The Best New News Podcast Right Now – March 2026
Dive into a world of gripping true crime and critical geopolitical analysis with our latest podcast episodes. From intricate murder-for-hire plots and suspicious deaths investigated by Dateline, to the escalating global tensions surrounding Iran and the evolving landscape of warfare, this collection offers unparalleled insights. We explore the complexities of international relations, critique foreign policy, and examine the human stories behind shocking crimes. Tune in to uncover the truth, understand the stakes, and gain a deeper perspective on the events shaping our world.
The 10 Best News episodes
Take Two
A Dateline investigation uncovers a complex murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by Kelly Gribble and her lover, Dr. Ira Bernstein, leading to their arrests, plea deals, and ongoing legal battles.
This podcast episode features an interview with Joel McHale and then delves into a "Dateline" investigation concerning a murder-for-hire plot. The case initially involves a car salesman approached by Kelly Gribble to kill her lover's wife. Detectives Fitzgerald and Luzan investigate, uncovering a second murder-for-hire plot by Gribble. A sting operation using undercover informant Mark Kenzie is initiated. The motive is revealed to be an affair between Gribble and Dr. Ira Bernstein, who wants his wife, Susan, dead. The investigation escalates with a staged assault on insurance investigators to implicate Ira further. Both Gribble and Bernstein are arrested. Gribble accepts a plea deal and testifies against Bernstein. Bernstein also accepts a plea deal, pleading guilty to conspiracy and grand larceny. Post-prison, their relationship sours when Kelly learns Bernstein blamed her. Bernstein faces further legal troubles, including a new solicitation charge for attempting to have Susan killed again, leading to a plea deal and a restraining order. The divorce between Ira and Susan remains unresolved, with ongoing legal battles and financial disputes.
510. How The Iran War Is Spiralling Into a Global Crisis
The Iran conflict exacerbates global crises, revealing US foreign policy failures and driving a shift towards new alliances and evolving warfare tactics.
The escalating Iran conflict is analyzed as a global crisis, highlighting its impact on oil prices, energy markets, and the fragile world order. The podcast critiques US foreign policy, particularly under Trump, for its "planlessness" and unintended consequences, which weaken allies and strengthen adversaries like Russia. It explores the changing nature of warfare, emphasizing the rise of drones and AI, and discusses the strategic importance of chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion also touches upon the potential for new global alliances to emerge as countries reassess their relationships with the US, and the growing perception of the US as a threat to global stability. The analysis extends to Israel's strategic calculus, the evolution of autonomous warfare, and the critical issue of water security in the Gulf. Ultimately, the podcast suggests that the current geopolitical climate is leading to a significant reorganization of the global order, with a crumbling post-war security architecture and a more dangerous, unpredictable world.
The Professor & The Poet
A professor's murder investigation uncovers a complex web of financial manipulation and a dangerous relationship, leading to a fugitive's eventual capture and conviction.
This Dateline episode, "The Professor and the Poet," details the murder of Sue Markham, a beloved accounting professor. Initially suspected of a burglary, the investigation soon pointed to a more personal motive. Evidence, including DNA, eventually implicated Jorge Rueda Landeros, Sue's Spanish teacher and yoga instructor, who had a complex financial and romantic relationship with her. Landeros manipulated Sue out of a significant amount of money and was the beneficiary of her life insurance policy. After being charged, Landeros fled, living under a new identity in Mexico and repeating his pattern of manipulation and financial exploitation with a new partner, Rocio. Years later, an anonymous tip led to his arrest and extradition. During his trial, the defense argued for his innocence, but the jury found him guilty of second-degree murder, sentencing him to 25 years. The story serves as a cautionary tale about manipulation and the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships.
512. Trump’s Iran Disaster and the GB News Propaganda Machine
This podcast analyzes geopolitical instability, the failures of UK water and media regulation, and the impact of populism, contrasting statecraft with stagecraft.
The podcast delves into complex global and domestic issues, starting with an analysis of Donald Trump's leadership style, contrasting "statecraft" with "stagecraft," and its implications for international relations, particularly concerning Iran's geopolitical influence. It critiques the failures in UK water regulation, exposed by the documentary "Dirty Business," linking current environmental crises to the privatization of water services initiated under Margaret Thatcher. The discussion also scrutinizes the effectiveness of Ofcom in regulating media, specifically GB News, highlighting concerns about impartiality and the "revolving door" phenomenon between regulators and industry. The conversation touches upon the rise of the "manosphere" and its impact on young men, the importance of the MTCP framework for foreign policy analysis, and the broader consequences of populism and state failure. Cultural recommendations and advertisements for energy, VPN, and health tracking services are also included.
511. Is Blair Undermining Starmer on Iran? (Question Time)
This podcast discusses the Iran conflict, UK foreign policy, US-UK relations, and the role of leaders like Tony Blair and Donald Trump, while also touching on European unity and the complexities of Iranian society.
This episode delves into the multifaceted Iran conflict, examining the foreign policy stances of key figures like Tony Blair and Keir Starmer, and contrasting them with Donald Trump's transactional approach. The discussion highlights the UK's need for strategic independence from the US, the complexities of international alliances, and the potential geopolitical and economic consequences of the conflict. It also explores the internal dynamics of Iran, the challenges faced by its diaspora, and the differing perceptions of the conflict between Israel and the international community. The podcast further analyzes the role of former prime ministers in public discourse, the importance of media framing, and the strategic considerations for European unity in a shifting global order. Finally, it touches upon the state of the UK's armed forces and draws parallels with historical figures like Winston Churchill to offer insights into leadership and international relations.
507. The Ayatollah Is Killed – REACTION
Podcast discusses Iran developments, Trump's foreign policy, AI in warfare, and the erosion of international norms.
This podcast episode delves into the geopolitical ramifications of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's reported death, scrutinizing the intelligence operations and military actions, particularly those involving the US and Israel. It critically examines Donald Trump's unilateral foreign policy approach, questioning the lack of post-strike planning and drawing parallels with past interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan. The discussion highlights concerns about the erosion of international law, the dangers of unchecked presidential power, and the potential for increased nuclear proliferation and a shift towards China. Furthermore, the episode explores the ethical implications of Artificial Intelligence in warfare, focusing on mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, and criticizes the Pentagon's aggressive stance against AI companies like Anthropic. The hosts emphasize the importance of nuanced debate amidst political polarization and the need for Europe to develop independent AI capabilities.
513. Inside Iran: The Country Trump Cannot Control? (Question Time)
This podcast analyzes Iran's complex political landscape, military strategy, and potential for regime change, contrasting it with Russia and China's interests.
This podcast features an in-depth discussion on Iran's internal politics, public opinion, and the challenges facing its new leadership. It explores the nuances of Iranian nationalism, the potential for regime collapse, and the country's military strategies, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz and Karg Island. The conversation also contrasts Iran's ideological stance with that of Gulf states and analyzes the differing interests of Russia and China in the region. Finally, it examines past Western policy mistakes regarding Iran, critiques the JCPOA, and proposes alternatives to military intervention, emphasizing the importance of supporting internal aspirations for change.
Malice
A family's fight for justice reveals a suspicious death, a staged crime scene, and a complex legal battle for Susan Embert, accused of murdering her husband Jake.
This Dateline episode chronicles the suspicious death of Jake Embert, initially ruled a suicide but vehemently contested by his family. The narrative follows the family's persistent doubts, the hiring of a private investigator, and the subsequent legal battles surrounding Susan Embert, Jake's wife. Key elements include the alleged staging of the crime scene, inconsistencies in Susan's accounts, the discovery of poisoning evidence in Jake's hairbrush, and multiple trials. Despite initial convictions and a life sentence, Susan Embert's case was marked by overturned verdicts due to juror misconduct and speedy trial violations, ultimately leading to the dismissal of all charges. The story highlights the family's struggle for accountability and the complexities of the justice system.
Kouri Richins' ex-lover gets emotional. Twist in Microsoft employee's murder case. Plus, Josh Mankiewicz.
Dateline True Crime Weekly covers trials of a Utah widow, a Florida murder-for-hire, the Gilgo Beach killer, and a sex trafficking case, plus Josh Mankiewicz's new podcast.
This episode of Dateline True Crime Weekly delves into several compelling cases. It features the ongoing trial of Corey Richards, a Utah widow accused of poisoning her husband for insurance money, with testimony from her lover, Robert Josh Grossman, highlighting their affair and future plans. The podcast also reports on the Florida murder-for-hire case involving Jared Brightigan, where the alleged gunman, Henry Tenon, has withdrawn his guilty plea, complicating the prosecution's case against Mario Fernandez Saldana. Updates are provided on the Gilgo Beach serial killer, Rex Heurman, with new filings detailing his contact with sex workers. Additionally, the episode covers the conviction of Michigan farmer Dale Warner for his wife's murder and the guilty verdict against celebrity real estate brokers Orrin, Tal, and Alon Alexander for rape and sex trafficking. Finally, Josh Mankiewicz discusses his new podcast, "Trace of Suspicion," which examines the controversial case of a marine's death and his widow's alleged involvement, questioning the nature of justice.
Housekeeper testifies at Utah mom murder trial. Sister seeks answers in shootout. Plus, photo lineups.
This podcast covers true crime cases, including the Corey Richens murder trial, the Scott Spivey shooting, and updates on other trials, alongside expert insights on photo lineups.
This episode of "Dateline True Crime Weekly" delves into several compelling cases. The Corey Richens murder trial is a central focus, detailing testimony from her former housekeeper, Carmen Lobber, regarding the purchase of fentanyl, and the defense's attempts to discredit her. Robert Crozier's testimony and subsequent recantation add complexity to the prosecution's case. The podcast also explores the Scott Spivey roadside shooting, including a civil hearing on the "Stand Your Ground" law and a judge's ruling that allows a wrongful death suit. Updates are provided on the Rashan Jones murder trial in Miami, the Dale Warner trial in Michigan, and the sentencing of Dan Seraphini in California. Finally, retired Police Chief Ken Wallentine offers expert analysis on the procedures and best practices for photo line-ups to prevent mistaken eyewitness identification.
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