Reveal
The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX
Reveal’s investigations will inspire, infuriate and inform you. Host Al Letson and an award-winning team of reporters deliver gripping stories about caregivers, advocates for the unhoused, immigrant families, warehouse workers and formerly incarcerated people, fighting to hold the powerful accountable. The New Yorker described Reveal as “a knockout … a pleasure to listen to, even as we seethe.” A winner of multiple Peabody, duPont, Emmy and Murrow awards, Reveal is produced by the nation’s first investigative journalism nonprofit, The Center for Investigative Reporting, and PRX. From unearthing exploitative working conditions to exposing the nation’s racial disparities, there’s always more to the story. Learn more at revealnews.org/learn.
Episodes
Mentioned books
26 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 29min
He Helped Build the Religious Right. Now He’s Fighting ICE.
Rob Schenck, an evangelical minister who once helped build the religious right and later repudiated it, shares why he joined Minneapolis protests and walked memorials for Renée Good and Alex Preddy. He recounts tense confrontations with ICE, clergy-organized medical care, and how confronting his past shaped a cautious hope about political change.
13 snips
Jan 24, 2026 • 51min
How Sports Became a Battleground Over Trans Rights
Imogen Sayers, a reporter who profiled trans swimmer Megan Cortez-Fields. Stephen Rescone, a producer who explains the science of gender-affirming hormones. Madison Pauly, an investigative reporter on Riley Gaines and the political movement. They discuss the pivotal Leah Thomas–Riley Gaines swim, how a national anti-trans campaign formed around "save women’s sports", the science on hormones and performance, and the human toll on trans athletes.
16 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 38min
How ICE Became Trump’s Very Own Paramilitary Force
Investigative journalist Radley Balko delves into the alarming militarization of ICE under the Trump administration. He discusses how aggressive tactics have strayed from traditional policing norms, surprising even seasoned observers. Balko outlines ICE's transformation into a paramilitary force and the legal gray areas that shield officers from accountability. He also connects this shift to a legacy of militarization rooted in the War on Drugs and argues that immigration has replaced drugs as a justification for civil liberties infringements.
9 snips
Jan 17, 2026 • 50min
A Dictator Deposed—What Now for Venezuela?
Freddy Guevara, a Venezuelan opposition leader in exile, shares his harrowing journey through arrest and negotiation while expressing skepticism about the new leadership. Journalist Mariana Zúñiga recounts her gripping experience witnessing the upheaval in Caracas, highlighting the pervasive fear among citizens. Historian Alejandro Velasco delves into the vital role of oil in Venezuela's history and its impact on U.S. relations. Together, they discuss the uncertain future of Venezuela, the implications of Maduro's capture, and the complex road ahead for democracy.
17 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 34min
America’s New Era of Violent Populism Is Here
Join Robert Pape, a University of Chicago political science professor renowned for his research on political violence, as he explores the unsettling rise of violent populism in America. He discusses the implications of Trump's pardons for January 6 insurrectionists, linking demographic shifts to increased political violence. Pape reveals the unexpected backgrounds of many insurrectionists and emphasizes how economic inequality fuels resentment. He also shares glimmers of hope, citing widespread rejection of political violence among Americans.
26 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 50min
What Police Weren’t Told About Tasers
Nick Berardini, an investigative reporter known for his work on Taser safety, joins former Kansas City officer Matt Masters, whose son was tased and suffered cardiac arrest. They discuss the shocking personal impact of a tool once believed to be safe. Matt reflects on his transformation from a tactical cop to a concerned father after Bryce's incident. The conversation reveals the controversial side of Taser International's marketing and the dangers obscured from officers, including internal research indicating serious health risks associated with Taser usage.
23 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 32min
What Trump’s Venezuela Attack Means for the World
Emma Ashford, a Foreign Policy magazine columnist and senior fellow at the Stimson Center, dives into the recent U.S. military operation to capture Nicolás Maduro. She discusses the aggressive tactics of the Trump administration, coining it the 'Donroe Doctrine.' Ashford highlights international reactions, the potential for destabilization in the region, and the long-term implications for Venezuelan oil and democracy. She also explores the challenges of Venezuelan governance and the risks of increased migration due to instability.
18 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 51min
The Black Market for a Lifesaving Cat Drug
In a compelling discussion, Alex Goldman, a seasoned host and reporter from Hyperfixed, dives into the intricate world of a black market for a lifesaving cat drug. He shares the touching story of Marlena Arjo and her kitten Otto, who battled feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) against all odds. The podcast reveals the grassroots efforts of cat lovers who connected through Facebook groups to source illegal medication. Goldman also highlights the shifts in veterinary practices and the eventual push to legalize treatment options for FIP, transforming the landscape for desperate pet owners.
7 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 32min
How a Climate Doomsayer Became an Unexpected Optimist
Bill McKibben, a pioneering environmentalist and author of The End of Nature, shares his transformative journey towards optimism in the fight against climate change. He highlights the rapid evolution of solar and wind energy, expressing hope that the current energy transition could reshape civilization. McKibben discusses China's leadership in renewable energy, the need to counteract harmful policies, and the rise of grassroots movements. He emphasizes practical steps towards solar accessibility, underlining a future where clean energy can empower individuals and combat emissions.
Dec 27, 2025 • 51min
A Decade of Reveal
In this engaging celebration of ten years of impactful journalism, investigative reporter Aaron Glantz reveals how he uncovered alarming trends in veterans' opioid prescriptions, highlighting the overdose crisis. He shares the poignant story of Tim Fazio, illustrating how data can empower local journalists. Additionally, insights into reporting on water shortages in California and labor abuses in the Dominican Republic showcase the team's relentless pursuit of truth. Listen as they reflect on how these investigations have shaped awareness and prompted significant reforms.
