The Daily

Mark Mazzetti, a New York Times investigative reporter on national security, and Ronen Bergman, a Times Magazine writer on Israeli intelligence, unpack why U.S.-Iran talks stalled. They trace the hidden fight over Lebanon, Hezbollah’s central role, Netanyahu’s war aims, Trump’s pressure campaign, and why the cease-fire looks so fragile.

Robert Draper, a New York Times political reporter, shares his trip to Mexico to try ibogaine. He traces how figures like Kyrsten Sinema and Rick Perry drew him to the drug. He talks about trauma, family wounds, and the intense clinic experience. He also recounts the vivid visions, harsh aftermath, and the personal turning point that followed.

Lena Dunham, writer, actor, director, and creator of Girls, gets candid about her memoir Fame Sick. She revisits the brutal backlash that turned her into a punchline. She talks fame, chronic pain, addiction, trauma, oversharing, and the strange pull of online criticism. She also reflects on public shame, blurred work relationships, and one apology she still carries.

Sarah Mervosh, a New York Times K-12 education reporter, explores Mississippi’s surprising school turnaround. She digs into phonics-based reading instruction, literacy coaches, school grading, and third-grade retention. She also looks at targeted spending, why results fade by eighth grade, and why other states hesitate to follow Mississippi’s model.

Who is Satoshi Nakamoto? Bitcoin’s pseudonymous founder has hidden his identity for 17 years despite many attempts to unmask him, even as his cryptocurrency has revolutionized finance and made him a billionaire. John Carreyrou, an investigative reporter for The New York Times, walks us through the evidence he found pointing to the person behind the pseudonym. Then, we hear from the man John believes is Mr. Nakamoto. Guest: John Carreyrou, an investigative reporter for The New York Times’s business section. Background reading:  Read John’s investigation into the identity of Bitcoin’s creator. Here are four takeaways from the article. Photo: Illustration by Yoshi Sodeoka; Photo by Amir Hamja For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.  Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David E. Sanger, a New York Times national security reporter, breaks down the sudden Iran cease-fire. He traces the threats and brinkmanship that pushed both sides to the edge. He looks at the shaky terms, Iran’s leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, Israel’s muted support, and why nuclear talks now sit at the center of what comes next.

Eric Schmitt, a New York Times national security reporter, recounts a high-stakes mission to recover an injured U.S. airman in Iran. He explores how the airman survived behind enemy lines, the frantic effort to beat Iranian search teams, and why the dramatic rescue could still deepen a dangerous conflict.

Mark Landler, The New York Times Paris bureau chief covering Europe and trans-Atlantic ties, unpacks why Europe is refusing to back President Trump in Iran. He gets into broken trust, being shut out before the strikes, fears over Hormuz, the shadow of Iraq and Afghanistan, pressure over Ukraine and tariffs, and why NATO unity has limits.

Lise Davidsen, a Norwegian opera superstar, and Zachary Woolfe, a New York Times classical music writer, talk about the high-stakes return of a celebrated soprano after giving birth to twins. They explore fears that pregnancy could change her voice. They follow miscarriages, medical scares, and the emotional shock of singing again. They also trace how motherhood reshaped a major role at the Met.

Stanley McChrystal, a retired Army general and former Afghanistan commander, talks through Iran’s long memory of conflict and why history shapes its resolve. He questions faith in air power and quick strikes. He explores the risks around Hormuz, the strain war puts on families, Pentagon bravado, and how mandatory national service could narrow America’s civil-military divide.