In the second of two episodes focused on the forces shaping the modern GOP, Sarah Longwell, a formidable figure in the political communications world and a leading Republican strategist, joins host Charlotte Alter to discuss the 2024 Iowa Republican presidential caucus and the implications of Donald Trump's win for the upcoming election season. As the President and CEO of Longwell Partners and the driving force behind several influential political organizations, Sarah shares an insider's look at the transformation of the Republican Party over the past two decades and voters’ enduring support for Trump. The first female national board chair of the Log Cabin Republicans, Longwell recounts how her early life in rural Pennsylvania sparked her interest in politics and reflects on the challenges and triumphs of navigating identity in politics. Tune in for a compelling exploration of one woman's mission to rebuild trust in American institutions and foster understanding among diverse points of view.

In the second of two episodes focused on the forces shaping the modern GOP, Sarah Longwell, a formidable figure in the political communications world and a leading Republican strategist, joins host Charlotte Alter to discuss the 2024 Iowa Republican presidential caucus and the implications of Donald Trump's win for the upcoming election season. As the President and CEO of Longwell Partners and the driving force behind several influential political organizations, Sarah shares an insider's look at the transformation of the Republican Party over the past two decades and voters’ enduring support for Trump. The first female national board chair of the Log Cabin Republicans, Longwell recounts how her early life in rural Pennsylvania sparked her interest in politics and reflects on the challenges and triumphs of navigating identity in politics. Tune in for a compelling exploration of one woman's mission to rebuild trust in American institutions and foster understanding among diverse points of view.

TIME Senior Correspondent Charlotte Alter hosts candid conversations with the people who shape the world, about the forces that shape them. Tune in each Thursday to meet TIME's Person of the Week.

TIME Senior Correspondent Charlotte Alter hosts candid conversations with the people who shape the world, about the forces that shape them. Tune in each Thursday to meet TIME's Person of the Week.

Person of The Week

The top stories from TIME’s award-winning, fact-based journalism, providing daily analysis and insight into the latest developments around the world—all in one place.

TIME's The Brief  - Briefing

Sarah Longwell • Defending Democracy

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has unique insight into the current state and future of American schools. This week, we’re sharing a conversation Secretary Cardona had with host Charlotte Alter last month to help shed light on this changing landscape. Cardona shared cherished memories of being an elementary school principal and the challenges of post-pandemic education. The pair unpacked everything from student loan debt solutions under the Biden administration to the critical role of mental health support in schools around the country. In addressing some of the most pressing issues in education today, Secretary Cardona spoke to the multifaceted use of standardized testing, the integration of AI and new technologies in classrooms, and strategies to address chronic student absenteeism. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on shaping tomorrow’s educational landscape with the man at the head of the class.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has unique insight into the current state and future of American schools. This week, we’re sharing a conversation Secretary Cardona had with host Charlotte Alter last month to help shed light on this changing landscape. Cardona shared cherished memories of being an elementary school principal and the challenges of post-pandemic education. The pair unpacked everything from student loan debt solutions under the Biden administration to the critical role of mental health support in schools around the country. In addressing some of the most pressing issues in education today, Secretary Cardona spoke to the multifaceted use of standardized testing, the integration of AI and new technologies in classrooms, and strategies to address chronic student absenteeism. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on shaping tomorrow’s educational landscape with the man at the head of the class.

Best of "Person of the Week" • Secretary Miguel Cardona • Evolving American Education

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is a renowned historian, author, scholar, filmmaker, and is the Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. This week, Gates joins host Charlotte Alter and reflects on his formative years in the working-class mill town of Piedmont, West Virginia, his early education during the pivotal era of school desegregation, and his experiences watching the civil rights movement unfold in America. The pair delve into the power of genealogy, as Gates shares insights from his groundbreaking series "Finding Your Roots," and discusses how uncovering family histories can provide profound understanding of American heritage, individual identity, and the interconnectedness of all people beneath the surface of skin color. In discussing Gates’ latest book, “The Black Box: Writing The Race,” the pair unpack the significance of "checking boxes” in today’s shifting landscape of racial discourse and cultural identity, the history and future of affirmative action, and how the backlash to America’s first Black presidency has impacted how Gates teaches African American studies. Tune in for a deeply informative look into the narratives that shape our understanding of race, history, and ourselves.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is a renowned historian, author, scholar, filmmaker, and is the Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University. This week, Gates joins host Charlotte Alter and reflects on his formative years in the working-class mill town of Piedmont, West Virginia, his early education during the pivotal era of school desegregation, and his experiences watching the civil rights movement unfold in America. The pair delve into the power of genealogy, as Gates shares insights from his groundbreaking series "Finding Your Roots," and discusses how uncovering family histories can provide profound understanding of American heritage, individual identity, and the interconnectedness of all people beneath the surface of skin color. In discussing Gates’ latest book, “The Black Box: Writing The Race,” the pair unpack the significance of "checking boxes” in today’s shifting landscape of racial discourse and cultural identity, the history and future of affirmative action, and how the backlash to America’s first Black presidency has impacted how Gates teaches African American studies. Tune in for a deeply informative look into the narratives that shape our understanding of race, history, and ourselves.

Best of "Person of the Week" • Henry Louis Gates, Jr. • Presenting The Past

For over a decade, Charli XCX has been a trailblazer in the pop and electronic music scenes, captivating audiences with hits like “I Love It” and “Boom Clap,” and acclaimed albums such as "How I'm Feeling Now" and "Crash." Her music has underscored iconic TV shows and films, from “GIRLS” in the 2010s to the recent hits “Bottoms” and “Barbie.” This week, Charli XCX sits down with host Charlotte Alter and shares insights into her creative process, her complex relationship with 90s pop, and how TikTok has revolutionized the music industry. With her new album, "Brat," dropping on June 7, Charli opens up about her journey and the inspiration behind her latest work. Tune in for a lively conversation that dives deep into the mind of one of pop’s most dynamic artists, and discover why, through it all, Charli XCX just wants her music to help people have fun.

For over a decade, Charli XCX has been a trailblazer in the pop and electronic music scenes, captivating audiences with hits like “I Love It” and “Boom Clap,” and acclaimed albums such as "How I'm Feeling Now" and "Crash." Her music has underscored iconic TV shows and films, from “GIRLS” in the 2010s to the recent hits “Bottoms” and “Barbie.” This week, Charli XCX sits down with host Charlotte Alter and shares insights into her creative process, her complex relationship with 90s pop, and how TikTok has revolutionized the music industry. With her new album, "Brat," dropping on June 7, Charli opens up about her journey and the inspiration behind her latest work. Tune in for a lively conversation that dives deep into the mind of one of pop’s most dynamic artists, and discover why, through it all, Charli XCX just wants her music to help people have fun.

Sarah Longwell • Defending Democracy

In 1 playlist(s)

Person of The Week

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips