The Brian Lehrer Show

Dan Lamothe, U.S. military and Pentagon reporter at The Washington Post, gives frontline reporting on U.S. strikes and Pentagon policy. He breaks down what went wrong with targeting, why the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, and the risks of multinational naval escorts. He also explains shifts in Pentagon press access and possible military and diplomatic off‑ramps.

Sam Sanders, reporter and radio host who leads The Sam Sanders Show on KCRW, recaps the 2026 Academy Awards. He dissects Conan O'Brien's hosting, the ceremony's pacing and sound hiccups. He highlights historic wins like Autumn Duralt-Arkipaugh and Michael B. Jordan, and debates industry angst, campaigning, and whether big commercial films got shortchanged.

Michael Saul Warren, New Jersey reporter for WNYC and Gothamist, breaks down Gov. Mikie Sherrill's first budget plan. He outlines the $60.7 billion affordability budget and the projected structural deficit. He walks through proposed cuts to the Stay NJ tax relief program, debates over utility and child care funding, and fights over transparency and member items in Trenton.

Christiane Amanpour, veteran international correspondent, traces Iran’s modern conflicts and regional ambitions. Sandy Nurse, Brooklyn council member and labor advocate, lays out the case for a $30 hourly minimum in NYC. Dana Stevens, film critic and author, debates streaming versus theaters and dissects awards-season picks. Short, sharp conversations on geopolitics, labor policy, and the future of cinema.

Burgess Everett, congressional bureau chief for Semafor who covers Capitol Hill, joins to unpack Capitol Hill drama. He breaks down the bipartisan Senate housing bill and why the House could stall it. He explains the push for the SAVE Act and voting rules fights. He also covers the DHS funding stalemate and the operational fallout at TSA and ICE.

Jimmy Vielkind, New York State issues reporter covering Albany and state politics. He breaks down competing one-house budget plans, the push for higher taxes on millionaires, Hochul’s opposition, and the tug-of-war over city bailouts and transit pilots. Short, clear takes on legal limits, migration debates, and who would actually pay.

Listeners call in with quirky rituals they follow just in case, from tossing salt and tapping car roofs to avoiding ladders. Stories range from baby-gift timing and not testing umbrellas indoors to workplace rules like never saying it is quiet. Tales include theater taboos, feng shui money practices, and practical safety habits framed as superstition.

Sandy Nurse, Brooklyn City Council member known for progressive labor advocacy, outlines a plan to raise New York City’s minimum wage to $30 by 2030 with tiered timing for small businesses. She discusses who would be affected, worries about inflation and small-business costs, strategies to support employers, and a push to boost funding for the Commission on Human Rights.

Belinda Miles, president of SUNY Westchester Community College and advocate for access and workforce-aligned programs. She discusses how federal funding cuts hit services for low-income and working students. Conversation covers enrollment shifts, Title V funding and legal challenges, food insecurity responses, and growing healthcare and cybersecurity programs.

Mohammed Sergie, Semafor Gulf editor covering Gulf politics and energy. David Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic and author on U.S. political shifts. They discuss shifting U.S. messaging about the war with Iran. They debate missile-focused tactics, Gulf states’ economic and security strains, energy and pipeline disruptions, and how changing statements shape strategy and markets.