Next Question with Katie Couric

Season 11 of Next Question with Katie Couric is cutting through the noise. Tired of political headlines that feel like déjà vu? Wondering if you actually need to care about every controversy? This season, Katie’s asking the same questions—and talking to the people who have real answers. From political insiders to sharp-eyed journalists, she’s breaking down what’s worth your attention (and what’s not), with smarts, sanity, and even a little humor. Because none of us can be tuned in 24/7—but we can stay informed without losing our minds. Premiering April 10th, wherever you get your podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike White is the creator of HBO’s pandemic hit, The White Lotus. With its third season in progress, we look back at a conversation with White about his life before the lux world of The White Lotus. Mike White spent his time on the periphery, creating offbeat characters in movies like ‘Chuck and Buck,’ ‘The Year of the Dog,’ ‘The Good Girl,’ and ‘School of Rock.’ He has also had a few notorious and fairly successful stints on reality tv shows like Survivor and The Amazing Race. What does all of that have to do with the success of The White Lotus? Come find out on this episode of Next Question with Katie Couric! You can stream The White Lotus on HBO Max. The final episode of the third season airs April 6. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the government workers we often overlook are actually heroes? In this eye-opening conversation, Katie sits down with Michael Lewis to explore the unseen work of civil servants who keep our country running—often under relentless attack. They discuss why these jobs have become political targets, what’s at stake when expertise is lost, and how our perceptions of government have been shaped. Drawing from his new book, Who Is Government?, Michael shares eye-opening stories of the people behind the policies—offering a fresh perspective on the critical role they play and why their work matters more than ever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy 50th birthday to Chelsea Handler! We’re honored to host her on her big day and to celebrate her new book, I'll Have What She's Having. Fortunately for us, nothing is off-limits. Katie and Chelsea take on her evolving (and often hilarious) approach to love, sex, and breakups. Chelsea spills on the hard lemonade empire she built as an eight-year-old, her infamous Cuomo crush (yes, those nipples), and why she refuses to be tied down—literally or figuratively. Plus, she and Katie hash out an old grudge, talk psychedelics, and discuss why women need to double down on sisterhood in tough times. Raunchy, raw, and ridiculously funny, this episode is Chelsea at her best. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re looking back at Katie’s 2022 conversation with Adam Scott, who you’ll know from some truly bingeable TV, including “Parks and Rec,” the cult-fave “Party Down,” “Big Little Lies,” and now the psychological thriller, “Severance” from Apple TV. Adam is one of those actors you feel like you know. But going into this conversation, Katie realized she didn’t really know anything about him. On this episode of Next Question with Katie Couric, Katie and Adam talk about his cuss-loving hippie mom, his fondness for forts, and his youthful, almost delusional, drive to become an actor. They dive into the uncanny timeliness of “Severance” and also go back to Adam’s youth and his Harrison Ford ah ha moment. No doubt, you’ll come away loving Adam Scott just as much as you thought you did. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a live conversation at The Strand bookstore, Bill Gates sits down with Katie Couric to reflect on the moments that shaped his journey in life and technology. Gates admits he doesn’t look back often, but in this conversation, he shares generously about his early life: how his parents’ decision to send him to therapy helped him grow, the unforgettable moment when Paul Allen rushed into his Harvard dorm with the spark that led to Microsoft, and how his initial tech optimism has evolved with time. As we approach the AI revolution, Gates reflects on the unexpected consequences of technology and the ways our online lives have rewired how we think. Shifting to today’s political landscape, Gates addresses the disruption caused by the gutting of key agencies under Trump and Elon Musk, while stressing the importance of finding a path forward. It’s a reflective conversation about growth, change, and navigating the challenges of an evolving digital world. NOTABLE MOMENTS (00:53) Bill Gates' Memoir: Early Life and Influences (01:45) Family and Childhood Reflections (03:09) Lessons from Card Games and Family Dynamics (07:30) Rebellious Teen Years and Therapy (14:55) The Birth of Microsoft (20:42) Technology's Impact on Society (23:11) AI and Future Innovations (25:49) Political Views and Global Health (36:00) Pandemic Preparedness and Future Goals See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talkspace CEO Dr. Jon Cohen opens up about the transformative power of telehealth in mental health care and why it matters more than ever. From the struggles teens face to the often-overlooked needs of older adults, Jon shares his personal journey and how Talkspace’s Medicare expansion aims to bridge critical care gaps and bring hope to those who need it most. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Hayes joins Katie for a thought-provoking conversation about the most valuable commodity there is: attention. As the host of MSNBC’s All In, Hayes knows how to grab it—and he's seen who else is competing for it. In his new book The Siren’s Call, he argues that attention has become the ultimate currency in a world where our brains are being rewired by the little sirens in our pockets—our smartphones. He covers it all with Katie – from how exactly we got here to the way the attention economy has radically reshaped our politics, our relationships, and the way we understand the world around us. But there’s also good news--by understanding who’s vying for our attention and how they’re doing it, we can take back control and decide where to focus our energy, rather than having it… well, captured. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naomi Watts, celebrated actress pulls no punches in this raw and hilarious conversation with Katie. At 36, Naomi was blindsided by early menopause just as she dreamed of starting a family. The experience left her feeling isolated and under-informed—until she decided to change the narrative, which she writes about in her new book, Dare I Saw It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause. She’s hell bent on creating a community around women entering menopause, one where stigmas are smashed and stories are shared: everything from estrogen-patch removal mishaps to how to choose a doctor that’s right for you. If you’re ready for a refreshingly real take on menopause, Naomi Watts is here to deliver—she dares, and so should you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Things feel pretty out of control these days, and it’s so tempting to get caught up in what others are doing, and how aggravated they make us. Mel Robbins proposes a new path: The Let Them Theory.” This two-part theory helps us let go of what we can’t control (“Let Them”) and maximize what we can (“Let Me”--because we only control ourselves!) Using extraordinarily candid examples from her own life and practical tips for applying the theory to your own situations, Mel’s latest book is best described by none other than Oprah, who said this is “ this is the single best self help book” she has ever read. High praise! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our season 10 finale, Katie takes a look at standout moments from her conversations with top political minds from both sides of the aisle about the 2024 election and its surprising twists. From Trump’s unexpected coalition to the Democrats’ coulda-woulda-shouldas, this episode serves up sharp insights, candid reflections, new reflections from Katie and a dash of optimism as we face the unpredictable road ahead. See you all next year! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Tarlov, who co-hosts Fox’s The Five (as the lone Democratic voice we might add) and the podcast Raging Moderates, is no stranger to navigating tricky political debates with style and substance. Jessica’s thoughtful prescriptions for Democrats still reeling from November stand out for their sharpness and simplicity–they’re clearly honed from her deep experience debating extensively with people she disagrees with (but also respects and likes). From keeping debates civil to breaking free of partisan echo chambers, Jessica’s conversation with Katie offers a practical, no-nonsense approach to speaking across the aisle and finding some much-needed common ground. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arlie Hochschild, a sociologist from Berkely, has spent a chunk of the last decade in ruby red areas of the United States. During that time she’s written two books: Strangers In Their Own Land (which was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2016) and now, Stolen Pride. Arlie interviewed dozens of people from Pike County, Kentucky–the whitest and second poorest district in the country–to better understand what’s happening in the rust belt and why those voters are so drawn to Donald Trump. In her view, it’s not just about the economy, trans rights, or climate change, but about loss, shame, and ultimately pride. Arlie invites us to open our minds and ears so we can learn about one another and begin to come together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican strategist, vocal Trump critic, and host of “The Warning,” Steve Schmidt poses the million dollar question: Can America’s political guardrails withstand Trump’s chaos? As the President-elect continues to fill his cabinet with a number of controversial picks, Steve warns us of just how dangerous these appointments could be and how cultural amnesia has led us to this moment. Yet while some of the country’s most self-evident processes may now feel uncertain, Steve has faith in the resilience of America and is grateful to be part of this chapter in our history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From her perch as “token conservative” on The View to viral posts on Instagram, Meghan McCain has long been a favorite lightning rod for liberals and conservatives alike. The daughter of legendary war hero and Arizona Republican Senator John McCain, her last name has been derided by some on the MAGA right who believe a “McCain Republican” is the equivalent of a RINO. But as a staunch conservative, she has no place on the left either. It’s not necessarily an enviable vantage point, but it is a crucial one. As America wades into the unknowns of a second Trump term, we will need to find a way to speak to one another, and McCain has some ideas about how to go about that–and how not to. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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