Next Question with Katie Couric

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Katie Couric is back on the mic with a new season of intimate, urgent and unexpected conversations – this time with a new twist. Along with her signature in-depth one-on-one interviews, she’ll be joined by a number of special guest-hosts for a series of “Katie Plus One” episodes. Together they’ll get to know some of the world’s most interesting and influential people and explore the big ideas percolating in the zeitgeist--but with a focus on slowing down, diving deep, and connecting with each other, a reprieve from a culture obsessed with hot takes and surface-level small talk. Tune in every Thursday and join Katie Couric and her guests for a conversation that feels like a warm hug and a seat at the table.

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Our Editor's Take

Next Question with Katie Couric is not the kind of podcast that avoids the tough stuff. Katie Couric is a TV news icon, and her podcasting career is many seasons strong. But in the fall of 2016, she debuted Next Question with a sharpened focus. Each episode examines one big topic and explains it thoroughly. Though she has been called "America's Sweetheart," Couric is not here to ask about fluff.

Couric has always retained her famous girl-next-door personality. Even when delivering brutal news, she is warm and relatable. It's what made so many folks trust her so completely. It also accounts for her longevity in the industry. She's broadcast folksy-but-essential journalism across all three major American TV networks since 1989.

Of course, Couric can still land the biggest names in entertainment and pop culture for the show. But when her audience needs to learn more about a serious subject, the newswoman in her comes out. Next Question began airing just before the pandemic. No doubt the editorial calendar was already full. But the show's pivot was swift. Couric didn't hesitate to refocus most episodes on how to live with COVID-19. And when the news came down in June 2022 that Roe v. Wade's fall was imminent? She announced a special six-part miniseries called Abortion: The Body Politic.

At this point in her career, it's clear there's no holding back for Katie Couric. And as she tries to make the world make a little more sense, her status as America's Sweetheart remains well intact.

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Season 10 of Next Question Starts October 3rd!

Season 10 of Next Question Starts October 3rd!

The election is in the homestretch right in time for a new season of Next Question with Katie Couric, starting October 3rd. This season is for people who need a little perspective and insight–and maybe an occasional sedative. We’re bringing in some FOKs (friends of Katie's) to help out. We'll have some of the best minds in the business, like Ezra Klein, Van Jones, Jen Psaki, and Astead Herndon. But we're also going to have some fun, even though these days fun and politics seems like an oxymoron. We'll still be able to do that thanks to more friends like Samantha Bee, Roy Wood Jr., and Charlamagne Tha God. We're going to take some viewer questions as well. Isn't that what democracy is all about? Power to the podcast for the people! So whether you're obsessed with the news or just trying to figure out what's going on, this season of Next Question is for you. Hit subscribe and let's stay sane together for the remainder of this campaign. Check out our new season of Next Question with Katie Couric, starting October 3rd on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

America at a Crossroads with Meghan McCain

America at a Crossroads with Meghan McCain

From her perch as “token conservative” on The View to viral posts on Instagram, Meghan McCain has long been a favorite lightning rod for liberals and conservatives alike. The daughter of legendary war hero and Arizona Republican Senator John McCain, her last name has been derided by some on the MAGA right who believe a “McCain Republican” is the equivalent of a RINO. But as a staunch conservative, she has no place on the left either. It’s not necessarily an enviable vantage point, but it is a crucial one. As America wades into the unknowns of a second Trump term, we will need to find a way to speak to one another, and McCain has some ideas about how to go about that–and how not to. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election Reflections with Jen Psaki

Election Reflections with Jen Psaki

Jen Psaki knows a thing or two about politics. The former Obama communications director and Biden press secretary has spent nearly 20 years in politics–now she’s breaking down what happened in the 2024 election and what she thinks the next Trump administration could look like. Katie and Jen talk about how the media ecosystem impacted the election results, what can be done at the state level to protect against some of Trump’s policies, and the future of the Democratic party. Their conversation wasn’t all doom and gloom–Jen has some words of wisdom that will leave you hopeful about the weeks and years to come. (PS–Tune into her show on MSNBC, ‘Inside with Jen Psaki’, which airs Sundays at 12pm ET and Mondays at 8pm ET.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why Voters (and Which Voters) Returned Trump to Power with Brian Goldsmith

Why Voters (and Which Voters) Returned Trump to Power with Brian Goldsmith

The 2024 presidential race has finally come to a close, but the conversation and questions about how things unfolded have just begun. For this election debrief, Katie is joined by Democratic consultant and friend of the pod Brian Goldsmith to examine the surprising dynamics of Trump’s 2024 victory, including the conventional-wisdom-smashing voter coalition that delivered him a second term. With the Democratic Party now facing tough questions about its future, Goldsmith explores what Harris’s campaign could have done differently and the soul-searching needed for Democrats to reconnect with an evolving American public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five More Days with Samantha Bee and Van Jones

Five More Days with Samantha Bee and Van Jones

In this sobering conversation, Katie Couric sits down with comedian Samantha Bee and political commentator Van Jones to unpack the turbulence surrounding the final days of the 2024 Presidential election. From campaign strategies to media responsibility, they explore how humor, outrage, and disinformation shape the home stretch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting Real with Gwen Walz

Getting Real with Gwen Walz

In this one-on-one conversation with Katie, Gwen Walz opens up about bringing storytelling, shared values, and listening back to political conversations. Drawing on her background as a teacher, she reflects on confronting Trump’s bullying and explains how empathy and authenticity shape her vision for the campaign and her connections with voters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Democratic Disconnect with Astead Herndon and Charlamagne tha God

The Democratic Disconnect with Astead Herndon and Charlamagne tha God

In this episode of Next Question, Katie is joined by Astead Herndon of The New York Times and Charlamagne tha God from The Breakfast Club for a pulse check on the polls, the rationale behind Kamala Harris’s campaign strategy, the struggles Democrats face to engage young Black voters, and the risks of relying on anti-Trump sentiment to win. We are down to the wire–buckle up for the final two weeks of the race!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Meme-ification of Politics with Evan Ross Katz and Molly Jong-Fast

The Meme-ification of Politics with Evan Ross Katz and Molly Jong-Fast

This episode of Next Question explores how internet culture, and platforms like TikTok, X, and Instagram have transformed voters’ perception of the candidates, and the way candidates interact with voters. Joining Katie is pop culture expert Evan Ross Katz and political analyst Molly Jong-Fast. Together, they’ll discuss how memes and online trends are shaping the 2024 election, if viral posts are swaying voters, and why traditional outlets (and their fact checking and gatekeepers) are increasingly left out of candidates’ schedules.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abortion, Every Day with Cindi Leive and Jessica Valenti

Abortion, Every Day with Cindi Leive and Jessica Valenti

Jessica Valenti has been one of the leading voices on abortion rights in America, and this week Katie and her plus one Cindi Leive, CEO of The Meteor, sit down with her to talk about the reality of a post-Roe America. Katie and Cindi ask Jessica about abortion’s place at the top of the voters’ agendas this year, what’s happening in states with strict abortion bans, and how the anti-abortion movement is operating in unexpected ways. You can buy Jessica's Book - Abortion: Our Bodies, Their Lies, and the Truths We Use to Win Sign up for Jessica's Newsletter - Abortion, Every DaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Entering the Comfort Zone: Breast Cancer Awareness and Research with Easy Spirit

Entering the Comfort Zone: Breast Cancer Awareness and Research with Easy Spirit

In this special live recording of Next Question in New York City at the Paley Center for Media, Katie Couric enters her "Comfort Zone" for a powerful conversation in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in partnership with comfort footwear brand, Easy Spirit! Katie shares her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor alongside the surgeon who treated her, renowned breast cancer researcher Dr. Lisa Newman. They are joined by Sharon Joseph, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem, who is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer herself. Together, they discuss their personal journeys, the importance of early detection, and the groundbreaking research funded by Marc Fisher’s Easy Spirit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Election Home Stretch with Liz Plank and Ezra Klein

The Election Home Stretch with Liz Plank and Ezra Klein

Katie Couric is back with a supercharged new season of Next Question, kicking off with her Plus-One, journalist Liz Plank, and guest, New York Times journalist and political analyst Ezra Klein. As we approach the home stretch of the campaigns, the three discuss the divide between male and female voters, the lasting impact of Roe’s reversal, the VP picks, and why Katie thinks the candidates should be taking more risks. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season 10 of Next Question Starts October 3rd!

Season 10 of Next Question Starts October 3rd!

The election is in the homestretch right in time for a new season of Next Question with Katie Couric, starting October 3rd. This season is for people who need a little perspective and insight–and maybe an occasional sedative. We’re bringing in some FOKs (friends of Katie's) to help out. We'll have some of the best minds in the business, like Ezra Klein, Van Jones, Jen Psaki, and Astead Herndon. But we're also going to have some fun, even though these days fun and politics seems like an oxymoron. We'll still be able to do that thanks to more friends like Samantha Bee, Roy Wood Jr., and Charlamagne Tha God. We're going to take some viewer questions as well. Isn't that what democracy is all about? Power to the podcast for the people! So whether you're obsessed with the news or just trying to figure out what's going on, this season of Next Question is for you. Hit subscribe and let's stay sane together for the remainder of this campaign. Check out our new season of Next Question with Katie Couric, starting October 3rd on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hillary Clinton One-On-One with Katie Couric - PART 2

Hillary Clinton One-On-One with Katie Couric - PART 2

In this second half of this special episode of Next Question, Katie sits down with Hillary Clinton for an intimate conversation recorded live at DAR Constitution Hall. In this candid and wide-ranging chat, Clinton pulls back the curtain on the current political scene, sharing sharp insights on President Biden’s decision to step aside, Kamala Harris' campaign so far, and the seemingly unshakeable presence of Donald Trump. And for the record, yes, Hillary’s a Swiftie—deal with it. They also discuss Clinton's latest book and her fourth memoir, Something Lost, Something Gained, which reflects on resilience, leadership, and lessons from her personal and political life. With humor and candor, Clinton doesn’t shy away from the tough questions, offering a rare glimpse into her evolving perspective on power, loss, and how the game of politics never really ends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hillary Clinton One-On-One with Katie Couric - PART 1

Hillary Clinton One-On-One with Katie Couric - PART 1

In this special episode of Next Question, Katie sits down with Hillary Clinton for an intimate conversation recorded live at DAR Constitution Hall. In this candid and wide-ranging chat, Clinton pulls back the curtain on the current political scene, sharing sharp insights on President Biden’s decision to step aside, Kamala Harris' campaign so far, and the seemingly unshakeable presence of Donald Trump. And for the record, yes, Hillary’s a Swiftie—deal with it. They also discuss Clinton's latest book and her fourth memoir, Something Lost, Something Gained, which reflects on resilience, leadership, and lessons from her personal and political life. With humor and candor, Clinton doesn’t shy away from the tough questions, offering a rare glimpse into her evolving perspective on power, loss, and how the game of politics never really ends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellness Check: How the ‘Couric Effect’ -- 20 years later -- inspired Sen. Klobuchar to share her cancer story

Wellness Check: How the ‘Couric Effect’ -- 20 years later -- inspired Sen. Klobuchar to share her cancer story

This episode is presented by Midi Health, a virtual care clinic dedicated to providing expert menopause and perimenopause care to women in midlife. Twenty-four years ago, Katie Couric aired her first colonoscopy on the ‘Today Show.' It was an up-close and personal experience that helped demystify a still-taboo health procedure. A study would later find that colonoscopies increased by 20 percent as a result of Katie airing her personal business on national television. It was called “The Couric Effect.” And it turns out, the Couric Effect is still rolling. “Using you as a model,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar tells Katie, “I’ve tried to really talk about this.” On this episode, Katie and the Minnesota Democrat talk about the Senator’s recent disclosure of her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment and how it could have gone another way. “I should have gone in a year earlier.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creating Comedy Gold with the creators of “Hacks”

Creating Comedy Gold with the creators of “Hacks”

Katie (a total Deborah) is joined by KCM producer Adriana Fazio (Katie’s Ava) to chat with the creative team behind the acclaimed show "Hacks"—Lucia Aniello, Jen Statsky, and Paul W. Downs. The trio opens up about how their own path to comedy writing, including their love for classic TV like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and time spent waiting tables, inspired the characters of Deborah and Ava. From casting newcomer, Hanna Einbinder, opposite national treasure, Jean Smart, to the process of developing plotlines and story arcs, this episode offers a deep dive into the creative process behind an original show that has become a fan favorite. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellness Check: Dr. Sanjay Gupta on how to build a better brain

Wellness Check: Dr. Sanjay Gupta on how to build a better brain

This episode is presented by Midi Health, a virtual care clinic dedicated to providing expert menopause and perimenopause care to women in midlife. Dr. Sanjay Gupta is a neuroscientist and in addition to his on-air work and a daily podcast (Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction), Sanjay also found the time to write a book called “Keep Sharp: Building a Better Brain at Any Age,” which is out now. On this episode, Katie and Sanjay talk about how to keep the brain healthy with tips you can use right now to protect and improve your brain. But Katie starts the conversation by asking the COVID about the status of the pandemic and if we’re truly out of the woods.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellness Check: Happiness expert Arthur Brooks on why we're all so desperately chasing down happiness

Wellness Check: Happiness expert Arthur Brooks on why we're all so desperately chasing down happiness

This episode is presented by Midi Health, a virtual care clinic dedicated to providing expert menopause and perimenopause care to women in midlife. On this episode, Katie explores the subject of happiness. Because as a culture, we seem to be obsessed with achieving it. Just look to higher ed. Some of the most elite universities tout courses on happiness — the science of it, the value of it, the history and future of it. But the search for happiness has also seeped into our regular podcast consumption and our must-watch TV shows. So what’s the deal? Why is happiness the carrot dangling just outside of our reach? And what defines happiness anyway? To find out, Katie talks with one of those aforementioned happiness scholars, Arthur C. Brooks, whose most recent book is called “From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellness Check: ‘Addiction is a spectrum’: Meet the women centering themselves and rewriting the recovery narrative

Wellness Check: ‘Addiction is a spectrum’: Meet the women centering themselves and rewriting the recovery narrative

This episode is presented by Midi Health, a virtual care clinic dedicated to providing expert menopause and perimenopause care to women in midlife. There have been some scary headlines going around about the climbing rates of alcohol use, particularly among women, during the pandemic. One study found that heavy drinking among women increased 41 percent! What’s behind these numbers and how do women find the help they need? On this episode, Katie Couric, Katie invites her friend and award winning broadcast journalist Elizabeth Vargas to co-host and help find some understanding about why women are drinking more than ever, why women drink, and what recovery looks like.. Elizabeth knows about this first hand and wrote about her issues around alcohol, addiction and anxiety in her memoir, Between Breaths: A Memoir of Panic and Addiction. Elizabeth and Katie talk to two women — Khadi Oluwatoyin and Emily Paulson who hit their own rock bottoms and not only found their way out, but also made recovery spaces for people like them — Black Girls Sober Club and the Sober Mome Squad, respectively. Katie and Elizabeth also talk to long-time clinical social worker and interventionist, Dr. Louise Stanger, on how to help someone you love who may be suffering through addiction. If you or anyone you love is struggling with alcohol use, you can call the national drug and alcohol treatment hotline at 1-800-622-HELP (4357).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie’s One-On-One with House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi

Katie’s One-On-One with House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi

Katie sits down with House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi for this special Next Question bonus episode. It’s an intimate, urgent conversation that leaves no issue off the table – from her thoughts on President Biden’s decision to end his campaign and what she believes Vice President Kamala Harris must do to win in November to the increasingly bitter divisions that threaten our democracy and the devastating rise in political violence that has affected her on a deeply personal level, they cover it all. They also discuss Speaker Pelosi’s new book, “The Art of Power,” which is a thoughtful reflection on some of her more consequential legislative decisions across a remarkable political career spanning four decades. As the country rights itself from the recent twists and turns of an unprecedented campaign season, this must-listen conversation gets to the heart of what’s at stake as we look to November. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Joins Hysteria with Alyssa Mastromonaco on Weird Republicans and Team USA

Katie Joins Hysteria with Alyssa Mastromonaco on Weird Republicans and Team USA

Katie Couric joins Alyssa Mastromonaco on her podcast Hysteria for a chat about Kamala Harris fundraising (featuring white people on Zoom calls), the Veepstakes, and calling MAGA Republicans like JD Vance “weird.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.