The 7 – Episode Summary

Podcast: The 7 (The Washington Post)
Host: Rennie Svarnofsky (in for Hannah Jewell)
Episode Date: December 29, 2025
Episode Title: Trump-Zelensky talks; D.C. pipe bomb suspect; your 2026 nudge word; and more

Episode Overview

This episode of The 7 brings listeners up to speed with seven significant stories from around the world and the US, ranging from geopolitics—highlighting Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy and Middle East diplomacy—to new revelations in the January 6th investigation, mental health and technology, scientific findings on aging, and the annual ritual of setting intentions for the New Year.

Key Stories, Insights, and Quotes

1. Trump and Zelenskyy Discuss Ending Russia's War in Ukraine

Timestamps: 00:18–01:26

• President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Mar-a-Lago to discuss a possible end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• They made progress but acknowledged "one or two very thorny issues," especially regarding the Donbas region.
• Trump's optimism:

  "I don't like to say percentages. I just think we're doing very well. We're very, we could be very close. There are one or two very thorny issues, very tough issues, but I think we're doing very well. We've made a lot of progress today, but really we've made it over the last month. This is not a one day process deal. This very complicated stuff."
  — Donald Trump [01:08]

• Context: Zelenskyy suggested both sides withdraw from Donbas to form an economic free zone with international troops. Russia’s stance is unclear; talks—including Russia—will continue.

2. Trump to Meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Timestamps: 01:26–02:04

• Trump is meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, whose policies on Gaza and Iran sharply diverge from Trump’s recent peace-focused positioning.
• Netanyahu hopes to secure US approval for tougher action against Iran, particularly its missile program.
• The two leaders' relationships have been strained—raising questions about future US-Israel cooperation.

3. Trump and Elon Musk Patch Up Differences

Timestamps: 02:04–02:59

• Months-long tensions between Trump and Elon Musk appear to have eased after Vice President J.D. Vance intervened.
• Musk had considered forming a third political party, straining ties with Trump. Vance convinced Musk to drop the idea.
• Musk appeared at the White House in November, but the reconciliation is described as “fragile.”
• Notable insight:

  "Vance appealed to Musk directly and he urged Musk allies to push him to back off his third party plans. Vance's efforts seem to have worked."
  — Rennie Svarnofsky [02:34]

4. D.C. Pipe Bomb Suspect Confesses

Timestamps: 02:59–04:11

• Brian Cole Jr. has admitted to planting pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters on January 5, 2021.
• Initially, Cole denied involvement, but after being confronted with evidence, he detailed the construction and placement process for authorities.
• His motive was frustration with the US political system.

5. Early Smartphone Use Linked to Negative Outcomes in Kids

Timestamps: 04:11–05:02

• Dr. Ron Barzilai (University of Pennsylvania) found in a study of over 10,000 US children that those given smartphones before age 13 fare worse:
  • 60% higher risk of poor sleep.
  • 40% higher risk of obesity.
• Barzilai’s personal experience: first two kids got phones before 12, but the research shifted his approach for his third child.
• The episode mentions further recommended content:
  • Post Reports episode on school phone bans.
  • Interview with psychologist Jean Twenge, author of "10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World."

6. Coffee, Dark Chocolate, and the Science of Aging

Timestamps: 05:02–06:03

• New research links higher blood levels of theobromine (found in cocoa, coffee, tea) with signs of slower cellular aging.
• The study is observational—no proven causality or recommended consumption amounts.
• Reminder not to consider these foods superfoods just yet.

7. Setting a ‘Nudge Word’ for 2026

Timestamps: 06:03–07:00

• Research indicates that setting a clear intention—such as a single guiding word—can improve the odds of achieving New Year's resolutions.
• The Washington Post offers an online generator for ‘nudge words,’ drawing from 500+ words previously chosen by readers.
• Advice: Write your chosen word somewhere visible to reinforce your intention.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Trump on Ukraine talks:

  “I don't like to say percentages. I just think we're doing very well ... This is not a one day process deal. This very complicated stuff.”
  [01:08]

• On Musk and Trump’s reconciliation:

  “Vance appealed to Musk directly and he urged Musk allies to push him to back off his third party plans. Vance's efforts seem to have worked.”
  [02:34]

• On nudge words:

  "...picking a specific word that resonates with you can help you create a vision for the year ahead."
  [06:31]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:18] – Episode main headlines and launch of the 7 stories
• [01:08] – Trump’s direct remarks on Ukraine peace process
• [02:34] – Details of Musk-Trump truce effort
• [04:11] – Smartphone study highlighted by Dr. Ron Barzilai
• [06:03] – The value of setting a ‘nudge word’ for the coming year

Conclusion

This episode delivers a concise but deep review of top news, ranging from critical international diplomacy to health and lifestyle tips for the New Year. The tone is brisk, informative, and direct, in keeping with The 7's mission to provide listeners with just what they need to know to start their day.