Radio Atlantic

Sophie Gilbert, an Atlantic staff writer covering culture and film, calls the Melania movie a “two-hour perfume commercial.” She dissects its glossy visuals, slow pacing, and focus on fashion and spectacle. Conversations cover Melania’s curated solitude, body language with Donald Trump, the film’s premiere and cultural reach, and whether it functions as propaganda or a stylistic misfire.

Joshua Benton, founder of the Nieman Journalism Lab and longtime reporter, explains how leadership choices at The Washington Post shaped its decline. He discusses Bezos's ownership decisions, shifts in opinion pages and subscriber backlash. Conversation covers newsroom cuts, market pressures in digital news, and the narrow set of futures left for a once-dominant national paper.

Tim Walz, Minnesota governor and former National Guard member and congressman, gives a tight, candid view from Minneapolis. He discusses federal immigration enforcement actions, confrontations at a federal building, National Guard tactics, legal and political fallout, and the risks of nationwide unrest. He emphasizes nonviolence and Minnesota’s resolve.

Adam Serwer, an Atlantic staff writer covering civil unrest and federal law-enforcement actions in Minneapolis. He describes intense on-the-ground reporting of protests, community mutual aid, and risky nonviolent resistance. He discusses federal deployments, legal immunity for agents, and how race and strategy shape the conflict.

In this engaging discussion, Franklin Foer, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the mass exodus of federal workers, highlighting personal stories and the emotional toll on those who served. Eric Green, a physician-scientist, adds insights on the Human Genome Project, emphasizing the significance of government funding for groundbreaking science. They explore the loss of expertise and the potential trauma inflicted on government morale, revealing how recent events may deter future public servants from pursuing careers in government.

Brenna Goddard, a legal researcher specializing in holding federal officers accountable, and Nick Miroff, a staff writer covering immigration for The Atlantic, dive into the heated tensions surrounding a controversial ICE shooting. They discuss the challenges of prosecuting federal agents and reveal how the current administration's narrative emboldens ICE officers. Goddard sheds light on the complex terrain of state vs. federal authority, while Miroff highlights the internal dynamics within ICE. The conversation raises critical questions about accountability and the evolving role of federal agencies.

President Donald Trump likely won’t listen to this podcast, but Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona has a warning for him: Any attempt to take Greenland using military force will probably go down as the biggest mistake made by a president in all of U.S. history. In this conversation with Kelly, we discuss the impact of the censure letter against him sent by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the legality of U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean, the future of the Democratic Party, and his family’s response to political violence. - - - Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/Listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a compelling discussion, Michael Scherer, a political reporter at The Atlantic, and Vivian Salama, a foreign policy journalist specializing in Latin America, dissect the recent U.S. raid on Venezuela. They analyze President Trump's shifting rhetoric and what it really means for U.S. involvement. Salama highlights the ambiguous role of Delcy Rodríguez and the challenges of a post-Maduro Venezuela, including the tangled web of political opposition and economic crises. Scherer connects this to Trump's broader strategy for hemispheric control and influence.

This podcast explores the poignant journey of Evan, a man grappling with homelessness and addiction. After entering rehab, he faces both hope and uncertainty, ultimately battling the harsh realities of recovery. Through video calls, listeners witness his struggles: the dangers inside rehab facilities and the small victories at Harbor Light. A touching reunion with his son brings new motivation, while Evan's ambitions evolve as he dreams of a stable future. With ongoing health challenges, he aims for a brighter tomorrow, marking his first Christmas off the streets.

David Sims, an Atlantic film critic, dissects the implications of the Warner Bros. Discovery sale amid a bidding war between Paramount and Netflix. He raises alarms about how studio consolidation could stifle creativity and diversity in filmmaking. Meanwhile, Frank Foer, an Atlantic staff writer, explores the alarming potential for presidential influence over media mergers, particularly with Trump’s possible involvement. Together, they reveal the risks to both cinematic artistry and democratic integrity with this emerging media landscape.