The Brian Lehrer Show

by WNYC
1,294
Politics #106

Newsmakers meet New Yorkers as host Brian Lehrer and his guests take on the issues dominating conversation in New York and around the world. This daily program from WNYC Studios cuts through the usual talk radio punditry and brings a smart, humane approach to the day's events and what matters most in local and national politics, our own communities and our lives. WNYC Studios is a listener-supported producer of other leading podcasts including Radiolab, On the Media, Death, Sex & Money, Nancy, and many others.

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Recent Reviews
  • anyaspector
    Love my Lehrer
    Many thanks for your show. Please focus less on the so called genocide and focus more on the bravery and courage of Israel for living next to terror and facing hate from the entire world that no other nation would be subjected to. Please share stories of the hostages living and dead. The only people hurting the Gazan people are their own government.
  • spasrky
    Gaza obsession
    Used to be a fair look at policy alternatives Now a one sided Gaza obsession Anti semitic racist perspective No solutions No alternative or creative ideas for resolution of conflict
  • enw
    Enabling genocide
    Another long-time listener (decades) sickened and devastated by Brian’s flagrant parroting of Israeli government talking points and overt dehumanization of Palestinians. I truly can not stomach it any longer.
  • V-Spain
    Palestine
    I’ve admired Brian Lehrer’s reporting for a long time but tremendously disappointed in his conversation with guests discussing Palestine. Depriving women, children, elderly, and the sick of food, water, energy, medical supplies, and forcing people to evacuate their home, then bombing the homes and bombing them when they go to “safe” sites- using 2,000 pound bombs to find a Hamas fighter no matter the cost. Also this is not a “war” because the other side does not have bombs, tanks and all the equipment of a standing army. Hamas is a guerilla organization they can’t carpet Israel. Have you listened to reporting of doctors and relief workers? Listening to him today mouth the Israeli govt point of view was sickening. I’ve deleted the app.
  • aceisen
    Great Show but Unreliable
    Great show. Brian Lehrer is a top talent. He does a compelling, insightful, and informative show. But the podcast’s release schedule is extremely unreliable. You never know when or if the segments will be available, and they never come out in the order they were aired. Doesn’t the podcast audience deserve the same respect as the on-air and streaming audience?
  • orahm
    Absolute horrendous reporting on the genocide
    Disgusted with the lack of transparency and real reporting/discussion on Gaza and the genocide occurring. As a news source and supposedly journalistic endeavor, they are aiding the genocide. Shame on you Brian. I have stopped listening to npr and any public radio, I am only listening to democracy now, they still have integrity. I would give you zero stars if I was able to.
  • Christian5732
    Israel v. "Hamas" is a false narration
    I've listened to this show for twenty years but lately I cannot stomach the awful framing of this genocide. I had given WNYC a pass for blaming inflation on workers, but this is too far. I have doubled my giving to Democracy Now! instead.
  • RA in LA
    Disappointed
    I remember listening to The Brian Lehrer show during the march for Black Lives in 2020 and being impressed at what seemed to be fairly even-handed discussions. I tuned in today (2023-10-26) to listen to a segment with Robin Wright on Israel’s war against the Palestinians and was appalled. At a time when the UN and many international organizations are describing what’s occurring in Gaza as war crimes and likely genocide, Brian and Robin blithely repeated Israel’s proven false talking points, which the Biden administration has also been parroting. For example, Biden stated yesterday that he doesn’t trust the death counts coming out of Gaza. What they didn’t mention is that the US State Dept routinely cites the Palestinian Health Ministry and hasn’t once cast doubt on it. Israel has killed over 7,000 people, including 3,000 children and over 25 journalists. Over 731 entire families have been killed, and 1,700 are currently trapped underneath rubble. Robin would have us think that they’re all human shields. It’s despicable, and our news media is complicit in spreading these lies. For real news, I recommend Democracy Now. I’m done listening Brian.
  • wldavidvreader
    Thank you Brian!
    The latest episode that Brian led so eloquently on migrants in NYC schools is cathartic and marvelously presented — a discussion of the history, energy and process of integrating new immigrants into the city school system. Without diminishing the difficulties, he emphasizes the assets they do bring and our capacity to welcome them. Additionally he played an excerpt from a recent speech by Mayor Adams that is much more welcoming of migrants to NY and more compassionate- a side of him that the local news media does not capture, while also acknowledging the crisis at a national level.
  • JS from NYC
    Nonstop hate for the right
    Brian you're an intelligent guy but why do you always have to turn everything into a hate the right speech. North Men North Of Richmond, the man doesnt have to explain anything.His song resonated with millions, why cant you explore why that is rather than bash him for being a right wing nut? As great songwriters often say, a song means what you want it to mean. Stairway to Heaven, American Pie, Hotel California…. they dont need to defend themselves for your and the lefts liberal insecurity.
  • A real chick
    American Treasure
    If you were to make a list of the upcoming topics on any given Brian Lehrer show, I’d read them and think, those aren’t really my cup of tea. But I’ve learned over years of listening to Brian Lehrer every day that he can make absolutely any topic scintillating. Parking meter rules, senate races, zoning restrictions: I’m rapt. Somehow he is able to hear what a listener says, encapsulate it, and ask a meaningful, enriching question that gets to the heart of the matter and allows those of us listening at home to learn more about the world we live in. He doesn’t allow his own experience or beliefs to stand in the way of curiosity; a true listener, a gifted interviewer, a student of humans and their systems.
  • dmAcademy
    Always good, always worth listening.
    I don't know how Brain does it, but he's been consistently excellent ever since I started listening. He's well-informed and compassionate about the topics he covers, and he presents his ideas with fairness and intellectual rigor. I feel fortunate to have discovered this podcast a few years ago; it's a real treasure.
  • jill17
    Simply the best!
    Love starting my day with Brian! I am better informed thanks to this show and it’s talented host. Grateful for this show, can’t recommend it enough!
  • Hockey9966
    Top of the tops
    There are few people in broadcast journalism as professional, humane and insightful as Brian. And he’s funny too! He covers the spectrum of topics, with NYC often being part of the story. He is the definition of an adept moderator who is informed enough to add to the discussion and never afraid to ask the tough questions, and get to the heart of a discussion. He has few peers in the business. He is a real treasure.
  • MichelleInNYC
    I learn so much from this show
    Thank you Brian Lehrer and staff! The guests are informative and hearing from listeners gives me a great perspective.
  • Betta NY
    Best podcast!
    Brian is a voice of reason and diplomacy in these polarized times! So grateful for Brian!
  • VPaksie
    The Best
    Always informative and a great variety of topic
  • MarkLMT
    NYC Treasure
    The show is a local and national treasure of nuanced, thoughtful, balanced journalism covering all facets of politocs, culture, science and society.
  • Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnaaaaaa
    National Treasure!
    Brian Lehrer has been an important part of my days since 2001 - shortly after 9/11. He is an amazing interviewer and encyclopedic resource on all things NYC.
  • jojobeenyc
    Brian “the Teacher” Lehrer
    As many listeners say, “Brian is a national treasure.” Literally the only thing you should listen to even if you need a news break, Brisn makes even the heaviest topics seem not as horrible. Thank you, Brian for all that you do!
  • Go2There
    Favorite WNYC podcast
    This podcast/WNYC show is so insightful and timely! Thank goodness it exists, I hope for many more seasons. Brian and his team are clearly brilliant and take care to invite guests of many different experiences and backgrounds.
  • PJeth111
    Brian Lehrer review
    Rare to find such kindness and warmth in such an intelligent person. I love this podcast because of the topics, but more importantly, because of the brilliant host. His guests are top notch too.
  • mondulus
    Unbalanced News and Echo Chamber
    The show has become an echo chamber that promotes division in our city, state and country. The show was once more locally sourced to but now funnels people from major corporate cable networks that drive on profits and not on adequately informing the public on issues that matter across all ages, races, backgrounds. It’s a tragedy what has happened to the show and to the WNYC network.
  • ST_314
    Brian Lehrer is a gem and a national treasure.
    BL is masterful at facilitating important conversations and navigating the wide range of views and opinions of his guest and listeners who call in. Bravo to him and his staff!
  • DiahannL
    5 stars
    I gave the show 5 stars only because that’s all that’s available, it deserves much more.
  • Guy Gallo
    If You Give This Show 1 or 2 stars…
    you’re a bot.
  • jennypaper
    Format change
    Oh no! Is the podcast now bundling the whole episode into one file instead of the segments? That was so helpful for me as a listener.
  • Storlietelling
    Why didn’t Anita Kumar call out AOC
    When AOC said that Biden should eliminate the filibuster, I was surprised that your guest didn’t clarify that Biden does not have the power to do that. The power to eliminate the filibuster comes back to Joe Manchin (and others), which is where AOC started her rant. She talked herself into an illogical pretzel and i would have liked your show to untangle it with facts and process clarification.
  • cfdrew to hog
    Mr. cfdrew to hog
    Whenever a living human being is intentionally destroyed it is effectively murder. That is why all abortions are murder.
  • swingin_splanky
    Knowledge Is Power
    I learn so much from Brian Lehrer and his guests. I’m often compelled to follow up what I learn on the show with further research. I truly wish others would follow the show, too, so that we all can become better informed. Brian Lehrer is a human treasure. Thank you.
  • Dill BeBasio
    Extremely woke garbage
    Brian L is a namby pamby pinko robot made in china 🇨🇳 spewing leftist propaganda
  • adele57
    Informed
    The best of the best of looking into what is prevalent in news and giving the best most reasonable view the only person who gives you both sides of the coin
  • Vmora29
    Love!
    Essential listening for all New Yorkers!
  • loudonfast
    Essential
    He is my most trusted voice of NYC.
  • Jacob.Martin
    Disappointing
    I listened to an episode that was recommended to me as a must listen. It wasn’t.
  • u2heads
    Brian Lehrer is what all news should be
    Informative. Fair-minded. Inquisitive. Intelligent. Challenging (but politely so). Eager to give fair time to opposing views. Level-headed. Calm. Fact-based. Fact-seeking. Letting experts talk. Letting callers talk. Respectful. Guiding. Moderating. Thoughtful. And wryly (and slyly) humorous. A true NYC civic treasure. If only Brian Lehrer were more Met fan than Yankee fan, he’d be perfection personified.... ;-)
  • scarletbegonias2
    Once Was a Good Show that has Gone down in the Tiolet
    I’ve been listening to the Brian Lehrer Show for decades. Decades! I have seen his political viewpoints change over the years. He used to be unbiased and would bring on guests who would cover both sides of the political spectrum. It would allow his audience to decide for themselves. The topics were interesting and his show is what made me want to learn about the ins and outs of politics. But after 2016 election, his show has drastically gone down hill. By 2020 a sold-out liberal leftist show that doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. There is one-sided opinions, very liberal guests, constant Trump bashing, anger, fear-mongering. He did a whole show after the BLM riots about why NYC police would be defunded and how some of the criminals who were arrested for breaking in businesses should be let off. Well, guess what? His show worked. The NYC police department was defunded and crime has risen drastically. Hope he feels good about that. That’s when I was done with Brian. It’s a sad breakup that I wish didn’t have to happened. But I’m going to get my news somewhere else. Also, said goodbye to NPR too. Yet again they can’t seem to cover the news with unbiased information.
  • Esguts73
    Indeed a New York Treasure
    I’ll simply reiterate what so many others have said: Brian is so kind, respectful and witty. Asks all the right questions and listens without prejudice to all sides. How lucky are we NY?
  • Happy tot
    Amazing podcast - great guests
    Love the show. Focuses on Larger issues than NYC and Good NYC “local” which is massive!!!
  • A cat named Bernie
    New York treasure
    Brian’s intelligence, calm, and respect for his listeners is unequalled in all of media. Thank you, Brian!
  • kingofzombies
    Great and informative show
    Calm and intelligent political conversation. Lehrer’s hosting is a high standard that represents the best of America.
  • JomToad
    New York’s most important conversations happen here.
    Brian is NYC’s MVP. He represents the highest standard of intelligent and civil discourse. If every news interviewer aspired to his level of integrity, our country would a whole lot better off.
  • TheresaMarieRose
    Brian Lehrer
    I have often been grateful for the calming touchstone of Brians voice and sanity in my life. Never more so than now. Thank you Mr Lehrer.
  • water fedxx
    Wf
    We’d see dat was t
  • BeeCastle75
    The voice NYC needs
    Love Brian Lehrer!
  • skullerie
    Fine Journalism
    Brian Lehrer is a calm force in a crazy world. He is a consummate professional and always brings intelligent conversation to the table.
  • TashCB
    Nothing is Better Than This
    I have been listening to this show for over a decade religiously and never miss a segment thanks to the podcast. Brian is a brilliant, articulate host who does not shy away from presenting different points of view on any topic. This is my go to place for political and local NY/NJ news. I also love the sociological topics he covers and the different series he hosts like the Oscar documentary nominee interviews. As many have noted, Brian is a national treasure evidenced by the wide range of places within the US and the world that people call in from.
  • spelldogg
    Impressive team behind this show!
    Thoughtful and concise reporting that somehow curates live, fascinating interviews and caller comments consistently. I love catching up on things via this show. Brian’s voice is just so good too!
  • honeyoliv
    Engaging conversation
    I really appreciate hearing from the callers. Some of them ask exact the question i have and it feels good knowing somebody else feeling the same way. It feels like im a part of a conversation.
  • gabfanatico
    The Right Questions
    The Right Questions to ask in every interview are: why aren’t the people directly involved in the Ukraine scandal allowed to testify under oath in the open & televised hearings? One would think Mulvaney, Pompeo, Eisenberg, Pence, etc would be able to defend the president if they were forced to testify. Why are they blocked? Why aren’t the relevant documents released? How can a trial be conducted without the underlying evidence? Why isn’t the Supreme Court intervening to allow the truth to come out? Why aren’t you guys asking these questions instead of about the whistleblower and Hunter Biden, which is distracting & irrelevant?
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