The Untold Story with Martha MacCallum

In honor of Independence Day, Martha revisits her discussion with World War II Veteran Don Thompson and his wife, Marian 'Dude' Thompson, as they discuss Don's service to the United States. Don describes his time abroad and what his service has meant to him and his family. After nearly 80 years of marriage, Don and Marian retell their love story and share their experience of sending letters back and forth during the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Associate editor at The Free Press Madeleine Kearns recently wrote a piece called 'As Christians Are Slaughtered, the World Looks Away.' She retells the horrific events in which Islamist militants massacred over 200 people in Yelwata, Nigeria. Men, women, and children fell victim to the heinous incident, and it received very little media coverage. Madeleine describes eyewitness reports and examines Western media's reaction to the massacre. She also points out that Pope Leo XIV has spoken out about the crisis, suggesting ways he could bring attention to these incidents. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last Saturday, a U.S. military operation targeted and took down three Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran responded by launching failed strikes at a U.S. military base in Qatar. Since then, U.S. national security experts have warned that Americans should remain vigilant for any nefarious activity within their homeland. Fox News senior strategic analyst and retired general Jack Keane provides insight into last week's military attack, the aftermath and explains how the U.S. should proceed with Iran. He argues that Iran should allow inspections of their nuclear sights and, in exchange, receive normalized trade relations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Saturday evening, President Trump ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, obliterating their target. Since then, Americans have wondered whether Iran will rebuild its nuclear program. International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi examines the damage caused to Iran's facilities and whether they will continue to strive for a nuclear bomb. Rafael highlights the importance of the International Atomic Energy Agency as they continue their work to account for all nuclear materials in Iran and ensure global transparency. He explains why the I.A.E.A. must return to the Iranian facilities to assess the damage and determine the results of the U.S. attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over one week since Israel launched its first attack on the Iranian regime, targeting their nuclear facilities and top generals. The conflict has escalated further as President Trump weighs whether the United States should join the conflict. The exiled Crown Prince of Iran, his Royal Highness Rez Pahlavi joins Martha to share the latest developments in the conflict, his hope for the Iranian people to overthrow their oppressive government, and his interest in serving as a transitional leadership figure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last week, the conflict between Israel and Iran came to a head after Israel launched airstrikes attacking the Iranian regime. In a tactical move, they targeted nuclear and military facilities and their leadership. Since then, the two nations have exchanged airstrikes, escalating destruction in both countries. Fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C. and holding a PhD in Iranian Studies from the University of St Andrews, Nazee Moinian is an Iranian-born Jewish woman with family and connections on both sides of the conflict. She describes the historical relationship between Iran and Israel and the potential for an Iranian regime change that could alter the country's course. She shares her concern for the current situation and the difficult decision that President Trump is facing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

FOX Business reporter and New York Times bestselling author Gerri Willis shares her new book Lincoln's Lady Spymaster. Gerri describes her writing process and what it was like to work on a historical non-fiction novel about a fearless woman. The book tells the real-life story of Elizabeth Van Lew, a wealthy Southern belle with a tenacious spirit who became instrumental in the Civil War. Elizabeth opposed slavery and risked her whole existence to become a Union spy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Friday, June 6th, protests broke out in Los Angeles, California, over ICE Raids and the Trump administration's tough-on immigration policies. President Trump has since deployed the National Guard to control what he deemed a chaotic scene in response to the protests. On Tuesday, June 10th, Martha spoke with California Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton about his concern for the state. Steve analyzes the reaction of the local authorities in California and the lack of action taken by the state's government officials. He also discusses President Trump's steadfast approach to continue ICE raids despite the call to stop, and the effect of these protests on the Latino community in California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Americans and other countries involved commemorate the 81st anniversary of D-Day, Martha takes a look back at her conversation with historian and journalist Garrett Graff about the unsung heroes of the day. He highlights his book, 'When the Sea Came Alive: An Oral History of D-Day, ' which honors D-Day with stories of military and human triumphs. Garret shares with Martha some of the powerful interviews he conducted, remembering those who demonstrated courage and bravery on June 6th, 1944. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harvey Weinstein's trial is underway in New York as Americans wait for deliberations on whether the disgraced film executive is truly capable of the accused atrocious acts. It is unclear when the jury deliberations will be held, however to this day, Harvey has maintained his innocence. He will not testify in this current trial. Martha revisits her conversation with the lead attorney for the Harvey Weinstein New York case, Donna Rotunno, to refresh listeners on Harvey's original trial and why New York's highest court overturned his rape conviction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martha revisits her conversation with social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt discussing his book, ‘The Anxious Generation.’ He explains the unique childhood experience for Gen Z growing up surrounded by electronic devices. Jonathan details how the prevalence of smartphones and social media platforms during such a transformative time for young folks has spurred a mental health epidemic and gives advice to parents on how to help their children weather the dangers of the internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Founder and President of The World War II Foundation, Tim Gray, joins Martha to discuss the new documentary "Miles, Morale and Memories: Bob Hope and World War II." The film follows Bob Hope's incredible efforts to cheer up U.S. troops during World War II. His travels led him to many dangerous, remote locations, but he remained committed to entertaining soldiers and providing them a brief reprieve from the war--a tradition Hope would carry through Korea and Vietnam as well. Tim explains why Bob's legacy has led to other great entertainers carrying on his tradition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump recently detailed a plan for a new 'golden dome' to protect Americans, specifically from long-range missiles. Quickly after, China announced its distaste for the project. FOX News Contributor and author of Drone Warrior Brett Velicovich explains how America's new dome will differ from Israel's iron dome. He describes the need to upgrade U.S. technology and missile equipment systems before it is too late. Meanwhile, the President spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week, furthering ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Brett points out specific characteristics President Putin has displayed, which have amounted to a negotiation stalemate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For over 20 years, Sean "Diddy" Combs was a global superstar and major entertainment figure—that was until his celebrity lifestyle came to an abrupt end in September 2024 after multiple accusations of sex crimes and racketeering. On May 12, 2025, Combs' trial began with prosecutors attempting to prove that the defendant abused his fame and power. FOX News correspondent CB Cotton has been covering the trial, and she joins to provide an overview of the case, break down former girlfriend Cassie Ventura's testimony, and analyze the Combs defense strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last week, the world watched as a new Pope was announced. The chosen man is American, Pope Leo XIV. Theologian and FOX News Contributor Jonathan Morris describes what the Conclave voting process may have looked like for the Cardinals. He explains that although Pope Leo XIV is American and may not have been a front runner during the process, he has the humility, intellect, and clarity to represent the Catholic Church. Martha and Jonathan discuss why Pope Leo XIV didn't portray himself as overly American in his announcement. They also share some of the Pope's opening messages to the world, including peace for the Middle East conflicts and between Russia and Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, President Trump embarked on his first major trip abroad of his second term. The President traveled to the Middle East to improve diplomatic relations in the region and make economic deals for the United States. The trip aims to strengthen relationships with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, though the President is not scheduled to travel to Israel. Former senior policy advisor for the Secretary of State and former special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, explains the importance of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia working together for prosperity in the region. He also describes the diplomatic opening that President Trump has offered Iran and why they should agree to this opportunity with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week has marked many significant moments for the Trump administration and the world. In a press conference on Thursday, President Trump signed the first major trade deal with the United Kingdom, a longstanding ally of the United States. Meanwhile, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after recent conflicts. Vice President J.D. Vance sat down with Martha to discuss the next phase of the Trump administration's agenda after securing a deal with the UK. The Vice President discussed various foreign policy issues facing the administration, highlighting President Trump's intentions for dealing with Russia and China. He explains why the administration's policies will have long-term benefits for the United States. Follow Martha on X: @MarthaMacCallum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Pope Francis's death last month, Cardinals from around the world are gathering for the Papal Conclave in Rome. They will discuss the state of the Catholic Church and advocate for their chosen candidate for the next Pope. Author and host of The Catholic Guy Show, Lino Rulli, describes the process of electing a new Pope. He explains who he thinks are frontrunners and why that may not necessarily mean they have a shot at the title. Lino also discusses whether the world will see an American Pope, like Cardinal Dolan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Wednesday, Martha and Cardinal Dolan reflected on Pope Francis’s passing and the enduring hope within the Catholic Church. As the College of Cardinals prepares to elect a new pope, they look ahead to the Church’s future. As Cardinal Dolan enters his second conclave, he addresses the assertion that Cardinals belong to 'liberal' or 'conservative' camps -- emphasizing that the Cardinals see themselves as a connected group of believers working together to do what's best for the Church. He highlights the process' complexity, the central role of prayer, and addresses the question of whether he could ever become pope. Follow Martha on X: @MarthaMacCallum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martha initially went to Rome on a pilgrimage to honor the Jubilee Year — a sacred trip that she and roughly 200 other people from the Archdiocese of New York were invited on by Pope Francis. None of them expected that, days after arrival, they would be paying their final respects to the man who played a pivotal role in the Catholic Church. Cardinal Timothy Dolan joins Martha to reflect on the life of Pope Francis and celebrate the hope and vitality that lives in the Church, even during this period of mourning. They also discuss the upcoming conclave; a topic Martha and Cardinal Dolan will speak about in depth on Friday's episode of The Untold Story. Follow Martha on X: @MarthaMacCallum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices