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The Excerpt

USA TODAY
Donald Trump
USA Today
Iran
Artificial Intelligence
Trump Administration
Supreme Court
United States
Transgender Rights
First Amendment
Climate Change
Department Of Homeland Security
Birthright Citizenship
ICE
Social Media
Democratic Party
Data Centers
Tariffs
Cannabis Drinks
January 6th Insurrection
Economy

Get context, not just headlines. Every weekday The Excerpt brings USA TODAY's award-winning journalists from across the nation together to unpack America's most pressing stories — from politics and culture to sports and entertainment — with host Dana Taylor.

PublishesDailyEpisodes127Founded12 years ago
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Latest Episodes

In The Hidden Cost of Nuclear Deterrence, USA TODAY explores how New Mexico still lives with the legacy of the Trinity test, as the U.S. plans to expand nuclear weapons production. This project was produced by USA TODAY's Zulekha Nathoo and Lamar Sal... more

YouTube

What happens after a U.S. deportation flight lands in Haiti? USA TODAY National News Reporter Chris Kenning explains what deportees face after arrival, from limited assistance and separation from family to gang-controlled roads, violence and a devast... more

YouTube

Political insults aren't new, but they're becoming a central campaign strategy. Why are candidates in both parties betting on nicknames, personal attacks and viral moments? USA TODAY Senior Political Correspondent Arit John explains what makes these ... more

YouTube

As water levels decline at Lake Powell, long-submerged sections of Glen Canyon are reemerging, fueling a renewed debate over the future of the dam itself. Trevor Hughes, national correspondent for USA TODAY, explores what climate change and water sho... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Daniel de Visé
USA Today personal finance reporter
USA Today
Episode: Will Trump's Russia diesel deal actually lower prices?
Josh Meyer
Domestic security correspondent for USA Today
USA Today
Episode: The ketamine blind spot on college campuses
Maureen Groppe
USA Today Supreme Court correspondent
USA Today
Episode: Why DOGE is back at the Supreme Court
Nick Penzenstadler
Investigative reporter
USA Today
Episode: ICE said it wasn't tracking protesters. Then we got records.
Sarah D. Wire
USA Today Senior National News Reporter
USA Today
Episode: Why 5 million Americans lost SNAP benefits
Amanda Lee Meyers
Senior crime and courts reporter
USA Today
Episode: Christa Pike's lawyers warned of issues before her botched execution
Denise Brown
Sister of Nicole Brown Simpson, domestic violence survivor and advocate
Author of For My Sister Nicole, Love Shouldn't Hurt
Episode: The warning signs Nicole Brown Simpson’s family missed
Rachel Barber
USA Today Money Reporter
USA Today
Episode: America needs tradespeople. Why can’t they find jobs?
Jessica Gwynne
National Correspondent
USA Today
Episode: America needs tradespeople. Why can’t they find jobs?

Host

Dana Taylor
Host of The Excerpt, USA Today network contributor coordinating across national and regional reporting.

Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars from 1.8k ratings
  • Missing Five Things

    This show used to be my go-to news podcast. Its formatting was great. The changes are unfortunate, and I’m dropping the show after many years of listening.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    BrianGulotta
    United States4 months ago
  • Top five was better

    I do not like the current format. The old format with multiple topics was better.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    We need snow
    United States10 months ago
  • Very good, informative article podcast

    Dana Taylor does a very good job. I did prefer the format with the top five stories however, still enjoying the new format which is going deeper into just one story. at first I was disappointed but now I enjoy this podcast and have a separate podcast where I get the latest on multiple stories

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nickname, nickname, nickname
    United States10 months ago
  • Miss Taylor Wilson as Host /What Was Once a Very Good Pod Changed Formats

    This was my go-to morning news podcast for 10 years but with Taylor Wilson gone, the new format is just terrible. Taylor has a fantastic voice and I looked forward to hearing him every morning. He had a great rapport with the journalists/guests. I was so sad to hear he is no longer the host. I’ve listened to him for years and loved that I could get the news headlines in a quick concise manner to start every day. The new format no longer serves me. Moved on.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NewsKnut
    United Statesa year ago
  • Dana makes show hard to hear

    While i really like the show for the most part, Dana’s commentary is making it difficult to remain a listener. She is very left leaning and it shows up in her reporting. I get so much good info from the show but after almost 2 yrs of listening i may have to take a break bc there seems to be no end in sight for her reporting. The other podcasters stay very neutral and the reason ive stuck around but one would have thought after the election it would be been more about the news vs her opinion and ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Tplan
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall quality is strong with credible reporting and diverse guest insights.
Some listeners crave the original multi-topic format; deep dives are appreciated by a niche segment.
Guest access and expert perspectives are valued by advertisers and guests seeking thoughtful exposure.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#67
United States/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#236
Canada/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#231
Germany/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#39
Ukraine/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#88
Russia/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#119
Japan/News/Daily News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Will Trump's Russia diesel deal actually lower prices?
Q: When might consumers see the full effects of higher diesel costs on prices they pay?
Because many prices are set via contracts from last winter, the full effect may emerge over the next six to nine months as new contracts account for higher transportation costs.
Will Trump's Russia diesel deal actually lower prices?
Q: What items are most exposed to diesel price shifts?
Items that travel long distances, like Idaho potatoes or lettuce from the West Coast, and refrigerated goods, are more sensitive; local or close-to-market products will feel less impact.
Will Trump's Russia diesel deal actually lower prices?
Q: What exactly did the Trump deal with Russia entail, and is it enough to move the needle?
The deal involves Russia releasing about 13 million barrels of diesel to the U.S. and global markets, which could modestly lower near-term prices but is unlikely to solve the broader supply and demand imbalance.
Will Trump's Russia diesel deal actually lower prices?
Q: But how will today's near record highs in the cost of diesel impact average American consumers?
Diesel prices are likely to affect consumers gradually, with the most immediate impact on truckers and heating oil users, while grocery prices may rise modestly as the fuel cost is a small portion of total item cost; long-term contracts and regional differences will shape when and how much relief is felt.
ICE said it wasn't tracking protesters. Then we got records.
Q: So Nick, did ICE secretly maintain a protester database? Just tell us what you found.
Nick explains that there is at least one example in Minneapolis where protesters were labeled agitators and their information was tracked, with records showing details like car types and locations, suggesting that some form of tracking existed despite public denial.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Excerpt

What is The Excerpt about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A weekday briefing of the top stories with in-depth reporting and expert context across politics, economics, and public life. Episodes frequently feature USA TODAY journalists and subject-matter guests who unpack how national events filter into local impacts, with a pattern toward nuanced analysis rather than quick takes. Notable strengths include a track record of bringing high-profile policy and political coverage into a concise, interview-forward format, and a willingness to explore how religion, education, and regional dynamics shape national conversations. The show often centers around timely political analysis, data-driven context, and on-the-ground reporting from across the country, making it helpful for listeners who want deeper und... more

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1. Start Here
2. Up First from NPR
3. Apple News Today
4. The Headlines
5. CNN 5 Things

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The Excerpt launched 12 years ago and published 127 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Excerpt?

Recent guests on The Excerpt include:

1. Daniel de Visé
2. Josh Meyer
3. Maureen Groppe
4. Nick Penzenstadler
5. Sarah D. Wire
6. Amanda Lee Meyers
7. Denise Brown
8. Rachel Barber

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