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Who reports the news? People. And at The Christian Science Monitor, we believe that it’s our job to report each story with a sense of shared humanity. Through conversations with our reporters and editors, we explain the qualities behind our reporting that affect how we approach the news. Behind today’s headlines we find respect, resilience, dignity, agency, and hope. “Why We Wrote This” shows how.... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes176Founded5 years ago
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News

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Artwork for Why We Wrote This

Latest Episodes

The cranberry, with its short seasonal star turn, has a compelling history as a North American fruit. Growing the crop is a tricky business – climate-sensitive, naturally collaborative – with some old practices but also a growing cast of innovators. ... more

Sarah Matusek didn’t wake up one recent morning expecting that her day would include driving a getaway car. Reporting can be like that. In this episode, Monitor immigration writer Sarah Matusek talks with host Clay Collins about the logistics of gett... more

Taylor Luck, an Amman, Jordan-based writer for The Christian Science Monitor, recently joined Christa Case Bryant, the Monitor’s editor, on our Daily podcast to talk about his dynamic beat. This episode of “Why We Wrote This” begins with a reprise of... more

You can’t go home again. Except maybe you can, for an open-hearted second look that applies lessons in listening gained during years of immersion abroad. Scott Baldauf, a Monitor staff reporter who’s been operating at a distance for decades, talks ab... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Podcast Host
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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Sophie Hills
The Monitor's faith and religion writer, focused on the intersection of religion and politics, culture, and ideas
The Christian Science Monitor
Episode: What Faith Looks Like Now
Linda Smith
Mother of Drayshon Johnson, who was shot and killed in 2022.
Episode: A Mother’s Strength
Alexandra Hudson
Author of The Soul of Civility
Episode: Encore: Respect, Dignity, and Getting Along
Ryan Lenora Brown
Africa editor based in Johannesburg
The Christian Science Monitor
Episode: Why We Went Deep on Sudan
Linda Feldmann
Washington Bureau Chief at The Christian Science Monitor
The Christian Science Monitor
Episode: When Trump Speaks, What’s Heard?

Hosts

Clay Collins
Host of the podcast, Clay Collins engages deeply with various subjects related to contemporary journalism and societal issues.
Gail Chaddock
Gail Chaddock serves as both host and guest host, bringing her expertise to the discussions on various societal and political topics.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 94 ratings
  • A perfect companion to Monitor journalism

    Why We Wrote This is a smart and informative peek behind the scenes of The Christian Science Monitor’s award winning journalism. I’m a fan.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    moanders
    United States3 years ago
  • Stronger

    This “Stronger” series is great if you want to cry in your car on the way to work every morning. Happy tears, mostly!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    arcticboy94
    United States4 years ago
  • It’s About Time

    I love this podcast series! Both Rebecca and her co-host have voices that are so easy to listen to and follow - they pull you through the episodes. Their guests are varied and very intelligent, but most importantly, the co-hosts do great research before each episode so their questions are deep and specific - I feel like they ask just what I would be wondering in the back of my mind. I’m smarter after listening to “It’s About Time” Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Barbara Staley
    United States5 years ago
  • It’s About Time is So Good!

    Loving this new podcast — It’s About Time is exactly what I needed to reflect on this time in my life. During the pandemic, time has felt unreal and strange. This podcast has helped me make sense of it and every episode is more fascinating than the last! Highly recommend anyone take a listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    A.Harmonizer
    United States5 years ago
  • So Interesting!

    The episodes on time are amazing because they each deal with some aspect through interviews that inform, enlighten, and entertain, all at the same “time”. So glad to have found Rethinking the News!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Constance 145
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the thoughtful exploration of various topics, highlighting the depth and quality of research involved.
Many find the conversations insightful and engaging, often praising the hosts for their ability to connect personal stories with broader issues.
Several reviews emphasize the podcast's ability to provide a balanced view of contentious subjects, promoting both understanding and empathy.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

It Came from the Bog
Q: What do you think is the importance of gratitude during Thanksgiving?
Gratitude adds a special ingredient to the Thanksgiving table that transcends the food served.
It Came from the Bog
Q: How have cranberry farmers innovated to stay competitive?
Farmers have had to improve their 100-year-old bogs and adopt techniques from other states, like Wisconsin, to enhance yield and sustainability.
It Came from the Bog
Q: What was the genesis of your pitch for the cranberry cover story?
The pitch came from noticing that cranberries are Massachusetts' number one agricultural product and wanting to understand the differences in production between Massachusetts and Wisconsin.
Shared Anguish, Shared Hope
Q: How have you thought through the moral imperatives related to journalistic objectivity in such severe situations?
It's human to feel a moral duty in severe situations; journalists often navigate the balance between objectivity and advocacy, especially during a conflict characterized by inequity and civilian suffering.
A Sustainable, High-Tech Life
Q: What's it like being a climate reporter right now?
Climate reporting is unique because it’s about how we live on Earth, and while the conversation around climate has sometimes faded, the core questions about sustainable living remain critical.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Why We Wrote This

What is Why We Wrote This about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content spans various pressing issues, from the complexities of immigration in contemporary Russia to the environmental impact of the data center industry. Listeners can expect thoughtful discussions on cultural shifts regarding faith in America, the evolving landscape of U.S. politics, and critical social issues such as police reform and gun violence. Notably, the series emphasizes human stories and the moral questions surrounding modern life, providing a platform for deep dives into topics that resonate with both current events and broader cultural narratives. This podcast uniquely intertwines journalistic integrity with an exploration of humanity, aiming to foster understanding and empathy across diverse subjects.

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Which podcasts are similar to Why We Wrote This?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Why We Wrote This:

1. My Unsung Hero
2. On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti
3. A Way with Words - language, linguistics, and callers from all over
4. Radio Atlantic
5. Fresh Air

How many episodes of Why We Wrote This are there?

Why We Wrote This launched 5 years ago and published 176 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 Why We Wrote This?

Recent guests on Why We Wrote This include:

1. Sophie Hills
2. Linda Smith
3. Alexandra Hudson
4. Ryan Lenora Brown
5. Linda Feldmann

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