Diane Rehm: On My Mind

WAMU 88.5

Diane Rehm’s weekly podcast features newsmakers, writers, artists and thinkers on the issues she cares about most: what’s going on in Washington, ideas that inform, and the latest on living well as we live longer.

6hr 40min

Thumbnail for "The nation's first Black female billionaire on resilience, creativity, and following her passions".

A Diane Rehm Book Club conversation with Sheila Johnson, the nation's first Black female billionaire, recorded live at WAMU's Black Box Theater. They discussed her memoir "Walk Through Fire."

July 11, 20241hr 3min60.26 MB

Thumbnail for "Fact-checking the 2024 election".

Glenn Kessler is the chief writer of the Fact Checker column in the Washington Post. He joins Diane to talk about truth and lies in the 2024 election.

September 5, 202425min 35sec24.56 MB

Thumbnail for "A discussion of "My Brilliant Friend," the NYT's book of the century so far".

The New York Times recently ranked the top hundred books of the century so far. The number one spot went to "My Brilliant Friend" by Elena Ferrante. In 2015 Diane hosted an in-depth discussion of the novel – and the mystery surrounding its author. We revisit that conversation.

August 29, 202443min 29sec41.79 MB

Thumbnail for "The case for abolishing the Electoral College".

Revisiting Diane’s 2020 with Jesse Wegman, author of “Let the People Pick the President.” They talked about the creation of the Electoral College and why he says it’s time to rethink our presidential election system.

August 22, 202436min 4sec69.28 MB

Thumbnail for "Behind the rising cost of veterinary care".

Journalist Helaine Olen explains how private equity and corporate takeovers are reshaping the pet care industry – and raising your bill.

August 14, 202437min 19sec35.83 MB

Thumbnail for "Dr. Fauci on AIDS Breakthroughs, Covid Setbacks and the Future of Public Health".

Dr. Anthony Fauci talks about his groundbreaking work on HIV/AIDS, the relationship between politics and public health, and whether the country is ready for the next pandemic.

August 8, 202437min 39sec36.14 MB

Thumbnail for "Biden's push to reform the Supreme Court".

President Biden's plan to reform the Supreme Court. Legal analyst Harry Litman breaks down the proposals and explains why he thinks Democrats are playing the long game.

August 1, 202437min 28sec35.98 MB

Thumbnail for "How serious is the threat of political violence in the U.S.?".

The ongoing threat of political violence in America. The Atlantic’s Adrienne France looks at how the escalating divisions and rhetoric are fueling attempts against our leaders and ordinary citizens.

July 25, 202430min 49sec29.58 MB

Thumbnail for "Understanding Project 2025 and how it could shape a second Trump presidency".

The Republican National Convention, J.D. Vance and the myths and realities of Project 2025. Diane talks to Andrew Prokop of Vox about the emerging picture of a Trump second term.

July 19, 202443min 51sec42.12 MB

Thumbnail for "A retired federal judge on his life on the bench and the current Supreme Court".

Retired DC Circuit judge David Tatel talks about his new book, "Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice," and his grave concerns about the direction of Supreme Court.

July 4, 202445min 14sec43.45 MB

The nation's first Black female billionaire on resilience, creativity, and following her passions

July 11, 20241hr 3min

Sheila Johnson is known as the nation’s first black female billionaire. She first rose to prominence as the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, or BET. Since then, she has become a widely recognized business leader, a hotel mogul, and the co-owner of three professional sports teams.

But, Johnson says, her triumphs masked deep trauma and pain that she carried for decades. That included fear and self-doubt, an emotionally abusive 33-year marriage, and a severe depression following her divorce.

Johnson joined Diane in April at WAMU’s Black Box Theater for a special in-person Diane Rehm Book Club Conversation. They talked about her memoir, “Walk Through Fire.”