Next Question with Katie Couric

In this special live episode recorded during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, she sits down with Kevin Conroy, CEO of Exact Sciences and the force behind Cologuard; Judy Faulkner, founder and CEO of Epic Systems; and epidemiologist Dr. Caitlin Murphy to dig into why this disease keeps striking younger people. They cover the leading theories like ultra-processed foods, microplastics, the microbiome and debate whether the screening age should drop below 45, and get into the symptoms doctors too often brush off. If you know someone in their 30s or 40s, send them this one. It could save a life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorectal cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be prevented through screening, yet far too many people aren’t getting screened on time. In this episode of Medically Speaking, Dr. Eve Glazier welcomes back the show’s very first guest, award-winning journalist Katie Couric, for an ongoing conversation and call to action for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Joined by Fola May, MD, PhD, UCLA gastroenterologist, and researcher, they discuss what’s changed in the conversation around colorectal cancer, why screening matters more than ever, the symptoms people should never ignore, and how to choose among today’s screening options. They also explore the barriers that keep people from follow-through — and why turning awareness into action can save lives. Find Dr. Glazier online at: https://www.uclahealth.org/medicallyspeakinghttps://www.instagram.com/uclahealthmedicallyspeakinghttps://www.tiktok.com/@uclamedicallyspeaking https://www.instagram.com/dreveglazierSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has spent his career outrunning a public image that reduces him to a caricature—slick, ambitious, and impossibly polished. But in this wide-ranging conversation, recorded in-person in Los Angeles, Newsom explains why his new memoir, A Young Man in a Hurry, is an earnest attempt to show people the person behind the persona. (So far, most reviews agree that it is.) Now a leading Democratic voice taking on Donald Trump, Newsom describes his approach (in short: “punch that bully in the face”) and wrestles with how his record in California will play on the national stage—offering a revealing look at his vision for the US in the coming years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Longevity is having a moment far beyond Silicon Valley, and as we all look not just to live longer but to live better, In this episode of Next Question, Katie sits down with longevity researcher Dr. Rhonda Patrick.What the science makes clear is that aging isn’t a simple cause-and-effect story. Genetics do matter, but they are only part of the picture and research shows it may be a smaller part then we think. How quickly your body declines — and what you do to combat disease and promote healthy cells along the way — plays a much bigger role.The conversation covers why exercise is the closest thing we have to a longevity drug, why heart health impacts everything from mobility to brain function, and how supporting blood flow and oxygen delivery can make a meaningful difference as we age.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special live episode of Next Question with Katie Couric, Katie talks with Best Actress nominee (and true multi-hyphenate), Kate Hudson about her role in the new movie, Song Sung Blue. Twenty-five years after her last Oscar nomination, Kate talks about why people think this is her best role yet, the importance of taking risks in your 40s, and what it is about the film that is resonating with so many people. And don’t worry–They also dish on kissing Hugh Jackman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Americans grapple with a sharp rise in political violence, controversial immigration enforcement, and a growing sense of institutional breakdown, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro joins Katie for a conversation about power, accountability, and the future of the Democratic Party. Shapiro discusses the crisis in Minneapolis, the erosion of trust between communities and law enforcement, and the constitutional stakes of federal intervention. He also opens up about the personal trauma that shaped his new book, Where We Keep the Light—and makes the case for leadership rooted in empathy, restraint, and a renewed commitment to democratic values.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you only listen to one thing to make sense of the news this year… make it this. The final episode of this season of Next Question pulls together the most important conversations of the year. You’ll hear David Graham on Project 2025, Liz Oyer on the plethora of presidential pardons, Tina Brown on the year’s biggest scandals here at home and across the pond. Plus, many more. It’s a crash course in the last twelve months, how we made it through the year, and a look at what might be coming in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie turns to veteran New York Times correspondent David Sanger to help make sense of a whirlwind few weeks in national security. Sanger explains why President Trump is using the U.S. military in ways he’s never seen in the five presidencies he’s covered—from sinking more than 20 boats in the Caribbean to deploying the National Guard in cities without clear emergencies. Katie presses him on the unanswered questions around those strikes, including a reported second hit on a burning boat and why the administration won’t release basic information.They also dig into the leaked Russia-Ukraine peace plan and the questions raised about how closely it aligns with Kremlin preferences. And as they discuss the tragic killing of the National Guard member in D.C., Sanger makes the case for why America still owes its Afghan allies protection—now more than ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special live episode of Next Question with Katie Couric, recorded at the 92nd Street Y, New York, Katie sits down with beauty icon Bobbi Brown to talk about her new memoir Still Bobbi: A Masterclass in Leading an Authentic Life. The two longtime friends share stories from Bobbi’s trailblazing career — from Bobbi’s guest appearances as a regular contributor on the Today Show to the creation of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and her new beauty venture, Jones Road. With humor and heart, they dig into what it means to stay true to yourself, build resilience, and reinvent at any age.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CAR T therapy has delivered remarkable results for people with certain blood cancers—sometimes sending aggressive disease into deep remission after a single infusion. But today, only about 20% of eligible patients can actually get it. In this episode, sponsored by our partners at Allogene Therapeutics, Katie sits down with Dr. Zachary Roberts to unpack why access remains so limited and how new allogeneic (or “off-the-shelf”) CAR T therapies could be a turning point. They discuss how using healthy donor T-cells, rather than a patient’s own, may help bypass manufacturing hurdles and bring advanced treatment to more oncologists, more hospitals, and more communities. To learn more, visit Alpha3trial.com. #AllogenePartnerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie sits down with Congresswoman Sarah McBride, the first openly trans person in Congress, for a wide-ranging conversation about her tumultuous first year on Capitol Hill. They talk about the chaos of Trump’s second term, the potential release of the Epstein files, and the role trans rights played in the last Presidential election. McBride also opens up about hope, the future of the Democratic party, and why hard conversations are essential to maintaining our democracy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since his stroke in 2022, Senator John Fetterman has been battling—battling clinical depression, his own party, frustrated constituents, and even the political culture itself. At 6’8” and clad in his trademark hoodies, Fetterman has never fit the conventional congressional mold. But where does that leave him now, as he continues to defy expectations and confound both allies and critics? From the government shutdown to Israel to immigration, Katie and Senator Fetterman cover a lot of ground. But at the heart of this urgent conversation, and of his new memoir Unfettered, is Fetterman’s harrowing struggle with depression and suicidal ideation—and his personal mission to remind people that the world is always better with them in it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this honest, funny, and sometimes raw conversation with Katie Couric, the bestselling author, podcaster, and professor Scott Galloway opens up about his new book Notes on Being a Man. In it, he’s on a mission to set out a kind of code for modern masculinity grounded in his “three Ps” (protect, provide, and procreate) and he calls on all of us to step up and support the young men in our lives. But… where does this call to support young men leave women, whose rights are under siege? Katie reads him a Reddit critique about just that (and he actually kinda agrees with it).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl has spent nearly a decade chronicling Trump–and being attacked by him. Trump has called him “a third-rate reporter,” “a real scumbag,” and worse. But he also keeps picking up Karl’s calls. Karl joins Katie to talk about his new book Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America and shares sharp, insider insight into Trump’s fixation on revenge, his loyalty-first Cabinet, and how his second term has reshaped the presidency… and the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the mayoral election days away, Zohran Mamdani takes time out of his campaign to talk with Katie about his vision for New York City. From universal childcare and free buses to rent freezes and city-owned grocery stores, Mamdani explains how he plans to make the country’s most expensive city more affordable—and what leadership looks like in a moment of deep division.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul joins Katie Couric to talk about his new book, Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder. McFaul says America’s retreat from global leadership hasn’t just left a vacuum: it’s helped autocrats like Putin and Xi fill it. So where does that leave democracy? Together, they dig into what happens when the U.S. pulls back, why isolationism is making a comeback, and what it will take to reassert our moral and political leadership on the world stage. It’s a fascinating–and surprisingly hopeful–conversation about power, principle, and possibility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this lively bonus episode of Next Question with Katie Couric, mentalist Oz Pearlman—known for dazzling crowds on America’s Got Talent—reveals how mastering human behavior can transform your personal and professional life. Drawing from his new book, Read Your Mind: Proven Habits for Success from the World’s Greatest Mentalist, Oz shares actionable advice on reading people, building connections, and embracing resilience. From running ultra-marathons to predicting football plays, he blends performance with psychology to show how understanding others can unlock your potential. It’s part life advice, part mind-reading—completely fascinating.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bernie Sanders is 84, has spent more than three decades in Congress, and can still pack a rally with people half his age. On this episode of Next Question, Katie Couric talks with the senator about his new book Fight Oligarchy and why he thinks America is at a tipping point. From Trump and the billionaire class to AI, Gaza, and the future of the Democratic Party, Bernie is as blunt, consistent, and unflinching as ever. He even has a few questions for Katie!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know the date. But what really happened in October 1929? New York Times financial columnist and DealBook founder Andrew Ross Sorkin joins Katie to discuss his new book, 1929, which demystifies one of the most famous (and infamous) chapters in American History. Through extensive research into letters and diaries of the era’s biggest players, Sorkin reconstructs the chaos and conviction of a world on the brink. How the bankers, politicians, and investors thought they were saving the system even as they helped its unraveling. It’s a conversation about how good intentions can spiral into catastrophe—and why the real lesson of 1929 is not to dance while the music plays, but to remember that, at some point, it always stops.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our nation’s founders built a system to guard against human ego and corruption. In 2025, that system is under siege. Katie talks with Atlantic editor-in-chief (and SignalGate-veteran) Jeffrey Goldberg about the magazine’s monumental new issue, The Unfinished Revolution, which asks whether the American experiment can survive its latest stress test: Donald Trump. It’s a conversation about history repeating itself, the precious fragility of democracy, and why the people who established this nation might be horrified by where it’s headed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie sits down with David Frum, Atlantic writer and host of an eponymous podcast, to take stock of a dizzying news cycle: a government shutdown framed around false claims about healthcare for immigrants, a surreal Quantico meeting where military leaders were treated as political props, and Donald Trump’s vow to punish his opponents through prosecutions. Frum explains how the U.S. budgeting system turned into a "failure machine,” what’s happening to Supreme Court neutrality, and what it means when Trump spreads vulgar AI videos of his opponents. Frum’s bottom line? This might be a fire hose of news, but it's our duty as citizens to keep up, not tune out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When someone finishes a cancer treatment, it can feel like the end of the story. For many, it may just be the beginning–risk of recurrence looms, long-term medications (and their side effects) begin, and it’s hard to get your bearings. What do you really need to know?In this candid conversation, Katie sits down with Dr. Lillian Smyth, Senior Vice President and Global Development Head for Breast Cancer at Eli Lilly and Company, and LaShae Rolle, a breast cancer survivor, public health researcher, and powerlifter. Together, they explore what life after breast cancer treatment really looks like: from follow-up care and managing side effects to navigating fears about recurrence and finding strength in advocacy.This episode—created in partnership with Eli Lilly—is about more than medicine. It’s about empowerment: knowing your “normal,” asking the right questions, and embracing life following cancer treatment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The murder of George Floyd and the protests of 2020 sparked a nationwide movement for racial justice and reckoning. Just a few years later, many of those hard-won conversations are being rolled back. Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, joins Katie to ask: is the movement truly over, or are we now in the midst of the harder, but essential, struggle to make it endure? He shares why learning is itself an act of resistance, what each of us can do to push back against false narratives, and how history can inspire courage for the battles ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, Emma Heming Willis’s life changed overnight. In this intimate conversation, she tells Katie about the early whispers of the disease, why getting a diagnosis was both a blessing and a curse, and how she’s helping their two young daughters navigate this “long goodbye.” Emma opens up about the guilt of taking a family trip without Bruce, the stigma caregivers face when making impossible decisions, and why she believes asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Along the way, she shares lessons from her new book The Unexpected Journey—practical tools, expert insights, and the emotional wisdom she wishes she’d had in the early days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The headlines aren’t slowing down. Politics is a firehose, and most days it feels like we’re drinking straight from it. This season on Next Question, we’re turning velocity into clarity. Each episode breaks down the headline overload so we can process–and commiserate–together. You’ll hear from people who actually know: reporters on the ground, legal scholars, policy pros, and bold faced names, so you get context, not chaos.  No outrage Olympics. No performative punditry. Just news separated from the noise, with a little humanity, and even humor along the way. Listen to Season 12 of Next Question with Katie Couric, on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

End your summer with the most fun you’ll have on a podcast! Impressionist and comedian Matt Friend joins Katie for a star-studded tour of celebrity voices from Hollywood to the White House, from Barack Obama to Timothee Chalamet to Jennifer Coolidge. There’s even some singing! And, yes, he does his Trump impression–which is so good it might make you squirm. In between it all Matt shares what it’s been like to break out online during the pandemic, and end up taking the stage at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. It’s a trip!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Dr. Geoffrey Hinton left Google in 2023, it wasn’t because he’d lost faith in AI. It was because he wanted to speak freely about its dangers (and because, at 75, he says programming is “annoying”). The Nobel laureate joins Katie to unpack some of the riskiest aspects of this new technology: why government regulation lags behind innovation; why jobs are at risk and whether countries can work together to prevent an AI arms race. . But Hinton also sees a path forward: if we design AI that genuinely supports and protects humanity,  coexistence might be possible. This episode wrestles with the urgent question on everyone’s mind: will AI’s breathtaking potential transform our lives or threaten our very survival?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s no secret that our lifespans – especially women’s – have drastically increased over the last several decades, but what about healthspans? How can we make those additional years healthier and happier? Speaking live at City Winery in NYC, join Katie and Dr. Krys Araujo-Torres, Head of U.S. Medical Affairs for Nature's Bounty, as they dig into the simple, effective steps we can take to live our best lives. #adSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Gates has worked at the highest levels of government, across eight presidential administrations, earning a reputation for pragmatism and integrity that feels increasingly rare in today’s political climate. In this thoughtful conversation with Katie, the former Defense Secretary reflects on the global crises now testing U.S. leadership—from the war in Ukraine to rising threats in the Middle East—and explains why diplomacy, consistency, and bipartisan cooperation are more essential than ever. As America grapples with a fractured political identity, Gates makes a compelling case for restoring experience and long-term thinking to our foreign policy playbook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caitlin Clark is electrifying crowds and breaking records—and igniting a complicated national conversation. Christine Brennan joins Katie to dissect the making of a sports icon, the WNBA’s missed opportunities, and the fraught media narratives surrounding Clark, Angel Reese, and race. It’s the subject of Brennan’s new book, On Her Game, and one of the most urgent stories in sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world flooded with information about women’s health - from TikTok trends to wellness influencers - separating fact from fiction has never been more challenging. This candid conversation between Katie Couric and gynecologist Dr. Karen Tang tackles the most persistent myths and misinformation surrounding women's health, with special focus on menstruation and incontinence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie heads to Capitol Hill for an in-person conversation with Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. In this unflinching interview, Murkowski reflects on her high-stakes political journey, her defiance of party pressure, and her growing alarm over the threats facing American democracy. Drawing from her new memoir Far From Home, she opens up about the personal toll of standing alone and why, in this moment, staying grounded has never been harder—or more critical.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett is having a moment. The rising Democratic star sits down with Katie for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation about what drives her, what frustrates her, and why she refuses to play by the old political rules. From her viral moments on Capitol Hill to the serious challenges facing democracy, Crockett shares what’s on her mind and why this moment demands leaders who won’t back down.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Holder, AG under Obama from 2009 - 2015, has spent most of his life inside the Department of Justice. Now, he’s watching it unravel. He joins Katie to explain how the Trump administration is hollowing out institutions, targeting critics, and eroding democratic norms. He shares what it’s like to see the agency he loves weaponized—and why he believes citizen power, media courage, and legal resistance are more important than ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than a decade ago, Katie asked a question she now regrets—one that sparked a meeting with her guest today, Laverne Cox. In this deeply personal conversation, the two revisit that moment and the friendship that grew from it. Laverne shares why she believes transformation is still possible–even under the Trump administration—if we’re willing to be uncomfortable and to listen. They also tackle the rising wave of anti-trans legislation, the right-wing propaganda machine, and how fascism takes root. It’s part masterclass, part catch-up, and a powerful reminder that teachable moments can change more than one life—they can change the culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world that rewards power grabs, Jacinda Ardern chose a different path. The former prime minister of New Zealand, who led her country through the Christchurch massacre and COVID, talks with Katie about leading through heartbreak and crisis, why kindness isn’t weakness, and the courage it takes to step away from power. It’s all detailed in her new book A Different Kind of Power and the behind-the-scenes doc Prime Minister, out June 13.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron Parnas grew up in a Fox News household and once campaigned for Trump. But today, he is a rising progressive voice with millions of followers—and no patience for the media status quo. In this conversation with Katie Couric, he shares how his worldview changed, and why he’s using TikTok and Substack to rewire how we consume the news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie traveled to Washington, D.C. to sit down with Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson for a candid conversation about their book Original Sin—an investigation into how President Biden’s decline was hidden from voters, colleagues, and even some members of the press. As questions swirl in the wake of his cancer diagnosis, their reporting offers critical insight into just how long this story has been building. They discuss the blind spots that shaped media coverage, the role of Biden’s inner circle, and how silence and loyalty collided in the final year of his presidency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They weren’t political operatives—they were a civil rights lawyer, a digital editor, and a marketing guy. But in the chaos of the Trump era, the Meiselas Brothers felt compelled to act. In their first in-person interview all together, Katie gets the behind-the-scenes story of how a pandemic group chat turned into the ascendent progressive MeidasTouch Network, and why truth, clarity, and community—not partisanship—are at the heart of what they do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New York Times reporter Astead Herndon has spent years embedded in the world of Trump voters. He joins Katie to explain what he’s hearing now—why economic fear, media distrust, and cultural resentment still fuel Trumpism, how tariffs and Elon Musk are playing with the base, and why the Democrats’ message just isn’t landing. If you think you know what’s driving voters in 2024, think againSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Microbiome" is a buzzword these days--but many people don't know what it means. As we re-assess the lasting impact diet may have on our health, researchers are examining the role of gut health as possible causes for the dramatic uptick in colorectal cancer in young people. Katie Couric, founder of Katie Couric Media and Stand Up To Cancer, hosts an expert-led panel including Dr. Nancy You, a surgeon and director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Program at MD Anderson, Dr. Susan Bullman–an Associate Professor of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, to discuss the impact of diet on the gut microbiome.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump’s first 100 days? Worse than former congressman and “proud RINO” Adam Kinzinger ever imagined. He joins Katie for a bracing conversation about authoritarian creep, advice on Democratic Party messaging, why the next few years could be rougher than anyone’s ready for–and why blind optimism is useless, but keeping hope alive can galvanize the American people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this heartfelt conversation, Katie sits down with the iconic Christie Brinkley or an intimate look at the moments that shaped her–from her bohemian days in Paris to the glitz of Studio 54, from the heights of modeling fame to unexpected heartbreak. With warmth, candor, and even a little singing, Christie opens up about a life lived in full technicolor--and now finally captured in her new memoir, Uptown GirlSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Project 2025. Maybe you’ve heard whispers about it. Maybe you’ve rolled your eyes. But David A. Graham read the whole thing—and he sat down with Katie to break down why this isn’t just rhetoric – it’s a roadmap already in motion. From privatizing weather data to rewinding civil rights gains, this playbook for Trump 2.0 is more extreme—and more possible—than you might think. In this episode, Graham walks us through the wildest parts of the plan, the men behind it, and why his book The Project might just be the most important one you read this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, approximately 10,000 rare diseases collectively affect as many as 400 million people around the world, and women leaders have long been at the forefront of bringing awareness to these diseases and driving change. Katie Couric moderates a panel that includes Tania Simoncelli of Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, whose “Rare as One” campaign gives to rare disease researchers and support groups, Tara Zier who founded the Stiff Person Syndrome Research Foundation, Susan Dando of the Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome Foundation, and Dr. Christina Miyake, a researcher studying TANGO2 deficiency disorder. This panel will explore the resilience, determination, and ingenuity required to address the unique challenges in rare disease advocacy and research. Panelists will share their experiences in breaking barriers, leading patient-centered initiatives, and building collaborations that move the needle toward treatments and cures. #SponsoredbyCZISee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rahm Emanuel has never been short on opinions—or jobs. He’s been a senior advisor to President Clinton, Chief of Staff to President Obama, a three-term Congressman, and Mayor of Chicago. Most recently, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan. Now, he’s back stateside and full of ideas. From how to get the Democratic party back on track to protecting American democracy, Rahm joins Katie for a candid conversation—and may be the very first politician ever to honestly answer the question: are you running for president?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.