Diane Rehm’s weekly podcast features newsmakers, writers, artists and thinkers on the issues she cares about most: what’s going on in Washington, ideas that inform, and the latest on living well as we live longer.
Join Kojo and resident analyst Tom Sherwood on Fridays at noon for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Each week Kojo and Tom help make sense of legislation, hold elected officials accountable and provide in-depth analysis of local issues and elections. The Politics Hour is also a vital forum for Washingtonians to engage directly with their local leaders.
Dish City explores the iconic foods of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to understand local history and how we live today. Join hosts Patrick Fort and Ruth Tam as they learn the origins of Old Bay in Maryland, explore the roots of Vietnamese cuisine in Virginia, and investigate whether D.C.'s bottomless brunch is actually a good deal. From WAMU.
Each week, WAMU 88.5's Metro Connection reaches across D.C., Maryland and Virginia to gather the sounds and stories that capture the current events, culture and personalities driving the Washington region.
Explosions and smoke-filled tunnels. Frustrated riders and epic commutes. This is the new normal on Washington’s Metro. Metropocalypse, a weekly podcast from WAMU 88.5, explores the unprecedented plan to rebuild tracks and re-engineer culture on the nation’s second largest transit system. Send questions & ideas to metro@wamu.org.
The Kojo Nnamdi Show's Tech Tuesday explores of how technology is changing our lives. As of 2016, Tech Tuesday is no longer produced. For an archive of shows dating back to 1999, visit http://thekojonnamdishow.org/topic/tech-tuesday.
The Diane Rehm Show's Friday News Roundup was an informed discussion of the week's top domestic and international news. This podcast serves as an archive and is no longer updated. For a more complete archive, visit drshow.org.
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The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi


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Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on his released budget and his proposed property tax increase
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The Arlington County Board is going to vote on an updated housing plan to expand what was previously called “Missing Middle” housing. The plan has been contentious, with fierce arguments on both sides. WAMU Northern Virginia Reporter Margaret Barthel joins The Politics Hour to discuss the upcoming vote and what exactly the board is voting on. Montg…
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Diane Rehm: On My Mind


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From The Archives: A 2008 Conversation With Barbara Walters
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In honor of Women’s History Month, today’s episode of On My Mind is a conversation from the archives with legendary broadcaster Barbara Walters. She died in December at age 93. Walters joined Diane in the studio in 2008, shortly after the release of her memoir, “Audition.” She talked about the challenges of her childhood and her status as a pioneer…
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The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi


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D.C. Council Chairman Mendelson on congressional interference and what’s next for the criminal code bill
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For the first time in three decades, Congress has voted to block local D.C. legislation. The law in question: a revision to the city’s century old criminal code. We sit down with D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) to talk about the politics at play, and what’s next. In Maryland, the toll road operator has pulled out of the project to expand t…
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Diane Rehm: On My Mind


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From The Archives: A 1993 Conversation With Jimmy Carter
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Former President Jimmy Carter joined Diane as a guest on The Diane Rehm Show 12 times over the years. Their first interview took place in January 1993. Bill Clinton was about to take office and Carter had just published his seventh book, “Turning Point,” chronicling his first campaign for elected office. That day, Diane and Carter covered how he go…
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The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi


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D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Councilmember Charles Allen on the fate of D.C.’s revised criminal code in Congress
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President Joe Biden said Thursday he would not veto a measure in Congress that would block D.C.’s criminal code overhaul from becoming law. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen join Kojo and Tom to discuss what it means for the bill and the District’s autonomy. Prince George’s County Councilmember Krystal Oriadha talks abou…
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The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi


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Bonus: The future of the arts scene in Anacostia and Ward 8
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Anacostia and Ward 8 D.C. have always been artistically rich. But the wealth in creativity hasn’t always been matched by resources. In this hour, Kojo Nnamdi talks with artists, officials, and community members about the art scene, arts education, and the intersection of arts and gentrification. Plus, we hear about a new effort to boost the local a…
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Diane Rehm: On My Mind


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Ukraine, China And Challenges To American Diplomacy
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Last week marked the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. President Biden traveled to Kyiv, rededicating his support for President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people. But the Biden administration’s focus on the conflict did not end there. This week, U.S. officials told China to stay out of it and warned of sanctions if the Chinese g…
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The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi


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Metro General Manager Randy Clarke on safety, ridership, and oversight
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Recently, the D.C. Council held their annual oversight hearing for WMATA. Metro General Manager Randy Clarke joins Kojo and Tom to talk about what happened. We also get the latest on everything from new improvement announcements to more about the safety concerns facing Metro. Maryland State Sen. Will Smith (D) talks about his reservations over Gove…
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Diane Rehm: On My Mind


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Why One Doctor Says We Should Focus On Living Well, Not Long
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Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel is someone who understands how medicine can both save lives and improve the quality of it. That’s why it came as a shock to many when he wrote in 2014 that he would decline all medical treatment after age 75. He explained that here in the U.S., we chase longevity without asking whether those extra years are worth it. “Here is a …
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The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi


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D.C. officials respond to clearing of McPherson Square homeless encampment
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This week, the National Park Service cleared out the homeless encampment at McPherson Square, the largest encampment in the District. This happened two months earlier than scheduled because of a request from D.C. Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Wayne Turnage. We talk with Turnage about the clearing, and pushback from unhoused residents a…
Last month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced his state would opt out of the new Advanced Placement class in African American studies. DeSantis claimed the class violated a Florida law that limits what a public school can teach about race and diversity. He took this action in spite of the fact the College Board, which designs A.P. classes, seemin…
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The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi


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Prince William County data centers and Prince George's County "Blue Line Corridor" development
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Maryland's Board of Public Works approved $400 million for Prince George's County "Blue Line Corridor," a major development project that could include a new Commanders stadium. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) joins Kojo and Tom to talk about what's next for the project. Plus, we talk about her serving on Gov. Wes Moore's (D) transition team,…
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Diane Rehm: On My Mind


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What's Next In The Fight Over Abortion Access In The U.S.
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Less than nine months after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade, the anti-abortion movement may be on the brink of another major victory. A judge in Texas is set to rule on a case that could ban abortion pills nationwide. These so-called medication abortions account for more than half of all abortions in the U.S. “We are looking at something th…
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The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi


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Virginia lawmakers approach crossover day in Richmond
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Virginia lawmakers are quickly approaching "crossover day," which is the final day for bills to switch between the House of Delegates and the state Senate if they have any chance of being passed. We talk with Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-District 30) about how the session is going. And we get his take on a state error that has led to less funding for schools…
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Diane Rehm: On My Mind


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Tyre Nichols and A New Push for Police Reform
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Mourners gathered this week in Memphis to remember Tyre Nichols, the 29-year-old Black man whose death at the hands of Memphis police officers reignited discussions about race and law enforcement. The Reverend Al Sharpton and Vice President Kamala Harris were among those who attended the memorial, and their message was clear: something must change …
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The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi


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Housing debates ramp up across the region
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Housing debates continue to roil the region. We start with Arlington County Board Member Matt de Ferranti (D) on the marathon hearings about the county's Missing Middle plan, which advanced this week. And as budget season nears, we ask what de Ferranti would like the county to prioritize. Then, Montgomery County Council Vice President Andrew Frieds…
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Diane Rehm: On My Mind


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Richard Haass and an American ‘Bill of Obligations’
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Richard Haass has spent his career thinking about the United States' place in the world. A diplomat and policymaker, he served under four presidents in both Democratic and Republican administrations. Since 2003, Haass has headed the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank focused on international policy. In his position he is often asked about t…
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The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi


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Councilmember Pinto talks about new criminal code. Plus, a look at Wes Moore’s historic inauguration
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49:26
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The D.C. Council overturned Mayor Muriel Bowser's (D) veto of the revised criminal code. We talk with the new chair of the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee, Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), about why the council is pushing through the changes to the century-old code. And we ask Pinto about her efforts to make e-bikes more affordable and …
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Diane Rehm: On My Mind


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Untangling The Lies Of Rep. George Santos
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George Santos remains in the House of Representatives – for now. Questions about the biography of the congressman from Long Island, New York became a national story when the New York Times published a piece in December, exposing lies about where Santos said he worked, went to school, and whether his family was Jewish, as he had claimed. But it was …
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Diane Rehm: On My Mind


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The GOP's Plan To Investigate A "Weaponized" Government
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House GOP members launched a new committee this week to investigate the “weaponization” of the U.S. government. These lawmakers claim federal law enforcement and national security agencies have targeted and silenced conservatives. The committee headed by far-right congressman Jim Jordan has been granted vast authority to collect information in an a…
The only meal D.C. loves more than a power lunch is a bottomless, boozy brunch. Most weekends, unlimited mimosas, and bloody marys are flowing as Washingtonians splurge on late breakfasts, often after late nights. But brunch has equally impassioned critics and fans. Ruth and Patrick learn why Washingtonians love brunch so much and whether it’s a go…
Crispy golden filets of whiting, croaker, or catfish on white bread are sold all over the D.C. region at small carryouts. For years, fried fish businesses like Horace and Dickie’s and Fish in the Neighborhood have been pillars in their community. But, as D.C. rapidly gentrifies, classic fried fish counters have had to adapt. Ruth and Patrick learn …
The center of Northern Virginia’s thriving Vietnamese community is Eden Center in Falls Church. It’s the biggest Vietnamese commercial center on the east coast and draws visitors from all over the DMV region and the country. But before Eden Center, the local Vietnamese community was based in Little Saigon in Clarendon. This week, Ruth and Patrick l…
Stuffed ham: IYKYK This hyper-local delicacy from southern Maryland has been a part of life in St. Mary’s County for generations. But, unless you grew up there or have a family connection, you probably have no idea what it is. Patrick and Ruth explore what goes into a stuffed ham, its generations-old history, and how people are eating it now. Patri…
D.C.’s Chinatown has all the hits. A giant archway. Dragons painted on the streets. Chinese characters in its storefronts. But…where are all the Chinese people? For all of its traditional iconography, D.C.’s Chinatown doesn’t feel very Chinese. For years, the remaining Chinese restaurants and shops have felt more like Easter eggs in the neighborhoo…
Blue crabs are messy, time-consuming, and expensive to harvest and eat. And yet, no summer on the Chesapeake Bay is complete without a crab feast. Many Washingtonians are happy to set aside a couple hours, and maybe a few hundred dollars, to enjoy this meal with loved ones. But how many of us know what it takes to get crabs and crab cakes to your t…
Old Bay is everywhere in the Chesapeake Bay region. It’s on chips, popcorn, ice cream, beer, and even chocolate. You can even find the brand tattooed on people’s bodies. But, most importantly, it’s associated with the state’s favorite food: blue crabs. Ruth and Patrick dive into Old Bay’s origin story, why people love it, and whether Old Bay is act…
Asian carryouts are longtime fixtures of D.C.’s Black neighborhoods. Where else can you get a quintessential order of chicken wings and mambo sauce? Despite how loved they are by District natives and transplants, they’ve also gotten a lot of bad press. For years, Black customers have experienced racism at the hands of Asian workers. Meanwhile, Asia…
We’re back! After covering the pandemic’s effect on food delivery and our local restaurant scene, Dish City is dining out again. Behind every iconic food of the Washington region is a story of city change. On the latest season of Dish City, join hosts Ruth Tam and Patrick Fort as they sample iconic meals from D.C., Maryland and Virginia and search …
There are problems with food delivery. There's the reliance on gig laborers who say they are underpaid. Restaurants have to pay high commission fees on top of most orders. And delivery companies wind up operating on threadbare margins and still haven't turned an annual profit. Oh, and soggy fries. We haven't quite solved for that yet. There's plent…