After the Fact

The Pew Charitable Trusts

About

After the Fact is a podcast from The Pew Charitable Trusts that brings you data and analysis on the issues that matter to you—from our environment and the sciences, to larger economic trends and public health. Experts from Pew and other special guests discuss the numbers and trends shaping some of society’s biggest challenges with host Dan LeDuc, then go behind the facts with nonpartisan analysis and stories.

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174 episodes

Housing in America: Pathways to Homeownership

STAT: 70%: The share of Americans who think young adults today have a harder time than their parents’ generation when it comes to buying a home. STORY: Putting a roof over their heads is a struggle for many Americans. Rising house prices, restrictive zoning, increasing rents, and a lack of small mortgages are some of the hurdles facing people who want a safe and secure place to call home. In this episode, Alex Horowitz and Tara Roche, directors of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ housing policy initiative, join us to discuss some of the challenges—and how to overcome them—for those pursuing homeownership.

17m
Mar 22
Housing in America: Where Is Home?

STAT: 60%: The share of Americans who say they’re very concerned about the cost of housing.  STORY:  In just a few years, from 2019 to 2022, the national median sale price for a single-family home increased by 25%. And the rising costs of buying and maintaining a house has 60% of Americans concerned. Is the American Dream of homeownership out of reach for many? In this episode of “Housing in America,” Richard Fry, an expert at the Pew Research Center, talks about the current trends in housing, like where people live, housing availability, and homeownership rates, as well as other factors that contribute to the complex housing landscape that Americans face today.

16m
Mar 08
Coming Soon: Housing in America

Rising rents, escalating home prices, and limited housing supply. They are some of the forces pushing the American Dream of homeownership out of reach for many. Increasingly, there is bipartisan support to find a way forward. In this season, After the Fact explores these trends and the challenges individuals and families face in finding housing that’s affordable and accessible . We also speak with experts and policymakers who are trying to help more people find a place to call home.

1m
Mar 01
Bonus Episode: Reflections on Bridging Divides

STORY: Over most of last year, “After the Fact” looked at how people are restoring and building community at a time when the nation is divided and exhausted. From faith leaders to community activists, and from academics to policymakers, we found rich voices who offered stories of people coming together. At a time of division, they showed that unity is possible—and, in fact, is happening in many places, probably even near you. As the new year begins, this special episode shares reflections from these change-makers and maybe even offers you a chance to become one of them.  

7m
Jan 31
Beyond Polarization: Finding a Way Forward

STAT: 57%: The percentage of Americans who believe that partisan conflicts receive too much attention these days. STORY: A majority of Americans say partisan fighting gets too much attention while important issues facing the country get too little. In the final episode of our season on polarization, Utah Governor Spencer Cox says elected officials can do better at bridging our political divides. He is chair of the National Governors Association and leads an initiative called Disagree Better* that is aimed not at ending disagreements, but in improving dialogue, building understanding, and respectfully listening to others. We also hear from Columbia University’s Peter T. Coleman about how we arrived at this level of polarization.

18m
Dec 15, 2023
Beyond Polarization: Talking It Out

STAT: 79%: The share of Americans who believe access to the internet and social media has made people more divided in their political opinions.  STORY: Social media plays a significant role in society, but data shows that most Americans believe it negatively affects our democracy and contributes to polarization. In this episode of “Beyond Polarization,” we hear how high school senior Eli Tillemann is helping his classmates learn how to embrace diversity of opinions. We also speak with Heidi Hernandez Gatty from Dialectic, an organization that is working with students and others to help promote respectful dialogue.  

20m
Dec 01, 2023
Beyond Polarization: Where Americans Agree

STAT: 65%: The share of Americans who say they always or often feel exhausted when thinking about politics. STORY: Political polarization has become overwhelming for the majority of Americans, with most agreeing that more attention is being paid to partisan fighting than solving the nation’s problems. But there is hope. In this episode of “Beyond Polarization,” we speak with experts from Pew Research Center about how Americans view politics and opportunities to find common ground. We also talk to Mónica Guzmán about how her organization, Braver Angels, is teaching people how to dismantle divisions and disagree better.

21m
Nov 17, 2023
Beyond Polarization: Where We Are Today

STAT: AN INACCURATE “DOUBLE”: Both Democrats and Republicans imagine that almost twice as many of their political opponents hold more extreme views than they really do, according to a study by More in Common. STORY: During times of increased polarization and increasing stresses on democracy, researchers are studying how to break down partisan divides and address misconceptions among members of the public. In the first episode of “Beyond Polarization,” Columbia University professor and author Peter T. Coleman shares what he has learned from his career spent fostering civil dialogue among people with conflicting viewpoints. He discusses how, despite heightened feelings of disagreement across the country, the current conditions are ideal for setting a new course toward better dialogue and understanding.

20m
Nov 03, 2023
Coming Soon: Beyond Polarization

If discussing politics feels different today, that’s because it is. Pew Research Center reports that 65% of Americans say they always or often feel exhausted when thinking about politics because of the country’s deep partisan divisions. As polarization increases and trust declines, how can we move forward together?    We speak with researchers and bridge builders from across the political and generational spectrum in a new season of “After the Fact.” They share how they are facilitating civil dialogue, bridging divides, and protecting our democracy in the process. 

1m
Oct 27, 2023
Strengthening Democracy in America: For the People

STAT: 65%: The percentage of Philadelphians who said the city is “on the wrong track” in 2023.   STORY: Philadelphia is a thriving city with a deep history as the birthplace of American democracy. But Philadelphians, like residents of other large cities, are also grappling with issues such as gun violence, deep poverty, and accessing affordable housing. In a recent survey, 65% of Philadelphians said the city is on the wrong track.   Philadelphia is Pew’s hometown and in this episode, Donna Frisby-Greenwood, who directs the organization’s work in the city, talks about Pew’s legacy and commitment to the residents of Philadelphia—and efforts to make government more responsive to the people. We also hear from Trooper Sanders, CEO of Benefits Data Trust, about the work his organization does to connect people to government benefits they’re eligible for.

14m
Aug 25, 2023
Strengthening Democracy in America: Government in Action

STAT: 60% - The share of U.S. adults who have at least some confidence in the future of the U.S. STORY: A vibrant democracy requires a government responsive to the people it serves. And although polls show strong dissatisfaction with American democracy, Pew Research Center also found that 60% of Americans have at least some confidence in the future of the country. Seeking to build on that confidence, Pew experts in this episode discuss innovative, bipartisan policy approaches that help make government more responsive to the people, including investments in broadband access and early childhood education programs.

20m
Aug 11, 2023
Strengthening Democracy in America: Voice of the People

STAT: 6 IN 10: The share of Americans who are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working in the United States.   STORY: Increased political polarization, shifting societal values, and growing distrust in institutions threatens the public’s confidence in our democratic system. And a recent Pew Research Center survey shows that almost 60% of Americans are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working in the United States. In this episode, we speak to experts from Pew Research Center about the importance of studying public opinion and Americans’ outlook on democracy today. We also speak to Michael Caudell-Feagan of The Pew Charitable Trusts about the ways government is working effectively for people, and about Pew’s historic role in furthering evidence-based policymaking. 

20m
Jul 28, 2023
Strengthening Democracy in America: Making a Difference

STORY: The Pew Charitable Trusts has worked to strengthen democracy in America for 75 years. But today, at a time of growing polarization and waning trust in institutions, those efforts have never been more important. Pew’s nonpartisan, data-driven approach provides facts that offer a shared language about the challenges facing society—and helps disparate parties find common ground. In this episode, Pew’s president and CEO, Susan K. Urahn, talks about Pew’s history and the organization’s efforts to make government more effective. And Jeffrey Rosen of the National Constitution Center discusses how the Constitution is a foundation for resolving disagreement, and why he feels hopeful about America’s future.

22m
Jul 14, 2023
Coming Soon: Strengthening Democracy in America

A vibrant democracy depends upon an effective government that listens to and acts on the will of the people. Even in these polarized times, with many Americans lacking confidence in the nation’s future, there’s reason for optimism about democracy. In a new season of “After the Fact,” we explore how The Pew Charitable Trusts is using data to make a difference and make government more effective—building trust and helping communities thrive. We also speak to some of the people who are working every day to solve problems, strengthen democracy, and create a better future.

1m
Jul 07, 2023
Event Rebroadcast: Reflections on America – Then and Now

Only 19% of Americans are satisfied with the current state of the nation and 58% say that life for people like them is worse today than it was 50 years ago, according to an April  survey from Pew Research Center. During an event on “Strengthening Democracy in America,” part of Pew’s 75th anniversary celebration, filmmaker Ken Burns, Pew Research Center president Michael Dimock, and Syracuse University professor Beverly Kirk discussed those findings before a live and online audience. The panel highlighted the challenges Americans have faced throughout history, how public opinion and civic engagement influence the perception of our democracy, and how lessons learned from the past can help inform the present and future.

31m
May 17, 2023
Event Rebroadcast: In Conversation With Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden

In celebration of Pew’s 75th anniversary, we hosted a special live event titled “Strengthening Democracy in America,” featuring a conversation between Pew’s president and CEO, Sue Urahn, and Carla Hayden, the current librarian of Congress. They discussed how libraries serve as a “bastion of equal opportunity,” providing access to unbiased information, and why an informed citizenry is essential to a strong democracy.

27m
May 17, 2023
Restoring Community: Celebrating Diversity

Belonging to a religious community is linked with higher levels of civic engagement, according to data from Pew Research Center. In the U.S., for example, 69% of people who are religiously active say they also vote in national elections. In this final episode of “Restoring Community,” we travel to Bowie, Maryland, to speak with Tameeka Washington and Stephen Weisman, leaders of the Interfaith Coalition of Bowie, to learn how they’re uniting people across faiths and backgrounds amid the social unrest and other divisions in society today.

15m
May 12, 2023
Restoring Community: Building Understanding

At a time when many people lament divisions in society, some interfaith organizations are showing that seemingly disparate religious groups can bring people together and build community. In this episode of our “Restoring Community” season, we speak to Pew Research Center’s Alan Cooperman about Americans’ generally positive views on religious faiths. We also hear from members of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, including its executive director, Tahija Vikalo. The organization, with chapters throughout the U.S., encourages Muslim and Jewish women to learn more about each other’s lives and religion—building understanding and community. 

15m
Apr 28, 2023
Restoring Community: Embracing Interfaith

Religious diversity is a characteristic that defines American society, and today, more people are embracing interfaith connections. Seventy-two percent of Americans say they have built a relationship with someone from a different religion than their own, according to a survey from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and Interfaith America (formerly Interfaith Youth Core, IFYC). In this episode of “Restoring Community,” we speak with Eboo Patel and Jeff Pinzino from Interfaith America, as well as Bahá’í leader Syda Segovia Taylor, to learn how religious pluralism can build and strengthen community bonds.

17m
Apr 14, 2023
Restoring Community: Valuing Dignity

In this episode, part of our season on “Restoring Community,” we travel to Philadelphia, Pew’s hometown, to learn how Project HOME has created a supportive gathering place for people experiencing homelessness. Although Philadelphia has the highest poverty rate of any big city in America, it has the fewest number of people experiencing street homelessness. We hear from Project HOME’s co-founder Sister Mary Scullion, residents and staff of the nonprofit, and Kristin Romens, who leads the Pew Fund for Health and Human Services, about how Project HOME builds a sense of community as it seeks to end homelessness.

22m
Feb 24, 2023
Restoring Community: Breaking Bread

In this episode of “Restoring Community,” we travel to the Kinship Community Food Center, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We hear from the center’s executive director, Vincent Noth, about how he transformed a former community pantry into a gathering place, and residents share their experiences finding fellowship, belonging, and connection through food.

19m
Feb 10, 2023
Restoring Community: Showing Up

Recent data from the Pew Research Center shows many Americans believe that trust in each other is eroding. But a greater amount—86%—of U.S. adults believe that it is possible to improve people’s confidence in one another. In this episode of “Restoring Community,” we travel to Baltimore’s Cherry Hill neighborhood to learn how Michael and Danielle Battle, co-founders of the nonprofit Restoring Inner City Hope (RICH), are showing up in authentic and vulnerable ways to empower residents and make their community stronger.

18m
Jan 27, 2023
Coming Soon: Restoring Community

Americans’ distrust of government—and of each other—hovers at record high levels. And while communities continue to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing signs of civic renewal. In a new season of “After the Fact,” we travel to cities throughout the country to witness ways that people are gathering across divides to solve complex problems, restore community, and renew the principles of democracy.

2m
Jan 20, 2023
Mental Health in America: In Depth with Dr. Rahul Gupta

In this bonus episode of our “Mental Health in America” season, Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy, talks about the intersection of mental health and substance use issues. Gupta, the first physician to lead the office, also explains how evidence-based treatments are curbing overdoses and discusses the importance of removing barriers such as stigma for those seeking treatment.

17m
Dec 02, 2022
Mental Health in America: Building Healthy Communities

Access to mental health care is a rising concern in communities throughout the country—especially for groups already experiencing challenges connecting with primary care providers. In this episode, Mimi Narayan from Pew’s Health Impact Project outlines the factors that contribute to health disparities and how to make care more equitable. We also hear how immigrant and Indigenous community leaders—Orfelina Feliz Payne from Puentes de Salud and Tahlia Natachu from the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project—are addressing the growing demand for behavioral health services and educating their communities about healthy lifestyles.

17m
Nov 18, 2022
Mental Health in America: The Intersection of Mental Health and Justice

Personnel from America’s emergency response systems are on the front lines answering calls from individuals experiencing mental health crises. In this episode of “Mental Health in America,” Julie Wertheimer, project director for Pew’s work on mental health and justice partnerships, discusses the current state of these response systems and their impact on our criminal justice system. Joseph Getch, CEO of PRS, a Virginia nonprofit that provides behavioral health services, and B.J. Wagner, senior vice president of health and public safety with the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute share how 988 and local 911 efforts are working to protect public safety while connecting people to the care they need.

17m
Nov 11, 2022
Mental Health in America: Connecting Physical and Mental Health

The conversation on acknowledging, identifying, and treating mental health challenges has shifted during the pandemic as a growing number of Americans experience high levels of psychological distress. In this episode we speak to Alec Tyson from The Pew Research Center about how Americans are managing their mental health during difficult times. We’ll also hear from Laura Marques Brown, an ecotherapist, and Chelsey Luger, wellness advocate and author, about their work breaking down stigmas associated with therapy and prioritizing wellness. Luger will also speak about what indigenous knowledge can teach us about maintaining good mental health.

18m
Oct 28, 2022
Mental Health in America: Battling Stigma

Stigma surrounds two growing public health problems in the United States: substance use disorder and suicide. In this episode of “Mental Health in America,” Sheri Doyle, who leads Pew’s substance use prevention and treatment initiative, and Allison Corr, from Pew’s suicide risk reduction project, discuss the rise in these disorders. We also hear from Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, who explains how stigma limits access to treatment, and from Abby Coulter, who shares her personal journey to receive methadone treatment. And Dr. Kimberly Roaten, a clinical psychologist at Parkland Health in Dallas, describes how the hospital is expanding access to care through universal suicide screening.

18m
Oct 14, 2022
Mental Health in America: Where Are We?

The pandemic increased concerns about mental health in America and exposed a lack of access to treatment and a growing demand for services—all issues that existed before the COVID-19 outbreak. In this episode of “Mental Health in America,” NPR health correspondent Rhitu Chatterjee and Catherine Ettman, a researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, explore challenges facing the mental health care system. They’ll also explain the factors that contribute to poor mental health and how investments in the mental health care system can improve access to care.

20m
Sep 30, 2022
Coming Soon: Mental Health in America

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a considerable toll on the nation’s mental health: The percentage of Americans experiencing symptoms of depression has tripled since 2020, and many of these people lack access to mental health care. In a new season, we speak with experts about how the national conversation on mental health is changing, and with people working in communities to find meaningful solutions to this burgeoning crisis.

48s
Sep 23, 2022