The Excerpt

Oprah Winfrey opens up about trusting her intuition and embracing reinvention as she promotes a new immersive event in Las Vegas April 2-4. In a wide-ranging conversation with USA TODAY Executive Editor of Entertainment Wendy Naugle, she shares why she’s still focused on helping people change their lives and why she believes new beginnings are always possible. 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 .

Author and USA TODAY National Enterprise Editor Jeremy Redmon joins The Excerpt to discuss “Tell the Kids I Love Them,” his memoir about war, fatherhood, love and loss. Through audio tapes recorded during the Vietnam War, family memories and years of searching, Redmon pieces together the life of his father, Donald, and confronts the questions his family carried after Donald’s death by suicide. This episode includes discussions of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support available 24/7. 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 .

HBO’s The Pitt enters Emmy night with a leading 25 nominations , but the biggest story may be what its success says about television’s future. Ralphie Aversa, USA TODAY senior entertainment correspondent, joins us to break down the breakout nominees and the industry trends shaping TV right now. 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 .

Thomas E. Franklin, former Bergen Record photographer, reflects on September 11, 2001, recounting his journey into Ground Zero and the split-second decisions that led to one of the most recognizable images in American history . He joins Mike Kelly, a columnist for The Record in New Jersey and USA TODAY, to share what he saw and why the photograph still resonates decades later. 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 .

Twenty-five years after the attacks, today’s students know 9/11 through history lessons rather than personal memory . Dexter Southfield Head of School Peter Folan joins USA TODAY's The Excerpt to explain how educators balance the tragedy of that day with stories of resilience, service, and unity. Hear how schools are helping a new generation understand why 9/11 still matters. 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 .

Twenty-five years after 9/11, Mike Kelly, columnist for The Record of northern New Jersey and author of “After Ground Zero,” reflects on the ordinary Americans whose lives were forever changed . From survivors and first responders to grieving families, he explores the human stories behind the tragedy. 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 .

In the now 25 years since the attack on 9/11, our world has drastically changed . The way we live our lives, the way we travel, the way we interact with our government, the way our government surveils us – all of it – changed. How exactly? USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page joins The Excerpt to share her insights. 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 .

Flock cameras capture license plates and vehicle details, creating a searchable record of where cars have been seen. USA TODAY Investigative Data Reporter Austin Fast explains how USA TODAY's analysis of 75 million searches uncovered troubling patterns , including officers repeatedly tracking the same vehicles, and why the findings are intensifying concerns about privacy, surveillance and oversight. 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 .

Opposition to Big Tech is creating a rare point of agreement across the political divide . USA TODAY National Reporter Christopher Cann explains why communities are resisting massive data centers, AI-powered surveillance, Flock cameras and the rapid spread of artificial intelligence. 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 .

Being White House press secretary means long days, constant travel and being available almost around the clock. For parents of young children, those demands can come with a high cost. Karoline Leavitt is leaving the role months after having her second child, saying she wants more time with her family. But she isn't the first. USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield found that several recent press secretaries who were mothers described similar pressures. She joins The Excerpt to explain why mothers have tended to spend less time in the job than their predecessors and what their experiences reveal about a broader challenge facing working mothers. 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 .

The end of Temporary Protected Status for many Haitian immigrants has transformed Miami's Little Haiti . Businesses are quieter and churches are emptier, while many families weigh impossible choices. USA TODAY National Correspondent Chris Kenning joins The Excerpt after reporting from the heart of the community to explore the economic and human toll of losing deportation protections. 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 .

Democrats sharply criticized President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. But many are now championing one of its biggest health care investments: a $50 billion Rural Health… . Why the change? And can the funding make a meaningful difference as millions of Americans confront rising healthcare costs? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison joins The Excerpt to explain what the program does and whether it can offset looming Medicaid cuts. 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 .

We’re now six months into the US-Israeli War in Iran , a war with seemingly no end in sight. It’s cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars and the lives of 18 servicemen. Does President Donald Trump have an exit strategy? USA TODAY Bureau Chief Susan Page breaks down where we are at the half year mark. 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 .

Dolly Parton was more than a country music legend . She was a songwriter, storyteller, philanthropist and cultural force whose work helped people feel seen. From timeless songs like "Coat of Many Colors," "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You" to her commitment to childhood literacy and disaster relief, her influence reached far beyond entertainment. USA TODAY National Music Reporter Melissa Ruggieri joins The Excerpt to reflect on the legacy of Dolly Parton. 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 .

For months, sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln remained at sea as their expected return home was pushed further and further back . Their families watched graduations, weddings and other milestones pass without them, while hearing accounts of supply shortages, broken facilities and difficult conditions aboard the carrier. Now, as the Lincoln finally begins its return, USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Chris Quintana joins The Excerpt to explain what families say sailors endured, what the Navy has said in response and why lawmakers are questioning whether the military is prepared to support crews through deployments this long. 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 .

At Camp Simcha in New York’s Catskill Mountains, children with cancer, chronic illnesses and complex disabilities receive round-the-clock medical care while swimming, climbing, making friends and gaining independence . USA TODAY Youth Mental Health Reporter Rachel Hale explains how the camp gives kids experiences that can otherwise feel out of reach — and offers their parents a rare break from full-time caregiving. 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 .

For years, Republicans have had a lock on those who base their vote on their religious preferences and values, something that has only grown with the rise of the evangelical right, but this year an unusually high number of Democratic candidates in red states are sharing their faith in an effort to connect with voters in the midterm elections. Will it work? USA TODAY Senior National Politics Reporter Sarah D. Wire joins The Excerpt to share her reporting. 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 .

Picture this: A software engineer logs onto Zoom for a coding interview. No interviewer ever shows up. Another job seeker has sent out roughly 5,000 applications to no avail. And then there are the jobs that may not really be available at all — listings for positions companies may have paused, plan to fill internally, or are simply using to build a future talent pool. All of this has many people asking: is the hiring process broken? USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Rachel Hale joins The Excerpt to share her deep dive into the state of hiring. 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 .

Content creator wasn't a career path most colleges considered a generation ago. Today, it's one of the fastest growing ambitions among young people. Arizona State University is responding with a new Bachelor of Arts in content creation, designed to teach students everything from storytelling and audience trust to navigating AI and ever-changing algorithms. Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Practice in Journalism & Mass Communication at Arizona State University Jessica Pucci joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the launch of the program. 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 .

Nearly six months into the war with Iran, Republicans are growing increasingly anxious about what the conflict could mean for the midterms . Rising gas prices and broader affordability concerns are putting pressure on GOP candidates, while divisions over the war are exposing tensions within President Donald Trump’s own political coalition. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Zac Anderson joins The Excerpt to discuss why Iran has become such a difficult issue for Republicans, how some MAGA supporters are responding and the choices facing Trump as campaign season heats up. 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 .