Best WBAI Podcasts (2026)

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The Rick Smith Show 1-13-2026 1:00:00

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2h ago1:00:00

1:00:00

On this episode of The Rick Smith Show, Rick is joined by Sarah Burris, Senior Editor at AlterNet, to dig into the latest turmoil in Venezuela, the political battles in Minnesota, and the broader chaos defining the Trump administration’s agenda. Sarah connects the dots between foreign adventurism and domestic dysfunction. Later, NC-9 congressional …

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011226 No Kings Brings Out Thousands Across the US, New York Turns Out to Protest, Nurses Strike, SCOTUS on Transgender Sports 4:55

5h ago4:55

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011226 No Kings Brings Out Thousands Across the US, New York Turns Out to Protest, Nurses Strike, SCOTUS on Transgender Sports by The News with Paul DeRienzoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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010926 FBI Cover Up in Renee Good Murder, Venezuela Oil Carved Up, More Classes for Kids in NYC 5:11

2d ago5:11

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010926 FBI Cover Up in Renee Good Murder, Venezuela Oil Carved Up, More Classes for Kids in NYC by The News with Paul DeRienzoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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Jan 6: Pinnacle Tenants Speak on Mayor Mamdani's Stance of Solidarity 16:31

2h ago16:31

16:31

In our first segment, we spoke with two two tenant-organizers from the Union of Pinnacle Tenants about the Day 1 executive order Mamdani signed that commits the city to intervening on behalf of thousands of rent-stabilized tenants who live in 93 buildings controlled by bankrupt slumlord Pinnacle that are at risk of being auctioned off to another pr…

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The Rick Smith Show 1-9-2026 1:00:00

4d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

On this episode of The Rick Smith Show, Rick is joined by Craig Harrington, Research Director at Media Matters, to unpack the frantic “justification gymnastics” inside MAGA world as right-wing media scrambles to sell its latest talking points on Trump’s Venezuela adventure. Craig breaks down how the narrative keeps shifting to protect the former pr…

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010826 US Military Criminal Pawns, ICE Killer Unmasked, Renee Nicole Good, poet and mother killed 4:54

8h ago4:54

4:54

Retired Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant Dennis Fritz, author of Deadly Betrayal.. The truth about why the United States invaded IraqBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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Wow! THIS is the New Year? Is America Great Yet? 55:05

1d ago55:05

55:05

We are literally only one week into the New Year and the news cycle is INSANE. Trump hasn't even logged in a full year yet!By John Kane & Regan de Loggans

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The Rick Smith Show 1-8-2026 1:00:00

1h ago1:00:00

1:00:00

On this episode of The Rick Smith Show, Rick talks with Emily de La Bruyère, co-founder of Horizon Advisory, about how China’s leaders must be ecstatic watching the United States chase every distraction as Trump abducts Venezuela’s president and shifts focus away from Beijing’s long-term strategy. Emily unpacks the geopolitical stakes and what U.S.…

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010726 ICE Cold Murder in Minneapolis, Russian Oil Tanker Seized, Mamdani Shovels Tar 4:48

5h ago4:48

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010726 ICE Cold Murder in Minneapolis, Russian Oil Tanker Seized, Mamdani Shovels Tar by The News with Paul DeRienzoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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Arts Express 1-7-26 Featuring Rich Williams 52:53

7h ago52:53

52:53

* Rich Williams Talks Kansas, "Dust In The Wind," & the story surrounding the creation of an enduring classic song * Maduro kidnapped! AE Paris correspondent Dennis Broe gives the European perspective * & Garland Nixon!By With Host Prairie Miller

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Off The Hook - Wed, 07 Jan 2026 19:00:00 EST 55:01

6h ago55:01

55:01

Listener email, hactivist deletes white supremacist websites live on stage, Vietnam to force YouTube to allow skipping ads, social media "addiction" warnings, AI manipulated images, Public Domain Day, Sony patents AI "ghost player".By Emmanuel Goldstein et.al.

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Jan. 06, 2026: Mayor Mamdani’s Bold Housing Moves 55:34

2h ago55:34

55:34

In Mayor Zohran Mamdani's first week in office, he has made several bold moves to throw the full power of city government behind tenants while stimulating the production of more new housing. In our first segment, we spoke with two two tenant-organizers from the Union of Pinnacle Tenants about the Day 1 executive order Mamdani signed that commits th…

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Jan. 06, 2026: The Union of Pinnacle Tenants on organizing and Mamdani's First Act As Mayor 23:13

1d ago23:13

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We speak to Union of Pinnacle Tenants members, Josie and Zara on organizing and Mayor Mamdani’s Day 1 pledge to intervene on behalf of thousands of rent-stabilized tenants who live in 93 buildings controlled by bankrupt slumlord Pinnacle that are at risk of being auctioned off to another predatory landlord.…

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Jan. 06, 2026: Steven Wishnia Talks About Mayor Mamdani’s Bold Housing Moves 21:14

6d ago21:14

21:14

Veteran housing journalist Steven Wishnia, educates us on what he believes it will take to build truly affordable housing, why he believes social housing is the way to go; his take on Mamdani’s executive orders and rental rip-off hearing.By The Indypendent

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Jan. 06, 2026: Listener Call Ins 11:06

2h ago11:06

11:06

We take listener call ins and hear about their experiences as tenants and their opinions on Mamdani’s moves and what they hope for more support with.By The Indypendent

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The Rick Smith Show 1-7-2026 1:00:00

3h ago1:00:00

1:00:00

On this episode of The Rick Smith Show, Rick is joined by economist Francisco Rodríguez, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Economic and Policy Research and author of The Collapse of Venezuela, to unpack the roots of Venezuela’s economic implosion and the scorched‑earth politics that paved the way for today’s crisis. Then investigative journa…

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The Rick Smith Show 1-6-2026 1:00:00

4h ago1:00:00

1:00:00

On this episode of The Rick Smith Show, Rick talks with Sarah Burris, Senior Digital Editor at Alternet, about Donald Trump’s recent cognitive test spectacle and the explosive reporting around a planned U.S. invasion of Venezuela. Later, former Obama OSHA official Jordan Barab joins the conversation to break down the Trump administration’s effort t…

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Dec. 30, 2025: Author Ted Hamm on His Recommendations for Zohran & Archival Interviews of Zohran Mamdani on Democratic Socialism 53:21

3h ago53:21

53:21

In our first segment we talk to author Ted Hamm on his new Indypendent article titled,‘Five Things Zohran Mamdani Can Do at Very Little Cost To Help Deliver a Successful Administration’. We discuss the recommendations Ted makes on how they could make Mamdani even more successful as mayor. We talk about how Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration and what we …

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Dec. 30, 2025: Author Ted Hamm Gives Zohran Mamdani Five Recommendations for A Successful Term 30:33

3d ago30:33

30:33

Indypendent Author Ted Hamm, has a new article out titled,‘Five Things Zohran Mamdani Can Do at Very Little Cost To Help Deliver a Successful Administration’. We discuss the recommendations Ted makes on how they could make Mamdani even more successful as mayor. We talk about how Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration and what we can hope for in this new era…

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Dec. 30, 2025: From the Archives: Zohran Mamdani Then & Now, From Assemblymember to Mayor 22:47

21h ago22:47

22:47

We dig into the Indypendent News Hour archives to show you clips from 2022 and 2020 interviews the Indypendent did with Zohran Mamdani when he was still an eager assembly member. We discuss the free bus pilot program Zohran spearheaded and what this shows us about the campaign promise of fast and free buses. We also listen to Mamdani’s experience o…

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Dec. 23, 2025: A Conversation with Karen Malpede on Her New Memoir: A Journey Through Love, Loss, Activism & Theatre 53:52

6h ago53:52

53:52

We spent the hour talking with radical playwright, author and activist Karen Malpede whose new memoir provides a fearless, unsparing account of her life: her many erotic adventures, her long running political activism from the 1960s to the present, the historic figures she befriended (and sometimes slept with), the agony of watching many of those c…

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Dec. 23, 2025: Part 1 - Karen Malpede talks about Why She Wrote Her Memoir, Chose Theatre and Her Early Life 23:15

6h ago23:15

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In the first segment of the interview, Karen Malpede chronicles her early life for us, tells us what compelled her to write the memoir and why she chose theatre as as a medium for her life’s work, and activism. You can purchase her memoir Last Radiance, everywhere books are sold and check out the review on indypendent.org.…

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Dec. 23, 2025: Part 2 - Karen Malpede talks about Radical Truth Telling and Getting Shut Down for It 19:02

6h ago19:02

19:02

In the second segment of the interview, Karen Malpede talks about her radical plays, the underground fringes of the theatre world, and why the truths she told led to her productions being shut down. She talks about the wonderful people she worked with and the influence of her late-husband George on her life and work. You can purchase her memoir Las…

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Dec. 23, 2025: Part 3 - Karen Malpede talks about Her Erotic Life and Joy 11:33

6h ago11:33

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In the final segment of the interview, Karen Malpede gives us little anecdotes from her erotic life and the joy that has permeated through her life. We talk about how deep grief is a reflection of how deep the love is and end on a high note! You can purchase her memoir Last Radiance, everywhere books are sold and check out the review on indypendent…

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010526 Maduro " Kidnapped," Caribbean Flashpoint, NYC Arraignment, Vaccine Reaction, The Last Walz 4:47

5h ago4:47

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010526 Maduro " Kidnapped," Caribbean Flashpoint, NYC Arraignment, Vaccine Reaction, The Last Walz by The News with Paul DeRienzoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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Dec. 16, 2025: Assembly member Emily Gallaghar on SUNNY ACT + Corporate Transparency & Writer Cole Sandick on Social Media Freedom 52:54

1d ago52:54

52:54

In our first segment, we speak with socialist assembly member Emily Gallagher about fighting white collar crime, along with her input on the SOLAR UP NOW NEW YORK ACT to give New Yorkers access to renewable power and thereby, lower utility costs. In our second segment we reflect on Rob Rheiner’s death, the legacy of the radical television show, It’…

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Dec. 16, 2025: Assembly Member Emily Gallagher Talks About Legislation for Solar Power & Corporate Transparency 22:33

1d ago22:33

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Emily Gallaghar, Assembly member representative for Greenpoint was elected in 2020. She educates us about the SOLAR UP NOW NEW YORK ACT, legislation if passed will help New Yorkers lower utility costs by having access to plug-in solar designed for apartments. We also chat about new legislation that protects New Yorkers from bad corporate actors and…

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Dec. 16, 2025: It’s All in The Family, Rob Rheiner and Thought Provoking Shows 14:36

6d ago14:36

14:36

We reflect on the popular 80’s show, It’s All in The Family in the wake of Rob Rheiner, beloved lead actor’s tragic murder, how the show was radical for its time and still remains relevant today and why its controversial themes wouldn’t necessarily make it on programming today. Just another reason to support independent radio.…

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Dec. 16, 2025: Activist Cole Sandick Talks about Social Media Surveillance and Access 6:08

3d ago6:08

6:08

Activist and writer, Cole Sandick talks about how there’s increasingly popular legislation to limit teenagers’ access to social media platforms and why he believes that while this sounds promising on the surface, in practice, it's leading to more government surveillance, privacy infringement and fails to keep young people off the internet.…

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010226 Iran Erupts, Somaliland OK rejected, Mamdani Reverses Pro-Israel Law 4:43

1d ago4:43

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010226 Iran Erupts, Somaliland OK rejected, Mamdani Reverses Pro-Israel Law by The News with Paul DeRienzoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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010126 Zohran Mamdani Inauguration Block Party 5:03

1d ago5:03

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010126 Zohran Mamdani Inauguration Block Party by The News with Paul DeRienzoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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Arts Express 12-31-25 Featuring Janelle James 53:59

5d ago53:59

53:59

* Janelle James Talks Abbott Elementary. From standup onstage to head principal of an inner city public school in the satirical series, Abbott Elementary * Anthony Hopkins recent memoir * Broe on The Case of Vienna and The Politics of the Holiday Season 2025 * & Garland Nixon!By With Host Prairie Miller

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123125 Gaza Aid Banned, Guard Plan Surrender, Africa's Reciprocal Travel Bans, New York Ball Drop 4:39

5d ago4:39

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123125 Gaza Aid Banned, Guard Plan Surrender, Africa's Reciprocal Travel Bans, New York Ball Drop by The News with Paul DeRienzoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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Off The Hook - Wed, 31 Dec 2025 19:00:00 EST 54:01

5d ago54:01

54:01

Emmanuel and Kyle are at the Chaos Communications Congress and already in 2026, banned items at NYC Mayoral Inauguration, kids at CCC, Alex is in London, greetings from the Chelsea Arts Club, CCC talks are available online.By Emmanuel Goldstein et.al.

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It's the New Year! Let's make it new! 54:40

10d ago54:40

54:40

My emphasis in 2026 will be regarding Native identity; defending it, promoting it, defining it and protecting it.By John Kane & Regan de Loggans

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123025 Mamdani Speaks Out, Progressive Steve Banks at Law, China War Games, Israel Threats to Somalia 5:04

10d ago5:04

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123025 Mamdani Speaks Out, Progressive Steve Banks at Law, China War Games, Israel Threats to Somalia by The News with Paul DeRienzoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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122925 Gaza Rain Horror, Trump and Netanyahu Plot Gaza Moves, Mamdani's Historic Moment 4:58

7d ago4:58

4:58

Sina ToossiBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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122625 Trump Strikes Nigeria, Japan's Record Defense Budget, Syria Bombing, White Christmas 4:41

7d ago4:41

4:41

122625 Trump Strikes Nigeria, Japan's Record Defense Budget, Syria Bombing, White Christmas by The News with Paul DeRienzoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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122525 Honduras Election Challenged, China Rages at US in Venezuela, NORAD and Santa, Epstein Letter 4:58

12d ago4:58

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122525 Honduras Election Challenged, China Rages at US in Venezuela, NORAD and Santa, Epstein Letter by The News with Paul DeRienzoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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Arts Express 12-24-25 Featuring Alan Berliner 52:38

20d ago52:38

52:38

* Alan Berliner Talks Benita, a devastating and deeply eloquent film tribute to his late collaborator, artist and filmmaker Benita Raphan * Broe talks AI, Robin Hood, blacklists, Paris politics and Zohran Mamdani in a cross-continental convo * & Garland Nixon!By With Host Prairie Miller

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Off The Hook - Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:00:00 EST 54:30

13d ago54:30

54:30

Alex is in Florida, Gila is on the mend, redacted info in Epstein files easily recovered, segment pulled from 60 Minutes airs in Canada, 83 million music files scraped from Spotify, documenting ICE license plates.By Emmanuel Goldstein et.al.

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122425 US Builds Cages to Hold 80.,000 Migrants, ICE for Christmas, Trump's Epstein Stall, Slippery Oil Tanker, Congestion Pricing Delay 4:43

14d ago4:43

4:43

122425 US Builds Cages to Hold 80.,000 Migrants, ICE for Christmas, Trump's Epstein Stall, Slippery Oil Tanker, Congestion Pricing Delay by The News with Paul DeRienzoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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122325 Greta Thunberg Arrested, Gaza Death Toll, Trump Dinged in Epstein Files Dump 4:53

17d ago4:53

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122325 Greta Thunberg Arrested, Gaza Death Toll, Trump Dinged in Epstein Files Dump by The News with Paul DeRienzoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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December is NOT joyous for everyone. Some of the worst atrocities of the US against Native people occurred in the month of December. 56:35

14d ago56:35

56:35

By John Kane & Regan de Loggans

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122225 CBS News Censors El Salvadoran Torture Prison, Inside the 26 Federal Plaza migration Cages, Vietnam Calls for Peace Talks on Thai-Cambodia Border War 4:54

19d ago4:54

4:54

Rep. Adriano Espaillat on Immigrant DetentionBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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The Rick Smith Show 12-22-2025 1:00:00

15d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Last new show of 2025 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-rick-smith-show419/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy Rick Smith

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121925 Epstein Files Redacted and Trump's "ugly past," Putin Pleads for Respect, Shooter Manhunt Mystery 5:01

21d ago5:01

5:01

121925 Epstein Files Redacted and Trump's "ugly past," Putin Pleads for Respect, Shooter Manhunt Mystery by The News with Paul DeRienzoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo

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I did separate shows for NYC and DC this week. Here is my Resistance Radio show for WPFW! 55:51

18d ago55:51

55:51

Please support WPFW by going to wpfwfm.org or calling 202-588-9739!By John Kane & Regan de Loggans

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The Rick Smith Show 12-19-2025 1:00:00

23d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org Find us on: · DirecTV (Channel 348) · Dish (Channel 269) · Sling · Roku · Apple TV · Amazon Fire TV · Get the FSTV iOS app HERE Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast o…

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121825 Transgender Care Ban, Rescheduling Cannabis, Paladino's Racism 4:55

22d ago4:55

4:55

The deputy director of the NORML.. the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws is Paul ArmentanoBy The News with Paul DeRienzo