Synopsis
This moment demands an explanation. This show is on a mission to find it. Only what you want to know, none of what you dont. Hosted by Michael Barbaro. Powered by New York Times journalism. Twenty minutes a day, five days a week, ready by 6 a.m.
Episodes
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Why Washington Is Trying to Rein In College Sports
01/10/2026 Duration: 29minIn the five years since student athletes have been allowed to earn money, college sports have become a chaotic and murky marketplace where players can move from team to team chasing a payday.Stewart Mandel of The Athletic explains why, this week, Washington decided to step in.Guest: Stewart Mandel, the editor in chief of college football for The Athletic and a host of its college football podcast “The Audible.”Background reading: The Protect College Sports Act wants to fix college sports. Here’s what it actually targets.Does your college football roster cost $8 million or $50 million? Read The Athletic’s report on 68 teams.Here’s how the football programs blow past limits on what they can pay players.Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe via your favorite p
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Inside the Devastating Hack of the F.B.I.
30/09/2026 Duration: 23minA little over a decade ago, after hackers broke into the U.S. government and stole the personnel records of millions of federal workers, officials vowed that it would never happen again. Something similar recently did — to the F.B.I.Dustin Volz, who covers cybersecurity for The New York Times, tells the story of the attack, the group behind it and what could happen to the stolen data.Guest: Dustin Volz, a cybersecurity and intelligence reporter for The New York Times.Background reading: The hackers said they had stolen thousands of sensitive F.B.I. personnel records.The embarrassing breach at the F.B.I. has fueled fears of harm to its employees.Photo: Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Associated Press For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activa
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Are Prediction Markets Gambling? A Lot Rides on the Answer.
29/09/2026 Duration: 26minPrediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket have gained huge popularity over the past year. These marketplaces allow you to wager on just about anything — whether it’s who will win a football game or the weather in New York City.David Yaffe-Bellany, a technology reporter for The New York Times, discusses the legal challenge these platforms now face and how it could determine their future.Guest: David Yaffe-Bellany, a technology reporter for The New York Times.Background reading: A clash between prediction markets and states has set off a furious political battle.Donald Trump Jr.’s firm led a $1 billion funding round for Polymarket.Photo: Eric Helgas for The New York Times For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio
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He Was Deported to a Country He’d Never Heard Of
28/09/2026 Duration: 27minIn its efforts to deport as many undocumented immigrants as possible, the Trump administration has increasingly relied on a highly controversial strategy: deporting people to countries they have no connection to.Last week, a federal court ruled the practice to be illegal because it violated people’s right to due process. The administration challenged that ruling, and now it is in front of the Supreme Court.Nicholas Casey tells the story of Roberto Mosquera, who moved to the United States from Cuba as a child. He has been held in the small country of Eswatini since July 2025.Guest: Nicholas Casey, a staff writer at The New York Times Magazine who writes about geopolitics.Background reading: He was deported to a country he’d never heard of. He may never go free.How do you interview a deportee being held inside a maximum-security prison?Photo: Moises Saman/Magnum, for The New York Times For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by
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The Best TV Shows of the 21st Century
27/09/2026 Duration: 57minThe turn of the century was the beginning of a new era in television: prestige TV for the masses. Today, television is where big stars and innovative creators go to marshal sizable budgets and tell meaningful stories.Over recent months, our colleagues at The New York Times ran a survey, asking industry insiders — on-screen talent, writers, directors, producers, executives and others — to pick their top 10 television series of the last 26 years. We compiled their responses into a list, published this week, of the best TV of the 21st century.In this episode of “The Sunday Daily,” The Times’s canon editor, Gilbert Cruz, and our chief TV critic, James Poniewozik, talk with our host Natalie Kitroeff about what made the list, and what didn’t. On Today’s EpisodeJames Poniewozik is The New York Times’s chief TV critic.Gilbert Cruz is the canon editor at The New York Times. Background ReadingThe 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st CenturyThe 100 Best TV Shows of the 21st Century: Cast Your VoteThe 100 Best TV Show
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Sylvester Stallone Hid His Struggles for Decades. Now He’s Coming Clean.
26/09/2026 Duration: 01h17minThe legendary actor on his disturbing childhood, his Hollywood missteps and the pain he caused to his loved ones, his body and himself.Thoughts? Email us at theinterview@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheInterviewPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/theinterview For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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The Life and, for Now, the Death of the Kennedy Center
25/09/2026 Duration: 30minFor 50 years, the Kennedy Center was a sprawling public home for opera, theater, jazz and free programs. Last week, it closed its doors for the time being.Elizabeth Williamson traces how President Trump decided to take over and now shut down Washington’s biggest and most celebrated home for the arts.Guest: Elizabeth Williamson, a feature writer for The New York Times.Background reading: Internal emails and documents demonstrate how President Trump broke the Kennedy Center.The center removed a sculpture called “Blue” that had been a gift from the artist.Photo: Salwan Georges for The New York Times For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York
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What Safeguarding Nukes Can Teach Us About Safeguarding A.I.
24/09/2026 Duration: 36minLast night, President Trump welcomed Xi Jinping, China’s top leader, in a lavish ceremony as he arrived for two days of closely watched negotiations.Artificial intelligence — and what, if any, role the countries should play in regulating it as concerns mount about its risks — is expected to be on the agenda.David E. Sanger, a White House correspondent for The New York Times, explains how nuclear nonproliferation could be a model for how to protect humanity from technological catastrophe.Guest: David E. Sanger, the White House and national security correspondent for The New York Times.Background reading: Mr. Trump greeted Mr. Xi for a state visit amid tensions.Video: Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi face the A.I. race.Analysis: As fears of A.I. catastrophe magnify, Washington stirs, but mostly slumbers.Photo: Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcas
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Health Trackers Are Everywhere. Do Babies Need Them, Too?
23/09/2026 Duration: 34minMore and more people are wearing technology in the form of fitness bands and smart rings. These devices track metrics such as heart rate, skin temperature and sleep. The latest frontier is health tech for babies — and it’s being supercharged by artificial intelligence.Sapna Maheshwari shares her family’s experience with health tracking and discusses whether it’s helping people or just adding to their anxieties.Guest: Sapna Maheshwari, a reporter covering new media companies for The New York Times.Background reading: Aw, it’s baby’s first A.I. surveillance system.Will A.I. kill us? Can it hack my bank account? Your A.I. questions answered.Photo: Margeaux Walter for The New York Times For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access
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Trump Banned the Media. This Time, the Media Struck Back.
22/09/2026 Duration: 27minFor every day of Donald J. Trump’s presidency, there has been a camera from a major television network pointed at him. But on Monday, that all changed.Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Michael M. Grynbaum discuss the face-off between the president and the press. Guest:Zolan Kanno-Youngs, a White House correspondent for The New York TimesMichael M. Grynbaum, a media correspondent for The New York Times.Background reading: CNN, MS NOW and Politico were barred from the White House after President Trump’s ban.Networks suspended pool coverage of the president after the White House barred CNN.Photo: Andrew Leyden for The New York Times For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated art
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The Trump Administration Defangs the Endangered Species Act
21/09/2026 Duration: 24minIn its second term, the Trump administration has increased its efforts to undo environmental regulations. Last week, it became clear that the Endangered Species Act, one of America’s bedrock environmental laws, would be losing some of its most important protections.Catrin Einhorn, who covers biodiversity, explains what is changing and what impact that could have on the country’s most vulnerable animals and ecosystems. Guest: Catrin Einhorn, a reporter covering biodiversity, climate and the environment for The New York Times.Background reading: The Trump administration moved to gut a core protection of the Endangered Species Act last week.Photo: Tom Gallagher/Associated PressFor more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcas
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How a 1,000-Year-Old Tapestry Took London by Storm
20/09/2026 Duration: 34minFor the first time in centuries, the Bayeux Tapestry — a nearly 1,000-year-old piece of embroidery that depicts the invasion of England by William the Conqueror in 1066 — is on display in Britain.It was long said by art experts to be too fragile to move. But in a development that required geopolitical persuasion, this summer the tapestry made its way from Bayeux, France, to the British Museum in London.When the first block of tickets went on sale, the British Museum said, over 80,000 people at a time waited online to buy them.In this episode of the “Sunday Daily,” Alex Marshall, a culture reporter for The New York Times, talks with host Michael Barbaro about why this ancient piece of embroidery matters so much to the British public.On Today’s Episode:Alex Marshall is a European culture reporter for The New York Times, based in London.Background Reading:How to See a Bayeux Tapestry — Without Going to the British MuseumA Nation Gripped by ‘Bayeux Fever’ Finally Gets to See the TapestryPhoto credit: Kin Cheung f
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Aaron Sorkin Still Believes in American Institutions, Even If No One Else Does
19/09/2026 Duration: 01h45sThe Oscar-winning writer returns to Facebook with “The Social Reckoning”— and remains as optimistic as ever.Thoughts? Email us at theinterview@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheInterviewPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/theinterview For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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The Techno-Religion at the Center of the A.I. Debate
18/09/2026 Duration: 34minLast week, a group of tech leaders called for putting guardrails on artificial intelligence. This week, these calls have been met by backlash from tech executives, lawmakers and President Trump, who liken those ringing the alarm to a doomsday cult.Cade Metz, a technology reporter for The New York Times, explains where this criticism comes from and why it matters.Guest: Cade Metz, a technology reporter for The New York Times.Background reading: A.I. could possibly end humanity. How are humans supposed to process that?“Recursive self-improvement” is an idea that terrifies A.I. doomsayers.Top A.I. leaders called for slowing down A.I. development last week.Photo: Mikala Compton/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here h
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Why Gas Prices Just Keep Going Up
17/09/2026 Duration: 23minAbout a month into the war with Iran, we spoke with Cameron Joudi, who owns a gas station in Florida, about how the conflict was reaching him at home. He recently reached out after seeing a 20-cent spike in gas prices in the span of just 24 hours.Vivian Nereim, the Gulf bureau chief for The New York Times, tries to answer Mr. Joudi’s question: What’s driving rising oil prices?Guest:Cameron Joudi, the owner of a gas station in Florida.Vivian Nereim, the Gulf bureau chief for The New York Times.Background reading: Listen to the interview with Mr. Joudi from March.What’s driving up diesel prices? Energy chaos caused by two wars.Gulf Arab states explore new options as U.S. bases fail to deter Iran.Photo: Ahmed Jadallah/ReutersFor more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next wor
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48 Days Until the Midterms: Is a Blue Wave Coming?
16/09/2026 Duration: 36minAs the general midterm elections begin, we take a look at where things stand. A new Times/Siena poll suggests that Democrats have a real shot at winning control of both chambers of Congress. But serious obstacles stand in their way, including a financial disadvantage.The New York Times journalists Shane Goldmacher, Maggie Haberman and Nate Cohn sit down to discuss whether the United States is likely to see a blue wave in November.Guest:Maggie Haberman, a White House correspondent for The New York Times.Shane Goldmacher, a national political correspondent for The New York Times.Nate Cohn, the chief political analyst for The New York Times.Background reading: A new poll from The New York Times found that Democrats have an edge as President Trump drags down the Republican Party.Trump’s ability to channel voter concerns was tested as Republicans gathered in Dallas.Photo: Chase Castor for The New York Times For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will b
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The Bond Market Is Flipping Out. Here’s Why You Should Care.
15/09/2026 Duration: 28minFor the past few months, you’ve probably been hearing about the turbulence in the bond market.Today, Ben Casselman, the chief economics correspondent for The New York Times, explains what has been happening, and why it matters.Guest: Ben Casselman, the chief economics correspondent for The New York Times.Background reading: How to make sense of mayhem in the bond market.The bond market issued a swift rebuke last week to the Trump administration’s latest attempt to lower borrowing costs.Photo: Rod Lamkey Jr. for The New York Times For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.a
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The A.I. Researcher Whose Rebellion Is Changing Everything
14/09/2026 Duration: 33minIn recent days, Jacob Coxon, a researcher at the artificial intelligence company Anthropic, quit his job and posted warnings about the risks of the technology. That kicked off a crisis that culminated in a call by prominent leaders of the industry to slow down A.I. development.He spoke to “The Daily” about this moment.Guest: Jacob Coxon, a former researcher at Anthropic.Background reading: Anthropic researchers have raised alarms over the acceleration of A.I.Inside the snowballing conversations at A.I. companies about a doomsday.Top A.I. leaders have called for slowing down A.I. development.Photo: Lucas Foglia for The New York Times For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles
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The Good, the Bad and the Good-Bad (Movie)
13/09/2026 Duration: 37minWhen it comes to movies we love, there are the artistic masterpieces and there are the foot-stomping crowd pleasers. But there’s another particular kind of beloved movie, the one that makes our friends groan, but that we rewatch incessantly; the one that we can quote line for line, even as we giggle at the actors’ performances; the one that we’d say is great, but that we might not say is good. These are the kinds of movies that Maya Salam, a pop culture writer at The New York Times, covers in her monthly column, The Good-Bad.This episode is a celebration of good-bad movies, timed to the release of “Practical Magic 2,” the long-awaited sequel to the 1998 cult film that Salam called “a bubbling cauldron of plot holes and tones.” Our host Rachel Abrams talks to Salam about the joys of loving a movie despite (or because of) its flaws. Then, they’re joined by The Times’s canon editor, Gilbert Cruz, and Taffy Brodesser-Akner, a Times Magazine writer, to discuss the best of good-bad cinema.On Today’s Episode:Maya Sa
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Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor Say the End of the World is Now on the Table
12/09/2026 Duration: 37minIn a new book, the writers argue that a powerful coalition of “end times fascists” is just fine with the earth’s demise.Thoughts? Email us at theinterview@nytimes.comWatch our show on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheInterviewPodcastFor transcripts and more, visit: nytimes.com/theinterview For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.