The Excerpt
USA TODAYGet 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.
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 127 | Founded | 11 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | NewsDaily News | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
What’s it like to party not TILL but AT the break of dawn? In an era when so many interactions happen through screens, a growing number of people have become more intentional about seeking connection. Morning raves, where the first stop on your morni... more
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here, and it is unlike anything the sport has staged before. Spanning three countries and expanding in size, this tournament will redefine what a World Cup looks like. While ticket costs remain a concern, host cities are pr... more
Among the Republicans running for governor of politically competitive states in 2026 are people like Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs, Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin. What they have in common is concerning to many... more
For over 50 years, CBS’ legendary “60 Minutes” has been a stalwart of the investigative reporting tradition. But a recent shakeup to leadership and on-air talent may put that reputation and future at risk. Behind the changes is CBS News new Editor-in... more
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Reviews
- Top five was better
I do not like the current format. The old format with multiple topics was better.
Apple Podcasts1We need snow
United States5 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 Podcasts5Nickname, nickname, nicknameUnited States6 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 Podcasts5NewsKnutUnited States6 months 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 Podcasts2TplanUnited States7 months ago - I’d give it a zero if I could
Been listening to this podcast for as long as I can remember, back when it was five things. I enjoyed the single subject versions on the weekend, but to do it every day has just ruined this podcast for me. After looking at the other reviews, I believe everyone else is just as disappointed, I understand that producers and announcers leave, but to change the whole premise of the podcast is ludicrous. I hope that you guys learn from this mistake and I wish you nothing but luck.
Apple Podcasts1CountryjoemcdonaldUnited States7 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #57 | United States/News/Daily News |
Apple Podcasts | #205 |  Canada/News/Daily News |
Apple Podcasts | #240 |  Italy/News/Daily News |
Apple Podcasts | #53 |  Finland/News/Daily News |
Apple Podcasts | #58 |  Ukraine/News/Daily News |
Apple Podcasts | #70 |  Argentina/News/Daily News |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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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 that blends analysis from USA TODAY's seasoned reporters with a clear focus on the most consequential stories in politics, health, climate, and culture. Episodes frequently feature expert guests—epidemiologists, policymakers, journalists—dissecting complex issues from multiple angles, with an emphasis on context, implications, and practical takeaways for informed audiences. Notable is the mix of long-form policy discussion and timely reporting, plus a track record of hosting credible voices across government, journalism, and science. This show is likely to appeal to listeners who want deeper understanding beyond headlines, with a preference for data-driven insights and real-world impact.
Where can I find podcast stats for The Excerpt?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for The Excerpt. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to The Excerpt and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
How many listeners does The Excerpt get?
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What are the audience demographics for The Excerpt?
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How many subscribers and views does The Excerpt have?
To see how many followers or subscribers The Excerpt has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
Which podcasts are similar to The Excerpt?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Excerpt:
1. CNN 5 Things
2. Apple News Today
3. Start Here
4. Up First from NPR
5. NPR News Now
How many episodes of The Excerpt are there?
The Excerpt launched 11 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.
How do I contact The Excerpt?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Excerpt?
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What guests have appeared on The Excerpt?
Recent guests on The Excerpt include:
1. Melissa Ruggieri
2. Melinda French Gates
3. Steven Olikara
4. Ben Rhodes
5. Dr. Celine Gounder
6. Adriel Orozco
7. Jayme Fraser
8. Peter Hotez
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.