The Sunday Story from Up First is a space where storytelling intertwines with current issues. This weekly magazine, hosted by Ayesha Rascoe, delves into a single topic, offering deep insights through conversations, interviews, and thorough narrative journalism. The episodes are published every Sunday in the Up First podcast feed.
Podcast Platforms
You can find this podcast on various platforms including the NPR App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Youtube Music. An RSS link is also available for subscribers who prefer it.
Recent Episodes Overview
Recent episodes of The Sunday Story cover a wide range of topics with impactful reporting.
- Caught in Cambodia’s Scam Machine: Part 1: This episode explores the workers behind the global scam industry, airing on June 21, 2026. Listen through embedded audio or download.
- Caught in Cambodia’s Scam Machine: Part 2: Continuation of the previous story focusing on the aftermath of the Cambodian government’s crackdown on scammers and their stranded plight. Aired on June 21, 2026. Available for listening via embedded player or download.
- How an Anti-Police Violence Protest Ended in a Teen’s Death: Investigates the mysterious case of Antonio Mays Jr. who became a victim during the racial justice movement protests. Originally aired on June 14, 2026. Embedded player available for this episode.
- How America is Shaping the World Cup: Discusses the World Cup returning to North America after 30 years and the challenges faced due to geopolitical tensions. Listen to this episode from June 7, 2026.
- How 5 Minutes of Movement Can Change Your Life: Points out the health risks related to sedentary lifestyles and minimal movement required for mitigating these issues based on scientific studies. Aired on May 31, 2026.
- Trump Is Rolling Back Climate Solutions. What Can Cities and States Do?: Talks about U.S. cities and states moving forward with climate action despite federal rollbacks. Originally aired on May 24, 2026.
- The Human Cost of Building the Dubai of Africa: Sheds light on the displacement of poor communities in Lagos, Nigeria, for real estate developments. Episode from May 17, 2026.
- Why More Women Are Choosing to Be Single Mothers: Explores the stories of women embracing single motherhood, aired May 10, 2026.
- ‘The Bible Is Not a Policy Manual’: Christians Reckon with Immigration Under Trump: Discusses varying evangelical perspectives on immigration policy. Episode aired May 3, 2026.
- The Hidden Cost of Separating ‘Emotionally Disturbed’ Students: Investigative reporting on special education categories and their implications. Aired April 26, 2026.
Featured Images
Some notable visuals include protesters in Seattle during the 2020 demonstrations and the branding from the 1994 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.
Each episode of The Sunday Story brings considerate journalism and storytelling to NPR listeners, providing detailed examination of significant issues.