Best Soft Ears Media Podcasts (2025)

1
They were deported to El Salvador's megaprison. What happened inside? 36:01

11h ago36:01

36:01

In March, as part of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, the United States sent more than 250 migrants, the majority being Venezuelan nationals, to El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center, a megaprison often referred to by its Spanish acronym, CECOT. In July, four months later, the men from Venezuela were released to Venezuela as par…

1
Death by Shot Tracker 1:17:58

1d ago1:17:58

1:17:58

This week Eddie has returned from the mountains, where he produced a performance that has inspired him to consider a major equipment change. There is also mulling over the Atlantic imbalance, whereby those who lose their cards on the PGA Tour have the opportunities to play some often terrible golf on the DP World Tour. Of course the European Ryder …

1
Labubus: China's plushy, soft power tool 20:41

1d ago20:41

20:41

Labubus — small plush toys that look like mischievous monsters — have taken the world by storm. Chinese toymaker and retailer Pop Mart has sold millions of dollars’ worth of Labubus. There’s even a booming resale market, on top of a thriving operation of counterfeits called Lafufus. Host Elahe Izadi speaks with reporter Kelly Kasulis Cho about how …

1
Tommy's Triumph 1:23:46

3d ago1:23:46

1:23:46

And lo, did Tommy Fleetwood smite all of those unbelievers before him, winning the Tour Championship and with it ten million dollars. Andrew Eddie and Iain convene to discuss that, as well as Ryder Cup team selection, Eddie's new found peace at the Belfry (despite a missed cut), which golfer had his waxwork repurposed and news of some very disturbi…

1
Trump firings spark CDC chaos, Fed uncertainty 25:41

4d ago25:41

25:41

Susan Monarez says she refused to restrict access to vaccines as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It wasn’t long until Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. decided she needed to go. Monarez’s firing led to the resignations of some of the CDC’s top scientists. It comes on the heels of President Don…

1
Taylor and Travis: It's a love — and business — story 26:30

5d ago26:30

26:30

Taylor Swift and NFL player Travis Kelce announced their engagement Tuesday. Fans mobilized, groups chats lit up, and social media posts of Swifties celebrating went viral. “Post Reports” host Elahe Izadi speaks with pop culture reporter Emily Yahr about this announcement, why it was an unusual move for Swift, and what it could mean for Swift’s mus…

1
'These kids were literally praying': The Minneapolis school shooting 22:33

6d ago22:33

22:33

On Wednesday morning, students from Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis were in church for an all-school Mass when a shooter opened fire through the church windows. An 8-year-old and a 10-year-old from the private K-8 school were killed, and the shooter died after shooting himself. More than a dozen people were injured, and several remain i…

1
Trump makes the government Intel’s largest investor 22:01

7d ago22:01

22:01

Late last week, President Donald Trump announced the federal government will now own 10 percent of the chipmaker Intel. The move is just one in a pattern of unprecedented deals the Trump administration has struck with tech companies, reshaping the relationship between the federal government and big business. Host Elahe Izadi talks with technology r…

1
Inside Trump’s plans to send troops into more American cities 18:52

8d ago18:52

18:52

The Defense Department is outlining plans to send troops to Chicago as soon as September. These plans have been in the works for weeks – long before Trump’s declaration Friday that “it won’t even be tough” to send troops to the third-largest city in the U.S. Pentagon reporter Dan Lamothe uncovered the details of these military plans, which are part…

1
Deep Reads: A last lifeline in ‘detention alley’ 30:06

11d ago30:06

30:06

Christopher Kinnison, 46, worked at his own one-man law firm in the central Louisiana city of Alexandria, putting him within a two-hour drive of the state’s nine ICE facilities, the highest number of any state other than Texas. Most of his clients were detainees, and his business cards promised “Fervent Representation for Uncertain Times,” because …

1
Trump's peacemaking dreams and D.C. pizza party 28:59

11d ago28:59

28:59

This week, President Donald Trump claimed he’s ended six — or maybe even seven — wars. But his efforts to bring about peace in Ukraine, three years after Russia’s invasion, appear stalled. Guest host Cleve Wootson speaks with White House reporter Cat Zakrzewski and White House correspondent Michael Birnbaum about the latest in the negotiations with…

1
The Texas-California showdown over redistricting 26:09

12d ago26:09

26:09

With a vote of 88 ayes and 52 nays, the Texas House passed a controversial new election map on Wednesday night. If approved in the state Senate, the redrawn lines would create five new congressional districts that lean heavily red. The Texas House vote comes a few weeks after Texas Democratic lawmakers fled the state in an attempt to stall the GOP …

1
The presidential fitness test: An exercise in humiliation? 25:04

13d ago25:04

25:04

At the end of July, President Donald Trump signed an executive order reinstating the presidential fitness test. The test was administered in public schools around the country from 1950 to 2012, when it was ended by President Barack Obama. After health columnist Gretchen Reynolds heard the news, she put out a call to Post readers asking about their …

1
Fear, confusion, resistance: One night under Trump's D.C. crackdown 27:46

14d ago27:46

27:46

A team of “Post Reports” producers join Post reporter Olivia George for a Friday night out on U Street NW, a major hub for nightlight in the nation’s capital and an area that has experienced one of the highest number of crimes reported this year. They speak with businesses, partygoers and workers to hear their experience during the first weekend si…

1
After the Gold Rush 1:22:09

15d ago1:22:09

1:22:09

We are reduced to only two members of the TCF team and - whoever they may be - are left to discuss all the usual goings on in this crazy game we call golf. Scottie Scheffler's won a tournament, which is nice, and we wonder which will earn him more money this season - the prize money or the bonuses? And why do you need both? A more pertinent debate …

1
Trump's push to end the war in Ukraine 26:08

15d ago26:08

26:08

President Donald Trump stunned the international community when he invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to Alaska for a high-stakes summit on the war in Ukraine. Just hours after Trump greeted Putin on his first visit to the U.S. in a decade, he watched him leave with no ceasefire deal in hand, however. Now, Trump is turning to Ukrainian leader…

1
Trump’s D.C. police takeover was planned and the Putin meeting stakes 26:17

18d ago26:17

26:17

President Donald Trump began his second term with a playbook in hand for how he might take control of aspects of D.C.’s government, according to Post reporting. Trump’s takeover of the city’s police department this week was just one possible outcome. Host Colby Itkowitz speaks with White House reporter Cleve Wootson and The Post’s White House burea…

1
Why is Trump so obsessed with the Kennedy Center? 22:48

19d ago22:48

22:48

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has long been an important cultural landmark in D.C., bringing a variety of arts programming to the region while also serving as “the Nation’s Cultural Center.” Since it opened in 1971, the Kennedy Center has also been largely apolitical. It receives some federal dollars, but sitting presidents hav…

1
Deep Sh!t State: Trump’s Retribution Campaign 1:40:37

20d ago1:40:37

1:40:37

As Trump targets the FBI and Justice Department for retribution, Jon is joined by former FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Feinberg and New York Times FBI and DOJ reporter Devlin Barrett. They explore how high-profile cases have damaged these agencies' credibility, discuss the dismantling of their workforces and investigative capacity u…

1
In the job market, Gen Z is cooked 24:03

21d ago24:03

24:03

Gen Z is having a rough go at finding a job. AI tools are making it easier for companies to downsize. In an effort to cut costs, many workplaces are laying off people en masse. And all of that talent is flooding a job market where entry-level positions often require multiple years of experience. That’s leaving Gen Z workers at the bottom of the hir…

1
Netanyahu’s plan to take over Gaza City 28:12

21d ago28:12

28:12

Israel has announced a plan that could eventually allow it to take military control of the entire Gaza Strip. But the announcement has been met with widespread criticism inside and outside Israel. Foreign leaders and protesters say this approach lacks clarity and will prolong the suffering of Palestinian civilians and endanger hostages still held b…

1
Pain is so close to Pleasure 1:21:32

22d ago1:21:32

1:21:32

In an endearingly self-deprecating description of this episode we would say that it's about twenty minutes longer than it needs to be. But there really is a lot to talk about with Eddie entertaining us all at Trump International and finding a top-10 finish on the main tour again. Yet even in finding form he still flirts with the darkness and is sta…

1
What Trump’s D.C. police takeover means 19:41

22d ago19:41

19:41

On Monday morning, President Donald Trump announced that he is putting Washington, D.C., under federal control and deploying the National Guard to fight crime. While police data shows a drop in violent crime in D.C. in recent years, Trump said this historic action would “rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor and wors…

1
Trump's battles with data, DC, and world trade 24:38

25d ago24:38

24:38

In the past week, President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries – and made moves to suppress signs of a weakening economy. Today on the politics roundtable, host Colby Itkowitz speaks with White House reporter Emily Davies and senior national political correspondent Naftali Bendavid about how Trump’s recent economic mov…

1
Trump’s tariffs are finally here. Now what? 25:18

26d ago25:18

25:18

David Lynch covers trade for The Post, and he joins us to explain how the tariffs will affect consumer prices and the broader economy. David is the author of the forthcoming book “The World’s Worst Bet: How the Globalization Gamble Went Wrong (And What Would Make It Right).” Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Maggie Penma…

1
On Gaza and Humanity with Mosab Abu Toha 1:14:49

27d ago1:14:49

1:14:49

As the world confronts images of the suffering in Gaza, Jon is joined by Pulitzer Prize winning Palestinian poet and author Mosab Abu Toha to hear the human story behind the photos. He shares his experience as a refugee, the voices of those still living through the devastation, and what he hopes for the future of his homeland. Follow The Weekly Sho…

1
What an oncologist wants us to know about everyday chemicals 26:15

28d ago26:15

26:15

Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with the complex system that produces and interacts with our hormones. Research suggests they can affect the reproductive system, our kidneys, and even increase our risk of cancer. There are over 1,000 types of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, according to some estimates, and we are exposed to th…

1
Democrats are ready to fight dirty over Texas 20:48

28d ago20:48

20:48

President Donald Trump is asking for five more Republicans in the House of Representatives, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is trying to give them to him. Last week, Republicans in the state’s legislature demanded they redraw Texas’ 38 congressional districts in a way that would effectively create five more safely red seats. If passed, the new map could…

1
Punched by Anthony Joshua 1:03:14

29d ago1:03:14

1:03:14

Well, not really, it just felt like it to Eddie as he continued to beat himself up on the golf course despite a decent showing on the HotelPlanner Tour. The trio talk about his behaviour and form as well as the success of the AIG Women's Open at Royal Porthcawl where Japan took another women's major - this time through Miyu Yamashita - and Charley …

1
The government is paying 154,000 people not to work 15:42

29d ago15:42

15:42

This spring, the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s U.S. DOGE Service drastically reduced the federal workforce, all in the name of cost-cutting. This included making a “deferred resignation” offer to government workers, offering to pay them through at least the end of September if they resigned their positions. Post reporter Meryl Kornfield and …

1
Deep Reads: Cracks in the dream 24:38

1M ago24:38

24:38

The Vitals had settled in Springfield from Haiti during President Donald Trump’s first term and saved money through the Biden administration. Business leaders in their reliably red county praised immigrants for reviving the local economy. Americans struggled to pass drug tests, one factory boss told a TV news crew. Not Haitians. Fernande Vital earn…

1
What Trump wants: More tariffs, less Epstein 27:07

1M ago27:07

27:07

After months of threats, the Trump administration announced this week a slew of heavy tariffs, taxes on imported goods, for major trading partners such as India and Canada. The news came on the heels of the recent announcement of a new trade agreement with the European Union that was widely seen as a lopsided deal in favor of the United States. Des…

1
Sydney Sweeney's jeans and an American (Eagle) controversy 18:31

1M ago18:31

18:31

Last week, clothing brand American Eagle released a series of short clips and images featuring “Euphoria” and “White Lotus” star Sydney Sweeney. They’re part of a new jeans marketing campaign – where proceeds from the sale of “The Sydney Jeans” are donated to a domestic abuse crisis hotline. But the provocative nature of the campaign and the messag…

1
Debating Reality with Mehdi Hasan 1:22:49

1M ago1:22:49

1:22:49

As mainstream media finds itself outplayed by Trump, Jon is joined by Mehdi Hasan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Zeteo. Together, they discuss his experience debating far-right conservatives, explore how Democrats could match Republican ruthlessness and tactics, and examine how America’s failure to stop the crisis in Gaza has undermined both U.S. …

1
Why more immigrants are being tracked with ankle monitors – and who profits 25:14

1M ago25:14

25:14

ICE is expanding a controversial surveillance program. Today, our reporter shares how he learned about it, and what The Post uncovered about the company that stands to profit. Read more: Last month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement directed personnel to sharply increase the number of immigrants they shackle with GPS-enabled ankle monitors. …

1
Inside the system burning out air traffic control trainees 34:07

1M ago34:07

34:07

The Federal Aviation Administration has been trying to solve the air traffic controller shortage for years, and recently, they’ve made a variety of changes to get more people trained and employed. But hundreds of trainees are dropping out before they get certified. While some say the program weeds out people who can’t “hack it,” others say a cultur…

1
Lottie Woad and Ibiza 1:12:00

1M ago1:12:00

1:12:00

This week we celebrate the arrival of a new star in golf in Lottie Woad after her oh-so-impressive victory on her professional debut at the Women's Scottish Open. The trio also celebrate Eddie's safe return from Ibiza where TCF's touring pro survived backflips and a moderately fast boating expedition under the watchful eye of safety officer Laurie …

1
Gazans are starving. Will aid get in? 22:37

1M ago22:37

22:37

As hunger reaches new levels in Gaza, society is on the brink of collapse. Even doctors are struggling to find the energy to treat patients without enough food themselves. At least 147 people have died of malnutrition, including 88 children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Medics have said that is probably an undercount. In recent months, more…

1
Deep Reads: Chasing ghosts with Dale Earnhardt Jr. 51:32

1M ago51:32

51:32

In October 2023, Junior turned 49. That’s the same age his dad was in 2001, when, before the last turn on the last lap of the Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s car bumped into Sterling Marlin’s, sending the iconic No. 3 careening into the wall at 160 mph. Reporter Kent Babb was studying journalism in college in 2002 when his grandmother called. “Th…

1
Trump keeps trying — and failing — to move on from Epstein 23:27

1M ago23:27

23:27

Is President Donald Trump losing control of his MAGA base? Despite his best efforts, congressional Republicans continued to pressure him to release files related to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.By The Washington Post

1
Mosquitoes are deadly. Should we kill them all? 16:24

1M ago16:24

16:24

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on earth. They carry diseases, including malaria, which killed more than half a million people in 2023, according to the World Health Organization. Now, we may have a way to fight back. Scientists have developed gene editing technology that renders female mosquitoes infertile, which could lead to a total collapse…

1
All the President’s Tools 1:25:27

1M ago1:25:27

1:25:27

As Trump's pressure campaigns target universities, media outlets, and private companies, Jon is joined by former US Attorney Preet Bharara, host of "Stay Tuned with Preet," and Dan Pfeiffer, co-host of "Pod Save America" and author of "Message Box." Together, they examine the tools available to presidents to coerce independent institutions, explore…

1
The antisemitism task force carrying out Trump’s anti-DEI agenda 25:17

1M ago25:17

25:17

For years, conservatives have criticized American universities for being too woke, too liberal, and too focused on DEI – diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. These critiques were reignited when students on college campuses around the nation began holding pro-Palestinian protests as a response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. Under both the B…

1
Congress cut public media funding. Now what? 25:13

1M ago25:13

25:13

KYUK is the oldest Native American-owned radio station in the country. It broadcasts morning newscasts in both English and Yup'ik, the local Indigenous language, to 56 remote communities in Southwest Alaska. When there’s a weather emergency or even just a local basketball game, these communities turn to KYUK for information. But soon, that could al…

1
Portrush and Philosophy 1:12:56

1M ago1:12:56

1:12:56

Eddie returns to the pod with a report on his recent tournament in Germany, his general health and his plans for the weeks ahead. He also brings his particular brand of thinking to an analysis of Scottie Scheffler's triumph at Portrush as well as the personality and motivation of the world number one with iain and Andrew wondering if he is actually…

1
Was he given up for adoption? Or was he taken? 25:21

1M ago25:21

25:21

Over the weekend, South Korea announced it would end private adoptions in the country. This comes after an investigation found human rights abuses by international adoption agencies. Some babies had been taken without their birth parents’ knowledge or consent. Records were falsified. Identities were swapped. Babies were stolen. Host Elahe Izadi spe…

1
OPEN - CLOSED 25:19

1M ago25:19

25:19

An immediate, Sunday evening review of an Open Championship where Scottie Scheffler dominated, adding the Claret Jug to his collection and possibly enjoying it for a few minutes before moving on to other things. Andrew and Iain meet for the last time in the noisy media centre to discuss things and hear the thoughts of both Scheffler and Rory McIlro…

1
Saturday at The Open 30:28

2M ago30:28

30:28

Saturday night at The Open Championship: Andrew and Iain once again convene in the media centre to discuss the third round, wondering if anybody can stop Scottie Scheffler from winning his first Claret Jug and his fourth major, but more than that, they discuss whether he is actually exciting to watch or if his mastery of the game is actually quite …

1
Does Vogue still matter? 20:39

2M ago20:39

20:39

At the height of its influence, American Vogue set the standard for taste and fashion. Now, after nearly 40 years at its helm, Editor in Chief Anna Wintour is stepping down. This announcement coincides with a fast-changing media landscape in which glossy magazines and top editors may no longer be the go-to source for fashion trends and inspiration.…

1
Halfway at The Open 30:18

2M ago30:18

30:18

Friday night at The Open Championship and is this the time for Scottie Scheffler to claim the Claret Jug and his fourth major? Or can Matt Fitzpatrick add the Open to his US Open triumph? Or perhaps Brian Harman will do it again? And will Eddie notch up another top-10 in Germany in his comeback from injury? These and so many other questions are not…

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