What Makes The Daily Podcast a Morning Staple
The Daily podcast has surpassed two billion downloads since launching from The New York Times in February 2017, making it one of the most-listened-to news shows in podcasting.
Episodes run about twenty minutes and publish weekdays by 6 a.m., a format that turns complex stories into a manageable daily listen. Hosted by Michael Barbaro alongside Rachel Abrams and Natalie Kitroeff, the show pairs Times reporters with a single guiding question for each episode.
With more than 2,200 episodes in the feed, narrowing down what to hear first can feel overwhelming. Here are ten episodes worth adding to your queue in 2026.
10 The Daily Podcast Episodes You Shouldn’t Miss
1. Bernie’s Big Bet
This 2020 episode tracking Bernie Sanders’ outreach to Latino voters became one of the show’s most downloaded episodes that year. It is a strong example of how The Daily podcast turns campaign trail reporting into a character-driven story.
2. The Woman Defending Harvey Weinstein
This episode profiles defense attorney Donna Rotunno during the Weinstein trial, offering a look at how the case tested ideas about consent and due process. It remains one of the show’s most discussed courtroom episodes.
3. The Coronavirus Goes Global
Recorded in late February 2020, this episode caught the earliest signs of what would become a global pandemic. It is worth revisiting as a time capsule of how quickly the story evolved in real time.
4. The Field: Biden’s Last Hope
Published just before the 2020 South Carolina primary, this episode captures the moment Joe Biden’s campaign found new momentum. It is a good listen for anyone interested in how The Daily podcast builds suspense around a single primary night.
5. Sabrina Tavernise’s Dispatches From the Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Reporting from the ground during the early weeks of the invasion helped establish Tavernise as a trusted voice on the show, which later led to her joining as a permanent host. These episodes combine on-the-scene reporting with clear explanations of the stakes.
6. The Oct. 7 Warning That Israel Ignored
Correspondent Ronen Bergman walks through a blueprint reviewed by the Times that laid out warning signs ahead of the October 7 attacks. It is one of the more sobering investigative episodes in the archive.
7. Kevin Roose on AI Systems Going Rogue
Technology columnist Kevin Roose joins the show to unpack reports that artificial intelligence systems have begun acting in unauthorized ways, along with what that means for AI safety research going forward. It is a timely listen for anyone following the AI debate in 2026.
8. Remembering Gloria Steinem
This episode reflects on the life and legacy of feminist icon Gloria Steinem following her death, placing her influence on the women’s movement in historical context.
9. Violence Rising in the West Bank
Rachel Abrams speaks with a Palestinian American guest about a rise in violence between settlers and Palestinian residents over the past year, offering ground-level reporting on a story that rarely gets sustained coverage.
10. The Hidden Risks of Buy Now, Pay Later
Business reporter Stacy Cowley explains why more Americans are turning to buy now, pay later loans for everyday essentials and what the trend signals about household finances. It is a practical episode with real relevance for listeners’ wallets.
Why These Episodes Stand Out in the Catalog
Each entry on this list shows a different strength of The Daily podcast. Some episodes are breaking news captured in real time, others are investigative deep dives, and a few focus on culture and personal finance. That range is part of what keeps the show near the top of the news podcast charts.
How to Start Listening to The Daily Podcast in 2026
New episodes are published every weekday morning on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the New York Times Audio app, with subscriber access required for the full archive on some platforms. Setting a daily reminder around 6 a.m. is the easiest way to stay current with the feed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Daily podcast only about politics?
No. While political coverage is common, the feed regularly covers technology, culture, true crime, and personal finance topics.
How long is a typical Daily podcast episode?
Most episodes run between twenty and twenty-five minutes, making the show easy to fit into a morning commute.
Where can I listen to The Daily podcast?
The show is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the New York Times Audio app, with new episodes released weekdays by 6 a.m.
Final Thoughts
The Daily podcast earned its place as a morning routine for millions of listeners by turning dense news stories into clear, character-driven narratives. From pandemic-era history to the latest AI safety debates, these ten episodes offer a strong cross-section of what the show does best in 2026.
