul Sonne, a National Security reporter for The Washington Post with expertise in Russian affairs, delves into the intriguing story of Svetlana Krivonogikh, a former shop cleaner linked to Putin. They discuss how she acquired a luxury Monaco apartment, revealing the secrets behind her sudden wealth. Sonne highlights the Pandora Papers and how they expose the concealed fortunes of Russian elites, raising critical questions about the intertwining of money and political power. The conversation shines a light on hidden ownership structures and the risks faced by journalists uncovering these stories.


