Why It Matters
Council on Foreign RelationsEach episode of Why It Matters breaks down an issue that is shaping our world’s future. Join host Gabrielle Sierra as she speaks with the leaders and thinkers who are facing these questions head on. Fueled by the minds at the Council on Foreign Relations, Why It Matters brings some of the world’s most compelling stories home to you.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 100 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | News | |||
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Latest Episodes
As 2025 draws to a close, U.S. foreign policy stands at an inflection point. Under the second Trump administration, traditional alliances have been tested, a hard-edged national security strategy has been rolled out, and for the first time, CFR’s ann... more
The unprecedented trade policies since the beginning of this year, driven largely by the Donald Trump administration’s pro-tariff agenda, have propelled the United States into uncertain and rocky territory. When it comes to our trading partners, the ... more
Is having a trade deficit necessarily a bad thing? Many experts argue that the U.S. trade deficit is largely good for our economy. It allows Americans to enjoy a wider variety of cheap goods, attracts foreign investment, and reflects the strength of ... more
Host Gabrielle Sierra and podcast guests Johanna Mendelson Forman and Matthew Costello discuss food diplomacy, share stories from White House state dinners, and unpack how food has helped to create lasting international partnerships.
This taping was... more
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Reviews
- Good show, overproduced
I enjoy this show but I find that I often have to skip a lot bc it just has a lot of filler noises and clips.
Apple Podcasts4Beatpulsing
United States9 months ago - Extremely Biased
The Council on Foreign Relations podcasts claim the opinions presented are that of their hosts and the Council takes no positions on policy as an institution. However, this belies the fact that every one of their hosts is a progressive liberal and views anyone to the right of a liberal as a fascist.
Apple Podcasts1neal.j.fisherUnited States2 years ago - Not Impressed
I was a loyal Foreign Affairs subscriber for a decade or more after college, but over time the content and impartiality eroded. This podcast is a great example. Take the recent episode about abortion where the views of the Guttmacher Institute were represented as objective truth rather than arguments from an advocacy group. The podcast consistently argued the US was one of a handful of countries reducing abortion and was thus swimming against the tide, without acknowledging Roe created one of th... more
Apple Podcasts1ALK444United States2 years ago - Tune into American Foreign Policy Council
For CFR promoting the leftist Elite’s agenda is all that matters. Concern for freedom of the press only extends to the leftist liars.
Apple Podcasts1This KenUnited States2 years ago - Typical CFR
For CFR promoting the leftist Elite’s agenda is all that matters. Concern for freedom of the press only extends to the leftist liars.
Apple Podcasts1This KenUnited States2 years ago
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Apple Podcasts | #188 |  Poland/News |
Apple Podcasts | #242 |  Philippines/News |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Why It Matters
What is Why It Matters about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This podcast offers in-depth analyses of significant global issues that define contemporary geopolitics and international relations. Topics range from trade policies and climate change to food diplomacy and cybersecurity, featuring discussions with experts and thought leaders from various fields. The episodes often weave personal narratives with broader economic and political discussions, aiming to present diverse perspectives on complex subjects. A unique aspect of this series is its ability to connect high-level policy discussions with relatable stories and real-world implications, making it accessible to listeners who wish to deepen their understanding of the global challenges shaping the future.
Where can I find podcast stats for Why It Matters?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Why It Matters. 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 Why It Matters and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
How many listeners does Why It Matters get?
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What are the audience demographics for Why It Matters?
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How many subscribers and views does Why It Matters have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Why It Matters?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Why It Matters:
1. The President’s Inbox
2. The Foreign Affairs Interview
3. Foreign Policy Live
4. Throughline
5. Freakonomics Radio
How many episodes of Why It Matters are there?
Why It Matters launched 6 years ago and published 100 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 Why It Matters?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Why It Matters?
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Why It Matters?
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What guests have appeared on Why It Matters?
Recent guests on Why It Matters include:
1. Brad Setser
2. Heather Hurlburt
3. Johanna Mendelson Forman
4. Matthew Costello
5. Inu Manak
6. Debbie Hendrickx
7. Jamie Sychak
8. Will Hsu
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.