Next Question with Katie Couric

They couldn’t—or wouldn’t—tell Biden it was time to go. Journalist Chris Whipple reveals the human drama behind the political failure, captured in his must-read book Uncharted. Why did no one stop Joe Biden from running again? In this eye-opening interview, Chris and Katie pull back the curtain on the 2024 election, delving into the loyalty, fear, and misjudgment that shaped the race. 🎉 Big news! Next Question with Katie is nominated for Best News & Politics Podcast at the @TheWebbyAwards! These awards are fan-voted—and we need YOUR help to bring it home 🏆🎧🗳️ Voting’s open now through April 17th. Hit that vote button 👉 https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2025/podcasts/shows/musicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 11 of Next Question with Katie Couric is cutting through the noise. Tired of political headlines that feel like déjà vu? Wondering if you actually need to care about every controversy? This season, Katie’s asking the same questions—and talking to the people who have real answers. From political insiders to sharp-eyed journalists, she’s breaking down what’s worth your attention (and what’s not), with smarts, sanity, and even a little humor. Because none of us can be tuned in 24/7—but we can stay informed without losing our minds. Premiering April 10th, wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike White is the creator of HBO’s pandemic hit, The White Lotus. With its third season in progress, we look back at a conversation with White about his life before the lux world of The White Lotus. Mike White spent his time on the periphery, creating offbeat characters in movies like ‘Chuck and Buck,’ ‘The Year of the Dog,’ ‘The Good Girl,’ and ‘School of Rock.’ He has also had a few notorious and fairly successful stints on reality tv shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race. What does all of that have to do with the success of The White Lotus? Come find out on this episode of Next Question with Katie Couric! You can stream The White Lotus on HBO Max. The final episode of the third season airs April 6.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the government workers we often overlook are actually heroes? In this eye-opening conversation, Katie sits down with Michael Lewis to explore the unseen work of civil servants who keep our country running—often under relentless attack. They discuss why these jobs have become political targets, what’s at stake when expertise is lost, and how our perceptions of government have been shaped. Drawing from his new book, Who Is Government?, Michael shares eye-opening stories of the people behind the policies—offering a fresh perspective on the critical role they play and why their work matters more than ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy 50th birthday to Chelsea Handler! We’re honored to host her on her big day and to celebrate her new book, I'll Have What She's Having. Fortunately for us, nothing is off-limits. Katie and Chelsea take on her evolving (and often hilarious) approach to love, sex, and breakups. Chelsea spills on the hard lemonade empire she built as an eight-year-old, her infamous Cuomo crush (yes, those nipples), and why she refuses to be tied down—literally or figuratively. Plus, she and Katie hash out an old grudge, talk psychedelics, and discuss why women need to double down on sisterhood in tough times. Raunchy, raw, and ridiculously funny, this episode is Chelsea at her best.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re looking back at Katie’s 2022 conversation with Adam Scott, who you’ll know from some truly bingeable TV, including “Parks and Rec,” the cult-fave “Party Down,” “Big Little Lies,” and now the psychological thriller, “Severance” from Apple TV. Adam is one of those actors you feel like you know. But going into this conversation, Katie realized she didn’t really know anything about him. On this episode of Next Question with Katie Couric, Katie and Adam talk about his cuss-loving hippie mom, his fondness for forts, and his youthful, almost delusional, drive to become an actor. They dive into the uncanny timeliness of “Severance” and also go back to Adam’s youth and his Harrison Ford ah ha moment. No doubt, you’ll come away loving Adam Scott just as much as you thought you did.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a live conversation at The Strand bookstore, Bill Gates sits down with Katie Couric to reflect on the moments that shaped his journey in life and technology. Gates admits he doesn’t look back often, but in this conversation, he shares generously about his early life: how his parents’ decision to send him to therapy helped him grow, the unforgettable moment when Paul Allen rushed into his Harvard dorm with the spark that led to Microsoft, and how his initial tech optimism has evolved with time. As we approach the AI revolution, Gates reflects on the unexpected consequences of technology and the ways our online lives have rewired how we think. Shifting to today’s political landscape, Gates addresses the disruption caused by the gutting of key agencies under Trump and Elon Musk, while stressing the importance of finding a path forward. It’s a reflective conversation about growth, change, and navigating the challenges of an evolving digital world. NOTABLE MOMENTS (00:53) Bill Gates' Memoir: Early Life and Influences (01:45) Family and Childhood Reflections (03:09) Lessons from Card Games and Family Dynamics (07:30) Rebellious Teen Years and Therapy (14:55) The Birth of Microsoft (20:42) Technology's Impact on Society (23:11) AI and Future Innovations (25:49) Political Views and Global Health (36:00) Pandemic Preparedness and Future GoalsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talkspace CEO Dr. Jon Cohen opens up about the transformative power of telehealth in mental health care and why it matters more than ever. From the struggles teens face to the often-overlooked needs of older adults, Jon shares his personal journey and how Talkspace’s Medicare expansion aims to bridge critical care gaps and bring hope to those who need it most.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hayes joins Katie for a thought-provoking conversation about the most valuable commodity there is: attention. As the host of MSNBC’s All In, Hayes knows how to grab it—and he's seen who else is competing for it. In his new book The Siren’s Call, he argues that attention has become the ultimate currency in a world where our brains are being rewired by the little sirens in our pockets—our smartphones. He covers it all with Katie – from how exactly we got here to the way the attention economy has radically reshaped our politics, our relationships, and the way we understand the world around us. But there’s also good news--by understanding who’s vying for our attention and how they’re doing it, we can take back control and decide where to focus our energy, rather than having it… well, captured.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naomi Watts, celebrated actress pulls no punches in this raw and hilarious conversation with Katie. At 36, Naomi was blindsided by early menopause just as she dreamed of starting a family. The experience left her feeling isolated and under-informed—until she decided to change the narrative, which she writes about in her new book, Dare I Saw It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause. She’s hell bent on creating a community around women entering menopause, one where stigmas are smashed and stories are shared: everything from estrogen-patch removal mishaps to how to choose a doctor that’s right for you. If you’re ready for a refreshingly real take on menopause, Naomi Watts is here to deliver—she dares, and so should you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Things feel pretty out of control these days, and it’s so tempting to get caught up in what others are doing, and how aggravated they make us. Mel Robbins proposes a new path: The Let Them Theory.” This two-part theory helps us let go of what we can’t control (“Let Them”) and maximize what we can (“Let Me”--because we only control ourselves!) Using extraordinarily candid examples from her own life and practical tips for applying the theory to your own situations, Mel’s latest book is best described by none other than Oprah, who said this is “ this is the single best self help book” she has ever read. High praise!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our season 10 finale, Katie takes a look at standout moments from her conversations with top political minds from both sides of the aisle about the 2024 election and its surprising twists. From Trump’s unexpected coalition to the Democrats’ coulda-woulda-shouldas, this episode serves up sharp insights, candid reflections, new reflections from Katie and a dash of optimism as we face the unpredictable road ahead. See you all next year!   Download the Intuit Credit Karma AppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Tarlov, who co-hosts Fox News’ The Five (as the lone Democratic voice we might add) and the podcast Raging Moderates, is no stranger to navigating tricky political debates with style and substance. Jessica’s thoughtful prescriptions for Democrats still reeling from November stand out for their sharpness and simplicity–they’re clearly honed from her deep experience debating extensively with people she disagrees with (but also respects and likes). From keeping debates civil to breaking free of partisan echo chambers, Jessica’s conversation with Katie offers a practical, no-nonsense approach to speaking across the aisle and finding some much-needed common ground.   Download the Intuit Credit Karma AppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arlie Hochschild, a sociologist from Berkely, has spent a chunk of the last decade in ruby red areas of the United States. During that time she’s written two books: Strangers In Their Own Land (which was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2016) and now, Stolen Pride. Arlie interviewed dozens of people from Pike County, Kentucky–the whitest and second poorest district in the country–to better understand what’s happening in the rust belt and why those voters are so drawn to Donald Trump. In her view, it’s not just about the economy, trans rights, or climate change, but about loss, shame, and ultimately pride. Arlie invites us to open our minds and ears so we can learn about one another and begin to come together.   Download the Intuit Credit Karma AppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican strategist, vocal Trump critic, and host of “The Warning,” Steve Schmidt poses the million dollar question: Can America’s political guardrails withstand Trump’s chaos? As the President-elect continues to fill his cabinet with a number of controversial picks, Steve warns us of just how dangerous these appointments could be and how cultural amnesia has led us to this moment. Yet while some of the country’s most self-evident processes may now feel uncertain, Steve has faith in the resilience of America and is grateful to be part of this chapter in our history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From her perch as “token conservative” on The View to viral posts on Instagram, Meghan McCain has long been a favorite lightning rod for liberals and conservatives alike. The daughter of legendary war hero and Arizona Republican Senator John McCain, her last name has been derided by some on the MAGA right who believe a “McCain Republican” is the equivalent of a RINO. But as a staunch conservative, she has no place on the left either. It’s not necessarily an enviable vantage point, but it is a crucial one. As America wades into the unknowns of a second Trump term, we will need to find a way to speak to one another, and McCain has some ideas about how to go about that–and how not to. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jen Psaki knows a thing or two about politics. The former Obama communications director and Biden press secretary has spent nearly 20 years in politics–now she’s breaking down what happened in the 2024 election and what she thinks the next Trump administration could look like. Katie and Jen talk about how the media ecosystem impacted the election results, what can be done at the state level to protect against some of Trump’s policies, and the future of the Democratic party. Their conversation wasn’t all doom and gloom–Jen has some words of wisdom that will leave you hopeful about the weeks and years to come. (PS–Tune into her show on MSNBC, ‘Inside with Jen Psaki’, which airs Sundays at 12pm ET and Mondays at 8pm ET.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 presidential race has finally come to a close, but the conversation and questions about how things unfolded have just begun. For this election debrief, Katie is joined by Democratic consultant and friend of the pod Brian Goldsmith to examine the surprising dynamics of Trump’s 2024 victory, including the conventional-wisdom-smashing voter coalition that delivered him a second term. With the Democratic Party now facing tough questions about its future, Goldsmith explores what Harris’s campaign could have done differently and the soul-searching needed for Democrats to reconnect with an evolving American public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this sobering conversation, Katie Couric sits down with comedian Samantha Bee and political commentator Van Jones to unpack the turbulence surrounding the final days of the 2024 Presidential election. From campaign strategies to media responsibility, they explore how humor, outrage, and disinformation shape the home stretch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this one-on-one conversation with Katie, Gwen Walz opens up about bringing storytelling, shared values, and listening back to political conversations. Drawing on her background as a teacher, she reflects on confronting Trump’s bullying and explains how empathy and authenticity shape her vision for the campaign and her connections with voters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Next Question, Katie is joined by Astead Herndon of The New York Times and Charlamagne tha God from The Breakfast Club for a pulse check on the polls, the rationale behind Kamala Harris’s campaign strategy, the struggles Democrats face to engage young Black voters, and the risks of relying on anti-Trump sentiment to win. We are down to the wire–buckle up for the final two weeks of the race!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of Next Question explores how internet culture, and platforms like TikTok, X, and Instagram have transformed voters’ perception of the candidates, and the way candidates interact with voters. Joining Katie is pop culture expert Evan Ross Katz and political analyst Molly Jong-Fast. Together, they’ll discuss how memes and online trends are shaping the 2024 election, if viral posts are swaying voters, and why traditional outlets (and their fact checking and gatekeepers) are increasingly left out of candidates’ schedules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Valenti has been one of the leading voices on abortion rights in America, and this week Katie and her plus one Cindi Leive, CEO of The Meteor, sit down with her to talk about the reality of a post-Roe America. Katie and Cindi ask Jessica about abortion’s place at the top of the voters’ agendas this year, what’s happening in states with strict abortion bans, and how the anti-abortion movement is operating in unexpected ways. You can buy Jessica's Book - Abortion: Our Bodies, Their Lies, and the Truths We Use to Win Sign up for Jessica's Newsletter - Abortion, Every DaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special live recording of Next Question in New York City at the Paley Center for Media, Katie Couric enters her "Comfort Zone" for a powerful conversation in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in partnership with comfort footwear brand, Easy Spirit! Katie shares her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor alongside the surgeon who treated her, renowned breast cancer researcher Dr. Lisa Newman. They are joined by Sharon Joseph, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer herself. Together, they discuss their personal journeys, the importance of early detection, and the groundbreaking research funded by Marc Fisher’s Easy Spirit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Couric is back with a supercharged new season of Next Question, kicking off with her Plus-One, journalist Liz Plank, and guest, New York Times journalist and political analyst Ezra Klein. As we approach the home stretch of the campaigns, the three discuss the divide between male and female voters, the lasting impact of Roe’s reversal, the VP picks, and why Katie thinks the candidates should be taking more risks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The election is in the homestretch right in time for a new season of Next Question with Katie Couric, starting October 3rd. This season is for people who need a little perspective and insight–and maybe an occasional sedative. We’re bringing in some FOKs (friends of Katie's) to help out. We'll have some of the best minds in the business, like Ezra Klein, Van Jones, Jen Psaki, and Astead Herndon. But we're also going to have some fun, even though these days fun and politics seems like an oxymoron. We'll still be able to do that thanks to more friends like Samantha Bee, Roy Wood Jr., and Charlamagne Tha God. We're going to take some viewer questions as well. Isn't that what democracy is all about? Power to the podcast for the people! So whether you're obsessed with the news or just trying to figure out what's going on, this season of Next Question is for you. Hit subscribe and let's stay sane together for the remainder of this campaign. Check out our new season of Next Question with Katie Couric, starting October 3rd on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this second half of this special episode of Next Question, Katie sits down with Hillary Clinton for an intimate conversation recorded live at DAR Constitution Hall. In this candid and wide-ranging chat, Clinton pulls back the curtain on the current political scene, sharing sharp insights on President Biden’s decision to step aside, Kamala Harris' campaign so far, and the seemingly unshakeable presence of Donald Trump. And for the record, yes, Hillary’s a Swiftie—deal with it. They also discuss Clinton's latest book and her fourth memoir, Something Lost, Something Gained, which reflects on resilience, leadership, and lessons from her personal and political life. With humor and candor, Clinton doesn’t shy away from the tough questions, offering a rare glimpse into her evolving perspective on power, loss, and how the game of politics never really ends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Next Question, Katie sits down with Hillary Clinton for an intimate conversation recorded live at DAR Constitution Hall. In this candid and wide-ranging chat, Clinton pulls back the curtain on the current political scene, sharing sharp insights on President Biden’s decision to step aside, Kamala Harris' campaign so far, and the seemingly unshakeable presence of Donald Trump. And for the record, yes, Hillary’s a Swiftie—deal with it. They also discuss Clinton's latest book and her fourth memoir, Something Lost, Something Gained, which reflects on resilience, leadership, and lessons from her personal and political life. With humor and candor, Clinton doesn’t shy away from the tough questions, offering a rare glimpse into her evolving perspective on power, loss, and how the game of politics never really ends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is presented by Midi Health, a virtual care clinic dedicated to providing expert menopause and perimenopause care to women in midlife. Twenty-four years ago, Katie Couric aired her first colonoscopy on the ‘Today Show.' It was an up-close and personal experience that helped demystify a still-taboo health procedure. A study would later find that colonoscopies increased by 20 percent as a result of Katie airing her personal business on national television. It was called “The Couric Effect.” And it turns out, the Couric Effect is still rolling. “Using you as a model,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar tells Katie, “I’ve tried to really talk about this.” On this episode, Katie and the Minnesota Democrat talk about the Senator’s recent disclosure of her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment and how it could have gone another way. “I should have gone in a year earlier.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie (a total Deborah) is joined by KCM producer Adriana Fazio (Katie’s Ava) to chat with the creative team behind the acclaimed show "Hacks"—Lucia Aniello, Jen Statsky, and Paul W. Downs. The trio opens up about how their own path to comedy writing, including their love for classic TV like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and time spent waiting tables, inspired the characters of Deborah and Ava. From casting newcomer, Hanna Einbinder, opposite national treasure, Jean Smart, to the process of developing plotlines and story arcs, this episode offers a deep dive into the creative process behind an original show that has become a fan favorite. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is presented by Midi Health, a virtual care clinic dedicated to providing expert menopause and perimenopause care to women in midlife. Dr. Sanjay Gupta is a neuroscientist and in addition to his on-air work and a daily podcast (Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction), Sanjay also found the time to write a book called “Keep Sharp: Building a Better Brain at Any Age,” which is out now. On this episode, Katie and Sanjay talk about how to keep the brain healthy with tips you can use right now to protect and improve your brain. But Katie starts the conversation by asking the COVID about the status of the pandemic and if we’re truly out of the woods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is presented by Midi Health, a virtual care clinic dedicated to providing expert menopause and perimenopause care to women in midlife. On this episode, Katie explores the subject of happiness. Because as a culture, we seem to be obsessed with achieving it. Just look to higher ed. Some of the most elite universities tout courses on happiness — the science of it, the value of it, the history and future of it. But the search for happiness has also seeped into our regular podcast consumption and our must-watch TV shows. So what’s the deal? Why is happiness the carrot dangling just outside of our reach? And what defines happiness anyway? To find out, Katie talks with one of those aforementioned happiness scholars, Arthur C. Brooks, whose most recent book is called “From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is presented by Midi Health, a virtual care clinic dedicated to providing expert menopause and perimenopause care to women in midlife. There have been some scary headlines going around about the climbing rates of alcohol use, particularly among women, during the pandemic. One study found that heavy drinking among women increased 41 percent! What’s behind these numbers and how do women find the help they need? On this episode, Katie Couric, Katie invites her friend and award winning broadcast journalist Elizabeth Vargas to co-host and help find some understanding about why women are drinking more than ever, why women drink, and what recovery looks like.. Elizabeth knows about this first hand and wrote about her issues around alcohol, addiction and anxiety in her memoir, Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction. Elizabeth and Katie talk to two women — Khadi Oluwatoyin and Emily Paulson who hit their own rock bottoms and not only found their way out, but also made recovery spaces for people like them — Black Girls Sober Club and the Sober Mome Squad, respectively. Katie and Elizabeth also talk to long-time clinical social worker and interventionist, Dr. Louise Stanger, on how to help someone you love who may be suffering through addiction. If you or anyone you love is struggling with alcohol use, you can call the national drug and alcohol treatment hotline at 1-800-622-HELP (4357).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie sits down with House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi for this special Next Question bonus episode. It’s an intimate, urgent conversation that leaves no issue off the table – from her thoughts on President Biden’s decision to end his campaign and what she believes Vice President Kamala Harris must do to win in November to the increasingly bitter divisions that threaten our democracy and the devastating rise in political violence that has affected her on a deeply personal level, they cover it all. They also discuss Speaker Pelosi’s new book, “The Art of Power,” which is a thoughtful reflection on some of her more consequential legislative decisions across a remarkable political career spanning four decades. As the country rights itself from the recent twists and turns of an unprecedented campaign season, this must-listen conversation gets to the heart of what’s at stake as we look to November. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Couric joins Alyssa Mastromonaco on her podcast Hysteria for a chat about Kamala Harris fundraising (featuring white people on Zoom calls), the Veepstakes, and calling MAGA Republicans like JD Vance “weird.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is presented by Midi Health, a virtual care clinic dedicated to providing expert menopause and perimenopause care to women in midlife. For so many women, menopause is a mystery. Its symptoms can be wide-ranging and last for years, and information about treatments can be confusing - where it exists at all. To make things even more challenging, healthcare providers are often less-than-helpful when it comes to finding solutions. Our guests today are here to help: New York Times writer Susan Dominus’ recent article, “Women Have Been Misled About Menopause” was an immediate viral sensation, becoming a valuable resource on the latest research and treatments. Her reporting also resonated for another reason: the symptoms women experience are finally being taken seriously. Dr. Rebecca Brightman, a gynecologist from New York City specializing in menopausal medicine, joins the conversation to share what she’s learned throughout her years of treating women facing this life-altering transition. Plus: our guests answer questions submitted by you, our listeners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Already missing Next Question in your podcast lineup? Good news: There’s more where that came from. Join me next month as we dive back into some of our most important and informative conversations around women’s physical and mental wellness. With the help of the women’s health experts at Midi Health, we’re bringing you a five-episode miniseries, Wellness Check, focused on issues that affect our daily lives — from the science of happiness, to the ins and outs of menopause. You can find these conversations right here on the Next Question feed, with episodes released on Thursdays starting August 1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Couric co-hosts Hysteria with Alyssa Mastromonaco, diving into Biden dropping out of the race, Kamala Harris, potential VP picks, and misogynistic political media. Then, for some levity: Sani-Petty (Celine Dion! The Olympics!).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In January of this year, Katie sat down with Vice President Kamala Harris for a rare one-on-one interview in her ceremonial office at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. At the time, a Trump-Biden rematch seemed inevitable. But then, in the weeks following his poor performance in the first presidential debate in late June, President Biden’s future as his party’s candidate was suddenly anything but certain. After increasing calls for him to drop out of the race, he announced he would end his campaign and endorsed Vice President Harris to run in his place on July 21st. Now, as this long election year enters a brand new chapter, it’s the perfect moment to have a closer listen to Katie’s expansive, in-depth conversation with the likely Democratic presidential nominee. It gets to the heart of what’s at stake in this race, and offers one of the clearest pictures we have of what a future Harris administration could look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since John F Kennedy Jr, his wife Carolyn Bessette, and her sister Lauren Bessette, died in a plane crash. On July 16, 1999, the plane, piloted by John, went down off the coast of Massachusetts–shocking the world. Just a few months prior, Katie sat down with John for what would be his last television interview. Now, for a special two-part remembrance, she reflects back on that fleeting moment in time when John and Carolyn captivated the public’s imagination and talks to the authors of two new books about them, contemplating their scrutinized lives, their fierce love, and their enduring legacy. Today we bring you companion episodes remembering John and Carolyn, as well as Lauren–their scrutinized lives, their fierce love, and their enduring legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since John F Kennedy Jr, his wife Carolyn Bessette, and her sister Lauren Bessette, died in a plane crash. On July 16, 1999, the plane, piloted by John, went down off the coast of Massachusetts–shocking the world. Just a few months prior, Katie sat down with John for what would be his last television interview. Now, for a special two-part remembrance, she reflects back on that fleeting moment in time when John and Carolyn captivated the public’s imagination and talks to the authors of two new books about them, contemplating their scrutinized lives, their fierce love, and their enduring legacy. Today we bring you companion episodes remembering John and Carolyn, as well as Lauren–their scrutinized lives, their fierce love, and their enduring legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2020, Joe Biden stood on stage with Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, and our guest today, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and declared himself a “bridge” candidate, hinting at a single term. Now, as he runs for reelection amid heavy scrutiny, the low rumble of approval that has met Whitmer’s term at Michigan’s helm has amplified into a clamor by some for her to step into a larger leadership role in the future Democratic party. Sitting down with Next Question during the Aspen Ideas Festival, Whitmer discussed her role in preserving abortion rights in Michigan and managing the state during COVID-19, among other accomplishments–all of which she did while fielding truly terrifying personal attacks and a kidnapping plot from the MAGA right wing. Gretchen for President? Maybe someday. But here today, her resilience and focus on key issues position her as a prominent future Democratic leader who inspires! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor, co-hosts of Pod Save America and founders of Crooked Media, remember when politics felt hopeful. Their latest venture, after working for Obama, starting Crooked Media, and launching a slew of great ventures and podcasts, is a user's guide to American government: Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps. They are some of the most informed, level-headed, and hilarious political voices around, and their book is the antidote to feeling stressed out, beat down, and powerless over politics. You certainly don’t have to be a political junky to appreciate that!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven years ago, Brian Wallch was diagnosed with ALS at just 37 years old. He and his wife, Sandra, found out on the day they brought their second daughter home from the hospital. Instead of passively accepting this new reality, the two decided to spearhead a patient driven movement. For Love and Life: No Ordinary Campaign is a new documentary on Amazon Prime, executive produced by Katie, that chronicles their love story, their demand to accelerate the rate of research, and their efforts to change legislation. Today on the podcast, we have a conversation with Brian, Sandra, Jeff MacGregor and Tim Rummel--two of the film's producers, and director Chris Burke. It is an episode you won't want to miss!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christina Applegate and Jamie-Lynn Sigler have been stars for decades–who can forget their turns in Anchorman and The Sopranos respectively?--but they share a sisterhood with each other: they’ve both been diagnosed with MS. Their podcast MeSsy is all about supporting each other and listeners through whatever curveballs life throws their way, and Katie was delighted to sit down on the interviewee side of the desk to discuss her activism around raising awareness for cancer–and also have some fun. From moving moments at Stand Up to Cancer benefits to stripper names and that one word everyone misuses this interview will have you in stitches.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You know Renée Fleming as one of the most famous and beloved sopranos in history. You may not know that Renée struggled mightily with stage fright for most of her career. Her experiences sparked a passionate interest in brain science, and she found a kindred spirit in Dr Francis Collins, former NIH director and fellow musician. This unlikely duo is working together to bring attention and much needed funding to the healing power of sound for ailments ranging from Alzheimer’s to chronic pain. A world with less pharmaceutical intervention and more singing, dancing, and community? We’re in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patric Gagne is a sociopath–as are 5% of the population generally. Growing up, she reports she “mostly felt nothing.” When she was diagnosed in her early adulthood, she finally understood why she experienced life so differently than those around her. She got her PhD in Psychology and wrote her memoir, Sociopath to demystify disorders like psychopathy and sociopathy. Gagne doesn’t hold back, sharing with us what it feels like to be a sociopath and what neurotypical people so often get wrong about these disorders. It's not every day we get to hear about sociopathy from someone who lives it, so settle in for an extended episode and a conversation like no other.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie sat down with eminent journalist Frank Bruni in this spirited live conversation hosted by Temple Emanu-el’s Streicker Cultural Center earlier this month. While their jumping off point was Frank’s new book, The Age of Grievance, Katie and Frank covered a lot of ground: the current climate on college campuses, political violence, and the corrosive nature of cancel culture. Frank centers today’s events in a longer historical context that lends a surprising note of optimism. Calling our current moment an “Age of Grievance” may seem almost too polite, given the coarsening of public discourse and the curated, angry echo chambers many of us find ourselves in. But Bruni wants us to remember that grievance used to be a constructive American virtue. Grievance gave us the Revolutionary War (the word grievance appears in the first amendment after all!) and many civil rights movements. These high points in our history can still guide us today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you bring your personal values to your public life? This question has animated Jim VandeHei’s and Mike Allen’s long career together; first at Politico and then as they went on to launch Axios. It’s not an easy feat to pull off. Jim’s new book, Just the Good Stuff: No-BS Secrets to Success (No Matter What Life Throws at You) explains how they did it–and all the mistakes, triumphs, and unexpected breakthroughs along the way. In this wide-ranging interview, Katie, Jim and Mike talk about media past, present, and future, Trump and the election, and the future of AI. You’ve heard interviews about all of these things before, of course. But in this extended episode these three keen observers get to dive deeper than usual. The rare space for this added depth brings us to very universal and human questions: amidst all the noise politically, culturally, and digitally, what can we control? Only ourselves. This conversation ponders how we can act individually in a way that leads to more freedom, more transparency, and more opportunity for more people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve probably heard the name Sophie Trudeau, best known as the glamorous wife of Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada. But Sophie is a whole lot more than that. In her new book, Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other, she candidly shares a lot about her life and struggles. But Sophie has also incorporated the best science and interviewed the leading researchers about how our brain handles life’s biggest challenges–her book tackles everything from mindfulness to the function of the vagus nerve. Her endless hope and practical approach to knowing ourselves is an invitation to curiosity, progress, and inner peace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.