The healthcare system has been thrown into disarray since Robert F Kennedy Jr.’s appointment as Health and Human Services Secretary. He’s changed the childhood vaccine schedule that has been in place for decades, released a new set of dietary guidelines that emphasizes more protein while calling for an end to the “war” on saturated fats, cancelled billions of dollars in grants and, last but not least, launched a cultural movement called Make America Healthy Again. Is he succeeding in that seemingly noble goal? USA TODAY Will Carless sat down for an exclusive interview with the MAHA leader.

Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected]. 

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.

What started as organic food and holistic parenting has evolved into something far more political. USA TODAY's Extremism Reporter Will Carless investigates how “crunchy moms” became a powerful force inside the MAHA — Make America Healthy Again — movement, why anti-vaccine beliefs spread so effectively online and how Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fits into the story. Public health experts warn the consequences could reshape trust in medicine itself.

Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected]. 

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.

It’s been exactly one year since President Donald Trump took the oath of office and laid out his vision for America. As he begins the second year of his second term, USA TODAY spoke to dozens of Americans across the country to hear their take on how the president’s policies have impacted their lives. USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes joins The Excerpt to share some of their stories. 

Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected]. 

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 phrase “we do not care” may sound flippant—but for many women, it’s a form of freedom. Melani Sanders, founder of the We Do Not Care Club, joins The Excerpt to explain how her viral posts opened up overdue conversations about perimenopause, vulnerability, and self-worth and why midlife women are redefining what—and who—they’re willing to show up for.

Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected]. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7th, Americans across the country took notice. The video of her shooting went viral and almost instantaneously, two different versions of what really happened took hold. In one version, the ICE agent was righteously defending his own life with the shooting. In the other, a federal officer had criminally shot and killed an innocent woman. Has the tide turned for how Americans feel about immigration enforcement? For some Minneapolis residents the killing has brought back painful memories of the killing of George Floyd six years ago. USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Christopher Cann joins The Excerpt to dig into all of it.

Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected]. 

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.

A brewing battle involving Netflix, Paramount and Warner Bros. has escalated from deal rumors into lawsuits, political pressure and a broader fight over who controls the future of entertainment. The outcome of this fight could determine what audiences watch, how much they pay and how much power a single company holds over some of Hollywood’s most valuable libraries. CNN Chief Media Analyst Brian Stelter joins The Excerpt to break down what’s really at stake for audiences.

Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected]. 

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 Supreme Court heard arguments for two landmark transgender athlete cases on Tuesday – one based in West Virginia and one in Idaho - both of which were brought by transgender women contesting the legality of their state’s ban on transgender female athletes. USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe joins The Excerpt to share her analysis.

Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected]. 

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 reach of American might is rapidly spreading in real time. In the aftermath of recent US military action in Venezuela, the Trump administration is considering military interventions in even more countries. Has the president’s “America First” promise faded, giving rise to what some have called the “Don-roe Doctrine”? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers joins The Excerpt to talk about Trump's increasing bluster with regards to Iran, Greenland, Colombia, Cuba and beyond.

Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected]. 

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.

On January 3, 2026, US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flew him to New York to face drug charges. While his arrest has led to questions regarding who will control Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, Venezuelan immigrants are now left wondering how long they will be allowed to remain in the U.S. USA TODAY National News Reporter Lauren Villagran joins The Excerpt to discuss how the fall of Maduro is playing out in Venezuelan immigrant communities in America.

Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected]. 

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 an attempt to rewrite history, the White House published a new web page on January 6th, calling the people who charged the Capitol and assaulted Capitol Police "unfairly targeted, overcharged and used as political examples." Is this revisionist history or are there two legitimate sides to this story? USA Today White House correspondent Bart Jansen and National Correspondent Sarah Wire join The Excerpt to share their reporting.

Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to [email protected]. 

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.