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The NPR Politics Podcast

Every weekday, NPR's best political reporters are there to explain the big news coming out of Washington and the campaign trail. They don't just tell you what happened. They tell you why it matters. Every afternoon.Political wonks - get wonkier with The NPR Politics Podcast+. Your subscription suppo...

Episodes 1,970
Books 140

Recently mentioned

Latest Recommendations

George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series): A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons cover

George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series)

George R. R. Martin

Mentioned 5 months ago

Another government shutdown looms -- what you need to know

The hosts likened the massive ice buildup on their driveway to the towering ice wall depicted in the novel, highlighting how severe the winter conditions felt.

our driveway would get like a Game of Thrones level ice wall. You know, six to eight feet high. Okay. It's not Game of Thrones level exactly. But six to eight feet of ice is pretty tough.

Buy on Amazon
1984 cover

1984

George Orwell

Mentioned 6 months ago

Week in politics: Minneapolis ICE shooting and congressional Republicans defect

The host quoted Orwell's novel 1984 while discussing the governor's press conference, noting its relevance to calls for democracy and accountability.

And he was, you know, quoting Orwell from 1984 and talking about Minnesotans needing to hold the line on democracy and to hold the line on decency and accountability.

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Trump: The Art of the Deal cover

Trump

Donald J. Trump

Mentioned 6 months ago

Year In Review: Trump's Economy

The hosts noted that Trump prefers oneonone negotiations, describing his style as "the art of the deal".

He likes the oneonone thing of going into a room, doing the art of the deal, as he might put it, and quite frankly, strongarming other countries into doing what he would like them to do.

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Waiting to Exhale cover

Waiting to Exhale

Terry McMillan

Mentioned 6 months ago

Year In Review: Congress' Successes & Failures

The hosts mentioned revisiting TerryMcMillan's novelWaiting to Exhale during the season finale of the "Books We've Loved" podcast.

On the season finale of Books We've Loved, we're hanging out with four friends looking for love in all the wrong places. We are revisiting Terry McMillan's Waiting to Exhale with Brittany Luce from It's Been a Minute.

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Dogs: 101 Adorable Breeds: 101 Adorable Breeds cover

Dogs

Rachael Hale

Mentioned 8 months ago

22 Million Could Lose Healthcare Subsidies Next Month, Unless Congress Acts

The host mentioned that they owned a 101 Dog Breed book and noted that the breed being discussed was not included in it.

Also, this is a dog breed I've never heard of. I'm pretty sure I have the 101 Dog Breed book, and this is not one that I know of. So, want to know more? Send a pic.

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Guinness World Records 2025 cover

Guinness World Records 2025

Guinness World Records

Mentioned 8 months ago

House Releases 23,000 Pages Of Epstein Documents, Trump Calls It A ‘Hoax’

The hosts referred to the Guinness Book of World Records when discussing a French student's sixandahalfhour bicycle wheelie record, noting that the achievement was listed in the book and that some of their kids keep the book at home.

And that is a Guinness Book of World Record now given to 19yearold engineering student.

Buy on Amazon
The Joy Luck Club: A Novel (Penguin Drop Caps) cover

The Joy Luck Club

Amy Tan

Mentioned 8 months ago

Tucker Carlson Interview Ignites Debate Over Antisemitism Among Conservatives

The hosts referenced Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club while introducing a segment of their Books We've Loved series that explored generational differences.

Mothers and daughters, daughters and mothers. We explore the generational divide on our latest episode of Books We've Loved about Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club.

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Interview with the Vampire cover

Interview with the Vampire

Anne Rice

Mentioned 8 months ago

Trump Promised To Designate Antifa A Terrorist Group. Why Does That Matter?

The hosts highlighted the novel while promoting a spookyseason segment of the Books We've Loved series, noting its relevance to horror and its discussion with Barry Hardiman.

We are now in spooky season. And on this week's episode of Books We've Loved, we discuss all things Interview with the Vampire with NPR's Barry Hardiman.

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Frankenstein: The Original 1818 Unabridged and Complete Edition (A Mary Shelley Classics cover

Frankenstein

Mary Shelley

Mentioned 8 months ago

Roundup: A Trade War With Canada, Inflation Ticks Up, And The Shutdown Persists

The hosts referenced Guillermo del Toro's interview about his lifelong obsession with Frankenstein and his new adaptation featuring a creature tormented by eternal life.

I interviewed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro about his lifelong obsession with Frankenstein and his new adaptation in which the creature is tormented by eternal life.

Buy on Amazon
Pride and Prejudice cover

Pride and Prejudice

Jane Austen

Mentioned 9 months ago

How The Sale Of A Voting Machine Company Could Affect 2026 Midterm Elections

The hosts highlighted the novel as part of a celebration of Austen's 250th birthday, noting its status as her most famous work and featuring discussion on the Books We've Loved segment.

Jane Austen turns 250 in December. And what better way to celebrate than reading her most famous book, Pride and Prejudice? This week on Books We've Loved, we explore Austen's seminal work with pop culture happy hours' Linda Holmes and hear from superfan author Casey McQuiston.

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Alligator Tears: A Memoir in Essays cover

Alligator Tears

Edgar Gomez

Mentioned 9 months ago

No Budging From Congressional Leaders As Government Shutdown Begins

The hosts noted that the new memoir by Edgar Gomez examined whether the American Dream was a scam.

Is the American Dream a scam? Alligator Tears, a new memoir by Edgar Gomez, tackles that question.

Buy on Amazon
Hamlet cover

Hamlet

William Shakespeare

Mentioned 1 year ago

What Does The Federal Response To Texas Floods Indicate About FEMA's Future?

A listener identified the Shakespearean passage as being from Hamlet.

Okay, pop quiz. Which Shakespearean work was that from? Oh, no. That is, I think, Hamlet.

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Most Recommended

The Hispanic Republican: The Shaping of an American Political Identity, from Nixon to Trump Cover

Geraldo Cadava

The Hispanic Republican

The Shaping of an American Political Identity, from Nixon to Trump

The hosts introduced the book as the central focus of the episode, examining its historical analysis of Hispanic Republican identity. Danielle Kurtzleben highlighted the author and the title, framing the discussion around how the work traces the evolution of this political group from Nixon to Trump.

Highly Recommended
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Episode: Latino Voters, Trump, And The Republican Party

The hosts introduced and discussed Cadava's book as the central focus of the episode, examining its historical analysis of Hispanic Republican identity.

"

Geraldo Cadava, author of The Hispanic Republican.

The book is The Hispanic Republican.

Episode: Here's How Politicians Pick Their Voters

The episode concluded by announcing this as the next book club selection, encouraging listeners to obtain and discuss it.

"

We want to remind all of you listeners that our next book is The Hispanic Republican by Geraldo Cadava. It should be super timely ahead of the midterms.

Abortion and the Law in America: Roe v. Wade to the Present Cover

Mary Ziegler

Abortion and the Law in America

Roe v. Wade to the Present

The book was highlighted as part of Mary Ziegler's extensive scholarship on abortion law, with the host and guests introducing her as an expert in the field. Both episodes referenced her authorship to underscore her authority on the legal history of Roe v. Wade, but did not delve into detailed analysis of its content. The overall tone was informative and supportive of her expertise.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Why Two Experts Think The Supreme Court Is Prepare...

Mary Ziegler was identified as the author of this book, which was highlighted as one of her multiple works on abortion law.

"

and she's written multiple books on abortion, including Abortion and the Law in America.

Episode: The Docket: After A Half Century, Roe V. Wade Face...

The host introduced Mary Ziegler as the author of the book and later referenced her by name and title, indicating her expertise on the subject.

"

Our special guest is Professor Mary Ziegler, an expert on law and reproductive politics and the author of Abortion and the Law in America.

Mary Ziegler, author of Abortion and Law in America.

Suicide of the West: How the Rebirth of Tribalism, Populism, Nationalism, and Identity Politics is Destroying American Democracy Cover

Jonah Goldberg

Suicide of the West

How the Rebirth of Tribalism, Populism, Nationalism, and Identity Politics is Destroying American Democracy

Lozada noted that the best books on the economicanxiety versus racialprejudice debate often combine both themes, citing the book Identity Politics as an example.

"

the best books on the topic don't make it either or they combine both like the book Identity Politics, which talks about racialized economics.

— Episode: What Were We Thinking? : Carlos Lozada O...

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Episode: What Were We Thinking? : Carlos Lozada On The Trum...

Lozada noted that the best books on the economicanxiety versus racialprejudice debate often combine both themes, citing the book Identity Politics as an example.

"

the best books on the topic don't make it either or they combine both like the book Identity Politics, which talks about racialized economics.

In This Economy?: How Money & Markets Really Work Cover

Kyla Scanlon

In This Economy?

How Money & Markets Really Work

The host introduced the author as the writer of the title and invited her onto the show to discuss tariffs and tax cuts, without providing a detailed endorsement or critique of the book.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: How Trump's Tariffs Plan Might Work

The host introduced Kyla Scanlon as the author of In This Economy while welcoming her to discuss tariffs and tax cuts.

"

Joining me to discuss all this is Kyla Scanlon, economic commentator and author of In This Economy. Kyla, welcome to the show.

Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health Cover

Casey Means MD

Good Energy

The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health

The hosts noted that the author had released a bestselling self‑help diet title that explored chronic disease and criticized Western healthcare's focus on symptoms rather than root causes. They highlighted the book's emphasis on metabolism and holistic health, positioning it as a notable contribution to the conversation on health policy.

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Episode: Roundup: Immigration Policies; New Surgeon General...

The hosts noted that Casey Means had published a bestseller titled Good Energy, a selfhelp diet book addressing chronic disease and critiquing Western healthcare approaches.

"

What really brought her, you know, into the mainstream area is that she published a bestselling book called Good Energy, kind of a selfhelp diet book about chronic disease and the problems with our Western style of health care and its lack of focus on root causes.

The Trump Indictments: The Historic Charging Documents with Commentary Cover

Melissa Murray

The Trump Indictments

The Historic Charging Documents with Commentary

The upcoming book was noted as being coauthored by Melissa Murray and focuses on the legal indictments involving Donald Trump.

"

Melissa Murray, a lawyer and professor at NYU School of Law. She's the coauthor of the upcoming book, The Trump Indictments.

— Episode: Trump's Trials: Why lawyers say 'never w...

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Episode: Trump's Trials: Why lawyers say 'never write anyth...

The upcoming book was noted as being coauthored by Melissa Murray and focuses on the legal indictments involving Donald Trump.

"

Melissa Murray, a lawyer and professor at NYU School of Law. She's the coauthor of the upcoming book, The Trump Indictments.

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism Cover

Dr. Robin DiAngelo

White Fragility

Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

The hosts noted that Chelsea Handler had read "White Fragility" and discussed how the book addresses white privilege and the difficulty of talking about race.

"

These days, Chelsea handler tries to keep her and her friends white privilege in check. She starts like really getting weepy. And I was like, well, what are you doing? Right? You just said you read

— Episode: Weekly Roundup: July 10th, 2020

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Episode: Weekly Roundup: July 10th, 2020

The hosts noted that Chelsea Handler had read "White Fragility" and discussed how the book addresses white privilege and the difficulty of talking about race.

"

These days, Chelsea handler tries to keep her and her friends white privilege in check. She starts like really getting weepy. And I was like, well, what are you doing? Right? You just said you read White Fragility. You cannot talk about being white. Can't cry. And start to cry.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Original Text Cover

Mark Twain

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Original Text

The hosts compared the show to the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, asking if it was better.

"

Do you think it was better than The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?

— Episode: Trump And The Ukraine Call — What Happen...

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Episode: Trump And The Ukraine Call — What Happened And Wha...

The hosts compared the show to the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, asking if it was better.

"

Do you think it was better than The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?

The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine Cover

Michael Lewis

The Big Short

Inside the Doomsday Machine

The book was referenced as a film that illustrated the existence of two separate judicial systems in the United States.

"

Well, this certainly became a huge piece of the political conversation after the 2008 financial collapse. You know, The Big Short, for example, was an entire movie essentially created...

— Episode: Biden Says He'll Make His Supreme Court...

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Episode: Biden Says He'll Make His Supreme Court Pick By Th...

The book was referenced as a film that illustrated the existence of two separate judicial systems in the United States.

"

Well, this certainly became a huge piece of the political conversation after the 2008 financial collapse. You know, The Big Short, for example, was an entire movie essentially created around this idea that there just are two different judicial systems in this country.

Hunger Games 4-Book Hardcover Box Set (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) Cover

Suzanne Collins

Hunger Games 4-Book Hardcover Box Set (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes)

During the episode the hosts referenced the book as a comparison to a proposed reality‑show concept for undocumented immigrants, noting its dystopian feel and how public sentiment could turn against such a premise. Domenico Montanaro made the analogy, highlighting the parallels to the story’s themes.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Roundup: Trump visits the Middle East

The hosts likened a proposed realityshow pitch for undocumented immigrants to the premise of "The Hunger Games," noting the dystopian analogy while discussing the idea.

"

Yeah, you can't help but think of like Hunger Games or Squid Games.

It does actually kind of feel like a thing that could backfire... the Hunger Games is like once the public got to know these characters, they didn't actually want them to go like do all this bad stuff to each other.

George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series): A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons Cover

George R. R. Martin

George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series)

A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons

The hosts likened the massive ice buildup on their driveway to the towering ice wall depicted in the novel, highlighting how severe the winter conditions felt.

"

our driveway would get like a Game of Thrones level ice wall. You know, six to eight feet high. Okay. It's not Game of Thrones level exactly. But six to eight feet of ice is pretty tough.

— Episode: Another government shutdown looms -- wha...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Another government shutdown looms -- what you need...

The hosts likened the massive ice buildup on their driveway to the towering ice wall depicted in the novel, highlighting how severe the winter conditions felt.

"

our driveway would get like a Game of Thrones level ice wall. You know, six to eight feet high. Okay. It's not Game of Thrones level exactly. But six to eight feet of ice is pretty tough.

The Shadow Docket: How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic Cover

Stephen Vladeck

The Shadow Docket

How the Supreme Court Uses Stealth Rulings to Amass Power and Undermine the Republic

They noted that Stephen Vladeck had authored a book called The Shadow Docket, which examined the Supreme Court's emergency docket and its increasing use.

"

University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck, who's written a book called, not incidentally, The Shadow Docket, says that the thing is when the court issues these orders, the ide...

— Episode: Looming Default, SCOTUS Shadow Docket, A...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Looming Default, SCOTUS Shadow Docket, And 1000 Da...

They noted that Stephen Vladeck had authored a book called The Shadow Docket, which examined the Supreme Court's emergency docket and its increasing use.

"

University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck, who's written a book called, not incidentally, The Shadow Docket, says that the thing is when the court issues these orders, the idea is that these cases will come back later for a formal decision by the court with full briefing and oral argument.

Reading the Constitution: Why I Chose Pragmatism, Not Textualism Cover

Stephen Breyer

Reading the Constitution

Why I Chose Pragmatism, Not Textualism

The panel discussed Justice Stephen Breyer's newly promoted book, noting its plain title and commenting that it lacked a more provocative name.

"

there was only one book that was facing forward and that was his book the one that he was promoting ... Reading the Constitution.

— Episode: Roundup: Insurrection Act; Campaign Spen...

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Episode: Roundup: Insurrection Act; Campaign Spending

The panel discussed Justice Stephen Breyer's newly promoted book, noting its plain title and commenting that it lacked a more provocative name.

"

there was only one book that was facing forward and that was his book the one that he was promoting ... Reading the Constitution.

Reading the Constitution ... yawn but like I'm sure he could come up with something more provocative than that for goodness sake.

Frankenstein: The Original 1818 Unabridged and Complete Edition (A Mary Shelley Classics Cover

Mary Shelley

Frankenstein

The Original 1818 Unabridged and Complete Edition (A Mary Shelley Classics

The hosts referenced an interview with Guillermo del Toro, noting his lifelong fascination with Frankenstein and his upcoming adaptation that explores a creature tormented by eternal life. The discussion highlighted the story's enduring relevance but did not specifically recommend the edition.

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Roundup: A Trade War With Canada, Inflation Ticks...

The hosts referenced Guillermo del Toro's interview about his lifelong obsession with Frankenstein and his new adaptation featuring a creature tormented by eternal life.

"

I interviewed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro about his lifelong obsession with Frankenstein and his new adaptation in which the creature is tormented by eternal life.

The Devil Wears Prada: A Novel Cover

Lauren Weisberger

The Devil Wears Prada

A Novel

The hosts mentioned the novel while noting plans for a sequel to its film adaptation, describing it as a lighthearted option they enjoy.

"

I was reading that there are plans for this Devil Wears Prada sequel and I don't know if you all saw the original, but I loved the movie. I love lighthearted things that I don't have to think about th...

— Episode: Roundup: Dems Fret; GOP Prepares; Majest...

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Episode: Roundup: Dems Fret; GOP Prepares; Majestic Mustach...

The hosts mentioned the novel while noting plans for a sequel to its film adaptation, describing it as a lighthearted option they enjoy.

"

I was reading that there are plans for this Devil Wears Prada sequel and I don't know if you all saw the original, but I loved the movie. I love lighthearted things that I don't have to think about that much when I watch TV or films and The Devil Wears Prada is like that. But Entertainment Weekly is reporting that a bunch of people from the original cast are in talks to come back, including Meryl Streep. So the chances of it still being good are high?

Dr. Seuss's Beginner Book Boxed Set Collection: The Cat in the Hat; One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish; Green Eggs and Ham; Hop on Pop; Fox in Socks Cover

Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss's Beginner Book Boxed Set Collection

The Cat in the Hat; One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish; Green Eggs and Ham; Hop on Pop; Fox in Socks

The book was mentioned in a lighthearted reference to Senator Ted Cruz reading it during a Senate event, illustrating the unusual tactics some politicians have used.

"

I'm thinking Ted Cruz reading Green Eggs and Ham at one point among other things.

— Episode: The Eight-Hour Speech That Made Bernie S...

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Episode: The Eight-Hour Speech That Made Bernie Sanders A H...

The book was mentioned in a lighthearted reference to Senator Ted Cruz reading it during a Senate event, illustrating the unusual tactics some politicians have used.

"

I'm thinking Ted Cruz reading Green Eggs and Ham at one point among other things.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Rise and Shine) Cover

Eric Carle

The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Rise and Shine)

Aisha recalled that during the pandemic she was able to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar each night to her children without the need for Zoom or FaceTime.

"

I had to read so many bedtime stories over Zoom, like so many bedtime stories over Zoom. This year I didn't have to read any bedtime stories over Zoom.

— Episode: What Will Justice And Foreign Policy Loo...

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Episode: What Will Justice And Foreign Policy Look Like Und...

Aisha recalled that during the pandemic she was able to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar each night to her children without the need for Zoom or FaceTime.

"

I had to read so many bedtime stories over Zoom, like so many bedtime stories over Zoom. This year I didn't have to read any bedtime stories over Zoom.

I got to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar almost every night without FaceTime or Zoom.

Jaws: A Novel Cover

Peter Benchley

Jaws

A Novel

In the episode, the hosts discussed the novel's cultural influence, noting that it contributed to a decline in shark populations and expressing regret over that impact. They highlighted how both the book and its film adaptation sparked fear of sharks, leading to environmental consequences. Overall, the book was critiqued for its unintended negative effect.

Critiqued
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Episode: Budget Battles & Conversations With China

The panel discussed the novel "Jaws," linking it to the cultural impact that led to a decline in shark populations.

"

And there has been some crediting to the movie and the book. I truly and to this day regret the decimation of the shark population because of the book and the film.

The Notebook Cover

Nicholas Sparks

The Notebook

Sarah noted that Britney Spears once auditioned for the lead role in The Notebook, calling it the iconic romance film of her generation.

"

Britney Spears was cast as the lead role in The Notebook, which is the iconic romance film, particularly for my generation.

— Episode: Roundup: GOP Boosts Power By Gerrymander...

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Episode: Roundup: GOP Boosts Power By Gerrymandering North...

Sarah noted that Britney Spears once auditioned for the lead role in The Notebook, calling it the iconic romance film of her generation.

"

Britney Spears was cast as the lead role in The Notebook, which is the iconic romance film, particularly for my generation.

The Shining Cover

Stephen King

The Shining

Ashley mentioned that the Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King to write The Shining.

"

This hotel is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining.

— Episode: Roundup: GOP Boosts Power By Gerrymander...

Listen on Audible 7-day free trial

Episode: Roundup: GOP Boosts Power By Gerrymandering North...

Ashley mentioned that the Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King to write The Shining.

"

This hotel is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write The Shining.

Note: The book recommendations on this page are discovered automatically from podcast transcripts, and may be incorrect or incomplete.