5 Things

From “follow the science” during COVID to universities accused of activism, the gap between experts and the public is widening. Roger Pielke Jr. explains why expertise doesn’t just mean a PhD, how media silos deepen divides, and why experts must serve all Americans — not just those who share their politics. (This episode originally aired on September 18, 2025.)Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new beverage has been showing up in bars and on store shelves: the cannabis cocktail, a hemp-derived drink that contains CBD and oftentimes THC as well. They’re marketed as providing a buzz without the downside of a hangover. But are there drawbacks? And could these drinks ever replace alcohol? Staci Gruber, director of marijuana investigations for the Neuroscientific Discovery program at McLean Hospital and associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School joins The Excerpt to answer these and other questions about this new trend. (This episode originally aired on March 5, 2025.)Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2025 was a big year for the Supreme Court, as it repeatedly handed win after win to the Trump administration. Emergency Orders, also known as the shadow docket, let President Donald Trump keep his tariffs in place, withhold foreign aid and conduct immigration raids largely based on racial profiling. But lawsuits filed by complainants mean that many of these cases will be ultimately decided in the new year. Hot button issues such as transgender athletes in sports, whether birthright citizenship is a constitutional right and if redistricting efforts in Louisiana have effectively disenfranchised voters are among many impactful decisions we expect to hear in 2026. USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi joins The Excerpt to share how these cases and others might impact life in America.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Not

America’s housing affordability crisis has led to a sharp increase in homelessness. And, according to the latest count by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, children under the age of 18 have seen the largest jump. There are nearly 1.4 million homeless students nationwide, according to the National Center for Homeless Education. USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Christopher Cann joins The Excerpt to discuss this rapidly growing population of students and the long-term implications for society. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Home isn’t just a structure. It’s memory, identity and belonging. USA TODAY National Columnist Suzette Hackney joins The Excerpt to discuss her year-long reporting on displacement, from climate disasters and eminent domain to race, gentrification and the fragile systems that decide who gets to stay and who is forced to leave.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

At 28, Malala Yousafzai’s life so far has been anything but ordinary. When she was just 15, she was shot by the Taliban on her way to school, targeted for advocating for girls’ rights to education. At 17, she became the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize, opening schools and speaking around the world with the Malala Fund. Now Malala is sharing a different side of herself in a new memoir, “Finding My Way.” USA TODAY Books Editor Clare Mulroy sat down with Malala to talk about her new memoir and how she feels about embracing her more ordinary self. (This episode originally aired on October 30, 2025.)Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com.  Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For 75 years, Charles Schulz’s Peanuts gang has reflected our humor and hope, as well as our struggle to navigate some of life’s everyday curveballs. How is it that the characters he created so poignantly reflect how we experience other people and the world around us? And why do a ragtag group of comic strip kids who debuted in newspapers in 1950 post-war America, still resonate with children and adults around the world? Andrew Blauner, author of “THE PEANUTS PAPERS: Writers and Cartoonists on Charlie Brown, Snoopy & the Gang, and the Meaning of Life,” sat down with USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts gang and its enduring impact. (This episode originally aired on October 3, 2025.)Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the second half of life could be just as healthy, active, and fulfilling as the first? Drawing on the latest science, world-renowned cardiologist and researcher Dr. Eric Topol challenges outdated ideas about aging and reveals how factors like exercise, sleep, social connection and cutting-edge AI tools can help us extend not just our lifespan—but our healthspan. Dr. Topol joins The Excerpt to share insights from his new book "Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity."Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@USATODAY.com. Episode Transcript available hereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patagonia is worth billions. But founder Yvon Chouinard never wanted the title of billionaire. From his days as a dirtbag climber to his reluctant role as CEO, Chouinard built one of the world’s most influential outdoor brands — then shocked the business world by giving it all away. Author David Gelles whose biography of Chouinard "Dirtbag Billionaire" is out now, joins The Excerpt to talk about Chouinard’s unconventional life, his fight to align business with values, and what his legacy means for capitalism today. (This episode originally aired on September 11, 2025.)Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@USATODAY.com. Episode transcript available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What is American cuisine and who gets to define it? Is it barbecue or blueberry pie, hot dogs or lobster rolls, chili or gumbo? American food culture is as complex and complicated as we are. And, in addition to what lands on our plates, there’s everything that comes along with it, from tipping to whether the check should come before dessert. While most of us walk or drive to try out new restaurants, British food writer Felicity Cloake chose to fly to the US with a green touring bike she calls Eddy, to cycle from coast to coast in search of American cuisine. She joins USA TODAYs The Excerpt to share her view from the outside looking in, which is also detailed in her new book “From Peach Street to Lobster Lane,” available on bookshelves now. (This episode originally aired on August 17, 2025.)Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.Episode transcript available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https

From Bad Bunny’s massive streaming numbers to Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl,” 2025 electrified music fans across the globe. There was a wild card this year, though – AI. As artificial intelligence continues to push the music industry into strange new territory, how might it impact what we call music? USA TODAY National Music Reporter Melissa Ruggieri joins The Excerpt to break down some of the year’s biggest stories in music. Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Baltimore has spent decades trying — and often failing — to solve one of its most stubborn problems: thousands of vacant homes hollowing out neighborhoods and fueling cycles of crime, poverty and disinvestment. Now city leaders say the stars may finally be aligned. In pockets of Baltimore, new housing is going up, crime has fallen, and officials are rolling out the most ambitious revitalization effort in a generation. But not every neighborhood is seeing change, and residents in some areas say they’re still being asked to wait. USA TODAY housing reporter Andrea Riquier joins The Excerpt to break down Baltimore’s “go hard, but intentional” strategy, the risks if private and philanthropic funding falls short, and what signs to watch in 2026 to know whether this renaissance is real — or could stall like past efforts. She also explains what Baltimore’s approach could mean for other cities struggling with urban blight.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episo

Tributes to the beloved Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele have poured in since their tragic deaths on Sunday sent shockwaves throughout the industry. Their son Nick Reiner was taken into police custody that same day and is now facing two counts of first-degree murder with a special circumstance of multiple murder, among other charges. Reiner, whose career spanned more than five decades, was most known for his work on "All in the Family," "The Princess Bride," and "When Harry Met Sally” - all iconic productions that were defining cultural moments for Hollywood. What will his legacy be? USA TODAY Entertainment Reporter Ralphie Aversa joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss how Hollywood and America will remember the famed director.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Masked ICE agents have become the face of President Donald Trump’s nationwide deportation campaign, as viral videos of violent arrests captivate audiences on social media. But who are they and what motivates them to do the work? USA TODAY National Correspondents Lauren Villagran and Trevor Hughes join The Excerpt to share their reporting.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2007, she became the first woman to hold the position of Speaker of the House. She led Democrats in the House for two decades and was crucial in passing the signature legislation of Obamacare. Now after nearly four decades of service, Nancy Pelosi, Democratic representative of California, has announced she will be stepping down in January 2027. What will her legacy be? USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page sat down in an exclusive with Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi to get her take.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2025 showcased A-list movie stars, long-awaited finales and a K-Pop smash that no one saw coming. From “Sinners” to “Wicked: For Good,” “One Battle After Another” to “KPop Demon Hunters,” Hollywood had lots to smile about this year. Which movies had movie lovers pumping their fists, and which films failed to connect? USA TODAY Entertainment Reporter Ralphie Aversa joins The Excerpt to share his insights on the fast-moving world of film.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From romantasy fever to dystopian deep dives, 2025 delivered a year of midnight book parties, big feelings, bold worlds and stories that became cultural touchstones. USA TODAY Books Reporter Clare Mulroy joins The Excerpt to break down the genres that dominated the year, the titles readers couldn’t stop talking about and what our favorite books reveal about us in 2025.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After losing all 3 branches of power in 2024, progressive Democrats are hungry for the opportunity to reshape the party along ideological, generational and other factional lines in 2026. Fueled by an increasing anger among Democratic voters and a splintered Republican base, the possibility of a Democratic-controlled house looks increasingly likely for 2027. How might that thwart the success of President Donald Trump’s second half agenda? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey joins The Excerpt to talk about the new political calculus in Washington.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Last Friday, Centers for Disease Control vaccine advisers changed the recommendation of a routine hepatitis B shot for all newborns, a change widely viewed as a victory for Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Now, health experts warn the change could undo decades of public health improvements, and parents are left with unclear guidance. USA TODAY Consumer Health Reporter Ken Alltucker joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to look at how this decision will affect children and families across the country.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The much-anticipated draw for the 2026 World Cup took place at the Kennedy Center in DC on Friday. Did Team USA end up with a favorable grouping? A total of 48 teams, drawn into 12 groups of four nations each, will compete in Canada, the US and Mexico for the World Cup soccer title next year, representing a significant expansion from 2022 which had only 32 teams. What role will the groupings play in positioning the various teams in the tournament? Managing Editor for USA TODAY’s Pro Soccer Wire Seth Vertelney joins The Excerpt to discuss all things World Cup. Plus, USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers walks us through the latest from the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup and the political backdrop to the games. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com. Episode transcript available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.