Best Big Easy Biography Podcasts (2025)

1
Regime change in Iran seems unlikely amid war with Israel, Middle East scholar says 5:29

12m ago5:29

5:29

The second week of the Israel-Iran war began with a new round of Israeli strikes on missile sites and a nuclear facility in Iran and Iranian strikes on residential areas of Israel. As Israel broadens its targets in Iran, Netanyahu says regime change is not an explicit goal, but could be a result. John Yang speaks with Narges Bajoghli at Johns Hopki…

1
News Wrap: Mahmoud Khalil returns home after release on bail from federal detention 3:55

18m ago3:55

3:55

In our news wrap Saturday, activist Mahmoud Khalil is back home with his wife and son after a judge ordered his release from a federal detention center, millions of Americans are under an extreme heat warning, a provision of Trump’s “big beautiful bill” hit a major roadblock, and workers raised the wreckage of a superyacht for closer investigation …

1
Trump administration pulls the plug on suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth 4:25

8m ago4:25

4:25

Next month, the Trump administration will end specialized support on the 988 national suicide prevention hotline for young LGBTQ+ callers — a group that has disproportionately high suicide rates. The administration said the hotline will “no longer silo LGB+ youth services,” omitting the “T” for transgender, and “focus on serving all help seekers.” …

1
Why culture shock is a valuable part of ‘thoughtful travel,’ according to Rick Steves 9:40

13m ago9:40

9:40

Millions of Americans are expected to go on a European vacation this summer. Many of those going for the first time are likely to be following the advice of travel writer Rick Steves, host of “Rick Steves’ Europe” on PBS stations. John Yang sits down with him for our Weekend Spotlight series. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/…

1
European leaders meet with Iran’s foreign minister as war with Israel rages on 4:25

23m ago4:25

4:25

It's now one full week since Israel launched a punishing campaign of airstrikes against Iran and its nuclear infrastructure. Iran has responded with its own missile strikes, but to far lesser effect. President Trump reiterated his desire to negotiate with Iran within a two-week window he set Thursday, as the U.S. marshals its forces in support of t…

1
How people inside Iran are reacting to the war 5:28

25m ago5:28

5:28

All week we’ve been talking to experts on Iran’s nuclear program, its leadership and on U.S. foreign policy, as President Trump weighs entering the war. But speaking directly to people in Iran has been difficult. Nazanin Boniadi, an actress and human rights activist focused on Iran, where she was born and which her family fled after the 1979 revolu…

1
News Wrap: Judge orders release of Mahmoud Khalil from immigration detention 6:24

29m ago6:24

6:24

In our news wrap Friday, a judge ordered Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil be freed from the immigration detention center where he's been held since March, Israel killed at least 37 Palestinians in Gaza including many who were trying to get food and a federal judge halted the Trump administration's efforts to block Harvard University from …

1
Brutal heat wave blankets much of the U.S. 4:26

18h ago4:26

4:26

Friday is the summer solstice and much of the U.S. is going to be baking in serious heat starting this weekend with a heat dome expected to keep temperatures soaring. Stephanie Sy reports on what you need to know about the days ahead. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders…

1
How to stay safe from the dangers of extreme heat 6:05

11m ago6:05

6:05

For more on the dangers of extreme temperatures and key tips for dealing with the heat, Stephanie Sy speaks with Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/fundersBy PBS News

1
Carla Hayden on her time as a pioneering librarian of Congress and getting fired by Trump 7:03

10m ago7:03

7:03

Dr. Carla Hayden, a trailblazing librarian of Congress, was fired by President Trump in May. Geoff Bennett recently spoke with her about being blindsided by the decision, the administration’s ongoing efforts to reshape key institutions and why she intends to keep speaking out. It’s for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art an…

1
Capehart and Ponnuru on Trump’s stance on Iran and the rise in political violence 11:18

1h ago11:18

11:18

Washington Post associate editor Jonathan Capehart and Ramesh Ponnuru, editor for the National Review, join Geoff Bennett to discuss the week in politics, including attacks on elected state officials, President Trump's consideration of U.S. military involvement in Iran and the debate among Republicans about entering the conflict. PBS News is suppor…

1
Federal agents are denied access to Dodger Stadium in latest immigration clash 6:26

1h ago6:26

6:26

One of LA's most prized civic institutions - the Los Angeles Dodgers -- is now caught up in the debate over high-profile immigration raids taking place across the region after the Dodgers said ICE agents requested access to their stadium parking lots, a request the organization says they denied. Amna Nawaz speaks with Dylan Hernandez, sports writer…

1
Israel threatens Iran’s supreme leader as Trump wavers on entering the war 3:23

42m ago3:23

3:23

As the fighting between Israel and Iran now eclipses one week, President Trump said Thursday that he will wait two weeks before deciding whether to get involved, in order to allow space for peace talks that could start as soon as Friday. In the meantime, Israel and Iran show no signs of backing down, with more and more civilians getting caught in t…

1
Dissecting the strength of Iran’s regime and Trump’s wait-and-see approach to the war 7:10

28m ago7:10

7:10

Iran and Israel show no signs of backing down as the conflict continues and more and more civilians get caught in the crossfire. Abbas Milani, director of the Iranian Studies program at Stanford University, joins Amna Nawaz to take a closer look at the state of play in the Israel-Iran war. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/abo…

1
News Wrap: Hurricane Erick touches down in southern Mexico 4:03

32m ago4:03

4:03

In our news wrap Thursday, Hurricane Erick is making its way inland across southern Mexico, stifling heat stretches across much of the U.S., Spain rejected a NATO proposal that calls on member nations to commit more to defense spending, President Trump signed an executive order allowing TikTok to continue operating in the U.S. for 90 days and milli…

1
How Republicans’ massive budget bill impacts the Affordable Care Act 5:37

37m ago5:37

5:37

The Affordable Care Act faces significant rollbacks if President Trump’s big spending and tax cut bill is approved by the Senate. The proposed changes could affect many of the 24 million Americans enrolled in that insurance marketplace and could leave millions of people without coverage. Sarah Kliff, health policy reporter with The New York Times, …

1
As some lawmakers cash in on Trump’s tariffs, others try to ban betting on Wall Street 6:30

19m ago6:30

6:30

A recent Wall Street Journal analysis reveals a surge in stock trading by lawmakers and their families in early April, as President Trump’s shifting stance on tariffs sent markets into turmoil. But while some members cashed in, others are looking to highlight lawmakers’ trades and bar Congress from betting on Wall Street. Lisa Desjardins has the st…

1
Alabama business faces hurdles creating American-made product 8:46

3h ago8:46

8:46

The sweeping tariffs imposed by President Trump are already impacting the global economy. But if tariffs are meant to bring jobs home, what happens if the U.S. may no longer have all the tools to do the work? Paul Solman reports on the hurdles one man in Alabama faced while trying to make a product entirely in America and what it suggests about the…

1
Texas lawmakers try to close loopholes in consent laws 3:55

1h ago3:55

3:55

The lack of legal clarity around consent laws in the U.S. means that many sexual assaults, especially ones on college campuses and involving alcohol, are not legally crimes. But Texas lawmakers recently passed legislation to change that -- and the new law is set to take effect in September. Producer Courtney Norris has our look at the bipartisan bi…

1
New jazz fellowship honors long-time musicians who often struggle financially 8:04

1h ago8:04

8:04

Unless you’re a longtime jazz aficionado, you might only know the names and music of a handful of stars and legends. But what about all those who’ve built a life working in this art form? A new fellowship honors them and offers financial support in their final years of music and life. Jeffrey Brown has the story for our arts and culture series, CAN…

1
A comedian’s Brief But Spectacular take on dad jokes 4:22

1h ago4:22

4:22

Comedian and illustrator Mo Welch has built a career blending sharp humor with emotional honesty. Her recent special, "Dad Jokes," explores her childhood with a largely absent father, culminating in a road trip to reunite with him after 20 years. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders…

1
Supreme Court upholds Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors 8:02

19h ago8:02

8:02

The Supreme Court is upholding Tennessee’s ban on gender affirming care for transgender minors. The challenge to the law came from three transgender teens, their parents and a physician. PBS News Supreme Court analyst Amy Howe, co-founder of SCOTUS blog, and Lindsey Dawson, director of LGBTQ health policy at Kaiser Family Foundation, join John Yang…

1
Iran rejects Trump’s calls for surrender amid Israel’s ongoing bombardment 3:28

18h ago3:28

3:28

In cryptic remarks Wednesday, President Trump wouldn't say whether he's willing to join Israel in its attempt to destroy Iran's nuclear program. The prospect of direct American involvement adds fears of a wider Middle East war while angering some of the president’s Republican allies for violating a campaign promise. Geoff Bennett reports. PBS News …

1
How Israel’s attack on Iran puts the U.S. in a difficult situation 7:34

18h ago7:34

7:34

For perspective on the current state of affairs between Iran and Israel, Geoff Bennett speaks with Ernest Moniz, secretary of energy during the Obama administration and a key negotiator and architect of the Iran nuclear agreement that was signed in 2015 before President Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement. PBS News is supported by - https://…

1
News Wrap: Fed leaves interest rates unchanged while signaling future cuts 5:25

18h ago5:25

5:25

In our news wrap Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged for the fourth-straight time while officials indicated they expect to cut rates twice by the end of the year, the Supreme Court is reviving plans to store nuclear waste at sites in Texas and New Mexico and the FDA has approved the world's only twice-a-year injection …

1
Homeland Security official on the Trump administration’s immigration policy changes 9:29

19h ago9:29

9:29

As the Trump administration continues to escalate immigration enforcement operations around the country, Amna Nawaz speaks with Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders…

1
U.S. states agree to multi-billion dollar settlement with Purdue Pharma over opioid crisis 5:59

19h ago5:59

5:59

A historic and national $7.4 billion dollar settlement has been reached with Purdue Pharma, the maker of the opioid OxyContin that spurred a major start of the opioid epidemic. A prior settlement had been struck down by the Supreme Court. NPR'S national addiction correspondent, Brian Mann, joins Lisa Desjardins with more. PBS News is supported by -…

1
How misinformation spread after Minnesota lawmaker’s murder 6:59

19h ago6:59

6:59

As news about the murders in Minneapolis broke over the weekend, misinformation began spreading on social media instantly. And in an era of artificial intelligence and limited internal fact-checking, experts say rumors and disinformation are catching fire online in entirely new ways. Stephanie Sy sits down with experts to separate fact from fiction…

1
New biography documents life of pioneering LGBTQ rights activist Marsha P. Johnson 6:13

19h ago6:13

6:13

A new biography, "Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson," tells the story of the Black transgender pioneer’s fight on the frontlines of history as a leader in the early LGBTQ rights movement. Amna Nawaz spoke with author Tourmaline for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/fun…

1
Trump faces difficult choices in support for Israel’s war on Iran 11:51

2d ago11:51

11:51

President Trump convened his national security team today to discuss Iran as Israel’s airstrikes continued. The meeting came after Mr. Trump left the G7 Summit early and as the U.S. sent fighter jets and a second carrier strike group to the region. Amna Nawaz speaks with former diplomat Eric Edelman and Karim Sadjadpour, a senior fellow at the Carn…

1
News Wrap: Court considers Trump’s California National Guard deployment 4:31

2d ago4:31

4:31

In our news wrap Tuesday, a federal appeals court heard arguments over Trump’s deployment of the National Guard in California without coordinating with state officials. In Gaza, at least 51 people were killed while waiting for aid trucks, while in Ukraine, Russia unleashed a strike on Kiev marking the deadliest attack on the capitol this year. PBS …

1
Can Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ make it through the Senate? 5:21

2d ago5:21

5:21

It’s crunch time in Congress as Republican Senate leaders try to shape the president’s so-called “big beautiful bill” into a compromise that can pass. Lisa Desjardins joins Amna Nawaz to unpack the latest proposed changes to health care, tax, and energy policy – and the political sticking points between the GOP and a legislative victory. PBS News i…

1
Pastors share how immigration crackdowns are affecting their communities 10:17

2d ago10:17

10:17

Two pastors share how the Trump administration’s hardline immigration enforcement is affecting the communities they serve. Geoffrey Bennet speaks with Rev. Sam Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference and Rev. Carlos Malave, president of the Latino Christian National Network. PBS News is supported by - https://w…

1
Understanding the root causes and possible solutions for rising political violence 6:06

2d ago6:06

6:06

Violence has become an unwelcome reality in American politics – from this weekend’s murders in Minnesota to the congressional baseball practice shooting to the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. To better understand violence and its root causes and potential solutions, William Brangham speaks with Cynthia Miller-Idriss, Professor at American Un…

1
Why Fulbright board members resigned in mass last week 6:19

2d ago6:19

6:19

A week ago, 11 of the 12 members of the board overseeing the prestigious Fulbright Program, which promotes international educational exchanges, resigned, citing political interference by the Trump administration. Geoffrey Bennett speaks with David Price, one of the former members of the Fulbright Board and former Democratic Congressman from North C…

1
Can AI help solve India’s food and water insecurity? 8:05

2d ago8:05

8:05

One of the largest challenges facing India: how to sustain food production for 1.4 billion people amid deteriorating soil quality, diminishing water supplies and climate change. For some, including hundreds of artificial intelligence startup companies, the challenge represents a business opportunity. From India, Fred de Sam Lazaro reports. PBS News…

1
How Israel’s strikes have damaged Iran’s nuclear capabilities 10:22

5d ago10:22

10:22

Israel warned hundreds of thousands of Tehran residents to evacuate a central district of the Iranian capital Monday, as the assault it began last week continued for a fourth day. Iranian strikes also targeted Tel Aviv and other cities. David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, joins Amna Nawaz for more on h…

1
Republican colleague remembers Minnesota lawmaker killed in shooting 9:24

5d ago9:24

9:24

Federal and state officials are bringing multiple charges including murder against the suspect in the shooting of two Minnesota Democratic lawmakers, who were attacked this weekend along with their spouses. State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed. Lisa Demuth, Republican speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, joins…

1
News Wrap: U.S. and U.K. reach trade deal that cuts tariffs 6:13

5d ago6:13

6:13

In our news wrap Monday, President Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer say they've finalized a trade deal that would cut tariffs on goods from both countries, witnesses say Israeli soldiers killed at least 34 Palestinians trying to get to food, the Supreme Court will take up an appeal from a New Jersey faith-based pregnancy center and six…

1
Trump administration pauses immigration raids on farms, hotels and restaurants 6:38

5d ago6:38

6:38

After a weekend of national protests over his immigration policy, President Trump says he wants a greater crackdown in some of the nation’s biggest cities. At the same time, the president is pulling back on ICE raids in some major industries. Jennie Murray, CEO of the center-right National Immigration Forum, which works on the economy and immigrati…

1
Amy Walter and Leigh Ann Caldwell on the rise in political violence 8:21

5d ago8:21

8:21

Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and Leigh Ann Caldwell of Puck News join Amna Nawaz to discuss the latest political news, including a spate of worrying political violence in the U.S., President Trump’s domestic and international priorities and the upcoming battle on the budget. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/…

1
Author Colum McCann’s novel ‘Twist’ explores isolation in the internet age 7:37

5d ago7:37

7:37

How lost are we without our devices? Or putting it more simply, as novelist Colum McCann might: just how isolated are we? His new novel "Twist" asks big questions through a story of characters literally at sea. Senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown has this profile of the book and its writer for our arts and culture series, CANVAS. PBS News is su…

1
A Brief But Spectacular take on caring for LGBTQ+ seniors 4:09

5d ago4:09

4:09

Older LGBTQ adults face a number of challenges, especially when it comes to finding housing and care. SAGE, a national advocacy leader in this space, created a system of training programs for care providers. H.O.M.E. housing director Nikki Moustafa and SAGEcare trainer Britta Larson highlight how the training has improved their abilities to support…

1
Minnesota Sen. Klobuchar reflects on legacy of slain state lawmaker 5:55

6d ago5:55

5:55

In Minnesota, the hunt continues for the 57-year-old man who allegedly killed state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. Police believe the gunman also shot and wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. A family member said both are awake and recovering. U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota joins John Yang to discuss. PBS News is s…

1
Israel and Iran launch new round of strikes as deadly conflict rages into third day 5:03

6d ago5:03

5:03

Israel and Iran exchanged missile barrages for a third straight day Sunday. A human rights group says Israel’s strikes have killed at least 406 people in Iran, while the death toll in Israel rose overnight to 13. John Yang speaks with Josef Federman, the Associated Press news director for Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian territories, for the late…

1
News Wrap: World leaders arrive in Canada for G7 summit 2:49

6d ago2:49

2:49

In our news wrap Sunday, world leaders prepare to meet at the G7 summit in Canada which begins Monday, President Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces recaptured a village near the border with Russia, organizers say millions of demonstrators attended nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests, and Trump’s military parade celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday took pl…

1
‘Panic industry’ surges as more Americans fortify their homes to prepare for the worst 5:26

6d ago5:26

5:26

Bomb shelters, secret passageways, gun rooms and flammable moats may sound like the stuff of Hollywood. But today across the country, they’re part of plans people are making to protect themselves against the worst. That’s according to a recent report in The New York Times Magazine. Ali Rogin speaks with the publication’s contributing photo editor C…

1
How teenage rising golf star Genesis Lewis got into the game 4:24

6d ago4:24

4:24

While most high schoolers spend their summer vacation hanging out with friends, Genesis Lewis is spending hers gearing up for an international golf competition. The North Carolina rising senior will be on a U.S. junior golf team selected to compete in an upcoming tournament in Australia. John Yang speaks with Lewis for more. PBS News is supported b…

1
State Rep. Finke responds to assassination of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman 6:17

7d ago6:17

6:17

In Minnesota, a person posing as a police officer shot two Democratic state lawmakers and their spouses in what Gov. Walz called an “act of targeted political violence.” Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed early Saturday morning in their home. The gunman also wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in their home. John Yang speaks …

1
Former U.S. ambassador to Israel analyzes rising Israel-Iran conflict 5:43

7d ago5:43

5:43

Israel and Iran traded more missile strikes on Saturday. Iran’s state television reported that an Israeli airstrike on a housing complex in Tehran killed about 60 people, including 20 children. In Israel, Iranian missiles and drones have killed three and wounded dozens. Daniel Shapiro, former U.S. ambassador to Israel, joins John Yang to discuss th…

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