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Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

Global
Donald Trump
Israel
Iran
Trump Administration
United States
Ukraine
Gaza
China
Middle East Conflicts
Middle East
Russia
Vladimir Putin
Nuclear Proliferation
Palestinian Statehood
U.s.-Israel Relations
Cyril Ramaphosa
Football World Cup
Middle East Conflict
Palestine
Joe Biden

World-renowned journalist Christiane Amanpour and ex-husband Jamie Rubin, a former US State Department official, unpack today’s defining global crises. Drawing on decades of insider experience in global affairs, reporting from conflict zones, and grilling world leaders, they explain how we ended up where we are – and where we might be going. Forget about a new world order – right now, there’s no w... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes85Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsGovernment

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Latest Episodes

Should we believe Trump when he claims the US has had 'productive' talks with Iran about ending the war? Christiane and Jamie unpick the President's recent statements and discuss whether he is now looking for a way to end the conflict, or if he could... more

In this week's Q&A, Christiane and Jamie tackle pressing questions about the Iran-U.S. tensions. They explore why President Trump is urging other nations to patrol the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S. having the largest navy, and why NATO is involve... more

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This week, Christiane is again joined by the legendary Tina Brown, author of the 'Fresh Hell' Substack, to dissect the countless mistakes and miscalculations made by Trump & Netanyahu in their Iran War so far.

They discuss why the Trump administrati... more

On this week’s Q&A, the war in Iran takes centre stage once again. Christiane and Jamie are asked whether Iran has ever really been an existential threat to US national security, or if the regime’s threats of “Death to America” ring hollow.

Then, lo... more

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Recent Guests

Reza Pahlavi
Son of the late Shah of Iran, a leading figure among Iranian opposition movements
Iranian Opposition
Episode: Will Trump strike Iran, again?
Geraldine Brooks
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist
Episode: Iran talks, Trump's election interference & ICE 'thuggery'
Billie Jean King
Tennis champion and activist for gender equality in sports
Episode: Billie Jean King: tennis, activism, and the fight for equality
Tina Brown
Legendary editor and writer of Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, and The Daily Beast.
Fresh Hell
Episode: Breaking the MAGA spell & a NATO doctrine for journalists? Tina Brown on a turbulent 2025
Ahmad al-Sharah
President of Syria following the fall of the Assad regime
Episode: Does Trump's security strategy paint Europe as the enemy?
Esther Perel
World-renowned couples therapist and podcaster.
Where Shall We Begin? Podcast
Episode: Esther Perel: why the world is more divided than ever
Ernie Moniz
Former U.S. Energy Secretary and head of the Nuclear Threat Initiative
Nuclear Threat Initiative
Episode: Q&A: Could Trump invade Canada & has the US lost its soft power?

Hosts

Christiane Amanpour
World-renowned journalist and host, known for her incisive reporting on global affairs and conflict zones.
Jamie Rubin
Former US State Department official and co-host, applying political insight and experience to discussions on global issues.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 640 ratings
  • Thank you

    I highly value the discussions the two of you have every week but never more than today. This is the conversation I have been waiting for since Saturday’s attack on Iran. Thank you both for sharing your extensive experience and insight into all of these incredibly complex world events. And for being people of integrity and professionalism, kindness and even humour in these dark days. Thank you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Apedersen
    Canada22 days ago
  • Disappointed

    I’ve come across the hosts before so I was hoping for some strong and lively insights into the issues of the day. Instead, low energy

    and boring delivery, wordy intros and questions with pretty bland answers. Fifteen minutes into the podcast I gave up. May be the format and delivery needs a bit of a shakeup as no denying the hosts are talented.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Newton Hack
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Amanpour Cheer Squad

    Christine Amanpour at her absolute best — sharp, humane, and unflinching. The conversation with Geraldine Brooks is a masterclass in moral clarity, lived experience, and why foreign correspondence still matters. Grateful for this kind of journalism. 👏

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    swissjoe
    Australia2 months ago
  • Bully’s ONLY stop when you stand up to them!!

    Nations have to finally stand up against USA. USA should be suspended from NATO, suspended from UN. All nato countries should send a military detachment to Greenland immediately until USA stops to threaten nato countries like Greenland and Canada. Europe should unite together against USA even if tariffs are threatened by USA for protecting Greenland or Canada. Russia and China should pause ALL trade with USA until USA becomes a trustworthy stable business partner again. Any other country that is... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Boycot bully
    Canada2 months ago
  • So good!

    I look forward to these podcasts every Tuesday & Thursday. The experiences and knowledge of Amanpour and Rubin lead to informed, educated perspectives on current happenings.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Stout McGee
    United States3 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some feedback points to occasional disagreements in styles, but overall, listeners appreciate the informative nature of the discussions and the depth of knowledge shared.
Listeners praise the expertise and clarity the hosts bring to complex global issues.
The dynamic between the hosts is noted for its candid and engaging nature, often providing a mix of personal reflections and professional insights.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#94
United States/News
YouTube
#97
Canada/Popular Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#175
Canada/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#180
United Kingdom/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#33
United Kingdom/News
Apple Podcasts
#42
Canada/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Q&A: Was Iran really an existential threat to the US?
Q: What did you think about the JFK Jr. documentary and the media treatment of public figures, given the family's role in public discourse?
The host expresses strong concern about exploitation and sensationalism in documentaries about private individuals who were public figures, emphasizing respect for dignity and caution against shaping narratives that profit from tragedy. The takeaway is that media coverage should balance public interest with humane treatment of individuals and families.
Q&A: Was Iran really an existential threat to the US?
Q: What are the historical lessons from U.S. intervention in Iran that shape today's policy decisions?
Past interventions, such as the 1950s removal of Mossadegh and the subsequent revolution, show the unintended consequences of regime change and external meddling. The era's legacy continues to color Iranian attitudes toward the West and complicates efforts at reform, making it essential to weigh long-term implications and avoid repeating costly mistakes.
Q&A: Was Iran really an existential threat to the US?
Q: How do you view Israel's ongoing operations and the question of a long-term security strategy for Israel and its neighbors?
Israel can sustain a large, war-time footing, but there is a risk in pursuing a forever-war approach without durable diplomatic settlements. The leaders historically understood the value of combining military action with diplomacy, including peace accords, and the current moment should push toward leveraging diplomacy with regional partners (Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon) to reduce perpetual conflict and build long-term security.
Q&A: Was Iran really an existential threat to the US?
Q: Given Iran's repeated threats against Israel and the regime's slogans, do you believe Iran has ever constituted a legitimate existential threat to US national security?
Short answer: no in the near term. To be existential, Iran would have to credibly combine a nuclear capability with a long-range missile system capable of hitting the US directly, and even then the timeline is measured in years rather than months. The concern driving policy is the potential for such a capability to emerge, not an immediate, actionable threat today, which is why global attention focuses on preventing escalation and denying a rapid buildup.
Q&A: The killing of “El Mencho”, Trump’s Chagos U-turn and rigged US midterms?
Q: Do you think Xi Jinping might move on Taiwan given US naval deployments and a narrowing political window in Washington?
I don't think he will invade Taiwan right now; the Ukrainian experience has shown Taiwan valuable military lessons, but the decision hinges on internal military trust and broader strategic calculus beyond a rush to act.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Ex Files

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

A unique blend of personal history and expert insight defines this podcast, where two seasoned analysts scrutinize today's most pressing global crises. The former couple, with backgrounds in journalism and political service, navigate complex subjects such as international relations, conflicts, and societal changes, bringing a candid and sometimes humorous tone to serious discussions. Episodes feature in-depth analyses of current affairs, from geopolitical tensions involving major world leaders to historical context that shapes contemporary issues. With a commitment to clarity and a rich trove of experiences, listeners can expect both informative dialogue and genuine rapport as the hosts tackle the chaotic landscape of current events.

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1. On with Kara Swisher
2. The Rest Is Politics: US
3. The News Agents
4. The David Frum Show
5. The Ezra Klein Show

How many episodes of The Ex Files are there?

The Ex Files launched a year ago and published 85 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 Ex Files?

Recent guests on The Ex Files include:

1. Reza Pahlavi
2. Geraldine Brooks
3. Billie Jean King
4. Tina Brown
5. Ahmad al-Sharah
6. Esther Perel
7. Ernie Moniz

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