Best Cspan Podcasts (2025)

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Weekend Edition: America 250, Martin Smith's Documentary "Syria After Assad," and Trump Admin. Cuts to Arts and Culture Programs 33:58

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8h ago33:58

33:58

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, Ambassador Monica Crowley, Chief of Protocol for the United States, discusses the mission of America250, the start of celebrations on Thursday, and her role as principal media representative. Then, Documentary writer, producer, and correspondent Martin Smith …

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House passes GOP tax & spending cuts One Big Beautiful Bill after dramatic all-night session to lobby GOP holdouts & record-breaking Dem Leader speech 52:07

1d ago52:07

52:07

House passes tax cut & spending cut Budget Reconciliation "One Big Beautiful Bill", 218-214, sending it to the President to be signed into law, after a dramatic all-night session to convince enough Republican holdouts to vote yes, and after a record-breaking 8 hour, 44 minute speech against the bill by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY); June j…

1
GOP Big Beautiful tax cut & spending cut bill stalls in House by groups of Republicans seeking changes to Senate-passed version 49:43

3d ago49:43

49:43

House is slowing working on the modified Budget Reconciliation bill, the tax cut & spending cut 'One Big Beautiful Bill', passed yesterday by the Senate with VP JD Vance's tie-breaking vote, slowly because Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump have been meeting with both conservative and moderate Republicans opposed to the bill for differ…

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Budget reconciliation bill passes Senate 51-50 after last-minute deal with Sen. Murkowski (R-AK) to secure her vote 53:38

4d ago53:38

53:38

Senate passes the budget reconciliation bill, also called the One Big Beautiful Bill, containing President Donald Trump and CongressionalRepublicans' domestic agenda of tax cuts, spending cuts and more money for border security and defense, by a 51-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie. Sen Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) provided the necess…

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BN+: Lien-Hang Nguyen, "Hanoi's War" 1:09:35

4d ago1:09:35

1:09:35

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Netflix is offering a five-part documentary series titled "Turning Point: The Vietnam War," directed by Brian Knappenberger. The series includes never-before-seen footage of the war from the CBS archives. Also included in the documentary are interviews with participants in the war, both fr…

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Ep. 225 Lien-Hang Nguyen, "Hanoi's War" 1:09:35

4d ago1:09:35

1:09:35

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Netflix is offering a five-part documentary series titled "Turning Point: The Vietnam War," directed by Brian Knappenberger. The series includes never-before-seen footage of the war from the CBS archives. Also included in the documentary are interviews with participants in the war, both fr…

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Marathon vote-a-rama on One Big Beautiful Bill amendments underway in Senate; final passage not assured given potential GOP holdouts 36:57

5d ago36:57

36:57

The Senate's vote-a-rama continues, as members offer and vote on amendments to the Republican's tax and spending cuts bill. But passage of the bill isn't a sure thing. Republicans Rand Paul of Kentucky and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have both said they're voting "no", while Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska haven’t said how the…

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Jonathan Turley, "The Indispensable Right" 1:09:43

5d ago1:09:43

1:09:43

George Washington University Law School professor Jonathan Turley discusses the history of free speech in America and the people who advanced it. He argues that the right to free speech, enshrined in the First Amendment, is a basic human right that protects all the others. Prof. Turley also talks about current attempts by government, universities, …

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Q&A: Jonathan Turley, "The Indispensable Right" 1:09:43

6d ago1:09:43

1:09:43

George Washington University Law School professor Jonathan Turley discusses the history of free speech in America and the people who advanced it. He argues that the right to free speech, enshrined in the First Amendment, is a basic human right that protects all the others. Prof. Turley also talks about current attempts by government, universities, …

1
Dave and Dina McCormick, "Who Believed in You?" 51:57

6d ago51:57

51:57

Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) and his wife Dina McCormick discussed the importance of mentors and shared stories of successful politicians and business leaders who have had their lives changed by them. This event was hosted by the Ronald Regan Institute in Washington, D.C Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Dave and Dina McCormick, "Who Believed in You?" 51:57

5d ago51:57

51:57

Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) and his wife Dina McCormick discussed the importance of mentors and shared stories of successful politicians and business leaders who have had their lives changed by them. This event was hosted by the Ronald Regan Institute in Washington, D.C Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Gilded Age Bohemians 1:26:54

6d ago1:26:54

1:26:54

University of North Carolina at Pembroke professor Ryan Anderson discussed the rise of a Bohemian culture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that rejected conventional societal restraints and embraced the arts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

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Weekend Edition: Rep. Adam Smith on US Military Actions Against Iran, War Powers Act, and Zohran Mamdani Win in NYC Primary 32:35

8d ago32:35

32:35

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, Congressman Adam Smith – top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee - discusses U.S. military action against Iran – and what comes next. Then - a discussion about the history and evolution of the War Powers Act Philip Wallach from the American Enterpr…

1
Supreme Court in birthright citizenship Executive Order case rules single judge cannot impose a 'nationwide injunction' 53:46

8d ago53:46

53:46

Supreme Court rules that individual judges do not have the power to block a president's policies across the country, known as nationwide injunctions. The underlying case, whose merits have not been decided yet, involves President Donald Trump's Executive Order restricting birthright citizenship; Supreme Court also handed down other closely-watchedd…

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Supreme Court rules South Carolina can cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood because the group provides abortions 49:47

9d ago49:47

49:47

Supreme Court decides that South Carolina can cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood because the group provides abortions, ruling that Medicaid patients are not allowed to sue over their right to choose their doctor; Senators get a classified briefing on the U.S. bombings of Iranian nuclear sites, while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth & Gen.…

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President Trump criticizes 'fake news' outlets citing Pentagon intelligence report suggesting U.S. bombing of Iran nuclear sites may have resulted in less than 'obliteration' 54:20

10d ago54:20

54:20

President Donald Trump says the leaked U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report suggesting Iran's nuclear program has been set back only a few months after the recent U.S. bombings is wrong, the nuclear sites have been destroyed – in his word 'obliterated' - and the reporters who published the DIA reports finding are 'bad people', 'sick' and are dem…

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President Trump says Israel-Iran ceasefire 'in effect' after voicing frustration at apparent violations on both sides 52:03

11d ago52:03

52:03

President Donald Trump says a ceasefire between Israel & Iran is "in effect", after expressing frustration with both countries for apparently violating the agreement he mediated; President spoke before flying from Washington to The Hague, Netherlands for a NATO leaders' summit; House & Senate Democrats upset today that scheduled classified briefing…

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Ep. 224 William Geroux, "The Fifteen" 1:16:22

12d ago1:16:22

1:16:22

One October morning in 2018, journalist William Geroux says he was returning some books to his local Virginia Beach Library when he noticed a new state historical marker planted in the ground near the front entrance. It said the library was built on the site of a World War II prisoner of war camp. In Mr. Giroux's author's note in his latest book ca…

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BN+: William Geroux, "The Fifteen" 1:16:22

11d ago1:16:22

1:16:22

One October morning in 2018, journalist William Geroux says he was returning some books to his local Virginia Beach Library when he noticed a new state historical marker planted in the ground near the front entrance. It said the library was built on the site of a World War II prisoner of war camp. In Mr. Giroux's author's note in his latest book ca…

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President Trump calls Iran's missile attack on U.S. air base in Qatar 'weak'; bipartisan war powers resolutions on Iran could get votes in Congress 37:10

12d ago37:10

37:10

President Trump responds on social media, "Iran has officially responded to our Obliteration of their Nuclear Facilities with a very weak response, which we expected, and have very effectively countered….There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and 1 was “set free,” because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction. I am pleased …

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Peniel Joseph, "Freedom Season" 1:09:31

13d ago1:09:31

1:09:31

University of Texas at Austin history professor Peniel Joseph, author of "Freedom Season," talks about the pivotal events of 1963 that impacted the Civil Rights Movement in America. That year, which marked the centenary of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, also saw the assassinations of President Kennedy and Mississippi civil rights activist Med…

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Q&A: Peniel Joseph, "Freedom Season" 1:09:31

13d ago1:09:31

1:09:31

University of Texas at Austin history professor Peniel Joseph, author of "Freedom Season," talks about the pivotal events of 1963 that impacted the Civil Rights Movement in America. That year, which marked the centenary of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, also saw the assassinations of President Kennedy and Mississippi civil rights activist Med…

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Mark Bauerlein, The Dumbest Generation Grows Up: From Stupefied Youth to Dangerous Adults 1:10:26

13d ago1:10:26

1:10:26

Emory University professor Mark Bauerlein argues that the lack of general civics knowledge by Millennials poses a threat to America's political and social institutions. He was interviewed by the Federalist's culture editor Emily Jashinksy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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AW: Mark Bauerlein, The Dumbest Generation Grows Up: From Stupefied Youth to Dangerous Adults 1:10:26

13d ago1:10:26

1:10:26

Emory University professor Mark Bauerlein argues that the lack of general civics knowledge by Millennials poses a threat to America's political and social institutions. He was interviewed by the Federalist's culture editor Emily Jashinksy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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World War II Interracial Relationships in Japan & Hawaii 1:05:10

13d ago1:05:10

1:05:10

Santa Clara University history professor Sonia Gomez discusses the intimate relationships between people of different racial and ethnic backgrounds that occurred in Hawaii and Japan during and immediately after World War II. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

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Weekend Edition: Israel-Iran Conflict, Congressional Security Briefings, and Jake Tapper's "Original Sin" 35:47

15d ago35:47

35:47

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, a discussion about the history – and future -- of Iran's nuclear program - with Daryl Kimball of the Arms Control Association. Then, Axios Politics Reporter Steph Kight (like kite) discusses members of Congress receiving security briefings following the Minne…

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President Trump says two-week pause on next steps for U.S. action against Iran nuclear program is "to see whether or not people come to their senses" 48:21

15d ago48:21

48:21

President Donald Trump says two more weeks he is waiting to decide to whether to attack Iran over its nuclear weapons program is “a time to see whether or not people come to their senses"; United Nations Ambassadors from Iran and Israel trade accusations at a UN Security Council meeting as their countries continue their military campaigns against e…

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Israeli PM Netanyahu vows to 'exact full price from the tyrants in Tehran' after missile hits Israeli hospital; Pres. Trump to decide within two weeks if U.S. will attack Iran 54:37

16d ago54:37

54:37

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promises revenge against Iran after an Iranian missile hits an Israeli hospital and is asked by reporters about the prospect that the U.S. will become more directly militarily involved in the conflict; White House says President Trump believes this is "substantial chance" of U.S. negotiations with Iran and …

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President Trump says he has not decided whether to attack Iran's nuclear facilities 55:07

17d ago55:07

55:07

President Donald Trump says he has not decided whether to attack Iran's nuclear and military facilities alongside Israel, which has been doing so for the past week; Federal Reserve keeps interest rates steady again. We will talk with MarketWatch Economics Editor Greg Robb (25); Supreme Court upholds Tennessee's law banning transgender medical treat…

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President Trump calls for Iran's 'UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER', threatens Supreme Leader would be an 'easy target' to kill 56:27

18d ago56:27

56:27

President Donald Trump is back in Washington, DC, returning early from the Group of 7 leaders' summit in Canada, posting and commenting about the ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran, including he wants 'better than a ceasefire', "I have not reached out to Iran for “Peace Talks” in any way, shape, or form", calling that Fake News, and …

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BN+: Claire Hoffman, "Sister, Sinner" 1:14:05

18d ago1:14:05

1:14:05

It's a story from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. The book by Claire Hoffman is called "Sister, Sinner: The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Aimee Semple MacPherson." FSG, the publisher, further emphasizes that the story is "the dramatic rise, disappearance, and near fall of a woman called Sister Amy who changed the world." Author Claire Ho…

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Ep. 223 Claire Hoffman, "Sister, Sinner" 1:14:05

19d ago1:14:05

1:14:05

It's a story from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. The book by Claire Hoffman is called "Sister, Sinner: The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Aimee Semple MacPherson." FSG, the publisher, further emphasizes that the story is "the dramatic rise, disappearance, and near fall of a woman called Sister Amy who changed the world." Author Claire Ho…

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Federal charges filed against Minnesota shooting suspect; President Trump at G7 Summit in Canada on Israel-Iran military conflict 32:36

19d ago32:36

32:36

First court appearance for Vance Boelter after federal and state authorities file several charges in connection with the murder of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and attempted murder state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. President Trump is in Canada at the G7 summit where he talked about global economic issues and the widening…

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Q&A: Mark Whitaker, "The Afterlife of Malcolm X" 1:09:22

20d ago1:09:22

1:09:22

Former Newsweek editor and managing editor of CNN Worldwide, Mark Whitaker, discusses the life and legacy of the Black nationalist leader Malcolm X, who was assassinated in 1965. Mr. Whitaker, author of "The Afterlife of Malcolm X," talks about Malcolm X's split with the Nation of Islam, his relationship with Martin Luther King Jr. and Muhammad Ali…

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Mark Whitaker, "The Afterlife of Malcolm X" 1:09:07

20d ago1:09:07

1:09:07

Former Newsweek editor and managing editor of CNN Worldwide, Mark Whitaker, discusses the life and legacy of the Black nationalist leader Malcolm X, who was assassinated in 1965. Mr. Whitaker, author of "The Afterlife of Malcolm X," talks about Malcolm X's split with the Nation of Islam, his relationship with Martin Luther King Jr. and Muhammad Ali…

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AW: Teresa Ghilarducci, "Work, Retire, Repeat - The Uncertainty of Retirement in the New Economy" 58:50

20d ago58:50

58:50

New School economic professor Teresa Ghilarducci offered her thoughts on how to make retirement in the U.S. attainable for more Americans. She was interviewed by Washington Post economics correspondent Abha Bhattarai. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

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Teresa Ghilarducci, "Work, Retire, Repeat - The Uncertainty of Retirement in the New Economy" 58:50

20d ago58:50

58:50

New School economic professor Teresa Ghilarducci offered her thoughts on how to make retirement in the U.S. attainable for more Americans. She was interviewed by Washington Post economics correspondent Abha Bhattarai. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

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America's National Pastime 1:07:18

21d ago1:07:18

1:07:18

Boston College communications professor Michael Serazio discussed how baseball connects Americans to their past and culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

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Weekend Edition: Deployment of the US Military, NIH Federal Medical Research, and US-China Trade Talks 26:00

22d ago26:00

26:00

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, with a federalized national guard and the Marines on the streets of Los Angeles – a conversation with Mary McCord of Georgetown Law about the legal and Constitutional issues surrounding the domestic deployment of the U.S. military. Then, Former NIH Director D…

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UN Security Council meets as Israel attacks Iran’s nuclear sites, kills senior commanders, and Iran strikes back with drones & missiles 40:14

22d ago40:14

40:14

United Nations Security Council meets on the military exchanges between Israel and Iran. Iran announces it is pulling out of nuclear talks with the U.S. President Trump posts, "Two months ago I gave Iran a 60 day ultimatum to “make a deal”…Now they have, perhaps, a second chance!" Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a migrant who was deported from Maryland to El…

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Sen. Padilla forcibly removed & handcuffed from DHS Sec Noem press conference in Los Angeles on immigration enforcement 54:41

23d ago54:41

54:41

Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) is forcibly removed from a news conference in Los Angeles being held by Homeland Security Sec Kristi Noem on federal immigration enforcement operations; three Democratic governors testify before U.S. House Oversight Committee about sanctuary policies to limit local cooperation with Immigration & Customs enforcement; U.S. Ho…

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Treasury Secretary Bessent quarrels with Rep. Sanchez (D-CA) on China trade & tariffs after President Trump posts, "Our deal with China is done" 54:14

24d ago54:14

54:14

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent questioned at a House committee on a U.S.-China trade agreement announced by President Donald Trump; House considers a resolution to make changes to the tax cut & spending cut Budget Reconciliation bill (aka One Big Beautiful Bill) but Republicans and Democrats disagree about how significant today's vote really is; …

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Defense Secretary Hegseth tells House panel U.S. Marines mobilized to Los Angeles because 'we believe ICE agents should be allowed to be safe in doing their operations' 55:34

25d ago55:34

55:34

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defends the deployment of hundreds of U.S. Marines to Los Angeles after protests have turned violent and tells a House subcommittee it will cost $134 million to troops on the ground for 60 days; Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemns the violence, but also the mass arrests by federal immigration authorities in her city…

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Ep. 222 Kathryn Olmsted, "Red Spy Queen" 1:11:14

26d ago1:11:14

1:11:14

In several recent episodes of the podcast, we have featured books about the World War II era. An important figure from that time has been mentioned but not discussed during any of those interviews. Her name is Elizabeth Bentley. She was the first person to reveal, to the FBI and the Congress, the names of people living in the United States and spyi…

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BN+: Kathryn Olmsted, "Red Spy Queen" 1:11:14

26d ago1:11:14

1:11:14

In several recent episodes of the podcast, we have featured books about the World War II era. An important figure from that time has been mentioned but not discussed during any of those interviews. Her name is Elizabeth Bentley. She was the first person to reveal, to the FBI and the Congress, the names of people living in the United States and spyi…

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Trump Admin. orders Marines to Los Angeles after immigration protests; California Attorney General sues over National Guard deployment over governor's objection 42:11

26d ago42:11

42:11

The Trump administration orders about 700 Marines to Los Angeles to support National Guard troops in the wake of protests this weekend over immigration. California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) says he is suing the Trump administration over the deployment of those National Guard troops. Senate Republican leaders are continuing to focus their energ…

1
"No Longer Subjects of the British King" with Shawn McGhee 58:41

26d ago58:41

58:41

When news reached Parliament of the Boston radicals' destruction of the Royal East India Company's tea, it passed the Coercive Acts, a collection of punitive measures designed to rein in that insubordinate seaport town. The Coercive Acts unleashed a political firestorm as communities from Massachusetts to Georgia drafted resistance resolutions cond…