

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

9 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 25min
Can Biden's climate law survive Trump?
Maxine Joselow, a climate change reporter at The Washington Post, delves into the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on clean energy in the U.S. She discusses job creation and how conservative areas have unexpectedly reaped benefits. With Trump vowing to dismantle these efforts, they explore the limitations of presidential power and the challenges of altering laws without Congressional backing. As political dynamics shift, Maxine emphasizes the urgent need for the Biden administration to protect vital climate initiatives.

31 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 29min
The killing of a CEO
Dan Diamond, a health reporter for The Washington Post, joins the discussion on the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Diamond unpacks the troubling evidence against suspect Luigi Mangione, including chilling admissions and surveillance footage. The conversation delves into public reactions, revealing a surprising mixture of grief and celebration surrounding Thompson's death. The episode also critiques the healthcare industry's accountability and highlights the tension between corporate executives and public sentiment.

28 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 27min
What’s next for Syria
In this insightful conversation, Louisa Loveluck, a Foreign correspondent for The Washington Post, shares her firsthand experiences from Syria. She discusses the surprising fall of the Assad regime and the mixed emotions of families awaiting news of their loved ones. Loveluck highlights the stark economic divide between regime elites and struggling citizens. She also touches on geopolitical implications for Russia and Iran, and the ongoing emotional recovery of families left in the aftermath of conflict. A truly compelling look at a nation in flux.

13 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 30min
The Campaign Moment: Will Biden issue more pardons?
Join Naftali Bendavid, White House editor for The Washington Post, and Leigh Ann Caldwell, co-author of The Early Brief newsletter, as they dive into the political fallout from Biden's pardon of his son Hunter. They discuss the complex implications of this maneuver, including divided opinions within the Democratic Party and the likelihood of more preemptive pardons. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing Pete Hegseth's nomination for Defense Secretary amidst allegations and how Trump's political maneuvers could reshape Republican dynamics.

13 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 26min
What’s up with all these food recalls?
Rachel Roubein, a national health-care reporter at The Washington Post, dives into the alarming rise of food recalls linked to dangerous bacteria like E. coli and salmonella. She discusses recent high-profile incidents, including cucumber recalls and a deadly listeria outbreak from a liverwurst plant. Roubein sheds light on the complexities of U.S. food safety regulations, the impact of recalls on consumer trust, and the urgent need for better oversight in the food industry. Tune in for a fascinating look at food safety amidst rising public concerns.

8 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 20min
A surprising turn in Syria's civil war
Kareem Fahim, The Post’s Middle East bureau chief, provides expert insights into the recent escalation of the Syrian civil war. He discusses the unexpected resurgence of Islamist rebels in Aleppo, challenging President Bashar al-Assad's long-standing control. The conversation highlights the implications for foreign powers like Russia and the U.S., as they navigate this shifting landscape. Fahim unpacks the complexities of the conflict, including the evolving role of the rebel group HTS and the potential impact on U.S. foreign policy.

21 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 35min
A trans teen takes her case to the Supreme Court
Casey Parks, a reporter for The Washington Post specializing in LGBTQ issues, dives into the poignant case involving L.W., a transgender teen whose family is challenging a Tennessee law restricting gender transition care. The discussion reveals how political changes have influenced the healthcare rights of trans youth. L.W. navigates her identity amidst legal hurdles, highlighting the emotional toll on families. Parks underscores the case's potential impact on similar laws across states, opening essential conversations about justice and healthcare access for transgender adolescents.

Dec 2, 2024 • 28min
Why many people on death row will never be executed
Mark Berman, a criminal justice reporter for The Washington Post, dives deep into the complexities of the American death penalty system. He discusses why over 2,000 individuals on death row may never face execution due to factors like moratoriums and court orders. The conversation highlights the emotional toll on inmates and victims' families, revealing a fractured justice system struggling with moral dilemmas and declining public support for capital punishment. Berman sheds light on the implications of this prolonged limbo for justice in America.

98 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 30min
Impromptu: The real reason Americans are having fewer kids
Shadi Hamid, a columnist at The Washington Post, alongside Heather Long, who focuses on the middle class economy, and Monica Hesse, who explores gender dynamics, tackle the intriguing issue of America's declining birth rates. They discuss millennials' evolving views on parenthood, the impact of economic instability, and the emotional complexities of having children. The conversation highlights societal shifts and questions whether the declining birth rate is truly a crisis or an opportunity for new perspectives and policies.

27 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 46min
Bacon: The best-kept secret in Washington
Odette Pereira, a talented cook known for her secret candied bacon recipe, joins to unveil the tantalizing connections between food and politics in D.C. She shares stories of lavish dinner parties where bacon became the unexpected centerpiece, bridging divides among powerful guests. Join the quest to decode this elusive recipe, revealing nostalgia and culinary intrigue. Plus, discover how dinner gatherings influenced crucial policy decisions, reminding us of the potential for diplomacy in today’s polarized climate.


