The Sunday Story: Comprehensive News and Culture Analysis

The Sunday Story from Up First is an NPR podcast that blends storytelling with current issues. Hosted by Ayesha Rascoe, this weekly news and culture magazine delves into a singular topic through detailed conversations, interviews, and narrative journalism. It appears every Sunday in the Up First feed.

The podcast is accessible on various platforms such as the NPR App, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube Music.

Notable Episodes

June 21, 2026: Caught in Cambodia’s Scam Machine

Part 1 explores the workers behind the global scam industry. In Part 2, investigative reporter Shibani Mahtani follows a Ugandan scam worker stranded in Phnom Penh amid Cambodia’s crackdown on scams, examining how these individuals are treated.

June 14, 2026: Teen’s Death During Seattle Protests

Investigates the unsolved case of Antonio Mays Jr., a 16-year-old who was killed during the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest in Seattle.

June 7, 2026: How America is Influencing the World Cup

Discusses the World Cup’s return to North America after 30 years, highlighting challenges like visa complications due to geopolitical tensions.

May 31, 2026: The Impact of Short Bursts of Movement

Manoush Zomorodi, after collaborating with Columbia University Medical Center, discusses how minimal movement can counteract sedentary lifestyles.

May 24, 2026: Climate Action Amid Policy Rollbacks

Focuses on how cities and states in the U.S. are addressing climate change issues despite policy reversals by the Trump administration.

May 17, 2026: Urban Development’s Human Cost in Lagos

Details the forced removals of residents in Lagos as the government develops luxury condos, despite court actions and protests.

May 10, 2026: Single Motherhood by Choice

Explores the increasing number of women choosing single motherhood, with stories from over 60 women defying traditional norms.

May 3, 2026: Christians and Immigration Policy

Examines the divide among Evangelicals in the U.S. over immigration enforcement and their interpretations of biblical teachings.

April 26, 2026: Education and ‘Emotional Disturbance’

Discusses the segregation of students labeled with emotional disturbances from mainstream education, affecting over 300,000 students in the U.S.