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


    • Aug 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 1,485 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

    ICE Takes on New "Flashy, Brazen" Recruitment Approach

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 21:12


    On Today's Show:Nick Miroff, staff writer for The Atlantic who covers immigration and the Department of Homeland Security, talks about the changes at the immigration enforcement agency and how the $75 billion budget bump will be spent.

    Where Else Might Trump Send the National Guard?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 23:31


    In an executive order on Monday, President Donald Trump directed each state's National Guard to be prepared to respond to civil disturbancesOn Today's Show:Dan Lamothe, U.S. military and Pentagon reporter at The Washington Post, breaks down the latest news and what this might mean for cities like Chicago, Baltimore and New York City.

    Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump Agree About This

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 21:01


    Between a meeting with South Korean leaders, further tariffs, and foreign investments, this week has seen several headlines regarding Trump's economic agenda. On Today's Show:Lydia DePillis, New York Times reporter covering the American economy and Shawn Donnan, Bloomberg News senior writer, talk about the latest economic and tariff news, including U.S. investment in Intel, other deals involving foreign investment in U.S. businesses, and the Federal Reserve.

    Is Newsom ‘Trolling' Trump An Effective Strategy For Dems?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 25:29


    The left is taking a variety of different, somewhat disjointed approaches to counter-messaging the Trump administration. On Today's Show:Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic and an author of the Atlantic Daily newsletter, talks about national politics, including Democratic messaging strategies, like California Gov. Newsom's efforts to 'troll' Trump on social media.

    AG Bondi Subpoenas Personal Medical Info Re: Trans Minor Care

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 25:31


    In July, the Justice Department (DOJ) announced it had issued subpoenas to medical providers that had provided gender-affirming care to minors. On today's show: Washington Post reporter Casey Parks discusses one of those subpoenas, which was newly made public, and what it means for transgender healthcare. 

    Historian Douglas Brinkley on MAGA-fying the Smithsonian

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 27:45


    As the Trump administration conducts a review of the content in the Smithsonian museums, the president wrote on social media earlier this week that the Smithsonian Institution was too focused on the horrors of slavery.On Today's Show:Douglas Brinkley, professor of history at Rice University, a CNN Presidential Historian, and a contributing editor at Vanity Fair, talks about what could be lost if the administration is able to censor what is presented to museumgoers.

    Cuomo Predicts Trump Will Help Him Become NYC Mayor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 22:13


    In a leaked recording, NYC mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo suggests that Trump will urge his supporters to vote for him, rather, rather than GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa.On Today's Show:Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter, and Jeff Coltin, Politico reporter and co-author of the New York Playbook, talk about the latest news in the mayoral campaign, including Andrew Cuomo's comments regarding President Trump at a Hamptons fundraiser.

    The Trump Nominee Who Wants To “Sunset” Social Security

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 21:18


    Wall Street is reportedly worried that President Trump will come after big banks the way he did big law firms and elite universities.On Today's Show:William Cohan, co-founder of Puck News and author of many books, including Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon (Penguin Random House, 2022), talks about the many ways President Trump is interfering in big U.S. businesses 

    Putin and Trump Meet About Ukraine, Without Ukraine

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 21:43


    The Presidents of Russia and the U.S. will meet in Alaska to discuss the future of the war in Ukraine. 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 upcoming meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska to discuss the war in Ukraine.

    What Trump's Law Enforcement Takeover In DC Means For Other Blue Cities

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 22:04


    President Trump is reportedly using federal agencies to beef up law enforcement presence in Washington DC. On Today's Show:David Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic and author of The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America (Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2025), talks about the context and implications of Pres. Trump's takeover of policing in Washington, DC, plus other national news.

    The Future Of Vaccines, After RFK Jr. Slashes Research Funding

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 19:35


    Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr has canceled nearly half a billion dollars in federal funding for future vaccine development.On Today's Show:Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH, founding director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), member of the Vaccine Integrity Project, and the author, with Mark Olshaker, of the forthcoming book, The Big One: How We Must Prepare for Future Deadly Pandemics (Little, Brown Spark, 2025), talks about RFK, Jr.'s cuts to mRNA vaccine development and what it means for public health and science, plus other vaccine-related news.

    How the Trump Tariffs are Playing Out So Far

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 21:49


    After many delays and negotiations, most of President Donald Trump's tariffs went into effect last Thursday, August 7th.On Today's Show:Eric Levitz, senior correspondent at Vox, break down the latest news, including why Trump's tariffs, no matter how tough they might be on American pocketbooks, might be very hard to reverse.

    Zohran Mamdani Answers Questions About His Record on NYPD, Mideast, More

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 23:32


    One of NYC's most likely mayoral hopefuls has been finding success supporting some extremely left-leaning policies. On Today's Show:Zohran Mamdani, New York State assembly member (D-36, Queens) and the Democratic nominee for mayor, makes his pitch to voters as he runs for mayor of New York City. 

    What A Raucous Nebraska Town Hall Says About The Country's Mood

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 22:50


    With Congress on summer recess after passing the big spending bill, GOP representatives are now tasked with defending their legislative records to their constituents. On Today's Show:Eleanor Mueller, congress reporter at Semafor, talks about the particularly tough crowd Republican congressman Mike Flood faced on Monday evening and other news coming out of Congress. 

    Robert Reich on Clintonomics, Trumponomics, Bullies

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 22:26


    With recent stories around the Fed chair, and US employment figures, a former government economist explains the latest, and the stakes. On Today's Show:Robert Reich, recently retired as Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley, Secretary of Labor under Pres. Clinton, a columnist for Newsweek and The Guardian and Substack, and the author of several books, including his latest, Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America (Knopf, 2025), shares his story and why he thinks his generation 'came up short' and why young progressives listen to his political analysis. 

    Rep. Ritchie Torres Begins To Break With Israel Over Gaza

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 21:56


    With national political issues like the social safety net, immigration, and foreign policy playing out locally in NYC, a local elected weighs in. On Today's Show:U.S. Representative Ritchie Torres (D, NY-15) talks about the latest national political news of the week, as Congress is in the midst of the August recess. 

    Epstein Basics and Latest Developments Explained

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 22:07


    As new information and reporting into the human trafficking scandal around Jeffrey Epstein continues to come to light, we explore how we know what we know about the case.  On Today's Show:Epstein experts Vicky Ward, an investigative journalist and author of books including Kushner, Inc.: Greed. Ambition. Corruption. The Extraordinary Story of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump (St. Martin's Press, 2019), and Jacob Shamsian, legal correspondent at Business Insider, comb through the extensive history of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's crimes, information about his associates, and recent news involving the Trump administration.

    Central Park Temperature Chart, Global Implications

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 22:05


    As the Northeast US faces another heatwave, we take a look at some of the data behind particular climate issues.On Today's Show:Radley Horton, professor of climate at Columbia University's Climate School, connects the dots between hotter temperatures, air quality and Canadian wildfires. 

    David Remnick Asks: "What Is Israel Becoming?"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 21:12


    Israel celebrates its apparent military victory over Iran. How does that square with the humanitarian conditions in Gaza?On Today's Show:David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker and the host of The New Yorker Radio Hour, talks about his recent trip to Israel as the country navigates the complicated geopolitics of the region, and the changing landscape of international support.  

    Gaza Food and Medicine Relief Leaders Describe Conditions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 22:15


    The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, with many Palestinian civilians reportedly unable to access food, medicine and other basic supplies.On Today's Show:Avril Benoît, executive director of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières in the United States, and Katy Crosby, Mercy Corps Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy, talk about the on-the-ground reports they're receiving on the food and medical crises in Gaza. 

    Why GM Is Eating Its Billion Dollar Tariff Costs (For Now)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 19:24


    General Motors' CFO says they won't raise prices despite the tariffs imposed by Trump's White House, and the retaliatory tariffs imposed by the US's global trade partners.On Today's Show:Alexandra Svokos, the digital managing editor of Kiplinger, talks about what some economic indicators say about the effects of the new tariffs.

    How The Epstein Drama Changes Politics for Trump and Congress

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 23:11


    Speaker Mike Johnson sent members of the House of Representatives home for their August break a few days early in order to avoid a vote on releasing Epstein materials.On Today's Show: Annie Karni, congressional correspondent for The New York Times and co-author (with Luke Broadwater) of Mad House: How Donald Trump, Maga Mean Girls, a Former Used Car Salesman, a Florida Nepo Baby and A Man with Rats in his Walls Broke Congress (Random House, 2025), talks about how the years-old story is roiling Republicans and delighting Democrats, and more Congressional news.

    Did Anyone Win When Mehdi Hasan Debated 20 Far-Right Conservatives?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 22:19


    In clips that went viral, Mehdi Hasan, editor-in-chief and CEO of Zeteo, columnist for The Guardian and former MSNBC host, debated 20 far-right conservatives on Jubilee's YouTube series "Surrounded."  He talks about the experience and why he's still not sure it was worth it.

    Trump Pushes Texas to Redraw Congressional Lines to Benefit GOP

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 18:49


    The Texas state legislature has reconvened for a special session and at the behest of President Trump, one of the primary goals is to redraw the state's Congressional map to shore up the Republican majority in the House. On Today's Show:Matthew Choi, co-writer of the Early Brief politics newsletter at The Washington Post, explains why this is happening now, and how Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, are trying to fight back.

    CNN's Brian Stelter On Trump And Today's Media Landscape

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 21:09


    Hear about the latest media headlines, from the Late Show's cancellation, to Trump's newspaper lawsuits and public media funding clawbacks and the Epstein Files news cycle.On Today's Show:Brian Stelter, chief media analyst for CNN Worldwide, lead author of the Reliable Sources newsletter and the author of several books, including Network of Lies: The Epic Saga of Fox News, Donald Trump, and the Battle for America (Atria/One Signal Publishers, 2024), offers analysis of all the big media stories from recent days. 

    The Debate Over When Anti-Zionism Equals Anti-Semitism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 21:48


    Columbia University has announced it will use a controversial definition of antisemitism on campus, approved by the Trump administration. On Today's Show:Arno Rosenfeld, enterprise reporter at the Forward and author of the Antisemitism Decoded newsletter, talks about the new definition and why some groups don't support it. Plus Katie J.M. Baker, national investigative correspondent for The New York Times, discusses Project Esther, a project of the conservative Heritage Foundation that aims to suppress pro-Palestinian activism and what it labels antisemitism across America.

    How Federal Funding Clawbacks Will Impact Public Media

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 20:28


    The senate approved a rescission package of cuts to NPR and PBS along with foreign aid.On Today's Show:LaFontaine Oliver, president and CEO of New York Public Radio, and Sarah Gilbert, president and CEO of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, talk about what comes next, both for larger stations like WNYC and smaller and more rural public radio stations.

    Garry Kasparov: No, Trump Is Not Being Tough on Putin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 21:48


    President Trump has attempted to signal a change of tune toward Russian President Vladimir Putin in his war against Ukraine.On Today's Show:Garry Kasparov, former world chess champion and democracy activist, plus host of The Atlantic podcast "Autocracy in America," chairman of the Renew Democracy Initiative and a vice president of the World Liberty Congress, offers his take on how the United States of America can avoid backsliding into autocracy.

    Sen. Andy Kim on FEMA After The Flood, Trump's New Tune on Putin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 22:05


    A local Senator shares his thoughts on federal responses to recent flooding in his state, Trump's budget, and foreign relations.On Today's Show:Senator Andy Kim (D NJ), talks about his work in the Senate and the issues in New Jersey.

    Immigrants Allege 'Inhumane' Conditions at Manhattan Holding Sites

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 25:54


    On today's show:Immigrants and advocates are alleging that conditions at a lower Manhattan ICE facility are inhumane, including no beds and not enough food. Arya Sundaram, WNYC and Gothamist reporter covering race and immigration, shares her reporting on the story and what local elected officials have been able to find out is going on inside.

    NY Mayoral Nominee Zohran Mamdani is a Democratic Socialist. What Does That Mean?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 25:25


    On today's show: Susan Kang, associate professor of political science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a commentator on state on local politics, defines democratic socialism and analyzes the way the Democratic Socialists of America's New York chapter figured into Zohran Mamdani's campaign in the Democratic mayoral primary. 

    How Trump's Megabill Will Affect Your Student Loans

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 22:45


    Big changes are coming to student loans as a result of President Trump's domestic spending law. On Today's Show:Ayelet Sheffey, senior economic policy reporter at Business Insider, explains how the new law will make it harder for some borrowers to afford medical or law school, and how repayment plans for federal student loans will change.

    Mass Deportation by the Numbers - And Our Callers' Revealing Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 22:11


    On today's show:Austin Kocher, assistant research professor in the office of research and creative activity in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University, and Substack writer, shares the data he's collected from the Trump Administration's mass deportation policy, particularly the increasing numbers of migrants arrested by ICE and living in detention facilities across the country.

    Reading The Climate Sections of The Big Trump Bill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 21:37


    Trump's so-called 'Big Beautiful Bill' would cut clean energy subsidies, and other programs aimed at mitigating climate change.On Today's Show:Zack Colman, Climate and energy reporter for POLITICO, reports on new analysis that show the Republicans' One Big Beautiful Bill Act will raise greenhouse gas emissions and scale back U.S. environmental goals. 

    DC Deals With Mamdani: From Stephen Miller to Hakeem Jeffries

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 20:49


    Over the holiday weekend, political voices across the spectrum, from a Trump advisor to a leading congressional Democrat, weighed in on the national implications of Zohran Mamdani's primary win in NYC.On Today's Show:Susan Page, USA Today Washington bureau chief and the author of several books, including The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters (Simon & Schuster, 2024), talks about the latest national political new including the latest on the budget bill and the president's agenda, and more.

    How the Domestic Policy Bill Will Mean Millions More Will Go Uninsured

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 20:41


    Today, the domestic funding bill that President Trump has been pushing through Congress is undergoing a vote in the House of Representatives.On Today's Show:Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent, KFF Health News and host of the What the Health? podcast, talks about the House and Senate budget bills and what they would mean for Americans' access to health care.

    When SCOTUS Rules, Look For Ketanji Brown Jackson's Dissents

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 20:49


    It's been an impactful term at the Supreme Court this year, with cases impacting many facets of presidential power and checks-and-balances. On Today's Show:Ruth Marcus, contributor to The New Yorker, former columnist for The Washington Post and the author of Supreme Ambition: Brett Kavanaugh and the Conservative Takeover (Simon & Schuster, 2019), talks about Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and takes stock of the Supreme Court's latest blockbuster decisions.

    Inside Senate Republicans' Jockeying On Trump's Big Beautiful Bill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 20:47


    Now that President Trump's major legislative priorities are before the Senate, we hear how lawmakers are staking their claim on the Republican agenda.On Today's Show:Nicholas Wu, POLITICO congressional reporter, talks about the latest national political news, as the Senate votes on  the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" which Congress is aiming to pass by July 4. 

    Planned Parenthood and Due Process Lose At The Supreme Court

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 20:18


    Today was another Supreme Court decision day, with tomorrow's decisions expected to drop, marking the end of the current term.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, talks about the Supreme Court's decision to allow the Trump administration to deport migrants to countries where they have no connections, and other opinions that were dropped today.

    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. 

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