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A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.

ABC News


    • Mar 20, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 27m AVG DURATION
    • 1,611 EPISODES

    4.6 from 5,547 ratings Listeners of Start Here that love the show mention: thanks brad, abc news, perfect amount of news, love brad, listen to start, news to start, brad asks, brad always, mielke, brad does a great, start my day without, heh heh, listen to brad, day s news, news i need, go to news source, best daily news podcast, brad is the best, love start, day with this podcast.


    Ivy Insights

    The Start Here podcast is an essential listen for anyone looking to stay informed on the latest news and current events. Hosted by Brad Mielke, this podcast offers a comprehensive overview of the top stories of the day, providing listeners with a well-rounded understanding of what's happening in the world. With its informative and engaging format, Start Here succeeds in delivering serious reporting alongside more lighthearted and quirky stories, making it a unique and enjoyable listening experience.

    One of the best aspects of Start Here is its ability to strike a balance between serious news coverage and more light-hearted content. Brad Mielke has a talent for weaving together important headlines with interesting and offbeat stories, ensuring that listeners are not only well-informed but also entertained. This combination allows for a more engaging listening experience that keeps audiences coming back for more.

    Additionally, Start Here excels in providing unbiased reporting on major news topics. In an era where media outlets often cater to specific political ideologies, it's refreshing to find a podcast that prioritizes journalistic integrity over political fidelity. The ABC News team behind Start Here consistently delivers objective viewpoints on current issues, giving listeners the opportunity to form their own opinions based on accurate information.

    While there are many positive aspects to Start Here, it's important to note that some may find the show's humor and lightheartedness inappropriate for serious news coverage. While Brad Mielke's sly humor adds personality and charm to the podcast, some listeners may prefer a more traditional approach to news reporting without jokes or comedic interludes.

    In conclusion, The Start Here podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking a balanced and informative overview of the day's top headlines. With its unique combination of serious reporting and entertaining storytelling, this podcast keeps listeners engaged while keeping them up-to-date on current events. Whether you're looking for comprehensive news coverage or simply want to start your day off with a fun and informative podcast, Start Here is a fantastic choice.



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    Latest episodes from Start Here

    Dolores Huerta Speaks Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2026 27:41


    In a network exclusive, Dolores Huerta tells ABC that she was raped by labor icon Cesar Chavez. As oil prices skyrocket, the Pentagon says it could need $200 billion amid the war in Iran. And Meta appears to be giving up on its plans for the “metaverse.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Iran & Israel's Scorched-Earth Energy Strikes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 28:34


    An Israeli strike on an Iranian gas field sends oil prices skyrocketing, sparking an outcry from Middle East neighbors. Sen. Markwayne Mullin faces a surprise grilling in his confirmation hearing for Homeland Security Secretary. And labor rights icon Cesar Chavez is suddenly under scrutiny after posthumous accusations of sexual misconduct.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Iran War Within MAGA

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2026 28:45


    A top Trump adviser resigns over the Iran conflict, underlining a deep divide among MAGA loyalists. Cuba is blanketed by an electrical blackout. And a new report suggests more Americans than ever are being buried by credit card debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Israel: Limited Ground Operations Begin in Lebanon

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 28:29


    With nearly a million Lebanese residents displaced from their homes, some Israeli troops begin pushing into southern Lebanon. President Trump pushes Congress to vote on legislation that would dramatically reform voter ID laws. And federal prosecutors ask a judge to allow them to subpoena Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Strait Talk: Trump's Ask to Allies

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 26:42


    President Trump calls on other countries to help re-open the Strait of Hormuz. The Pentagon identifies the six servicemembers who died in a refueling plane crash. And airline executives beg Congress to end its shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Introducing "Bridge of Lies"

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2026 28:58


    Today, we're sharing something a little different. This is the first episode of the latest true crime podcast from 20/20 and ABC Audio, "Bridge of Lies," hosted by Juju Chang. In episode one of "Bridge of Lies," a call about an abandoned car on a bridge in New Jersey touches off a search for a missing person. The driver of the car is 19-year-old Sarah Stern, an aspiring artist. Authorities try to piece together what happened in the hours before she disappeared. To hear the rest of the series, follow "Bridge of Lies" on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, ⁠Spotify⁠, ⁠Amazon Music⁠, or wherever you listen to podcasts. WARNING: This program includes discussions of suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide -- free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Synagogue Attack in Michigan

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2026 22:50


    A truck ramming at a Detroit-area synagogue is being investigated as a targeted attack. The White House initiates a new plan to lower oil prices. And the Oscar race is far from certain ahead of Sunday's Academy Awards.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Iran's ‘Burn the Oil' Strategy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 25:36


    Iran attacks a series of oil tankers around the Persian Gulf, as several countries decide to draw on their strategic oil reserves. California police departments are warned of potential Iranian drone attacks. And lawmakers demand answers on a strike that hit an Iranian elementary school.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Voices from Iran: ‘This Was OUR Fight.'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2026 28:39


    After mixed messages from President Trump, the U.S. military steps up its attacks in Iran. Meanwhile, Iranians express conflicted opinions about their views on war. And New Mexico agents search Jeffrey Epstein's ranch for the first time, years after his death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Crude Awakening: Could Oil Force Trump's Hand?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 28:30


    President Trump tries to stop panic in oil markets, but refuses to shift course on war in Iran. Russia seizes on energy shortages as an opportunity to sidestep sanctions. And law enforcement officials warn about awakening Iranian “sleeper agents.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Iran's New Supreme Leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 25:07


    Iran's clerics choose a new ayatollah. American officials face questions over a strike at a girls' school. And New York police say a pair of men threw improvised explosive devices during a clash with anti-Islam protesters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Kristi Noem Ousted from DHS

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2026 28:52


    After an escalating series of controversies, President Trump dismisses DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Israel tries to destroy Hezbollah with a series of strikes on Beirut. And oil prices skyrocket, spooking the stock market and economists alike. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Torpedo Away: Historic US Strike on Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 28:44


    For the first time since World War Two, a U.S. submarine destroys a foreign warship. Kurdish fighting forces say they're ready for a ground invasion of Iran. And the Texas Senate primary set a record for Democratic turnout, underlining the stakes of midterm elections.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Gov't to Americans in Mideast: Get Out

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2026 28:37


    With Iran hitting embassies and residential areas around the Middle East, Americans scramble to escape the region. The Pentagon names the first U.S. troops killed in the Iran conflict. And senators grill Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Fog of Words: Trump's Shifting War Rationale

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 28:24


    President Trump says he foresees an Iran war extending four weeks or more, while the White House offers conflicting justifications for military action. The Pentagon readies for inevitable American casualties. And midterm primaries begin in Texas, Arkansas and North Carolina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Ayatollah is Dead. What Now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 27:22


    In a special edition of Start Here, we'll break down this weekend's historic strikes on Iran, the counterattacks, and the long-term goals of the Trump Administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Breaking: US & Israel Attack Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2026 10:04


    President Trump announces that U.S. and Israeli forces have begun a “major combat operation” in Iran, signaling a far more aggressive campaign than prior strikes. ABC's Chief Foreign Correspondent Ian Pannell reports on the attacks - and counterattacks - from Tel Aviv.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Swear to Claude: The Pentagon's AI Ultimatum

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2026 26:43


    Artificial intelligence company Anthropic appears poised to ignore a deadline from the Pentagon to fully integrate its systems with the military. Hillary Clinton sharply criticizes the House Oversight Committee's handling of a closed-door deposition. And American officials confirm some of the men shot off the Cuban coastline were from the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Are Iran Missile Strikes Inevitable?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 26:58


    With missile threats growing, Iran and U.S. negotiators meet in Geneva. A shoot-out at sea raises questions about vessels near Cuba. And documents suggest that Jeffrey Epstein managed to hide evidence from investigators for more than a decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    “Winning” Issues? Trump's State of the Union Address

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 28:01


    President Trump pitches his economic agenda in the State of the Union address as polls show many Americans remain skeptical. Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales says he will not resign over allegations of an affair with a staffer despite calls from fellow Republicans to do so. And, a snowball fight in New York City sparks an NYPD investigation after two officers get caught in the crossfire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump Readies His State of the Union Address

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 27:39


    Facing his worst approval ratings as president, Donald Trump prepares to pitch Americans on his vision for a second year in office. British police arrest a former government official after emails showing his correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein. And Americans in Mexico hunker down as cartel violence rages.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    What the SCOTUS Tariffs Ruling Means for You

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 26:53


    After a monumental ruling cancelling much of his tariff policies, President Trump vows to press forward with new import taxes. A man is killed after trespassing into Mar-a-Lago with a gun and a gas canister. And drug cartels are violently stamping their authority on Mexican towns after a kingpin was killed by police.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Epstein Docs Fallout: Ex-Prince Andrew Arrested

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2026 22:35


    Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is arrested and later released on suspicion of misconduct in public office after documents emerge between the former prince and the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The U.S. military continues its buildup of warships in the Middle East as President Trump pushes Iran to make a deal. And outrage grows over a massive sewage leak in the Potomac River.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Police: Nine Dead in Avalanche

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 28:19


    Police believe nine people have died after an avalanche in California. President Trump's “Board of Peace” prepares to meet in Washington, despite being dismissed by European allies. And as artificial intelligence data centers sprout up in American towns, residents are taken aback by the consequences.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    US-Iran Nuclear Talks: “Progress Was Made”

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2026 27:24


    Negotiators from Iran and the U.S. emerge from nuclear talks with words of optimism, despite fears of military strikes if they fail. Civil rights icon Jesse Jackson dies at 84. And London police are cracking down on an increasingly prevalent problem: public phone-snatchings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Don't Touch: Judge Slams WH Over History Exhibit

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 28:41


    A federal judge orders the White House to restore a slavery exhibit at Independence National  Historic Park in Philadelphia. A father goes on trial in Georgia after allegedly gifting his son an assault-style rifle used in a mass shooting. And President Trump presses for voting reform that would create national voter ID laws.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    One Department Shutdown, Hold the ICE

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 25:36


    With its funding withheld by Congress, the Department Homeland Security goes into shutdown mode. Secretary of State Marco Rubio gives an address stressing unity with Europe, despite increasing friction. And an Olympic curling kerfuffle begs the question: how much officiating does a sport really need? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump's Climate Rollback

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2026 26:07


    The Trump administration walks back a landmark EPA decision to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. As lawmakers struggle to reach a deal on DHS funding, immigration officials in Minneapolis say the enforcement operation that sparked the debate will end. And, a federal judge says the Pentagon trampled on Sen. Mark Kelly's First Amendment rights for punishing him over the "illegal orders" video. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Laser That Closed El Paso's Airspace

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 27:56


    A dispute between the FAA and the Pentagon over a military laser leads to the closure of airspace in El Paso, Texas. Attorney General Pam Bondi hits back at lawmakers as she faces questions about the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files. And bodycam video is released in the case of a U.S. citizen shot five times by a Border Patrol agent.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    A Break in the Nancy Guthrie Case

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2026 28:52


    A person is detained in the Nancy Guthrie investigation after the FBI releases new surveillance images. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admits he visited Jeffrey Epstein's island, but denies any wrongdoing as some lawmakers call for his resignation. And a library on the border between the U.S. and Canada is feeling the effects of President Trump's agenda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    What Trump (Allegedly) Said About Epstein

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 28:59


    As Ghislaine Maxwell refuses to answer questions from Congress, federal files reveal a new characterization of how much Donald Trump knew about Jeffrey Epstein's misdeeds. Cuba tells airlines they won't be able to refuel in Havana, as US sanctions lead to an oil shortage. And drugmaker Novo Nordisk sues compound pharmacy Hims & Hers over copied weight loss drugs.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Pick Your Battles: Trump's Latest Feud

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 23:42


    The White House deletes a racist social media post from the president's account, after vociferously defending it. The Guthrie family adjusts its language in messages to potential kidnappers. And Bad Bunny's Super Bowl Halftime Show sends a stark message, both inside and outside the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Guthries' Ransom Response

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2026 27:26


    The family of Nancy Guthrie have begun publicly pleading with would-be kidnappers to clarify any demands. The release of Jeffrey Epstein emails upend public life in the United Kingdom, with pressure building on Prime Minister Keir Starmer. And the Olympic opening ceremonies are about to get underway in Italy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    ICE is Retreating. Now What?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 28:12


    The White House announces 700 of its nearly 3,000 agents will be leaving Minneapolis, while Congress begins debating conditions for DHS funding. Ukrainians are desperately trying to rescue what they describe as children “stolen” by Russia. And a booming “prediction market” volunteers, unprompted, to offer free groceries in the backyard of its potential regulators. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Mind Your Drone Business: Shots Fired Near Iran

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2026 28:24


    An American fighter jet shoots down an Iranian drone. Arizona authorities examine a slew of tips in the apparent abduction of Savannah Guthrie's mother. And more federal prosecutors resign in protest near Minneapolis.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump: GOP Should ‘Take Over the Voting'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 25:09


    As President Trump calls for Republicans to “nationalize” voting processes, sources say the president was actively involved in an FBI raid on election offices. The Rafah border crossing opens to some Gazans desperate to flee. And inside a Las Vegas home, authorities discover what they say might be a dangerous biological lab. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Epstein's Inbox: What We Learned from New Docs

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 28:54


    An avalanche of Jeffrey Epstein documents raises new questions about his relationships with the world's elite. A 5-year-old boy has been sent back to Minneapolis with his father after spending days in a migrant detention center. And reports of a $500 billion investment in a Trump-backed crypto fund prompt concerns about conflicts of interest at the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Is DHS Funding on Ice?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2026 28:25


    A potential shutdown looms as Democrats pressure the Department of Homeland Security for reforms. President Trump cites debunked conspiracy theories over the 2020 election, sparking concerns over more election office raids. And Ukrainians find themselves in freezing conditions after an attack on energy infrastructure.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    “Pallets of Ballots”: Election Office Raid in GA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 28:57


    Federal agents carry out a search warrant on Fulton County election offices in Georgia, leaving with ballots from the 2020 election. The Department of Homeland Security claims the border agents who shot Alex Pretti have been placed on administrative leave, contradicting claims from a Border Patrol commander that they're still in the field. And more American colleges are realizing they've been scammed by “ghost students.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    What DHS Says Happened in Minneapolis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2026 28:26


    An initial report from the Department of Homeland Security claims that two different agents fired their weapons in the shooting that killed Alex Pretti. Death estimates in Iran skyrocket, with American military assets now lingering nearby. And while TikTok has settled ahead of a massive tech trial, many users do not seem happy with a recent American takeover. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Trump's Sudden Shift on Minneapolis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 27:11


    In the face of bipartisan backlash, President Trump recalls Border Patrol commander-at-large Greg Bovino from Minneapolis. Minnesota officials mount a court challenge to the Trump administration's presence on the streets. And dozens of states are recovering from an icy winter storm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The Killing of Alex Pretti

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 27:42


    Another demonstrator has been killed by federal agents in Minneapolis - and several videos seem to contradict the Trump administration's initial claims. Revelations about Alex Pretti's concealed carry permit spark a debate over Second Amendment rights at protests. And congressional Democrats threaten a potential government shutdown over ICE funding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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