The Excerpt
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For 75 years, Charles Schultz’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 https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/2025/10/01/peanuts-snoopy-75-anniversary-charles-schulz/77403380007/ 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 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/10/03/charlie-brown-snoopy-and-peanuts-gang-turn-75-the-excerpt/86495602007/. 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 Eric Topol challenges outdated ideas about aging and reveals how factors like exercise, sleep, social connection and cutting-edge AI tools can help us extend not just our lifespan—but our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 here https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/05/08/dr-eric-topol-living-longer-better-the-excerpt/83514055007/ See 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 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/09/18/patagonias-founder-hated-being-a-billionaire-the-excerpt/86225505007/. 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 https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/books/2025/08/20/how-do-you-define-american-cuisine-the-excerpt/85742973007/. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
From Bad Bunny’s massive streaming numbers to Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl,” 2025 electrified music fans across the globe https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/12/17/best-songs-2025-ranking/87703729007/. 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 https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/real-estate/2025/12/13/brandon-scott-baltimore-vacant-homes/87472702007/, 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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? https://www.usatoday.com/live-story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/12/16/rob-reiner-death-wife-michele-singer-news-live-updates/87789868007/ 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. 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 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/12/13/inside-look-ice-operates-trumps-america/87569995007/ to do the work? USA TODAY 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. 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? http://usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/12/14/nancy-pelosi-impeaching-trump-electing-woman-president-interview/87628948007/ 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/12/04/rfk-vaccine-panel-delays-hepatitis-b-vaccination-vote/87601153007/ 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. 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? https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/12/05/donald-trump-fifa-nobel-peace-prize/87620423007/ 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
As Prince Andrew loses his titles and royal privileges https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/11/14/prince-andrew-jeffrey-epstein-emails/87275348007/, new questions are rising about accountability, secrecy, and the future of the monarchy. Historian Andrew Lownie joins us to unpack the Epstein files, the palace response, and how this scandal could shape the reigns of both King Charles and Prince William. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to 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.
A leaked Trump administration plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/25/ukraine-peace-plan-us-russia/87461645007/ has triggered debate among U.S. allies and sharp pushback from Kyiv. As negotiations continue in Moscow and European capitals, critics say the revised proposal still favors Kremlin demands and risks locking in territorial losses for Ukraine. USA TODAY White House correspondent Francesca Chambers explains what’s changed in the peace plan, where talks stand and whether either side is any closer to a deal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
There have been 21 U.S. military strikes against Venezuelan vessels https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/12/01/why-trump-venezuela-us/87551239007/ since September, with a total of 83 casualties, all without Congressional approval or oversight. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has recently cautioned airlines to avoid Venezuelan airspace, encouraged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to flee and said land strikes could “start very soon.” Is all of this really about combatting the drug trade or could the primary motivation even be more simply to get rid of Maduro? USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer joins The Excerpt to break down this fast-evolving and complex story. Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to 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.
The Trump administration has begun carving up the Education Department https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/22/president-trump-education-department-dismantling/87351880007/, signing six new agreements that shift major K-12 and higher ed programs to other federal agencies. USA TODAY Congress reporter Zach Schermele explains why these moves are happening now, how they build on a Supreme Court decision that allowed an earlier transfer to the Labor Department and what’s at stake for school districts that rely on Title I funding and federal oversight. He also breaks down concerns around special education, the future of student loan services, and whether these changes could widen disparities the department was created to fix. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
After less than a year, the Department of Government Efficiency, better known as DOGE, is done https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/23/donald-trump-elon-musk-doge/87434764007/. The controversial cost-cutting initiative was initially led by the equally controversial tech billionaire Elon Musk. Did DOGE succeed in what it set out to do? While much has been made of the steep cuts in the number of federal employees, there was also what Musk called a mandate from President Donald Trump to “delete the mountain” of government regulations and remake the government with AI. USA TODAY Politics Reporter Kathryn Palmer joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to dive into all things DOGE. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Since its inception back in 2001, Wikipedia has become a trusted source for information. The online encyclopedia took hold despite initially being a punchline for late-night talk show hosts like Stephen Colbert. But nearly 25 years on, its founder has gotten the last laugh all while teaching the world about trust. The engine of the world’s largest encyclopedia runs on the work of volunteers. And at its helm is Jimmy Wales, the Wikipedia founder, who joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to share insights from his new book, “The Seven Rules of Trust,” on bookshelves now. 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.
In 1960, 26-year-old Jane Goodall arrived with her mother at Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve in western Tanzania. What followed was truly a story for the ages. Her work transformed how humans interact with and understand the natural world. Dr. Jane Goodall passed away last month at the age of 91. Dr. Goodall will be remembered as an ethologist and conservationist whose life and work not only made an indelible mark on our understanding of chimpanzees and other species, but also of humankind and the environments we all share. Author Douglas Abrams, who co-wrote “The Book of Hope” with Jane Goodall, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss her legacy of hope. 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.
On Monday, a judge ordered that charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both targets of President Donald Trump, be dismissed https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/24/james-comey-letitia-james-indictments-dismissed-trump/87449991007/. What led to both cases being tossed, and where does the Justice Department go from here? USA TODAY National News reporter Aysha Bagchi joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to break down the charges, the dismissals and the response from the Trump administration. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A woman told USA TODAY that nearly a year ago she walked into the OBGYN's office in Fort Hood https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/20/texas-army-obgyn-sexual-abuse-lawsuit/87246162007/, an Army base in Texas, because she wasn't sure what to take for her sinus infection during her pregnancy. She said that the doctor, Major Blaine McGraw, then sexually abused her. She said that when she told him to stop, he laughed. The woman is one of more than 1,400 patients of Major McGraw’s who the Army says it has contacted in a snowballing investigation alleging sexual exploitation. USA TODAY National Security Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt for more on this disturbing story. 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.
In states like Texas, California, Kansas and beyond, politicians are fighting to redraw congressional maps that could shape power in America for years to come. The question many are asking is whether 2025’s redistricting efforts are about upholding democracy or diluting representation? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey and USA TODAY Politics Reporter Kathryn Palmer join The Excerpt to hash out what the implications are for the 2026 midterm elections. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Former Vice President Dick Cheney was remembered this week at a Washington memorial as a defining figure in modern Republican politics. USA TODAY Washington bureau chief Susan Page breaks down his complicated legacy, from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to the rise of the MAGA movement. She explains Cheney’s push to expand executive power, the backlash over enhanced interrogation, and why Cheney ultimately endorsed Kamala Harris over Donald Trump. 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.
A USA TODAY exclusive investigation found thousands of in-custody deaths https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2025/11/20/sepsis-deaths-lawsuits-prisons-jails-infection-investigation/85755243007 that could have been easily prevented. USA TODAY Investigative Data Reporter Austin Fast explains what the records reveal about sepsis, medical neglect and the human cost for families left behind. He shares stories from jails and prisons across the country, including people who died waiting for basic care and inmates who feared punishment for asking for help. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Before a Supreme Court ruling in 2018 opened the flood gates to legalized sports betting across the country, the proposition bet or prop bet – picking one statistic in a game to place a wager on that has nothing to do with the game’s outcome - wasn’t a big factor in online sports betting. Now it’s ubiquitous https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2025/11/10/mlb-betting-scandal-timeline-cleveland-guardians-emmanuel-clase-luis-ortiz/87196123007/, causing a huge headache for leagues and making fans question the integrity of the games. USA TODAY Sports Reporter Steve Gardner joins The Excerpt to explain. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
If the meteoric rise of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani illustrates one thing, it’s this: affordability, or a lack thereof, has energized young voters. But that’s not the only term voters and politicians are buzzing about. Mamdani is also a member of the Democratic Socialists of America https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/15/zohran-mamdani-victory-nyc-democratic-socialism/87231501007/. What does that even mean in 2025? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey joins The Excerpt for more on all things Mamdani and what it might mean for the party that lost control of all three branches of government in the 2024 elections. 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.
The Epstein files are back in the news, with fresh speculation about how deep President Donald Trump’s involvement goes. A new trove of 20,000 pages released last week has everyone talking about how much Trump knew and when did he know it? Cue the coming House vote on releasing the full batch of documents that has been supposedly sitting on US Attorney General Pam Bondi’s desk since she took office. What has this latest batch of Epstein documents https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/13/donald-trump-jeffrey-epstein-congress-emails-live-updates/87245782007/ reveal? And what are the chances that we’ll see even more before the year is out? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen joins The Excerpt to discuss the fallout. 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.
Teenagers are increasingly using AI chatbots for friendship, emotional support, and even romance. When 14-year-old Soul Setzer III formed an intense bond with a character on Character AI, his mother didn’t know what was happening until it was too late. USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Alyssa Goldberg walks us through the lawsuit, the platform’s design, what her own testing revealed and new research showing how widespread — and risky — AI relationships have become for minors https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2025/10/20/character-ai-chatbot-relationships-teenagers/86745562007/. https://988lifeline.org/ 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.
