Best Indepth Reporting Podcasts (2025)

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A people’s history of Gaza 1:05:38

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35m ago1:05:38

1:05:38

The back-story of Gaza, from the 1940s to the 2010s, told through the personal experiences of a wide variety of ordinary people - a teacher, a smuggler, a bird-watcher, musicians, doctors and others. Tim Whewell finds out how the tiny territory was created, how it first filled with refugees, how people lived, worked and died, how they survived inva…

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No Kings protest overflows lawn of Williamsburg-James City County Courthouse

5h ago

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The demonstration was one of four in Hampton Roads protesting the Trump Administration.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Reporting the impact of the Gaza ceasefire 28:31

7h ago28:31

28:31

Following the ceasefire in Gaza, this week has seen the release of hostages and prisoners on both sides and the beginning of the return of the remains of some of the deceased. Over the past two years, The Fifth Floor has been speaking to language service colleagues reporting on the conflict. This week, we reconnect with them to find out how network…

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Families in Israel and Gaza share their stories 26:57

19h ago26:57

26:57

After two years and two days of war in Gaza, Israel and Hamas have agreed the first phase of a US-brokered ceasefire. In our conversations, families in Israel and Gaza share their experiences of the conflict and their lives today. With the remaining 20 surviving Israeli hostages seized by Hamas fighters on 7 October 2023 now back with their familie…

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High demand cleared out supplies at a food distribution event in Norfolk, underscoring intense need amid government shutdown

3h ago

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The foodbank prepared to serve 500 households. Then, more than 1,000 showed up.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Hampton 3rd graders take a field trip to learn about wastewater 1:18

1h ago1:18

1:18

Students from Aberdeen Elementary visited HRSD's plant in Suffolk for a program called Imagine a Day Without Water.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Mamdani New York 29:18

2d ago29:18

29:18

Zohran Mamdani catapulted on to New York’s political scene this summer when he captured the Democratic nomination to run for Mayor this fall. A young politician, Mamdani campaigned on issues that mattered to New Yorkers including lowering the cost of living, but unlike other candidates, was not shy about making his Muslim faith a central talking po…

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Hampton Roads officials want to put more solar on schools 1:24

3h ago1:24

1:24

An event this weekend aims to encourage local schools to go solar.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Virginia Beach residents can still weigh in on key land-use policy

7h ago

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The city is in the process of updating its comprehensive plan.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Virginia law expands doula access, but barriers remain 1:06

2h ago1:06

1:06

Black women in Virginia are more than twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes as white women — a disparity experts say doula care can help address.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Fighting on two fronts 30:10

3d ago30:10

30:10

More than a third of Ukraine’s scientific institutions have been damaged or destroyed by Russian bombing. Many scientists have either fled the country or are internally displaced, and that Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences is trying to operate on half its pre-war budget. The funding may be reduced but the science still matters, even in wartime…

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Virginia Beach’s farmland preservation program grows with interest from landowners

16h ago

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The Agricultural Reserve Program has preserved more than 11,000 acres of farmland since its inception three decades ago.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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William & Mary launches policy center to dive into power, data centers and Virginia’s energy future 4:00

23h ago4:00

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The law school hopes the new Center for Energy Law & Policy will be a hub for addressing growing energy issues.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Sabotage by smartphone 17:40

4d ago17:40

17:40

Ukrainian teenagers are being recruited online to carry out sabotage against their own country in return for cryptocurrency, and for some the consequences are deadly. Ukraine accuses Russia of using Telegram to offer minors large sums of money to plant bombs or stage arson attacks. There have even been allegations that some recruits have been blown…

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The 10th annual NEON Festival this week marks a decade of art and entertainment 1:00

1d ago1:00

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The NEON Festival brings together local artists and art lovers, and this year, it will unveil 10 new art projects and collaborations. The immersive, street-wide festival is free.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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New sensory kits help rescue officials in Virginia Beach calm, communicate with patients

2d ago

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Kits containing sensory and communication tools were developed by a career paramedic whose son has autism. They’re now carried on every ambulance in the city.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Foodbank plans pop-up drive through for families in Hampton Roads

2d ago

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The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore is expecting a surge in need this week as federal employees brace to miss their first paycheck of the shutdown. It’s hosting a pop-up Friday (Oct. 17) in Norfolk from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Military Circle Mall.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Drugs, Overdose, Hope, North Carolina 57:15

5d ago57:15

57:15

Drug overdose has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. Fentanyl – a synthetic opioid mass produced in Mexico and smuggled across the border – drove the increasing number of fatalities ever higher. But there’s a good news story that hasn’t been widely reported… Drug-related deaths fell year on year from 2023 to 2024 by around 25%. In some stat…

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Jefferson Lab to lay off at least 46 employees in early 2026

3d ago

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As the federal contractor begins the process of laying off employees, it’s also trying to make a limited budget last to pay current employees.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Alexey Seliverstov: Bionic birdsong 28:46

6d ago28:46

28:46

How fixed is the borderline between human music and the sounds of nature? That is a question that guides the work of Los Angeles-based composer Alexey Seliverstov. In this programme, Regan Morris follows Alexey’s creative process from recording the dawn chorus in the Santa Monica mountains, through the ingenious transformations of the field recordi…

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Brazil's Miracle: an Indigenous disaster 53:19

7d ago53:19

53:19

During the Brazilian military dictatorship, the Krenak indigenous people were banned from speaking their language, imprisoned in reformatories and forcibly displaced from their land. In 2024, the State asked them for forgiveness. Can it be granted? Journalist Pūlama Kaufman travels to the remote city of Resplendor in the south-east of Brazil to mee…

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Tackling loneliness in India 28:45

7d ago28:45

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India is known for its close knit families and communities, but modern work practices mean more and more people are living far from home, and suffering from loneliness. Reporter Sumedha Pal in Dehli shares the stories of some of the people in India who are trying to find creative solutions to connect with others. Animated film 'K-pop Demon Hunters'…

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Trump and autism: People affected speak out 26:45

8d ago26:45

26:45

President Donald Trump recently addressed what he described as the “horrible crisis” in autism, and rapid rise in reported cases over the last two decades. Previously, he has suggested a link between some vaccines and autism, and in his latest remarks, he warned pregnant women to avoid taking the painkiller Tylenol, or Paracetamol as it is known in…

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‘Relief’: Williamsburg and James City County agree to new schools contract

6d ago

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“This is a new beginning for WJCC Schools,” said School Board Chair Sarah Ortego. “A stronger beginning.”By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Military families face financial uncertainty as shutdown continues 0:46

6d ago0:46

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As military families prepare for the possibility of missing a paycheck next week, resources are available to help them meet basic needs. WHRO Military Reporter Steve Walsh has the story.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Sentara Health Plans ends certain Medicare Advantage products, cuts 220 positions 0:52

6d ago0:52

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As insurers nationwide scale back participation in Medicare Advantage, Sentara Health Plans will discontinue several of its plans next year — a change that will contribute to the layoff of hundreds of workers.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Spanberger and Sears Norfolk debate marked by interruptions, focus on text messages

6d ago

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Gubernatorial candidates Abigail Spanberger and Winsome Earle-Sears participated in their only scheduled debate at Norfolk State University.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Virginia may soon lift restrictions on catching blue catfish 0:53

6d ago0:53

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The invasive species has spent the past five decades expanding and preying on native marine life.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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In Portsmouth, doulas and community health workers join forces to improve maternal health 1:03

6d ago1:03

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As maternal health disparities persist, Virginia’s doulas and community health workers are stepping up.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Searching for hope as a hostage in Gaza 28:46

9d ago28:46

28:46

After two long years President Trump has announced a ceasefire agreement which should see the remaining hostages returned home in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. How have the families of Israeli hostages and their loved ones, held captive in dark tunnels for hundreds of days, managed to hold onto hope? Do people deepen their fait…

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AI-powered car inspections? Two Hampton Roads dealerships are the first in the state to use the technology

7d ago

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They say it saves time and makes the inspection process more transparent for customers.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Virginia Beach approves permit for dirt bike training in rural Blackwater area

7d ago

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The conditional use permit means a family can convert a personal track into motocross lessons and camps for young riders.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Virginia Beach city and schools officials set to work out details of land transfer for future park

7d ago

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The city and school district will work out terms for the transfer of nearly 14 acres of the former Bayside 6th Grade Campus. The land could become a park for Aragona Village.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Few training programs, growing demand: Virginia struggles to fill dental hygienist jobs 1:01

7d ago1:01

1:01

Despite a growing need for oral health workers, Virginia produces fewer than 150 new dental hygienists a year.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Global dancefloor: Saigon 36:35

10d ago36:35

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Frank McWeeny heads to the dancefloors of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to uncover what Vietnamese alternative culture looks and sounds like today. With 70% of the country under 35, young people are the driving force behind a different image of Vietnam, far away from poverty and war. They are asserting their identity through music, fashion and their ow…

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The biker gang ‘securing’ deadly Gaza aid sites 24:42

11d ago24:42

24:42

By BBC

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The Hampton Roads economy has grown since the pandemic, but recent federal changes will likely slow things down, new report says

9d ago

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By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Secretary of Defense says he will tackle housing problems during enlistment ceremony 0:46

9d ago0:46

0:46

By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Virginia energy department launches tool to help people cut electric bills 0:58

9d ago0:58

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By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Thousands of Virginians could lose health coverage as ACA tax credits near expiration 0:56

9d ago0:56

0:56

By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Bolivia’s Cholitas – From Outcasts to Icons 29:38

12d ago29:38

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By BBC

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Leading architecture firms compete to envision ‘a new Fort Monroe’

10d ago

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By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Stephen Jones’ hats: A party on your head 28:47

13d ago28:47

28:47

After growing up in the north of England British milliner Stephen Jones went on to become a pioneering British hat maker working in Paris. He has been creating avant-garde designs for the last 45 years, inspired by Surrealist art, trailblazing fashions at New Romantic club nights, and cinema. He was friends with pop star Boy George who wore his hat…

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Trump vows to repay sailors Navy 250 event in Norfolk 0:45

11d ago0:45

0:45

President Trump vowed to repay sailors who came out to Naval Station Norfolk for celebration of the Navy’s 250 Birthday during the government shutdown Sunday. WHRO Military Reporter Steve Walsh has the story.By 89.5 WHRV-FM, Norfolk, VA

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Nuclear tensions in the Middle East 52:11

14d ago52:11

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The narratives and the doctrines built on ever-growing suspicions and fears that are once again stirring the Middle East. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not just threatened to redraw the map of Europe - it has transformed the global security landscape. The ripple effects have been felt way beyond the continent, reigniting fears not felt since the…

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Deep Dive: 1927 Turning Point, Rutherford B. Hayes’ Legacy, and Pulp Fiction’s 4:20 Motif - October 4, 2025 7:41

14d ago7:41

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In this Deep Dive episode, our hosts discuss the broader consequences of a notable 1927 event, the legacy of Rutherford B. Hayes, and a recurring cinematic motif in Pulp Fiction. 📜 The hosts analyze a 1927 historical moment as an anchor for the era — how contemporaneous reactions exposed political climates, revealed technical and logistical system …

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Global Headlines and Breaking Stories - October 4, 2025 14:12

14d ago14:12

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Welcome to this episode of NNC Daily News! Today, we're diving into a variety of compelling stories from around the globe. ⚖️ U.K. government signals it may leave the European Convention on Human Rights if Conservatives win, stirring debate over sovereignty and protections. 👩‍⚖️ Sanae Takaichi poised to become Japan's first female prime minister, p…

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The Kremlin’s reporter 28:45

15d ago28:45

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Pavel Zarubin has access to President Putin that other journalists can only dream of. He interviews him regularly, and travels around the world covering huge geopolitical meetings, even posting to his vast social media audience from Putin's meetings with Donald Trump, Xi Jinping, and even from under the table of Putin's meeting with Kim Jong Un. BB…

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Conversations from a year in Gaza and Israel 25:56

15d ago25:56

25:56

We look back over the past 12 months of the conflict between Israel and Hamas through the conversations we have recorded. It is almost two years since Hamas militants attacked Israel – killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostage. In response, the Israeli government vowed to destroy Hamas. Since then – according to the Hamas-run health ministry – mor…

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Deep Dive: Lincoln’s 1863 Momentum, Thomas Wolfe’s Reach, and the Donkey’s View - October 3, 2025 5:48

15d ago5:48

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In this Deep Dive episode, our hosts discuss Lincoln’s influential 1863 leadership and the Union campaigns that shifted the Civil War’s course, literary and musical birthdays, and an intriguing animal fact. • 📜 Lincoln’s steady executive role in 1863 and the Union campaigns reshaping the conflict’s course — how presidential leadership and battlefie…