Best Impromptu Podcasts (2024)

1
Democrats feel doomed. What’s the least risky move? 21:37

3h ago21:37

21:37

With falling poll numbers and President Biden's public appearances doing little to reassure voters he’s still got what it takes to win, Democrats are faced with a difficult decision about how to proceed. Biden has dug in, pledging to the public that he isn’t going anywhere. Charles Lane, Karen Tumulty and Perry Bacon Jr. talk through whether Biden …

1
Goop (The Musical) 38:22

4h ago38:22

38:22

Title by Tara Ginger Fox Two high school friends Mickey and Jeffery have a falling out when Mickey looses Jeffery's maths notes, endangering his bright future. Song List: "In the Bathroom Doing Math", "It's Hard Out Here", "Sacrifice", "We're Cool", "Take Me Back to Before the Bathroom" See us at the Alex Theatre every month! https://alextheatre.au…

1
America, we love you. But it’s hard. 16:58

20h ago16:58

16:58

It’s the week of the Fourth of July and the word patriotism is as divisive as the rest of American politics. Theodore Johnson, Karen Attiah and Jason Rezaian discuss the good and the bad about the United States, and how to reconcile its shortcomings while pushing for a better future. Read more from some of our columnists — Ted Johnson: “American de…

1
Jackalantern Lovers 44:24

4d ago44:24

44:24

Title by Cathy Phillips Skeleton Lisa has needed no body for 350 years. Now she's ready to find the one, but the dating scene is scary. Can Lisa carve a gourd boyfriend out of a bad bunch? Song List: "Jackalantern Lovers", "Like A Glove", "These Dates You Can Take", "Brought Me To Life (With A Knife)", "Two Way Street" , "You Don't Need No Body" Se…

1
Biden finally overshadowed Trump, in all the wrong ways 19:33

5d ago19:33

19:33

President Biden’s debate performance has Democrats in a panic and Donald Trump supporters gleeful. Columnists Karen Tumulty, Dana Milbank and Jim Geraghty process how things feel the morning after, whether the president should step aside and how the truth was the night’s biggest loser. Read more from our columnists about the debate: Karen Tumulty: …

1
Is the smartphone panic dumb? 22:55

9d ago22:55

22:55

Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy recommended putting a warning on social media for minors last week, while governors from coast to coast have pushed for restrictions on teen phone use. But how worried should we really be, and what is there to do about it? Post columnists Amanda Ripley, Molly Roberts and Theodore Johnson talk through the dumbphone tr…

1
Phantasmagoric 38:42

14d ago38:42

38:42

Title by Bethany Griffiths Nothing can come between the magic that is brother and sisterly love. Except perhaps a coveted apprenticeship position at Michael's Magician School. Song List: "Michael's Magic Emporium", "I Wanna Fly", "My Boy", "They're Amazing (The Trick Off), "The Phantasmagoric Cantation Song", "It's Raining Rizz (Hallelujah)" See us…

1
Movie theaters are dying. Do you care? 24:13

21d ago24:13

24:13

It’s been a rough few years for movie theaters, and the dismal start to the summer blockbuster season hasn’t helped. If people go to theaters less often, will that change the type of movies that are made? Is the future of moviegoing a boutique, high-end experience? Matt Belloni, host of “The Town,” joins The Post’s Alyssa Rosenberg and Chris Suelle…

1
The Return 45:43

22d ago45:43

45:43

Title by Mitchell E Roberts Margaret loses her library book "The Last King of Scotland." Vengeance ensues. Song List: "(Don't Forget Your) Library Book," "No Greater Authority (Than A Librarian),"The Return," See us at the Alex Theatre every month! https://alextheatre.au/impromptunes/ Wanna show Impromptunes some financial love? Check out our Patre…

1
Why can't Americans agree on immigration? 20:08

24d ago20:08

20:08

A quarter of Americans, most of them Republicans, say immigration is the most pressing issue facing the country. Post columnists Karen Tumulty, León Krauze and Jim Geraghty discuss why this issue is top of mind for so many people, how politics continues to thwart policy and whether Americans still see our country as a cultural melting pot. Read mor…

1
The Bowl of Destiny 51:15

1M ago51:15

51:15

Title by Aleisha Archer Three explorers! Sebastian, Joanna, Jarvis have been hunting together for 15 years. The Bowl of Destiny is waiting to be found- but not everyone can find it. Tensions will rise, relationships will tested. Will the Bowl of Destiny be found? Song List: "We're Three Explorers", "The Thrill of the Hunt", "Find the Bowl", "The Ri…

1
So you married a Supreme Court justice 25:41

1M ago25:41

25:41

The Alitos are the latest couple to face the question: When you are married to someone in public life — a Supreme Court justice, a member of Congress, a Post Opinions columnist — what compromises do you need to make? Should you be held to the same ethical standards as your spouse? Charles Lane, Ruth Marcus and James Hohmann discuss the politics of …

1
The No Work For Me Collective 41:23

1M ago41:23

41:23

Title by Mike Beale Britney has worked for the Heady Heavy Wood Carrying Collective for years and always says yes to everything. What would happen if one day she finally said no? Song List: ""YES" , " I Wanna Say No" , " How Much Wood Would A Wood Carrier Carry If A Wood Carrier Knew Why", " I Said No", "I Say Yes To Living" , Push Push Beep Beep",…

1
An impromptu ‘Impromptu’: Processing Trump’s conviction 25:12

1M ago25:12

25:12

Ruth Marcus, Dana Milbank and Karen Tumulty got together to talk about their immediate reactions to Donald Trump’s guilty verdict, the quality of his defense, and why the most knowledgeable people in Washington were expecting something different.By The Washington Post

1
Do we actually want AI that seems human? 19:35

1M ago19:35

19:35

Do we actually want AI that seems human? Chatbots are being made to act and sound like humans. That makes them easier to talk to, but there could be other consequences. As our relationships with artificial intelligence evolve, do we need to draw a brighter line between what is technology and what is us? Opinions columnists Josh Tyrangiel, Bina Venk…

1
Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens 50:58

2M ago50:58

50:58

Title by Michael Barry When Young MacDonald finally wins his older brother's farm, he's driven mad by the fact that he can't win the one thing he's always wanted: his brother's wife Dierdre. Unexpected results ensue. Song List: "Old MacDonald Had A Farm", "Young MacDonald, When Will You See", "Youth Theatre Has Brought Us Together", "Do You Feel Wh…

1
Is home ownership the wrong dream for America? 21:51

2M ago21:51

21:51

The house, the yard and the picket fence have long been part of the American Dream. Owning a home is lauded as a way to grow your wealth and pass it down to future generations. But high demand and short supply, coupled with today’s soaring interest rates, have made home ownership out of reach for many Americans. Opinions columnist Catherine Rampell…

1
Rethinking identity in a fractured America 45:05

2M ago45:05

45:05

As trust in institutions plummets and many people search for shared values, what is the state of American identity? This bonus "Impromptu" episode features a live discussion between Opinions columnists Shadi Hamid and Jason Willick and the hosts of "Post Reports" Martine Powers and Elahe Izadi about the importance of identity in a changing world. F…

1
Troubles Of The Time Travelling Truck 46:46

2M ago46:46

46:46

Title by Matt Eberhart Scotty and Jonathan join Uncle Dave in the Time Travelling Truck to see the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Against Dave's frequent warnings, Jonathan steps on a butterfly and causes the time itself to spin out of control. How will they get home now? Song List: "Toot Toot (The Truck Is Coming Through)", "Behind The Wheel", "Here …

1
It's bigger than Caitlin Clark 22:00

2M ago22:00

22:00

The WNBA season began this week following a college tournament where the women were more popular than the men. Is this shift about more than Caitlin Clark and the fantastic players in basketball right now? Sports columnist Sally Jenkins joins Opinions columnists Theodore Johnson and Amanda Ripley to talk about what athletes have done for the women’…

1
Monopoly Murder Mystery 40:16

2M ago40:16

40:16

Title by Brad Glorie Kevin's on a boring family holiday with his two siblings and without his girlfriend. The night takes a dark turn when a mysterious murderer starts picking off family members one by one. Can Kevin stop the murderer before it's too late? Song List: "Torquay Air Bnb", "Freedom (Sixteen)" "Monopoly Monopoly" "It's A Mystery" "Get T…

1
Fewer Americans believe in God. Is that a problem? 23:04

2M ago23:04

23:04

When asked about their religious affiliation, nearly 30 percent of Americans identify as “nones,” or “nothing in particular.” And over the past 25 years there’s been a steep decline in people belonging to any type of church, synagogue or mosque. But what is lost as people drift from religion? Is it at all responsible for today’s loneliness crisis? …

1
Bronte Pronto 38:31

2M ago38:31

38:31

Title by Manfred Yon Bronte Pronto is a strong independent girl from Gippsland who must battle against the growing culture of Southern American manners threatening to ruin her community. Song List: "Her Name is Bronte Pronto", "Follow Me", "Southern Slang", "We Don't Like the South", "The Power of Bronte Pronto" Wanna show Impromptunes some financi…

1
Campuses are wrestling with the politics of war. So are we. 25:41

2M ago25:41

25:41

Campus protests across the country have renewed Americans' attention on the Israel-Gaza war and are scrambling U.S. politics, particularly on the left. Senior Opinions Editor Amanda Katz speaks with columnists Dana Milbank and Shadi Hamid about how their views have evolved since Oct. 7, whether there’s a double standard on free speech, and what the…

1
Mosquito Island 49:21

2M ago49:21

49:21

Title by Josie Lane Henry and Eliza are writing their dissertation on Mosquito Island. But will one betray the other to win a Nobel Prize? Song List: "Buzz Buzz Buzz", "We Need This Evidence", "The Big Name In The Land", "Get These Numbers Night", "You Did It Just For You", "This Research Is Ours" Tickets to our live shows Brisbane: https://brisban…

1
Is Trump above the law? The Supreme Court weighs in. 22:54

3M ago22:54

22:54

The Supreme Court is set to decide to what extent former President Trump could be immune from prosecution for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election on Jan. 6, 2021, as his lawyers have claimed. Post Opinions columnists Charles Lane, Ruth Marcus and Jason Willick discuss the strategy and timing of these arguments and what we might expect the jus…

1
Rent Is A Great Musical, How Dare You 41:49

3M ago41:49

41:49

Title by Michelle Burton Boris loves the musical RENT so much, he wants to live like a poor bohemian artist in Melbourne. Only problem is, he is actually the very rich Prince of Russia. Song List: "We're Not Gonna Pay The Rent", "Livin' Bohemian", "We'll Live In Poverty (You've Got A Friend In Me)", "I Am The Prince of Russia", "There's Nothing Coo…

1
What the 'tradwife' trend says about modern life 22:18

3M ago22:18

22:18

Some women are retreating to stereotypical, retro gender roles that embrace the patriarchy. Known as “tradwives,” they are all over TikTok. Style columnist Monica Hesse, letters and community editor Alyssa Rosenberg and senior editor for Opinions Amanda Katz discuss how this trend exposes a continued struggle over equality for men and women in mode…

1
How Did I Miss This Video? Love It! 28:39

3M ago28:39

28:39

Title by Maureen Nichols After hours of scrolling Dale goes on a journey to find the perfect video to sum up his friends Brucey and Mary. In his quest he neglects his friendship, not realising friendship is the best video of all! Song List: "Scroll All Day", "I Know About Them", "Oh Dale, What's Wrong With You", "The Video Of Us" Tickets to our liv…

1
How to cope with the absurd, high-stakes 2024 election 19:32

3M ago19:32

19:32

America is entering a grueling presidential election season that’s also a rematch of the one from four years ago. Many Americans report feeling dread and exhaustion about politics and the news. So how do we stay engaged? What can journalists do to help? Three of our columnists talk through it. Read Amanda Ripley’s deep dive crowdsourcing a playbook…

1
Stars 49:01

3M ago49:01

49:01

Title by Kirsty Wigg The Cold War! Just when you think it's over, it's not! That's right it's Australia vs Russia, tinnies vs vodka, hot vs cold, but can they possibly find any common ground? Song List:"Evolution", "True Blue Aussie" "Australia, you have no culture", "A Russian Gal", "The Sights of Russia" , "Stars & Tzars" Tickets to our live show…

1
What we saw on the ground in Ukraine 20:42

3M ago20:42

20:42

Post columnists David Ignatius and Jim Geraghty just returned from Ukraine. They detail the mood on the ground, how much U.S. aid actually matters and whether the war seems winnable. Plus, Ignatius talks about his meeting with President Zelensky. Read David Ignatius’s interview with President Zelensky: Zelensky: ‘We are trying to find some way not …

1
The Unused Emoji 38:22

3M ago38:22

38:22

Title by Josie Lane Sandra, a tech guru who invented Emojis struggles to connect with her daughter, who's turned away from technology and towards hand written communication. Song List: "Tech Guru", "Say Yes to This Job Promotion", "Leave The Emojis Unused", "Blue Screen (Our Dreams Are Gone)", "Talking About Emotion" Tickets to our live shows Melbo…

1
Biden is pushing EVs. Who actually wants them? 19:04

3M ago19:04

19:04

The Biden administration wants America to transition to electric cars. Last week, the EPA announced a rule requiring more than two-thirds of new vehicles be electric or plug-in hybrid by 2032. This comes on top of pouring federal money into tax credits and developing charging infrastructure. But there are still bumps on the road to an electric-vehi…

1
Turbo 34:45

4M ago34:45

34:45

Title by Claire Nichols Breaking news! Star superhero Turbo has retired from her super team! Her remaining team members, Jetty and Speedboat, must assemble to find Turbo and save the world from the villainous Doctor Fear and Mister Sad before it's too late. "Another Day Saving the World", "About Time I Fly Away", "The World Is Mine", "The Super Thi…

1
What to expect when you’re expecting an abortion pill argument 20:34

4M ago20:34

20:34

When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade back in 2022, it indicated that abortion was an issue to be relegated to the states. Instead, it has blown up American politics, firing up voters and leading to conflicting lower court rulings. Post columnists Ruth Marcus, Alexandra Petri and Amanda Ripley discuss how it feels to be a woman in the post-…

1
Chilli Chronicles: Where Is The Spice? 41:30

4M ago41:30

41:30

Title by Josie Lane Welcome to Ancient Egypt, where food has been left unseasoned for generations. When Pharaoh Jasonomine threatens to destroy all civilisation, the nervous Booly must face their fears to search for the last remnants of the spices, buried deep within the pyramids. Song List: "The Dawn Before The Spice", "Can I Say No To Being A Her…

1
I Don't Know If I Want Your Costume 41:40

4M ago41:40

41:40

Title by Aleisha Archer Miriam is a superbly talented performer playing Mary Poppins on Broadway - but what she really wants is a friend. With two scheming co-stars set on removing her from the theatre scene, will Miriam find her true calling? Song List: "Backstage Chaos (and Goss)", "I'd Love A Friend", "You Can Feel A Little Lonely", "We're Gonna…

1
Introducing, "Impromptu" 2:31

4M ago2:31

2:31

“Impromptu” from Washington Post Opinions invites listeners to eavesdrop on our columnists as they have frank, thoughtful conversations on the news and cultural debates they can’t stop thinking about. Post columnists want to bring you inside their conversations, before they start typing, to help you figure out your own point of view. New episodes o…

1
The Complete Disrespect For Rent In This Post Is Astonishing 47:29

4M ago47:29

47:29

Title by Jeremy Hughes There is a man drought in Wanthaggi! How can Barbara and Megan find love when the theatre group, The Wanthaggi Players, is their only option?! Or maybe the players hold the answer... Song List: "Hate Mail!", "Where's My Boy?", "The Wanthaggi PLAYAZ", "I Wanna Be Their Broad (When They're Treading Boards)", "I Like You (A Lot)…

1
Space Beaches 50:24

5M ago50:24

50:24

Title by Matt Eberhart Sisters, Hilda and Hilga embark on an intergalactic adventure to a new planet. Meanwhile, Captain Billy Hotwaters has an extensive plan to save his own life at the cost of one of the passengers. Song List: "What Takes Place in Space?", "A Fling in Gravity", "While You're Above the World (Kiss the Girl)", "International Law in…

1
Taylor Swift - The Musical 49:52

5M ago49:52

49:52

Title by Suzanne Notch Joe Alwyn, Jake Gyllenhal and Harry Styles meet for their weekly Ex Boyfriend recovery group. Joe, famously Taylor's most recent ex, struggles to figure who he is on his own - can he follow Harry's 4 rules to recovery? Song List: "What a Gift (to be Taylor Swift)", "No One Else Like Her", "Who I Am", "Victoria's Secret Superm…

1
Bangers and Monster Mash 39:32

5M ago39:32

39:32

Title by Michael Barry Wannabe-English (but actually French) chefs Genevieve and Francois need to cook for the Prince of France. They can't just serve him Bangers and Mash! Or can they? Will this "monstrous dish" restart an Anglo-French war? Song List: "Bangers & Mash", "Bangers & Mash Pt. 2", ""Buffalo Giddy-Up (Song of the Monster)", "Taking the …

1
The Social Distance Network 42:27

5M ago42:27

42:27

Title by Matt Eberhart Tim and Jonathan create a social media app where an AI talks to your friends so you don't have to, which causes Tim to distance himself. Meannwhile, their boss, Carla, falls in love with Tim's replacement AI. When Jonathan starts having second thoughts, how will he convince his now-reclusive friend and infatuated boss to let …

1
However It Was Back Then 40:28

5M ago40:28

40:28

Title by Aleisha Archer To save their museum from being turned into a geneology clinic, twins Arthur and Janette must defeat the abandoned triplet bees who founded ancestry.com.au at the 'Canberra Battle of Knowledge" Song List: "Yeah History! However It Was Back Then", "We Are History", "Can Bee Related To", "It's Learn-ed, Not Learned (The Study …

1
Dance & Deliver: An Inspiring Teacher Teaches Calculus and Cumbia 38:23

6M ago38:23

38:23

Title by Adrien Holguin Billy attends a Dance & Maths school - but dreams of studying Maths & Maths. With the help of inspiring teacher Mrs Gruber he realises that maths is like life, and resolves to attend the school formal without dancing. But will he go against his father's wishes and wipe the crusty blood off his face? Songs include: "That's Da…

1
Yodel 41:29

6M ago41:29

41:29

Title by Kirsty Wigg Gerta is stuck in a vicious cycle - all she wants is love, but she's got big feet and a low self-esteem that only seems to make her feet get bigger. So with her big-headed best friend Hans, 4th grade school teacher Miss Flannery, and a pair of museum clogs in mind, they hatch a plan. Song List: "Yodelodeldodedodedodelodedo", "N…

1
Puppy Boomers 43:42

6M ago43:42

43:42

Title by Ryan Patterson Old dog, Gideon Bible has a story to share with younger pups Rocksteady and Bebop. The heavy implications are that the two of them may not be 'good dogs'. This difficult news sends them on a journey - but when a plan to poop in the mayor's office get's complicated, they realise they may have strayed too far from the 'very co…

1
The Rumbly Tummy Tales (Christmas Special) 50:50

7M ago50:50

50:50

Title by Melissa Dawson, Alice eats everything at every meal and doesn't leave anything for anyone else. The ghosts of Christmas entrée, main and dessert come to her in the night to help her change her appetite - and her ways! Song List: "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy (I Want Grub In My Tummy)," "Binge to Fill My Heart," "Ghostly Advice," "I've Been a Glutto…

1
Bliss 44:06

7M ago44:06

44:06

Title by Lottie Emily It's Day 749 Trillion on Cloud 9 and Priscilla feels a bit stuck in the middle. Can she be God's right hand man? It just might ruffle some... feathers. Song List: "And So You're Dead (Innit!)," "I Wanna Be With Jesus Christ," "Raising the Roof (Even There Is No Roof)," "You Better Run, Angel/No One Is Taking The Right Hand Man…

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