American Democracy: Where it Started and How it's Going

Politics often involves matters of conscience, especially on consequential issues like gun violence, voter suppression and climate change. On Today's Show: U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D GA), senior pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and the author of  (Penguin Press, 2026) draws on the book of Isaiah to offer a sermon on the moral crises facing America, and how to address them spiritually and politically. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An agreement has been reached between the United States and Iran to end the war in Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. On Today's Show:David Sanger, White House and national security correspondent for The New York Times and the author of New Cold Wars: China's Rise, Russia's Invasion, and America's Struggle to Defend the West (Crown, 2024), discusses the details of the deal.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On July 1, there will be changes to the student loan repayment system that change the situation for new and old borrowers alike. On Today's Show:Cory Turner, NPR education correspondent and senior editor, shares what's changing, and how those impacted can navigate the changes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the country gears up to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the plans that President Trump has in mind are raising eyebrows. On Today's Show:Michael Scherer, staff writer at The Atlantic, talks about his reporting on the conflicts over the 250th anniversary celebration. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As top athletes from around the world gather for the World Cup, many are representing nations embroiled in military conflict.  On Today's Show:Franklin Foer, staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization (Harper Perennial, new edition 2026), talks about the new edition of his book and looks ahead to the start of World Cup. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As trust in science and institutions has eroded, the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science is teaching scientists how to better communicate their work to lay people.  On Today's Show:Laura Lindenfeld, PhD, executive director of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and professor of communication at Stony Brook University, explains how improv can help bridge the science gap, and how science communication intersects with politics.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With basketball fresh on everyone's mind, someone with his feet in both the sports world, and the political world, discusses.  On Today's Show:Bill Bradley, two-time NBA champion with the Knicks and former U.S. senator (D NJ), host of American Voices on Sirius XM and featured in the autobiographical documentary "Rolling Along: Bill Bradley" talks about this year's NBA finals, his take on national politics, and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Speeches have an important history in the United States, not only for their historical impact, but for their role in shaping a national identity. On Today's Show:Ben Rhodes, contributor to MS NOW, the co-chair of National Security Action and an advisor to former president Barack Obama and the author of All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches (Random House, 2026), talks about his new book that tells the history of the United States and its central conflicts through public speeches, from Benjamin Franklin to Donald Trump. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It's been a consequential week in D.C., as some issues, like war powers, have driven a wedge between President Trump and members of Congress, including some Republicans. On Today's Show:Elana Schor, senior Washington editor at Semafor, talks about the news out of Washington this week, including how some Republican senators are standing up to President Trump on war powers, the $1.8 billion dollar payout fund and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the Trump administration continues to use the US military for geopolitical leverage, a look at the work of boots-on-the-ground service members. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.