Podcast Summary: The Daily – "The New Co-Hosts of 'The Daily'"
Episode Information:
- Title: The New Co-Hosts of 'The Daily'
- Host/Author: The New York Times
- Release Date: June 3, 2025
Introduction In this special episode of The Daily, host Michael Barbaro announces a significant evolution in the show's dynamic: the introduction of two distinguished journalists, Rachel Abrams and Natalie Kitroeff, as co-hosts alongside himself. This transition marks a new chapter for the podcast, promising fresh perspectives and enriched storytelling.
Announcement of New Co-Hosts Michael Barbaro opens the episode by warmly welcoming Rachel Abrams and Natalie Kitroeff as the new co-hosts. He reflects on their journey with the show, noting, “You have been distinguished guests over the past eight years of the show and then you were guest hosts. And now I'm extremely excited to announce you are both becoming my co-hosts” (00:52).
Natalie Kitroeff’s Background and Motivation Natalie Kitroeff shares her inspiration for pursuing journalism, attributing much of it to her mother, a professor of Latin American politics. From a young age, Natalie accompanied her mother to Guatemala, witnessing firsthand the complexities of conflict through interviews with genocide survivors, guerrilla fighters, and ex-army commanders. Natalie recounts, “I was going in and out of these often tense conversations and just getting all sides of this very complicated story” (02:01). This early exposure instilled in her a passion for uncovering multifaceted truths, a principle she has carried throughout her career.
Transitioning to The Daily, Natalie explains her decision to leave print journalism, stating, “I love the Daily... it feels like it's been a home away from home for me for a long time now. And so I'm excited to make it permanent” (06:35). Her recent investigative work on the Sinaloa cartel and the fentanyl crisis exemplifies the depth and courage she brings to her reporting.
Rachel Abrams’s Background and Motivation Rachel Abrams discusses her path to journalism, inspired by her father, a screenwriter who loved comic books. She likens her journalistic aspirations to that of a superhero, emphasizing the role of reporters in “speaking truth, to power and reveal things and uncover things” (03:04). Rachel shares a pivotal moment in her career while covering General Motors' car malfunctions, where her dedication led to providing closure for a victim's family. “If I didn't do that, they would have never known, and that would have been that,” she reflects (04:09).
Rachel also highlights her transition to The Daily, sparked by her involvement in the paper's MeToo coverage. After connecting with a key source who believed her story belonged on The Daily, Rachel found that the audio medium could uniquely enhance the narrative. “It was incredible to listen to her. And that's what brought me to the show first” (07:08).
Role and Vision as Co-Hosts Michael Barbaro elaborates on the responsibilities of hosting The Daily, emphasizing the importance of empathizing with listeners who may be multitasking while tuning in. “The job is to fiercely advocate for the listener in every conversation... and the real challenge is standing in for the listener while also yourself being really present in the conversation” (07:55). This dual role underscores the commitment to delivering clear, meaningful journalism that resonates with a diverse audience.
Closing Remarks As the conversation draws to a close, all three hosts express their excitement and optimism about their collaborative future. Natalie Kitroeff confidently states, “I'm really excited” (09:18), while Rachel Abrams adds, “Me too” (09:19). The trio shares a heartfelt moment of mutual gratitude and anticipation for the journey ahead, solidifying the foundation for the show's next phase.
Conclusion This episode of The Daily not only marks the welcoming of Rachel Abrams and Natalie Kitroeff as co-hosts but also celebrates their rich backgrounds and unwavering dedication to impactful journalism. As the trio embarks on this new venture together, listeners can anticipate a continued commitment to in-depth storytelling and insightful analysis, embodying the essence of what The Daily represents.
Notable Quotes:
- Michael Barbaro: “You have been distinguished guests over the past eight years of the show and then you were guest hosts. And now I'm extremely excited to announce you are both becoming my co-hosts” (00:52).
- Natalie Kitroeff: “I was going in and out of these often tense conversations and just getting all sides of this very complicated story” (02:01).
- Rachel Abrams: “I want to be that. And I don't think there was any more thought. It was just, that is how you can. The coolest way to do good in the world” (03:04).
- Michael Barbaro: “The job is to fiercely advocate for the listener in every conversation... and the real challenge is standing in for the listener while also yourself being really present in the conversation” (07:55).
- Natalie Kitroeff: “I'm really excited” (09:18).
This summary encapsulates the pivotal discussions and heartfelt introductions of the new co-hosts, providing listeners with an insightful overview of the episode’s key elements.