Best Viewpointsradio Podcasts (2025)

1
Burning Year-Round: The New Reality Of Firefighting In America 11:27

8h ago11:27

11:27

As wildfire season stretches into winter and blazes burn hotter and faster than ever, former firefighter Kelly Ramsey reflects on her time battling fires during California’s brutal 2020 and 2021 season. She shares her candid experience with us of what it’s like to fight fire in a system that’s breaking under its own weight. Learn More: https://view…

1
Highways To Displacement: The Hidden History Of Urban Renewal 7:46

8h ago7:46

7:46

It looked like progress—new highways, modern bridges—but in cities across America, those blueprints masked something else entirely. In Detroit and beyond, entire Black neighborhoods were destroyed, and communities were split by concrete. We uncover the deeper implications of transportation policy in the mid 1900’s and how cities today are trying to…

1
Culture Crash: Where’s The Song Of The Summer? 3:10

4d ago3:10

3:10

By this time last year, the charts were packed with new pop powerhouses. But this year the usual summer music buzz feels oddly quiet. We look at what’s behind the pop music slowdown. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/culture-crash-wheres-the-song-of-the-summer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Viewpoints Explained: What Juneteenth Reveals About American History 2:36

4d ago2:36

2:36

Juneteenth marks the true end of slavery in the U.S., but its meaning runs deeper than just a date. We uncover how the holiday came to be and its significance today. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/viewpoints-explained-what-juneteenth-reveals-about-american-history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Harvard University Vs. President Donald Trump: Inside The Upheaval In Higher Education 9:52

7d ago9:52

9:52

A high-stakes legal fight is unfolding between Harvard University and the current administration. At the center: international students, federal funding and questions about free speech on campus. We look at how one of the country’s top schools became a political flashpoint—and what’s at stake beyond the Ivy League. Learn More: https://viewpointsrad…

1
America’s Deep Ties To The Rise Of Fast Food 9:49

7d ago9:49

9:49

From McDonald’s to Taco Bell, fast food is in nearly every American town and city —but how did we get here, and what does our obsession with speed and convenience say about our culture? We trace the rise of fast food and explore its broader impact on health, business, and the American family. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/americas-deep-ti…

1
Culture Crash: Stephen King’s Most Unexpected Movie Yet 3:08

11d ago3:08

3:08

The Life of Chuck is a rare, heartfelt Stephen King adaptation that traces one man’s life in reverse. Directed by Mike Flanagan, it swaps horror for hope, and we review why it’s a must see this summer. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/culture-crash-stephen-kings-most-unexpected-movie-yet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a…

1
Viewpoints Explained: Sinking Cities: What’s Causing The Ground To Drop 3:03

11d ago3:03

3:03

A new study finds that America’s largest cities are sinking each year. We cover what’s really behind this change and why it’s an urgent issue affecting millions. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/viewpoints-explained-sinking-cities-whats-causing-the-ground-to-drop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
The Push To Improve Youth Mental Health Care 8:32

14d ago8:32

8:32

More than one third of collegiate athletes have experienced a mental illness at some point in their lives. We speak with Dr. Julie Amato, a sports psychologist, about the prevalence of mental health disorders among young athletes and what’s being done to improve support services and get rid of stigma both on and off-campus. Learn More: https://view…

1
“They Called It Healthcare. We Called It Survival.” 10:45

14d ago10:45

10:45

Incarcerated people are legally entitled to healthcare, but are often met with delays, denials and bias. Former prisoner Chanell Burnette and researcher Brian Nam-Sonenstein reveal how cost-cutting, secrecy, and for-profit contractors are putting lives at risk inside U.S. prisons. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/they-called-it-healthcare-we…

1
Culture Crash: Love Movies? Why You Should Get On Letterboxd 3:03

18d ago3:03

3:03

We review the online platform, Letterboxd. Think Goodreads - but for movies instead. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/culture-crash-love-movies-why-you-should-get-on-letterboxd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Marty Peterson, Gary Price, Evan Rook, Ebony McMorris | AURN

1
Viewpoints Explained: The Sneaky Ways In Which We Overcaffeinate 3:05

18d ago3:05

3:05

Over the past two decades, caffeine levels have continued to creep higher and higher. We cover how much hidden caffeine is packed inside many of these newer energy drinks and the consequences of being overly caffeinated. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/viewpoints-explained-the-sneaky-ways-in-which-we-overcaffeinate Learn more about your ad …

1
Is Artificial Intelligence Destroying Education? 9:40

21d ago9:40

9:40

As the use of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT become common in schools, teachers are grappling with a steep rise in student cheating and declining engagement. We discuss AI’s real-world impact on learning, from eroded writing and reading comprehension skills to broader ethical and societal concerns. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.or…

1
How A Single Mother In Boston Sparked A Political Empire 9:40

21d ago9:40

9:40

Many would argue that the Kennedy family is an American cultural and political dynasty. From former President John F. Kennedy to past Kennedy’s that have served as senators, ambassadors and in other high ranking government positions, the name today still signifies power and prestige. We cover the long history of the Kennedy reign and how this name …

1
Viewpoints Explained: The Quiet Shift Happening Before Weddings This Summer 2:30

25d ago2:30

2:30

Weddings come with a long checklist—venue, catering, flowers, music and so on. But an increasing number of couples are adding something unexpected to this list. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/viewpoints-explained-the-quiet-shift-happening-before-weddings-this-summer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Culture Crash: Death Rides Again In “Final Destination: Bloodlines” 3:06

25d ago3:06

3:06

It’s not your typical horror franchise—and that’s exactly the point. Final Destination is back yet again, and this time has more elaborate deaths, unexpected nostalgia and a familiar question: can anyone really cheat death? Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/culture-crash-death-rides-again-in-final-destination-bloodlines Learn more about your …

1
Erased: The Untold Story Of Native Children In U.S. Boarding Schools 8:55

28d ago8:55

8:55

For several decades, Native families passed down quiet, painful stories about children taken, languages lost and lives upended. Journalist and citizen of the Red Cliff Ojibwe Tribe Mary Annette Pember heard them too, but it wasn’t until she went digging through church archives that these and countless other stories were brought to the surface. This…

1
The Surprising Science Of What We Regret Most 10:34

28d ago10:34

10:34

Ever wish that you could turn back time and choose differently? Everyone’s been there at one point or another. Regret is an all-too-common feeling that’s part of life| but it’s what we learn from our mistakes that matters. Writer Daniel Pink joins us this week to break down the intricacies of this emotion and what so many people get wrong about reg…

1
Culture Crash: Bon Iver Breaks The Pattern In His Newest Album 3:13

1M ago3:13

3:13

Bon Iver has made heartbreak an art form — but his latest album flips the script in a way that listeners aren’t expecting. We cover how we feel about this newest drop titled, “Sable, Fable”. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/culture-crash-bon-iver-breaks-the-pattern-in-his-newest-album Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch…

1
Viewpoints Explained: The Secret Timing Of Cicadas 2:59

1M ago2:59

2:59

Last summer, the ground erupted in sound. What caused this rare, deafening phenomenon — and how do cicadas know when it’s time to emerge after several years underground? Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/viewpoints-explained-the-secret-timing-of-cicadas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
When Therapy Isn’t Enough: How Life Coaches Help You Rewrite The Playbook 9:46

1M ago9:46

9:46

Burnout, anxiety, and identity crises—sometimes therapy alone isn’t enough. This episode explores the transformative role of life coaching through the lens of Mason Farmani, a high-powered executive who realized success wasn’t the same as fulfillment. We break down makes life coaching different, what to look for in a credible coach, and why self-aw…

1
When The Sentence Ends, The Struggle Begins 9:31

1M ago9:31

9:31

For tens of millions of former prisoners, freedom comes with a steep price — social stigma, debt, and systemic barriers to employment. We dive into the challenges this population faces when reentering society, and how a new wave of “second chance” hiring is creating meaningful change in the workforce. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/when-th…

1
One on One: Author Hayley Campbell delves into all things death. 21:11

1M ago21:11

21:11

In this podcast-exclusive episode, you'll hear the original interview audio between Viewpoints Radio producer Polly Hansen and BBC correspondent and author of "All the Living and the Dead" Hayley Campbell. The two have a conversation about the nuances of working within the death industry and all of the invisible roles within this field that people …

1
Viewpoints Explained: Alcatraz: Prison, Museum… Or Political Symbol? 2:57

1M ago2:57

2:57

Earlier this month, former President Donald Trump called for the reopening of Alcatraz as a federal prison. But what would that take? We explore the history, cost, legal hurdles, and political undertones behind the proposal—and why the idea may not be as straightforward as it sounds. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/viewpoints-explained-alca…

1
Culture Crash: Ryan Coogler’s “SINNERS” & The Rise Of The Original Blockbuster 3:13

1M ago3:13

3:13

With Sinners, Ryan Coogler moves beyond franchises to deliver a bold, original film that’s part musical, part horror, and entirely unforgettable. We look at how this ambitious story set in 1930s Mississippi is winning over critics and audiences alike. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/culture-crash-ryan-cooglers-sinners-the-rise-of-the-origin…

1
Headline Stress Disorder Is Real – Are You Stuck In The Doom Loop? 10:18

1M ago10:18

10:18

We’re more connected to the news than ever—but at what cost? We explore how the modern media environment is reshaping our mental space, and what happens when it becomes harder to look away than to stay informed. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/headline-stress-disorder-is-real-are-you-stuck-in-the-doom-loop Learn more about your ad choices. …

1
Seventeen Years, One Dream: Turning Passion Into Action – At Any Age 9:05

1M ago9:05

9:05

After decades in broadcasting, Gerald McBride wasn’t looking for a new career, but he was interested in following a new passion. We explore his journey as a first-time filmmaker and what his path says about creative evolution at any age. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/seventeen-years-one-dream-turning-passion-into-action-at-any-age Learn m…

1
Viewpoints Explained: What Tariffs Are Quietly Triggering Across America 2:50

2M ago2:50

2:50

As steep tariffs on imports take effect, people are responding with full carts and growing concern. But this act isn’t a luxury everyone can afford. We cover the ripple effects of incoming tariffs. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/viewpoints-explained-what-tariffs-are-quietly-triggering-across-america Learn more about your ad choices. Visit …

1
Culture Crash: Why It’s Time To Rethink How You Read 4:05

2M ago4:05

4:05

Audiobooks aren’t new—but they’re more accessible than ever before. Many selections are also free through certain platforms. We cover the world of audiobooks on this week’s Culture Crash. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/culture-crash-why-its-time-to-rethink-how-you-read Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Outsmarting The System: Standing Out In Today’s Tough Job Market 8:48

2M ago8:48

8:48

If landing a job today feels harder than it should, you’re not imagining it. In this segment, we speak with longtime career consultant Sheila Nielsen to explore the invisible barriers in today’s hiring landscape and the strategy that can get you in the door and at the interview table. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/outsmarting-the-system-s…

1
Misinformation Nation: Conspiracy Theories In The Digital Age 9:31

2M ago9:31

9:31

Conspiracy theories have been around for hundreds of years. From secret projects to secret government societies, these theories are prevalent across society. We speak with two conspiracy experts about how these stories arise, why they’re so pervasive online and how artificial intelligence can make these narratives more difficult to detect. Learn Mo…

1
Viewpoints Explained: Inside The Struggles Of Walgreens, Cvs, And The Modern Drugstore 2:49

2M ago2:49

2:49

Major pharmacy chains like Walgreens and CVS are closing stores and slashing costs—but it’s more than a financial story. As competition rises and consumer habits shift, what’s at stake for patients who rely on these physical locations? Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/viewpoints-explained-inside-the-struggles-of-walgreens-cvs-and-the-modern-…

1
Culture Crash: Why Everyone Should Watch “CONCLAVE” 3:06

2M ago3:06

3:06

With the passing of Pope Francis last month, viewership of the recent film, “Conclave” has spiked. We offer our review of the blockbuster movie and its depiction of the real-life conclave held in Vatican City. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/culture-crash-why-everyone-should-watch-conclave Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f…

1
Separating Fact From Fiction: The Truth About Autism 11:27

2M ago11:27

11:27

Misinformation about autism isn’t new—but it’s gaining traction in dangerous ways. This week, we confront the myths head-on, exploring what autism really is (and what it isn’t) and why political language and policy matter. Experts Kristyn Roth and Dr. Emily Hotez share what the latest science tells us. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/separa…

1
A Life In Chess: Susan Polgar’s Groundbreaking Journey 8:05

2M ago8:05

8:05

She was told girls couldn’t compete. Then she changed the game. From backroom chess clubs in Budapest to the world’s biggest stages, Grandmaster Susan Polgar’s rose through ridicule to become the first woman to earn the Grandmaster title on equal terms. Now, she’s passing the torch to a new wave of champions. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org…

1
Culture Crash: Why “Black Mirror” Is Unlike Anything Else On TV 3:10

2M ago3:10

3:10

With the newest season of “Black Mirror” now out on Netflix, we look back on some of our favorite episodes from past seasons and why the show is a modern masterpiece, exposing the often-unsettling relationship between humanity and technology. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/culture-crash-why-black-mirror-is-unlike-anything-else-on-tv Learn …

1
Viewpoints Explained: Inside The Conclave: The Hidden Rules Of Electing A Pope 3:24

2M ago3:24

3:24

As the world waits for the election of a new pope, few understand the ancient, secretive ritual behind it. From handwritten ballots to color-coded smoke, the conclave operates under centuries of storied tradition. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/viewpoints-explained-inside-the-conclave-the-hidden-rules-of-electing-a-pope Learn more about yo…

1
What Happened To Marriage? 11:11

2M ago11:11

11:11

Today, almost 40 percent of American adults aged 25 to 54 are unpartnered—a major shift from just a generation ago, according to a 2021 Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. As marriage rates fall, researchers are exploring how economic independence, shifting cultural values and a rethinking of adulthood itself are reshaping what…

1
The Polyester Trap: How Fashion Became Disposable 7:43

2M ago7:43

7:43

Our closets are overflowing, but real clothing—the kind built to last—has almost disappeared. Author and fashion expert Sofi Thanhauser unravels how the industry traded craftsmanship and quality for maximum profits. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/the-polyester-trap-how-fashion-became-disposable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap…

1
Podcast Exclusive: A Conversation with Death Penalty Expert Gianna Toboni 23:13

2M ago23:13

23:13

Viewpoints producer Polly Hansen speaks with Gianna Toboni -- an expert on the U.S. prison system and its death penalty policies. Toboni is a journalist, filmmaker and author of the new book, The Volunteer: The Failure of the Death Penalty in America and One Inmate's Quest to Die with Dignity. This is a behind-the-scenes, extended listen of the ful…

1
Culture Crash: 30 Years. 7 Movies. One Tom Cruise. Is “Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning” The Last Chapter? 3:07

2M ago3:07

3:07

The eighth movie in the “Mission: Impossible” series is set to hit theaters on May 23. We cover the evolution of this blockbuster action franchise spanning almost three decades. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/culture-crash-30-years-7-movies-one-tom-cruise-is-mission-impossible-the-final-reckoning-the-last-chapter Learn more about your ad c…

1
Viewpoints Explained: Can We Revive Extinct Species? Scientists Say Maybe 2:57

2M ago2:57

2:57

Scientists have brought three unusual wolf pups into the world using DNA that hasn’t walked the Earth in tens of thousands of years. Could this be the beginning of a new era in conservation, or is it a step too far? Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/viewpoints-explained-can-we-revive-extinct-species-scientists-say-maybe Learn more about your …

1
Execution By Firing Squad: A New Option Within A Broken Prison System 9:31

2M ago9:31

9:31

As states like South Carolina bring back the firing squad, a once-archaic method of execution is making a quiet return. We explore what’s driving this shift, and why some inmates, like Scott Dozier, saw it as a more humane option than lethal injection. This segment explores the ethical and logistical cracks in America’s capital punishment system — …

1
An Architectural Rebirth: A City Rising From The Ashes 9:51

2M ago9:51

9:51

More than 150 years later, the Great Chicago Fire still shapes the bustling Midwestern city we know today. Historian Julius L. Jones walks us through how a combination of dry weather, wooden construction, and miscommunication led to one of the most destructive urban fires in U.S. history. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/an-architectural-reb…

1
Viewpoints Explained: This Policy Change Could Reshape Your Neighborhood—Here’s Why 3:10

2M ago3:10

3:10

Many small business owners are bracing for higher costs soon due to tariffs. What lies ahead for communities and residents who rely on these local shops? Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/viewpoints-explained-this-policy-change-could-reshape-your-neighborhood-heres-why Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Culture Crash: An Instant Hit: Our Takeaways From Netflix’s "Adolescence” 3:26

2M ago3:26

3:26

We cover the cinematic and unique brilliance of the new show, “Adolescence”. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/culture-crash-an-instant-hit-our-takeaways-from-netflixs-adolescence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Marty Peterson, Gary Price, Evan Rook, Ebony McMorris | AURN

1
Nowhere Left To Run: Surviving The New Reality Of Climate Change 9:09

3M ago9:09

9:09

As climate disasters become more frequent and less predictable, the idea of relocating to a “safe” place is a far-fetched solution. Environmental policy experts Anna Weber and Kiara Rutherford discuss how extreme weather is reshaping where—and how—we live, and why the time for coordinated, equity-focused climate action is now. Learn More: https://v…

1
From Juvie To Prison: Is Rehabilitation Possible After Committing Murder At Age 16? 9:39

3M ago9:39

9:39

Can a teen who commits murder ever truly be rehabilitated? Journalist Claudia Rowe shares the story of 16—year-old Maryanne Atkins and how a Washington state law gave her a second chance—offering therapy, stability, and education instead of adult prison. As more states rethink youth sentencing, we explore the benefits of real rehabilitation instead…

1
Culture Crash: Why We Love These Sci-Fi Features 3:01

3M ago3:01

3:01

We highlight some of our favorite sci-fi blockbusters. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/culture-crash-why-we-love-these-sci-fi-features Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Marty Peterson, Gary Price, Evan Rook, Ebony McMorris | AURN

1
Viewpoints Explained: Which Country Is Ranked #1 As ‘The Happiest In The World’ & Where Does The U.S. Fall? 2:43

3M ago2:43

2:43

We cover who are the happiest citizens on earth, according to the annual study, The World Happiness Report published by the University of Oxford. Also, where does the U.S. rank? Surprise – we’re far below the Top 10. Learn More: https://viewpointsradio.org/viewpoints-explained-which-country-is-ranked-1-as-the-happiest-in-the-world-where-does-the-u-…

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