Post Reports

Fartlek is a Swedish term for “speed play.” This informal version of interval training is simple, effective and dare we say … enjoyable? And not just because "fartlek" is fun to say.

Exercise columnist Gretchen Reynolds is here to vouch for this often-overlooked, decades-old practice. Reynolds, who helped popularize the 7-minute workout, has found that a growing body of research points to the benefits of this approach, even in small doses. According to exercise scientists, it can improve strength, endurance and longevity, and may even lower the risk of dementia. 

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Don’t like to exercise? Try this simple, science-backed trick.

Being in shape is better for longevity than being thin, new study shows

Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon and mixed by Sam Bair. It was edited by Maggie Penman. Thanks to Anjuman Ali.

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Belinda is one of the few decent people on “The White Lotus,” the sharp satire populated with miserable rich people on vacation. Belinda is back for Season 3, and host Martine Powers knew she wanted to talk to the actress who plays her. 

Today’s show was produced by Ariel Plotnick. It was edited by Maggie Penman and mixed by Sam Bair. 

Senior political reporter Aaron Blake talks with Supreme Court reporter Justin Jouvenal and Democracy reporter Colby Itkowitz about how President Donald Trump is testing the power of the courts — and trying to expand his own authority in the process. They break down the cases facing the executive branch right now, what Trump and his allies are saying about them, and why some experts say Trump’s actions run afoul of the constitution.

Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Reena Flores and Rachel Van Dongen and mixed by Ted Muldoon.

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Ronny Chieng’s approach to comedy, along with his expanding TV and film portfolio, have put him on The Washington Post’s first-ever “Post Next 50” list – 50 people shaping our society this year. In this conversation with Elahe Izadi, he reflects on why he works to write jokes for his stand-up in a way that anyone can appreciate, even if they’re coming from a different perspective, and why the work of “The Daily Show” is crucial. 

By the way, Martine Powers interviewed another name on the “Post Next 50” list. You can catch her conversation with Congresswoman Sarah McBride here. 

Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson, with help from Ted Muldoon, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Renita Jablonski.

Special thanks to Evan Bretos, Hope Corrigan, Bronwen Latimer, Daniela Santamarina and Maggie Penman.

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Today on “Post Reports,” how USAID entered President Donald Trump’s crosshairs. And, how his freeze on foreign aid has affected vulnerable people around the world.

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On the first day of his second term in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order freezing foreign aid for 90 days. The suspension was part of the president’s effort to slash public spending, remake the federal government and align foreign policy more closely with his “America First” agenda. And it had near-immediate consequences.

Today on “Post Reports,” The Post’s West Africa bureau chief Rachel Chason relays the fears of a refugee camp coordinator in Mauritania, where more than 115,000 residents rely on American aid. 

And, host Martine Powers speaks with national security reporter Missy Ryan about why the Trump administration has focused its sights on the U.S. Agency for International Development, the legal roadblocks they may face, and how an aid freeze could impact the United States' standing around the world. 

Today’s show was produced by Rennie Svirnovskiy, with help from Elana Gordon. It was edited by Peter Bresnan, with help from Lucy Perkins, and mixed by Sam Bair. Thanks to Katharine Houreld, Amy Fiscus and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. 

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Sarah McBride was elected to the House of Representatives in 2024, representing Delaware's lone congressional district — and becoming the first openly transgender member of Congress. 

She’s become a target for her conservative colleagues — but she’s also determined to work with Republicans. She joins Martine Powers to talk about how she makes that work and what she thinks Democrats can do now.

Rep. Sarah McBride is part of “Post Next 50,” The Post’s project profiling 50 people shaping our society in 2025. The full list can be found here. 

Today’s show was produced by Emma Talkoff. It was edited by Maggie Penman and mixed by Sam Bair. Thank you to Lucas Trevor.

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Host Martine Powers talks with health reporter Lena Sun about the connection between bird flu and egg prices. She also explains what consumers should know about how bird flu spreads and whether the cost of eggs will drop any time soon. 

Today’s show was produced by Ariel Plotnick with help from Rennie Svirnovskiy. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and mixed by Sam Bair. Thanks also to Lynh Bui. 

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Over the last five years Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs have dominated the NFL and the national sports spotlight. They are looking for a historic third straight Super Bowl win this weekend in New Orleans. On the other side of the ball is the Philadelphia Eagles. Led by star running back Saquon Barkley, they are seeking their first championship since 2018. 

Today on the show, host Ava Wallace is joined by national sports reporter Adam Kilgore and sports columnist Candace Buckner. They discuss Kansas City’s quest for history, Philadelphia’s chance for redemption, and the players who could make the difference.

Today’s episode was produced by Lucas Trevor and Ted Muldoon, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Maggie Penman and Dan Steinberg. 

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Senior political reporter Aaron Blake talks with senior national political correspondent Naftali Bendavid and national politics reporter Hannah Knowles about President Donald Trump's proposal to “take over” Gaza, displace Palestinians and remake it as the “riviera” of the Middle East. They also dig into Trump's use of tariffs as bargaining chips and the lack of resistance to Trump policies from both parties.

Today’s show was produced by Peter Bresnan. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and Rachel Van Dongen and mixed by Sam Bair.

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As the Trump administration ramps up immigration arrests, it’s promoting a simple story: They are getting the dangerous criminals out. But to get to the massive numbers of deportations that President Donald Trump has promised, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is also arresting people without violent or criminal offenses on their records. Those arrests have spread fear among undocumented immigrants and their family members.

Today, a look inside two recent ICE arrests. First, host Martine Powers speaks with immigration reporter Nick Miroff about his recent ride along with ICE in New York City. Then, a visit to Newark, New Jersey, where investigative immigration reporter Silvia Foster-Frau reported on ICE’s arrest of three men working at a seafood distributor.

Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff and Emma Talkoff. It was edited by Reena Flores with help from Maggie Penman. It was mixed by Sam Bair. Thanks to Jenna Johnson.

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