Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

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From one the nation's most trusted public affairs radio hosts comes a new daily politics podcast that goes beyond the headlines and talking points. Through thoughtful conversations with leading journalists and key newsmakers, Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast, helps listeners make sense of the…

WNYC Studios


    • Jun 25, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 1,446 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Brian Lehrer Show is an absolute gem in the world of podcasts. As a listener, I have become completely hooked and wouldn't dream of missing an episode. Brian Lehrer himself is a breath of fresh air - a sane, questioning, and honest voice in a world that often lacks those qualities. The show is incredibly informative and covers a wide range of current topics, always staying up-to-date with the latest news and events. What sets this podcast apart is its commitment to unbiased reporting and presenting multiple points of view. It doesn't shy away from audience participation either, which adds another layer of depth to the discussions.

    One of the best aspects of The Brian Lehrer Show is the diverse range of guests that Lehrer brings on to discuss various subjects. These guests are experts in their fields and provide valuable insights into important topics. This ensures that listeners get a well-rounded perspective on issues that matter. Additionally, Lehrer has a talent for eliciting compelling discussions from his guests, making each episode engaging and thought-provoking. I particularly appreciate how he gives everyday people a platform to share their opinions alongside experts.

    Furthermore, The Brian Lehrer Show stands out because it maintains an unbiased approach to reporting the news. In a media landscape where bias can be pervasive, it is refreshing to have access to a show that presents facts without any agenda. This allows listeners to form their own opinions based on accurate information rather than being influenced by political or ideological biases.

    While it's difficult to find any major flaws with The Brian Lehrer Show, one minor downside could be the lack of availability for ratings above 4.5 stars consistently. Given the quality of content and discussions presented on this podcast, it would be fitting if listeners had the option to give it an even higher rating.

    In conclusion, The Brian Lehrer Show is an essential listen for anyone interested in politics and current affairs. With its commitment to providing factual information and diverse perspectives, it is a valuable resource in an often chaotic media landscape. Whether you're in the US or across the globe, this podcast offers a clear, informed, and unbiased perspective on the issues that matter. I highly recommend tuning in to experience the intelligent discussions and thought-provoking content that The Brian Lehrer Show consistently delivers.



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    Latest episodes from Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast

    Zohran Mamdani Talks With Me About His Historic Democratic Primary Victory

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 10:57


    Yesterday's primary for the Democratic nomination for the NYC mayor's race yielded decisive success a young, progressive, populist candidate.On Today's Show:Zohran Mamdani, New York State assembly member (D, D-36, Queens), talks about his big win in last night's primary for New York City mayor. 

    Cuomo vs. Mamdani Top Two In Dem Primary Join For Final Arguments

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 20:15


    The primary for NYC's mayoral nominees wraps up tomorrow, with close polls and a broad field of Democratic candidates.On Today's Show:Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, and then NY State Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani make their final pitches for voters to rank them first at the ballot box. 

    Trump's “Strategic Ambiguity” (Or Is It?) On Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 22:49


    With the conflict continuing to develop between Israel and Iran, we consider the role of the United States and President Trump. On Today's Show:Fred Kaplan, Slate's War Stories columnist and the author of many nonfiction books and his latest, a novel, A Capital Calamity (Miniver Press, 2024), offers analysis of the Iran-Israel conflict and discusses his recent column appraising the odds of the United States joining the fight. 

    Dr. Who Treats Trans Kids: What SCOTUS Ruling Means for Families

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 20:25


    On Wednesday, the Supreme Court's decided to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender affirming care for minors in the United States v. Skrmetti case. On Today's Show:Jack Turban, MD, MHS, adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist and author of Free to Be: Understanding Kids & Gender Identity (Atria Books, 2024), offers his perspective on the ruling and how it will affect transgender children and their families. 

    Legal Analysis SCOTUS OKs States Blocking Care For Trans Kids

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 22:11


    This morning,  the Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's ban on gender affirming care for transgender children.On Today's Show:Kate Shaw, professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, co-host of the Supreme Court podcast Strict Scrutiny and a contributing opinion writer with the New York Times, discusses the latest news coming out of the Supreme Court, including the latest decision to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender affirming care for transgender children, the legal battle over the Trump administration's deployment of the National Guard in California — currently headed to a federal appeals court — and President Donald Trump's use of "the shadow docket," which has made it so SCOTUS often votes in his favor.

    Stories of People Affected By Halting Historic AIDS Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 21:18


    Nations that once relied on USAID funding to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS have been impacted by President Trump's cuts to the program. On Today's Show:Jon Cohen, senior correspondent with Science, reports on how countries that suffer high rates of HIV/AIDS are coping now that USAID funding has dried up, and how local governments, especially in places like Lesotho, are attempting to figure out solutions. Plus, Wafaa El-Sadr, MD, director of ICAP at Columbia University, professor of epidemiology and medicine at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, executive vice president of Columbia Global, and lead of the New York City Preparedness & Response Institute, discusses ICAP's HIV/AIDS treatment under the Trump administration.

    'No Kings Day' Meets Fewer Workplace Raids

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 20:37


    Over a weekend with many intense headlines, “No Kings Day” protests against the Trump administration took place around the country. On Today's Show: Susan Glasser, staff writer at The New Yorker, author of a weekly column on life in Washington and host of the Political Scene podcast, talks about the latest national political news, including the the news from Los Angeles, President Trump's military parade and the "No Kings" protests. 

    New York City Mayoral Hopefuls Debate Handling Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 12:35


    Last night, Brian co-moderated a debate among the Democratic hopefuls campaigning to be NYC's next mayor. On Today's Show:Hear excerpts from the debate that specifically asks candidates how they would respond to those moves by the Trump administration that could impact city life, from federal funding cuts to crackdowns by federal law enforcement on protests. 

    L.A. Times Columnist on How to “Rebel Smarter”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 21:42


    Tense scenes between protestors and law enforcement agents, both local and federal, have violently clashed. On Today's Show:Gustavo Arellano, columnist for The Los Angeles Times, offers his take on the protests in Los Angeles, the Trump administration's response and how local communities are showing up for their immigrant neighbors. 

    RFK Jr. Fires Entire Vaccine Advisory Committee: Now What?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 19:14


    The U.S. Health Secretary, RFK Jr., announced he was dismissing all the members of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee.On Today's Show:Katelyn Jetelina, founder and author of the newsletter Your Local Epidemiologist, talks about what RFK Jr. says are his goals, and what the consequences might be.

    Jake Tapper Talks Trump, Karen Bass, Eric Adams and the Crackdown In L.A.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 22:01


    CNN's lead DC anchor and chief Washington correspondent shares his analysis of recent news, including the intensifying standoffs between protesters and federal law enforcement in Los Angeles.On Today's Show:Jake Tapper, co-author with Alex Thompson of Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again (Penguin Press, 2025), talks about the latest national political headlines.

    Is Trump Using L.A. To Move Toward Martial Law?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 20:43


    President Trump has deployed the National Guard to suppress demonstrations against immigration raids in Los Angeles.On Today's Show:Leah Litman, professor of law at the University of Michigan and a former Supreme Court clerk, co-host of the podcast "Strict Scrutiny" and the author of Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes (Atria/One Signal Publishers, 2025), offers legal analysis.

    Rep. Nadler On DHS Handcuffing His Staffer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 21:06


    Last week, a congressional staffer at a district office was detained by officials from the Department of Homeland Security.On Today's Show:Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D, NY-12), talks about the incident, and more about his work in Washington.

    Obama's Education Secretary Argues For The Importance of The Federal Role

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 20:48


    With the Trump administration's general posture against the Department of Education, we speak with a former official about the DOE's value to local school districts. On Today's Show:John B. King, Jr., chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), former U.S. Education Secretary under Pres. Obama, and the author of Teacher By Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives (Legacy Lit, 2025), talks about his memoir and work at many levels of the education system and advocates for the work of the Education Department.

    How Different Women's Sports Are Trying To Balance Fairness and Trans Inclusivity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 31:06


    After a transgender high school athlete won two events at a California track and field competition, President Donald Trump has threatened to defund the state. On today's episode: Katie Barnes, author of Fair Play: How Sports Shape the Gender Debates (St. Martin's Press, 2023), discusses the rules various leagues have set in place to ensure equity and inclusion and fact-checks some of the broader ideas held by the public about fairness and gender in sport.

    The 'We Are All Going To Die' Defense of Medicaid Cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 20:31


    A constituent told Sen. Joni Ernst that proposed Medicaid meant that "People are going to die." Sen. Ernst responded: "Well, we all are going to die."On Today's Show:Jonathan Lemire, co-host of Morning Joe on MSNBC; writer for MSNBC and contributing writer to The Atlantic, talks about the latest national political news, including Ernst's comments, what's brewing for Democrats regarding the 2028 election and more.

    Trump and Rubio vs. International Students. Why?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 23:33


    The Trump administration announced it would "aggressively revoke" student visas for Chinese students who are planning to study in the United States. On Today's Show:Liam Knox, the admissions and enrollment reporter for Inside Higher Ed and author of their Admissions Weekly newsletter, reports on the latest on that plus the dispute between the administration and Harvard over enrolling foreign students.

    Is the SALT Deduction (Always) (Sometimes) (Never) a Good Idea?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 21:27


    On today's show: Andrew Lautz, associate director for the Bipartisan Policy Center's Economic Policy Program, talks about the impact of raising the cap on SALT (state and local tax) deductions—and who benefits.

    Law Prof. Leah Litman Accuses SCOTUS of Running On “No Law, Just Vibes”

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 20:26


    Why does one legal analyst say that the current Supreme Court is operating under a doctrine akin to “no law, just vibes?”On Today's Show:Leah Litman, professor of law at the University of Michigan and a former Supreme Court clerk, co-host of the podcast "Strict Scrutiny" and the author of Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes (Atria/One Signal Publishers, 2025), offers her take on the current Supreme Court, the major decisions coming this term.

    Defunded Health Researcher Tells His Story, Reacts to RFK Children's Health Diagnosis

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 22:06


    New York City's CUNY system  recently lost federal funding for more than 70 research grants.On Today's Show:Denis Nash, professor of epidemiology at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy and executive director of CUNY's Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, talks about the funding he recently lost on research related to COVID vaccine uptake, plus comments on the changes coming to how the COVID vaccine is rolled out for the next season.

    The Future Of The ERA After 100 Years

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 17:38


    Today, we revisit a conversation about the Equal Rights Amendment, and its current status.On Today's Show:Julie Suk, a law professor at Fordham University and the author of We the Women: The Unstoppable Mothers of the Equal Rights Amendment (Skyhorse Publishing, 2020), reviews the history of the Equal Rights Amendment, from its introduction by Alice Paul in 1923 through its current disputed status, following passage by a 38th state and President Biden's declaration that it's the "law of the land."

    Sen. Gillibrand on the House's Tax and Safety Net Cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 17:50


    This morning, the House passed a spending bill after many long late nights of negotiations. Now it moves on to the Senate.On Today's Show:U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) talks about her work in Washington, and her view of the Trump and GOP budget proposal.

    After the Budget All-Nighter

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 17:40


    As President Trump attempts to get the House's new budget bill to pass, lawmakers met overnight to pursue amendments that could lead to compromise. On Today's Show:Marianna Sotomayor, congressional reporter for The Washington Post, where she covers lawmakers and debates on Capitol Hill, offers commentary on the bill's status.

    Dem Rep. Pallone On The Specific Ways Medicaid Would Be Cut

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 17:41


    On Sunday, House Republicans released their package of proposals that would cut federal spending on Medicaid and Obamacare.On Today's Show:U.S. Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ6), ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, discusses what's in the bill, which the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says would cause 8.6 million Americans to lose their health insurance.

    Emily Bazelon on Rule of Law vs. Autocracy Developments at SCOTUS

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 21:38


    We unpack SCOTUS's decision to continue to prohibit the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged gang members.On Today's Show:Emily Bazelon, staff writer for The New York Times Magazine, co-host of Slate's "Political Gabfest" podcast, Truman Capote fellow for creative writing and law at Yale Law School and author of Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration (Random House, 2019), offers legal analysis on how the courts are limiting executive power (or not).

    Trump Cuts Come for Arts Organizations Big and Small

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 15:53


    Trump's administration has aimed to pare back federal funding to various parts of civic society.On Today's Show:Brian Boucher, contributor for Artnet News and journalist covering the New York art world, talks about how arts organizations are reacting to the Trump administration starting to cut their grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

    WNYC President LaFontaine Oliver On The Campaign To Defund Public Broadcasting

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 9:01


    The federal government is aiming to take steps to reduce public funding to public media sources through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.On Today's Show:LaFontaine Oliver, president and CEO of New York Public Radio, talks about the executive order President Trump signed regarding federal funding for public media and what comes next for the NYPR and the broader system.

    Senator Chris Murphy On How To Save Democracy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 19:20


    A Democratic senator outlines his critiques of the Trump administration, and outlines his prescription for protecting the guardrails of democracy.On Today's Show:Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator (D-CT), author ofThe Violence Inside Us: A Brief History of an Ongoing American Tragedy (Random House, 2020) talks about his critique of DHS and the effect of Trump administration policies in Connecticut.

    Dems For NJ Guv Debate After Baraka Arrest at ICE Facility

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 21:02


    At a recent primary event for Democrats hoping to be NJ's next Governor, candidates discussed how they are thinking about a relationship with President Trump's administration. On Today's Show:Michael Hill, WNYC Morning Edition host and Briana Vannozzi, anchor for "NJ Spotlight News," recap and offer analysis of a conversation between New Jersey's Democratic candidates for governor.

    Supreme Court Justices Are Speaking Up

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 20:02


    Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson has made comments characterizing the Trump administration's behavior toward the legal profession as "threats and harassment."On Today's Show:Mark Joseph Stern, senior writer at Slate covering courts and the law, previews the end of the Supreme Court term, and talks about the arrest of Newark NJ's mayor Ras Baraka.

    Explainer: Trump's Crypto Windfall and Corruption Claims

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 22:41


    In president Trump's first administration, he stated that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are "not money". Now, his sons head their own crypto company.On Today's Show:David Yaffe-Bellany, technology reporter forThe New York Times, covering the crypto industry, shares his reporting on the ways the Trump family has financially benefitted from embracing the industry in these first few months of his second presidency.

    The Science and Politics of Fixing Air Traffic Control

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 20:31


    Communication blackouts, delayed flights, staffing shortages -- New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport has been in crisis mode for the past week. On Today's Show:Pete Muntean, CNN correspondent covering aviation and transportation, pilot, and flight instructor, takes us behind the scenes of the multiday meltdown at Newark, and explains what's caused these problems for travelers and staff alike.

    Will RFK's New Vaccine Policy Cancel Fall COVID Shots?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 19:50


    Last week, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the Food and Drug Administration would require all new vaccines to be tested against placebos and to develop new vaccines without using mRNA technology.On Today's Show:Christina Jewett, reporter covering Food and Drug Administration forThe New York Times, explains what that will mean for future drugs, including COVID-19 booster shots, plus more FDA-related news headlines.

    Why The President Is Coming For Your Kids' Dolls

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 21:51


    With the impacts of President Trump's trade wars beginning to be felt in the US, we discuss the macro- and micro-economics of the administration's trade policy.On Today's Show:Kimberly Adams, senior Washington correspondent for Marketplace and the co-host of the Marketplace podcast “Make Me Smart,” talks about the latest news on tariffs, including the end of the de minimis exemption, which may lead to higher prices for consumers. Plus, Arthur Dong, professor of strategy and economics at the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University, offers analysis of the US-China relationship as Beijing is considering whether it should begin to negotiate with President Trump on trade.

    Pass the SALT? Tax and Spending Cuts Time In Congress

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 21:32


    With officials and lawmakers in Washington D.C. discussing federal budget priorities, we look the coming year in government funding. On Today's Show:Kadia Goba, politics reporter for Semafor, reports on the latest news from Congress, including where things stand on budget negotiations, the SAVE Act and more.

    Judge Compares Student Deportation Policy to McCarthy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 22:48


    Several cases of the Trump administration's immigration detentions and deportations have raised questions about due process.On Today's Show:Nick Miroff, staff writer for The Atlantic who covers immigration and the Department of Homeland Security, talks about the behind the scenes negotiations between the Trump administration and the president of El Salvador about the US sending deportees there, regardless of their country of origin. 

    100 Years of Women In The Military (With Great Caller Stories)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 20:18


    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously discussed  blocking women from military service, though has since backed off on those efforts.On Today's Show:Katherine Sharp Landdeck, professor of history and director of Pioneers Oral History Project at Texas Woman's University and the author of The Women with Silver Wings: The Inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II (Crown, 2020), talks about American women in the military over the last century.

    David Remnick on the “Authoritarian Primacy” Threat at 100 Days

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 21:22


    After 100 days of Trump's second term, questions have arisen about birthright citizenship, the arrests of judges and deportations without due process.On Today's Show:David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker and the host of The New Yorker Radio Hour, offers his assessment of Trump's second term so far, and the opposition that is beginning to form.

    The Father In ICE Detention That Sen. Andy Kim Wants You To Know About

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 22:16


    Recently, NJ Sen. Andy Kim made an unannounced visit to a federal immigration detention facility. On Today's Show:Andy Kim, U.S. Senator (D-NJ), talks about his work in the Senate and the issues facing the Garden State.

    'Conception Pricing' and Other Project 2025 Goals On The Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 19:27


    After his first few months in office, where have the initial actions of the Trump administration aligned with Project 2025?On Today's Show:David Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic, author of their daily newsletter, and author of The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America (Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2025), shares his analysis of President Trump's agenda.

    The Global Politics Of Picking A New Pope

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 23:18


    The global influence of the Catholic church has been a historically important force on the international stage. On Today's Show:Daniel Rober, associate professor and department chair of the Catholic Studies department at Sacred Heart University, talks about the leading contenders to be the next pope, the fraught process in the Vatican and the different directions the next leader of the world's Catholics might take the church.

    Anne Applebaum on 'Autocracy Inc.' In Hungary's Economy and Ours

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 21:48


    What constitutes an "authoritarian" government, and what causes them to fail?On Today's Show:Anne Applebaum, staff writer at The Atlantic, historian and author of Autocracy Inc. (Penguin, 2024), argues the checks on presidential power, put in place by the founders, have so far failed in the second Trump administration.

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