Baker Briefing

5.0 (26)
POLITICS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosted by former U.S. Ambassador David Satterfield, “Baker Briefing” makes news make sense by bringing together experts from Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and beyond to break down the most important foreign and domestic policy issues of the day. New episodes weekly.

3D AGO

26: Federal Judge Blocks RFK Jr. Vaccine Overhaul and What It Means for Families

On March 16, 2026, a federal judge blocked changes to U.S. vaccine policy advanced under Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., ruling that officials acted unlawfully in restructuring the nation’s vaccine advisory system. In this episode, Baker Institute Director David M. Satterfield and Center for Health Policy Director Heidi Russell examine how vaccine recommendations are typically made, what changed, and why the court intervened. They also discuss the implications of the decision for public trust, vaccine access, and the future of public health in the United States. This conversation was recorded on March 20, 2026. Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

31 min
4D AGO · BONUS

From 'Texas Briefing:' Student Voices on Faith, Politics, and University Life in Texas

This episode is part of the Texas Briefing podcast “Between Pulpit and Policy” series, which examines the role of religion in Texas politics. Produced in partnership with the Baker Institute Student Forum, the series explores how faith intersects with public life and policymaking. How do students experience faith on campus, and how does religion shape their views on public policy? In a student panel moderated by Baker Institute fellow Michael O. Emerson, Rice University students David Lee, Zaina Waheed, and Jacob Alemeshet discuss how faith influences their daily lives, identities, and civic perspectives. Representing Christian and Muslim student organizations, the panel explores religious pluralism, freedom of belief, and the challenges of balancing faith and inclusion in a diverse campus environment. The conversation also examines the relationship between religion and voting behavior, the role of faith-based organizations in policymaking, and current debates in Texas, including legislation involving religion in public schools. This discussion offers insight into how younger generations are approaching faith, civic engagement, and leadership in an increasingly diverse society. Featured: Michael O. Emerson, Ph.D. Student Panelists: David Lee, Rice University Class of 2026, Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) Zaina Waheed, Rice University Class of 2026, Muslim Student Association (MSA) Jacob Alemeshet, Rice University Class of 2028, Christian student organization This conversation was recorded on Dec. 4, 2025, in front of a live audience. Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

24 min
MAR 27

25: Inside the Iran War’s Impact on Global Energy Markets

The conflict in Iran is sending shock waves through global energy markets, tightening supplies, driving up prices, and placing energy security at the center of strategic and economic considerations. On this episode of “Baker Briefing,” Ambassador David M. Satterfield, director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, and Kenneth B. Medlock III, director of the Baker Institute Center for Energy Studies, examine developments following U.S. and Israeli strikes that began on Feb. 28. They discuss potential impacts on energy flows, country responses, and what the evolving dynamics could mean for the global economy in the weeks and months ahead. This conversation was recorded in front of a live studio audience on March 27, 2026. Learn about future live recordings of the “Baker Briefing” podcast by subscribing to our “Events Digest” newsletter at https://www.bakerinstitute.org/newsletter. Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

45 min
MAR 27

24: Inside the Latest Phase of the Iran War

The war in Iran has entered a more dangerous and unpredictable phase, with strikes intensifying, diplomacy stalled, and global stakes higher than ever. On this episode of “Baker Briefing,” Ambassador David M. Satterfield, director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, and fellow Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar discuss the latest developments in the conflict. What strategic calculations have brought all sides to this point, and where might the conflict go from here? This conversation was recorded on March 26, 2026. Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

28 min
MAR 25

23: Population Decline and the New Economics of Cities

As cities around the world confront slower population growth, aging populations, and shifting migration patterns, policymakers are rethinking long-standing assumptions about economic development, infrastructure, and public investment. Ambassador David M. Satterfield speaks with Baker Institute fellow Bill King about the global reality of depopulation and what it could mean for the future of urban life. Using Houston as a case study, they examine how these demographic shifts are affecting schools, tax bases, housing, transportation, and long-term planning in one of America’s fastest-growing cities. This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience on Feb. 24, 2026. Learn about future live recordings of the “Baker Briefing” podcast by subscribing to our “Events Digest” newsletter at https://www.bakerinstitute.org/newsletter. Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

38 min
MAR 18

22: Chief Justice John Roberts on 20 Years Leading the Supreme Court

Twenty years after taking the oath as Chief Justice of the United States, John G. Roberts Jr. visited Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy for a rare public conversation on the role of the courts in a rapidly changing world. In this special episode of “Baker Briefing,” Chief Justice Roberts reflects on two decades leading the Supreme Court, responds to critiques of the judiciary, and discusses how the courts are adapting to emerging technologies and a shifting political landscape. Roberts joins Lee H. Rosenthal of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas for a discussion on judicial independence, public trust, and the evolving responsibilities of the judiciary. This episode presents the full, unedited recording of the conversation, beginning with opening remarks from Amy Dittmar, provost of Rice University. This conversation was recorded in front of a live audience in Rice University’s Stude Concert Hall on Mar. 17, 2026. Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

1h 5m
MAR 6

21: War With Iran: How Far Could It Go?

War between Iran, the United States, and Israel is entering a volatile new phase — raising urgent questions about escalation, leadership in Tehran, and the future stability of the Middle East. Ambassador David M. Satterfield and Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar discuss how Iran’s leadership is interpreting the conflict and the domestic and regional pressures shaping its response. They explore the sustainability of Iran’s military strategy, the implications of potential leadership change in Tehran, and what the widening confrontation could mean for the region—and the world. This conversation was recorded on Mar. 5, 2026. Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

32 min
MAR 4

20: Mexico’s Cartels, Violence, and the Rule of Law After the Fall of El Mencho

The Feb. 22, 2026, death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, head of Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has reignited debate about security, governance, and the strength of Mexico’s institutions. In the days following the operation, cartel-linked violence spread across multiple states — underscoring both the reach of criminal networks and the risks of confronting them. Tony Payan, director of the Baker Institute’s Claudio X. González Center for the United States and Mexico, joins Ambassador David M. Satterfield to examine what Oseguera’s death could mean for Mexico’s fight against organized crime and the evolving role of the United States in that effort. They discuss U.S. involvement in the operation, the political and security pressures facing President Claudia Sheinbaum as she intensifies the government’s campaign against cartels, and the potential implications for U.S.–Mexico security cooperation. At the heart of the conversation is a critical question: Will this operation strengthen the rule of law in Mexico or trigger another cycle of violence? This conversation was recorded on Feb. 26, 2026 Mentioned in this episode: Tony Payan Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.

30 min

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TRAILER

Introducing Season 2

Baker Institute Director David M. Satterfield sits down with Karina Zemel, lead producer of the “Baker Briefing” podcast, to discuss the challenges of communicating policy in a politically polarized era and the conversations ahead on Season 2 of the podcast.

S2

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16 min

5

out of 5

26 Ratings

Actual subject experts. No stupid debates.

01/26/2024

Eric Staib

Thank you so much Baker Institute! I actually *learn* about new things from this podcast. Truly horizon-broadening work!
Nonpartisan Analysis & Discussions of Current Events

05/19/2023

Moe AlJuboori

So happy to finally see a podcast coming from the Baker Institute. Great production, excellent content, and just the right time for each episode.
Excellent podcast

03/22/2023

gugs76

Excellent podcast to stay up to date with today’s main issues
High Quality

02/11/2023

TJ 54321

Very interesting podcasts of the most important events affecting the world today. Well produced and high quality as one would expect from the Baker Institute. Perhaps not for everyone, but if you seek an unbiased view of the most important current events of the day, this is for you!

Hosted by former U.S. Ambassador David Satterfield, “Baker Briefing” makes news make sense by bringing together experts from Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and beyond to break down the most important foreign and domestic policy issues of the day. New episodes weekly.