A message from Martine

Summary

Post Reports Podcast Summary Episode: A Message from Martine
Host: The Washington Post
Release Date: March 8, 2025

---

Introduction

In this special episode of Post Reports, host Martine Powers shares significant personal and professional updates with listeners. This episode marks a transitional moment for the podcast as Martine prepares to take on a new role covering the White House for The Washington Post and announces her upcoming parental leave. To ensure continuity, Colby, a seasoned journalist from the Post's democracy team, steps in as a temporary co-host.

---

Martine Powers Announces New Role and Parental Leave

Martine begins the episode with a heartfelt message to her audience, revealing her exciting new assignment and forthcoming parental leave.

Martine Powers [02:00]:

"I have some exciting news of things that I am going to be reporting on our White House team here at the Post for a few months this spring. And then at the beginning part of the summer, I am going to be going on parental leave, which is another big thing."

She reflects on her journey with the podcast, highlighting six-plus years of diverse and engaging conversations that have enriched both her and the listeners.

---

Introducing Colby as Temporary Co-Host

To fill the void during her absence, Martine introduces Colby, a trusted colleague and longtime desk mate.

Martine Powers [02:15]:

"But luckily we have Colby here who is going to be stepping in to co-host along with Alihia Ezadi and will be keeping my seat warm while I'm away."

Colby expresses his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to co-host alongside Elahe Izadi.

Colby [02:03]:

"I'm very excited both to take over this role, but also for you. Like, you're gonna do amazing covering the White House and then you're gonna be the most incredible mom."

Martine adds a personal touch by reminiscing about her early days at the Post and her initial interactions with Colby, underscoring the strong professional relationship they share.

---

Colby's Background and Focus Areas

Martine takes the opportunity to delve into Colby's extensive experience and his journey within The Washington Post.

Colby [02:36]:

"I've been here 11 years this week. I've covered a lot of different things here at the Washington Post in the last year. I've been on our democracy team. And what we mostly focused on was the lead up to the election, efforts to sow doubt in our elections, efforts to suppress voting."

Colby outlines his previous work, emphasizing his coverage of critical issues such as election integrity, constitutional challenges, and the Trump administration's actions.

Colby [02:36]:

"Is President Trump and his administration violating the Constitution? Are they busting through, you know, guardrails and norms? And those were the things that I was focused on before this amazing opportunity arose."

---

Transition to Podcast Hosting

Martine explores Colby's perspective on transitioning from print journalism to podcasting, highlighting the unique advantages of the audio format.

Martine Powers [03:10]:

"This is a moment where we are being inundated with news. Things are moving really quickly. How does it feel for you, you know, keeping up with the news and thinking about reporting on the news in a different way?"

Colby [03:30]:

"I think it's so exciting to be able to share the news through this form. I've been a print journalist for 20 years, but I love getting my news through podcasts. Don't tell my colleagues at the newspaper that. I just think I've always been an audio learner."

Colby appreciates the conversational tone of podcasts and the opportunity to engage listeners by discussing reports and interviewing experts, enhancing the dissemination of information in an accessible manner.

---

Excitement for the Future of Post Reports

Both hosts express their enthusiasm for the future of the podcast under Colby's co-hosting.

Colby [04:27]:

"I am so excited to elevate our colleagues' work. I just think that is really awesome."

He looks forward to diversifying the content beyond politics, incorporating topics like pop culture, sports, and health, thereby broadening the podcast's appeal and educational value.

Martine Powers [04:55]:

"On any given day... we have a conversation about something with intense ins, serious consequences that's happening in the federal government... and then the next thing we're talking about is the Oscars and movies we've seen and why they matter."

Martine highlights the dynamic range of topics the podcast has covered, from governmental affairs to lighter subjects, showcasing the versatility and depth of Post Reports.

---

Farewell and Looking Forward

Martine wraps up the episode by expressing her confidence in Colby's abilities and her excitement for future collaborations.

Martine Powers [05:40]:

"Colby, thank you so much for being here today, and thank you so much for taking this on and being here for our listeners in the coming months."

Colby [05:40]:

"Big shoes to fill, obviously, but I will keep your seat warm, and I'm so excited to see what you do on the White House team."

Martine teases her return to the podcast after her White House assignment and parental leave, promising to share her experiences as a guest.

Martine Powers [05:55]:

"They'll listen and be like, oh, this is why she asked the questions and doesn't tend to answer."

---

Conclusion

In this heartfelt episode, Martine Powers thoughtfully transitions the Post Reports podcast to new leadership with Colby stepping in as a co-host. Listeners are assured of continued high-quality journalism and diverse content during Martine's absence. The episode reinforces the podcast's commitment to delivering timely, engaging, and insightful reporting, while also celebrating the personal milestones of its hosts.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Martine Powers [02:00]:

  "I have some exciting news of things that I am going to be reporting on our White House team here at the Post for a few months this spring."

• Colby [03:30]:

  "I've been a print journalist for 20 years, but I love getting my news through podcasts."

• Martine Powers [04:55]:

  "If you haven't listened to the fartlick episode, you should definitely do that."

---

This episode serves as both a farewell and a warm welcome, ensuring that Post Reports remains a trusted source of news and analysis for its audience.

Transcript

[AT&T Business]

And now a next level moment from ATT Business. Say you've sent out a gigantic shipment of pillows and they need to be there in time for International Sleep day. You've got AT and T5G so you're fully confident, but the vendor isn't responding. And International Sleep Day is tomorrow. Luckily, AT&T 5G lets you deal with any issues with ease. So the pillows will get delivered and everyone can sleep soundly, especially you. ATT 5G requires a compatible plan and device. Coverage not available everywhere. Learn [e-mail] 5G Network.

[Martine Powers]

Hi Colby. Happy Saturday.

[Colby]

Ooh, it's Saturday. Hello.

[Martine Powers]

Thank you for being here on your weekend. I don't know if you remember this, but many moons ago we used to sit caddy corner from each other up on the seventh floor in Metro and we were basically desk buddies.

[Colby]

Of course I remember because you were covering what, transportation at the time I was and I was anchoring our Inspired Life blog.

[Martine Powers]

Yes, yeah, I remember. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Colby]

And I distinctly remember when you got to the cause we have a mutual friend. And all I heard for like the weeks until you got here was like, oh, okay, wait till you meet Martine. Wait till you meet til Martine. She's the best.

[Martine Powers]

So yes, that was so long ago. And I remember you were a very kind, welcoming desk mate. And then I had a lot of dumb questions about like, where is the bathroom? And you're very, very kind to show me around and show me the ropes here. So the reason we are chatting today, folks, may have heard on a couple earlier episodes this week of Post reports that I have some exciting news of things that are I am going to be reporting on our White House team here at the Post for a few months this spring. And then at the beginning part of the summer, I am going to be going on parental leave, which is another big thing. And that means that I won't be on Post reports for a little while. But luckily we have Colby here who is going to be stepping in to co host along with Alahia Ezadi and will be keeping my seat warm while I'm away.

[Colby]

Well, I'm very excited both to take over this role, but also for you. Like, you're gonna do amazing covering the White House and then you're gonna be the most incredible mom. So thank you for saying that. A lot of exciting things ahead, my.

[Martine Powers]

Mom says, from your lips to God's ears. So I wanted to sit down with you today to just give listeners a chance to get to know you a little bit. More who you are and the job that you've been doing or jobs. You've covered a lot of things here at the Post before. You have now embarked on this with the podcast team.

[Colby]

Yeah, I've been here 11 years this week. I've covered a lot of different things here at the Washington Post in the last year. I've been on our democracy team. And what we mostly focused on was the lead up to the election, efforts to sow doubt in our elections, efforts to suppress voting. So we pivoted to covering issues like, is President Trump and his administration violating the Constitution? Are they busting through, you know, guardrails and norms? And those were the things that I was focused on before this amazing opportunity arose.

[Martine Powers]

I have been asking different colleagues in the newsroom this, and I'm curious to hear your answer. You know, this is a moment where we are being inundated with news. Things are moving really quickly. How does it feel for you, you know, keeping up with the news and thinking about reporting on the news in a different way? You know, by sharing what's going on with listeners on Post Reports?

[Colby]

I think it's so exciting to be able to share the news through this form. I've been a print journalist for 20 years, but I love getting my news through podcasts. Don't tell my colleagues at the newspaper that. I just think I've always been an audio learner. And so I do. I turn to podcasts to get a lot of my news. And there's so much coming at us all the time. I feel like the news has just been absolutely relentless since the second Trump was sworn in on January 20th. And so to have a place where you can kind of have that explained to you in really conversational tones and you can talk to the people that are doing the reporting, talk to the experts. To me, it's just like such a gift.

[Martine Powers]

I couldn't have said it better. That's what I have loved about this job, and it makes me excited to hear how excited you are as well. What are you most looking forward to with hosting Post Reports?

[Colby]

I am so excited to elevate our colleagues work. I just think that is really awesome. And we don't just cover politics here. You know, I've been doing politics most of my career, but the opportunity to talk to reporters in different parts of the newsroom, to elevate work in pop culture and sports and health, and I'm gonna learn a lot and I'm gonna help our listeners learn too. And that just seems like the coolest thing I feel like.

[Martine Powers]

One thing that I love about this job is that on any given day in the morning, I could be having a conversation about, like, something with intense ins. Serious consequences that's happening in the federal government. And then I step out, grab a coffee, come back in, and the next thing we're talking about is the Oscars and movies we've seen and why they matter. And then something 15 minutes after that, that's about, I don't know, fart licks and how fartlicks are good for you. If you haven't listened to the fartlick episode, you should definitely do that. But that's one of the joys that I have had in this job in the six plus years that I've been doing it. And I'm so excited that you're gonna be able to experience that, too. So, Colby, thank you so much for being here today, and thank you so much for taking this on and being here for our listeners in the coming months.

[Colby]

Big shoes to fill, obviously, but I will keep your seat warm, and I'm so excited to see what you do on the White House team.

[Martine Powers]

Well, I'll come back on the podcast and I'll tell everyone about it.

[Colby]

Oh, my gosh.

[Martine Powers]

I'll be very nervous as a guest.

[Colby]

I really want you to be a guest. And I feel like our listeners would be so thrilled.

[Martine Powers]

They'll listen and be like, oh, this is why she asked the questions and doesn't tend to answer. Colby, thanks again, and you'll hear more from Colby very soon.

[Colby]

Thanks, Martine.

[Martine Powers]

All right, so with that, I'm Martine Powers, and we will be back on Monday with more stories from the Washington Post.

[Washington Post Ad]

You listen because you know the power of good journalism and the Washington Post is there for you 24. 7. When you become a Washington Post subscriber, you get exclusive reporting you can't find anywhere else. You also get sharp advice columns, delicious recipes, TV and music reviews, and so much more. Right now, you can get all of that for just free. $4 every four weeks. That's for an entire year. After that, it's just $12 every four weeks. And you can cancel anytime. Add to your knowledge and discover all the Post has to offer. Go to washingtonpost.com subscribe. That's washingtonpost.com subscribe.