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NPR's Newsmakers

NPR 11 Episodes Aug 13, 2026

Go face to face with the person of the moment. NPR’s Newsmakers brings the biggest names in politics, business, sports, arts, and culture out of the headlines and into the interview chair to discuss the mark they’re making on the world.

Episodes

Democrat Ro Khanna’s 2028 pitch: tax the rich, regulate tech Aug 13, 2026 2743 Congressman Ro Khanna says America needs an “economic realignment.”Fresh off a tour through Pennsylvania, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said he is “thinking seriously” about running for president in 2028 — a race he called a “breaking point in America” that could lead to a destructive revolution or a new economic order. “If we don't do something dramatically different, we may break,” Khanna tells NPR’

Hunter Biden on addiction and being publicly shamed Jul 18, 2026 2542 Hunter Biden says he has nothing left to hide. He’s been all over the internet in recent months, including appearances with some of his harshest critics, such as ultra-conservative podcasters Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes. In May, he reactivated his long-dormant X account, writing, “You've never actually heard from me.”Since then, he’s posted an average of 23 times per day — weighing in on politi

Bill Maher on comedy, atheism and dining with Trump Jul 15, 2026 2605 Bill Maher says he’s “exactly the same person” he plays on TV. He’s been hosting comedy shows on TV for 33 years and just won the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. NPR’s Steve Inskeep sat down with Maher at his Los Angeles home and asked him about his creative process, inviting Louis C.K. to honor him at the Kennedy Center Twain ceremony and what he thinks about President Trump since having di

MAGA-linked pastor Doug Wilson’s plan for a Christian theocracy Jul 7, 2026 2521 Pastor Doug Wilson believes women should not be allowed to vote and homosexuality should be a crime. He was also invited to speak at the Pentagon this year.That controversial invitation from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscores Wilson's growing influence in the Republican Party. Wilson is a self-described Christian nationalist who leads Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho — part of a small networ

Chloe Malle’s vision for a new era at Vogue Jun 18, 2026 2406 Chloe Malle has a new job: steering American Vogue into a new era, and capturing a new generation of readers — ones accustomed to consuming fashion and culture via algorithm rather than the pages of a glossy magazine.Last fall Malle was tapped to succeed Anna Wintour as Head of Editorial Content. The daughter of actress Candice Bergen and the late filmmaker Louis Malle, she started at Vogue 15 yea

Jill Biden on Hunter’s pardon and her husband’s turbulent political end Jun 4, 2026 1506 Former first lady Jill Biden is shedding new light on one of the biggest decisions her husband made as president: to drop out of his own reelection campaign.In this episode of NPR’s Newsmakers, Biden sits down with host Scott Detrow to discuss her new book, View from the East Wing: A Memoir. She opens up about the infamous 2024 presidential debate that doomed President Joe Biden’s campaign -- when

Can Maine Senate hopeful Platner survive another controversy? Jun 1, 2026 2914 Anti-establishment candidate Graham Platner seemingly came out of nowhere to become the presumptive Democratic nominee for the Senate seat in Maine. But his campaign has been dogged by controversies. There were the old, deleted Reddit posts in which he made racist comments and blamed sexual assault on victims. There was a now-covered tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. And most recently, the Wall Str

Byron Allen on replacing Colbert, political comedy and Black ownership May 22, 2026 2303 Byron Allen, the media mogul and former stand-up comedian, is gearing up for his latest venture: bringing his show Comics Unleashed to the CBS time slot long held by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.In this episode of NPR’s Newsmakers, Allen sat down with NPR’s Ailsa Chang ahead of his debut episode. He discussed his plans for Comics Unleashed in its new prime late night slot, why he thinks ther

Dana White on Trump, masculinity and bringing UFC to the White House May 18, 2026 1504 When Donald Trump celebrated his imminent return to the White House on election night in November 2024, a parade of high-profile supporters joined him on stage. They included Dana White, the president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the multi-billion dollar mixed martial arts organization, which will host a fight on the South Lawn of the White House on June 14. In this episode of NP

From exile to rebuilding: María Corina Machado's plan for a new Venezuela May 11, 2026 1831 In a different world, María Corina Machado would be leading Venezuela. That’s exactly what many Venezuelans expected after authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro was ousted from power earlier this year following his capture by U.S. forces.Instead, the opposition leader, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting democracy, is on the outside looking in, even though Maduro is sitting in a U.S. prison.

Zohran Mamdani on NYC as a blueprint for Democrats Apr 17, 2026 1769 Through his first 100 days as mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani has focused on “pothole politics” — a blend of high-level legislative wins and intense focus on everyday essential services that keep the city running. The 34-year-old mayor has delivered on progressive campaign promises, from more funding for child care to new taxes on the ultrawealthy. He views his government as a model for how

Dave Chappelle on free speech, the purpose of comedy and the weaponization of jokes Apr 15, 2026 2335 Dave Chappelle, the provocative comedian and architect of Chappelle’s Show, is one of the biggest names in comedy. Now in arguably the most successful chapter of his life and career, he views himself as not just an entertainer -- but as a professional processor of events and experiences. He describes comedians as 'the nation's kidney' -- an essential organ for processing the raw experiences of lif

Jamie Dimon on the Iran war, President Trump and why he’s optimistic about AI Apr 7, 2026 1956 Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorganChase, the United States' largest bank, has a financial stake in almost everything. Unlike many CEOs, he says it’s his job to speak out on many things.This week, Dimon released his annual letter to shareholders — a document that comments on banking issues and also assesses risks to the economy, from inflation to the war in Iran. The letter asserts his company is ready f

Gov. Wes Moore on Iran, pardon power, and what his future holds Mar 27, 2026 2219 Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has turned aside speculation that he might seek the presidency in 2028. He is seeking re-election to his current job in 2026.But in this debut episode of NPR's Newsmakers, Moore tells host Steve Inskeep that he's put a lot of thought into the challenge that President Trump’s successor would face upon taking office on January 20, 2029.At 47, Moore is regarded among Democrats

Welcome to NPR's Newsmakers Mar 26, 2026 78 NPR's Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. We post new episodes as soon as they're available -- any day of the week. Follow the show wherever you listen or watch on NPR’s YouTube channel.Newsmakers relies on supporters who value independent journalism and a free press. Join NPR+ today to support our work and get perks from the podcasts you trust. Go to plus.npr.org.See pcm.ads

NPR's Newsmakers

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