The Daily

Michael Barbaro announces that Natalie Kitroweff and Rachel Abrams are joining him as co-hosts of "The Daily," marking a new chapter for the show. Natalie credits her journalist journey to her mother's influence and her experiences in Guatemala, while Rachel was inspired by her father's screenwriting and the character Lois Lane. They discuss impactful stories they've covered, including Rachel's investigation into General Motors' car malfunctions and Natalie's work on the Sinaloa cartel's role in the fentanyl crisis. The trio emphasizes their commitment to advocating for listeners and enhancing the show's storytelling.

• The podcast "The Daily I Know" introduces Natalie Kitroweff and Rachel Abrams as new co-hosts alongside Michael Barbaro.
• The hosts discuss their past experiences and motivations for joining the podcast.

"I'm extremely excited to announce you are both becoming my co-hosts. There are going to be three of us: Michael Barbaro, Natalie Kitroweff, Rachel Abrams."

• This quote highlights the transition of Natalie and Rachel from guest hosts to permanent co-hosts, marking a new chapter for the show.

• Natalie credits her mother, a professor of Latin American politics, for inspiring her interest in journalism.
• Her early exposure to complex political issues in Guatemala shaped her career path.

"She is a professor of Latin American politics. She was always, from when I was really young, doing research in Guatemala. And when I turned 12, she started taking me there."

• Natalie's firsthand experiences with her mother's research in Guatemala introduced her to the world of journalism, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.

"Her research was doing interviews with victims and survivors of the genocide in Guatemala. And I would go and do these interviews with her."

• This quote underscores Natalie's early involvement in journalism, learning to navigate sensitive and multifaceted stories from a young age.

• Rachel shares her background, contrasting with Natalie's story by mentioning her father's influence as a screenwriter in LA.
• Her upbringing surrounded by storytelling through comic books and screenwriting influenced her career choice.

"My dad was a screenwriter in LA that read comic books, which I read."

• Rachel's exposure to storytelling through her father's career in screenwriting and comic books played a significant role in her decision to pursue journalism.

• Both Natalie and Rachel express their enthusiasm for joining the podcast and contributing to its storytelling.
• They aim to bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the show, enhancing its depth and reach.

"We wanted to take a moment outside of the regular rigors of the show to mark this moment and officially share this news with our listeners."

• The hosts' dedication to marking this transition reflects their commitment to transparency and engaging with their audience.

• Journalism is portrayed as a noble profession, with the ability to do good in the world by speaking truth to power and uncovering hidden truths.
• The speaker admires the character of Lois Lane, a fictional reporter, for her intelligence, tenacity, and capability to make a difference without superpowers.

"Lois Lane's the coolest person. Like a reporter is the coolest person you could be. They had to give the man superpowers, but she is saving the world because she's smart and dogged and tenacious to speak truth to power and reveal things."

• Lois Lane serves as an inspiration, highlighting the power of journalism to effect change through intelligence and determination.

• The speaker recounts an early career experience at the Times that solidified their commitment to journalism.
• A major investigation into General Motors' cars malfunctioning was a pivotal moment, showcasing the impact of thorough reporting.

"Really early in my career at the Times, there was a story I worked on that I think it'll probably stay with me forever. General Motors was having this issue where their cars were just suddenly shutting off while people were driving them."

• The investigation into General Motors illustrates the critical role of journalists in uncovering corporate malfeasance and providing closure to affected families.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of investigative journalism in providing closure and justice to victims and their families.
• Through persistent effort, the speaker was able to identify a victim of a car malfunction, providing the family with information and access to compensation.

"I probably made 100 phone calls to everybody that might know somebody who knows somebody who knows somebody. And eventually I found someone. It was a woman whose car had driven off the road, and she had crashed into a tree, and she had died."

• The relentless pursuit of truth in journalism can lead to significant outcomes, such as family closure and access to compensation funds.

• The speaker expresses pride in their work, particularly in instances where their reporting led to meaningful change or assistance for those affected by issues.

"I tracked down her family, and up until then, they had no idea. They thought maybe she had a heart attack. It was this lingering mystery, and they finally got some sort of closure."

• The satisfaction derived from helping others and contributing to public service is a key motivator for journalists.

• The speaker's work is influenced by lessons learned from their mother, highlighting the personal connections and inspirations that drive journalistic work.
• The speaker's success in Mexico City as a correspondent is attributed to these foundational lessons.

"Natalie, as we've already hinted at, you take the lessons that you drew from your mom's work, and you become one of the greatest correspondents I can recall in Mexico City."

• Personal experiences and family influences play a critical role in shaping a journalist's career and approach to storytelling.

• The investigation aimed to understand the operations of the Sinaloa cartel in relation to the fentanyl crisis, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans.
• The investigative process involved traveling to Sinaloa, visiting a fentanyl production lab, and engaging with chemists and individuals who were experimented on by the cartel.
• The investigation was characterized by significant risk and danger, reflecting the complexities of understanding the billion-dollar business behind the lethal drug.

"I spent, as you know, because we talked about on the show several months investigating the Sinaloa cartel as a way of understanding the fentanyl crisis that was killing, you know, tens of thousands of Americans."

• The speaker highlights the motivation behind the investigation, which was to gain insights into the fentanyl crisis linked to the Sinaloa cartel.

"We really tried to get inside the cartel by going to Sinaloa, visiting a fentanyl lab where they were cooking and producing the drug, talking to chemists."

• This quote underscores the in-depth approach taken to penetrate the cartel's operations and gather firsthand information.

"It was risky, it was dangerous, but it was the only way that I knew to try to understand how this billion-dollar business behind this incredibly lethal drug actually worked."

• The speaker emphasizes the inherent risks involved in the investigation and the necessity of these risks to comprehend the cartel's functioning.

• The transition to The Daily was motivated by a long-standing connection and affinity with the show, which served as an informative resource for reporting.
• The speaker expresses excitement about joining the show permanently, having previously worked with the same editors and producers.
• The move reflects a desire to explore audio storytelling as a medium for impactful journalism.

"I remember when the show first started and it oriented me as a reporter covering this world. I needed to listen to what was on the Daily because it helped me think about."

• This quote reveals the speaker's reliance on The Daily as a guiding tool in their reporting career.

"I worked with some of the very same editors and producers who are still running this show. So it feels like it's been a home away from home for me for a long time now."

• The speaker shares a sense of familiarity and comfort with the team at The Daily, motivating the transition.

• The speaker was involved in reporting on the MeToo movement, including a significant story about a woman who lost her law license for being a source.
• The story's development involved personal engagement with the source, leading to the decision to feature it on The Daily.
• The speaker highlights the unique capabilities of audio storytelling in conveying powerful narratives.

"I was involved in the paper's coverage of the MeToo movement. And one of the stories involved a woman who lost her law license because she was a source to us."

• This quote outlines the speaker's involvement in critical reporting on the MeToo movement and its consequences for sources.

"The Daily is where I think your story belongs. I just feel like audio can just do something for the story."

• The speaker advocates for the use of audio to enhance the storytelling of significant narratives, such as those from the MeToo movement.

• The role of hosting The Daily involves envisioning the listener's experience, whether at home or commuting, and ensuring engagement with the content.
• The host's responsibility is to create a connection with the audience, making the show an integral part of their routine.

"I think the job is to imagine that someone is at home maybe doing their dishes or on the subway listening to the show, and they're plugged in."

• This quote reflects the host's perspective on creating relatable and engaging content for the audience.

• The host's primary role is to represent and advocate for the listener during conversations.
• The host must clarify confusing points and delve into deeper meanings on behalf of the audience.
• Balancing the act of being present in the conversation while standing in for the listener is a key challenge.

"The job is to fiercely advocate for the listener in every conversation, whether it's with a farmer in Iowa or the president of Princeton University, like you just did, Rachel, or Natalie with the whistleblower from Boeing or any of our 1500 colleagues who are the beating heart of this show."

• The host emphasizes the importance of considering the listener's perspective across different types of interviews and subjects.

"And the real challenge is standing in for the listener while also yourself being really present in the conversation. And it's kind of like those two jobs at once. That is the challenge."

• This highlights the dual responsibility of engaging with the conversation while maintaining a focus on the listener's needs.

• The hosts express enthusiasm and anticipation for working together in future projects.
• There is a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among the team members.

"Okay, we are reaching the end of our conversation here, and I just want to tell you both how much I am looking forward to working with you as my co host. I think it's going to be a lot of fun, and I think we're going to do great things."

• The quote reflects the positive outlook and excitement about the potential achievements of the team.

"Me too."

• This succinct response indicates agreement and shared enthusiasm among the hosts.

"Me three."

• Another affirmation of excitement, reinforcing the collective anticipation for future collaborations.

• The hosts engage in a round of expressing thanks, showcasing a friendly and supportive team environment.
• The process of thanking each other becomes a playful and bonding experience.

"Michael, Rachel, thank you so much."

• This expression of gratitude underscores the appreciation among team members.

"You're very welcome."

• The response to gratitude reflects mutual respect and acknowledgment within the team.

"Michael, Natalie, thank you both so much."

• The repetition of gratitude exchanges highlights the friendly and collaborative atmosphere.

"You're welcome."

• The simplicity of the response indicates a genuine and straightforward appreciation among colleagues.