{"generated_at": "2026-04-22T21:24:33.213014Z", "slug": "up_first_from_npr", "source_id": "src_up_first_from_npr", "name": "Up First from NPR", "episode_count": 7, "avg_signal": 65.6, "median_signal": 66.7, "top_signal": 69.4, "latest_episode_at": "2026-04-20T10:02:02Z", "earliest_episode_at": "2026-04-14T09:48:07Z", "category_mode": "news", "cover_image_url": "https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x3000+0+0/resize/1400/quality/66/format/jpg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F7a%2Ffe9d16a44fbf9dd2d9932ffe799b%2F510318.png", "rank_score": 132.568, "episodes": [{"episode_id": "ep_up_first_from_npr_f86bdd8e6dfa", "episode_title": "Trump and Iran Talks, Iran Reacts to Ship Seized, Tariff Refunds", "podcast_name": "Up First from NPR", "podcast_slug": "up_first_from_npr", "source_id": "src_up_first_from_npr", "category": "news", "publish_date": "2026-04-20T10:02:02Z", "overall_score": 64.6, "score_breakdown": {"clarity": 64.1, "originality": 57.6, "hype_penalty": 6.0, "actionability": 100.0, "technical_depth": 46.0, "information_density": 65.1}, "podcast_cover_url": "https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x3000+0+0/resize/1400/quality/66/format/jpg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F7a%2Ffe9d16a44fbf9dd2d9932ffe799b%2F510318.png", "source_link": "https://www.npr.org/2026/04/20/nx-s1-5791261/trump-and-iran-talks-iran-reacts-to-ship-seized-tariff-refunds", "audio_url": "https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510318/npr.simplecastaudio.com/d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632/episodes/c44823a5-6cff-4ec4-a474-9f9b6ab11151/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632&awEpisodeId=c44823a5-6cff-4ec4-a474-9f9b6ab11151&feed=HMwRVgVt&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5791261&p=510318&d=823&size=13172864", "listen_url": "https://www.npr.org/2026/04/20/nx-s1-5791261/trump-and-iran-talks-iran-reacts-to-ship-seized-tariff-refunds", "verdict": "worth_your_time", "why_listen": "It goes beyond the title with direct discussion of iran, trump, said, including: Iran is calling it piracy and vowing to retaliate.", "summary": "The US fired on and seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to break through the blockade. Iran is calling it piracy and vowing to retaliate."}, {"episode_id": "ep_up_first_from_npr_b31259ff3c13", "episode_title": "Hormuz Latest, Trump Rallies Amid Sinking Approval, Tariff Refunds", "podcast_name": "Up First from NPR", "podcast_slug": "up_first_from_npr", "source_id": "src_up_first_from_npr", "category": "news", "publish_date": "2026-04-18T14:29:31Z", "overall_score": 58.6, "score_breakdown": {"clarity": 52.8, "originality": 64.1, "hype_penalty": 5.7, "actionability": 59.0, "technical_depth": 53.5, "information_density": 71.9}, "podcast_cover_url": "https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x3000+0+0/resize/1400/quality/66/format/jpg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F7a%2Ffe9d16a44fbf9dd2d9932ffe799b%2F510318.png", "source_link": "https://www.npr.org/2026/04/18/nx-s1-5787760/hormuz-latest-trump-rallies-amid-sinking-approval-tariff-refunds", "audio_url": "https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510318/npr.simplecastaudio.com/d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632/episodes/c1afa195-8c71-4da5-b477-4aacee2c69d2/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632&awEpisodeId=c1afa195-8c71-4da5-b477-4aacee2c69d2&feed=HMwRVgVt&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5787760&p=510318&d=921&size=14743137", "listen_url": "https://www.npr.org/2026/04/18/nx-s1-5787760/hormuz-latest-trump-rallies-amid-sinking-approval-tariff-refunds", "verdict": "worth_your_time", "why_listen": "It goes beyond the title with direct discussion of trump, president, iran, including: Putting the temporary reprieve of the ceasefire at risk.", "summary": "Iran says it's clamping down again on the Strait of Hormuz."}, {"episode_id": "ep_up_first_from_npr_2b1260c6b415", "episode_title": "Zohran Mamdani on NYC as a blueprint for Democrats | NPR's Newsmakers", "podcast_name": "Up First from NPR", "podcast_slug": "up_first_from_npr", "source_id": "src_up_first_from_npr", "category": "news", "publish_date": "2026-04-17T17:42:31Z", "overall_score": 69.4, "score_breakdown": {"clarity": 75.6, "originality": 59.1, "hype_penalty": 5.7, "actionability": 99.0, "technical_depth": 53.5, "information_density": 68.4}, "podcast_cover_url": "https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x3000+0+0/resize/1400/quality/66/format/jpg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F7a%2Ffe9d16a44fbf9dd2d9932ffe799b%2F510318.png", "source_link": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first", "audio_url": "https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510318/npr.simplecastaudio.com/d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632/episodes/717be2e7-2929-4eed-97c5-a62ae533a328/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632&awEpisodeId=717be2e7-2929-4eed-97c5-a62ae533a328&feed=HMwRVgVt&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5788620&p=510318&d=1764&size=28239457", "listen_url": "https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510318/npr.simplecastaudio.com/d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632/episodes/717be2e7-2929-4eed-97c5-a62ae533a328/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632&awEpisodeId=717be2e7-2929-4eed-97c5-a62ae533a328&feed=HMwRVgVt&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5788620&p=510318&d=1764&size=28239457", "verdict": "worth_your_time", "why_listen": "It goes beyond the title with direct discussion of city, think, it's, including: Our guest today is the mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani.", "summary": "It's Layla Fauldin with a special episode of Up First, a conversation from our sister show, NPR's newsmakers, where we interview some of the most influential people of our time. Our guest today is the mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani."}, {"episode_id": "ep_up_first_from_npr_3a719e5d97d0", "episode_title": "Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire, Hegseth On Blockade, Trump Nominates New CDC Director", "podcast_name": "Up First from NPR", "podcast_slug": "up_first_from_npr", "source_id": "src_up_first_from_npr", "category": "news", "publish_date": "2026-04-17T10:07:43Z", "overall_score": 66.7, "score_breakdown": {"clarity": 73.2, "originality": 61.8, "hype_penalty": 2.7, "actionability": 67.0, "technical_depth": 53.5, "information_density": 71.6}, "podcast_cover_url": "https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x3000+0+0/resize/1400/quality/66/format/jpg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F7a%2Ffe9d16a44fbf9dd2d9932ffe799b%2F510318.png", "source_link": "https://www.npr.org/2026/04/17/nx-s1-5788557/lebanon-israel-ceasefire-hegseth-on-blockade-trump-nominates-new-cdc-director", "audio_url": "https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510318/npr.simplecastaudio.com/d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632/episodes/c1e533d2-4de4-4f76-b1af-a50c7fe2924b/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632&awEpisodeId=c1e533d2-4de4-4f76-b1af-a50c7fe2924b&feed=HMwRVgVt&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5788557&p=510318&d=761&size=12182719", "listen_url": "https://www.npr.org/2026/04/17/nx-s1-5788557/lebanon-israel-ceasefire-hegseth-on-blockade-trump-nominates-new-cdc-director", "verdict": "worth_your_time", "why_listen": "It goes beyond the title with direct discussion of israel, ceasefire, hezbollah, including: But Israel is occupying southern Lebanon and says it's not leaving, and Hezbollah wasn't part of the deal and says it has the right to resist.", "summary": "A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is now in effect. But Israel is occupying southern Lebanon and says it's not leaving, and Hezbollah wasn't part of the deal and says it has the right to resist."}, {"episode_id": "ep_up_first_from_npr_5220aced3d62", "episode_title": "Dave Chappelle on free speech and the purpose of comedy | NPR\u2019s Newsmakers", "podcast_name": "Up First from NPR", "podcast_slug": "up_first_from_npr", "source_id": "src_up_first_from_npr", "category": "news", "publish_date": "2026-04-15T17:00:01Z", "overall_score": 63.8, "score_breakdown": {"clarity": 62.7, "originality": 45.8, "hype_penalty": 5.1, "actionability": 67.0, "technical_depth": 68.5, "information_density": 80.5}, "podcast_cover_url": "https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x3000+0+0/resize/1400/quality/66/format/jpg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F7a%2Ffe9d16a44fbf9dd2d9932ffe799b%2F510318.png", "source_link": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510318/up-first", "audio_url": "https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510318/npr.simplecastaudio.com/d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632/episodes/55dac1f7-71b4-40c9-a35f-0a14b43b302b/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632&awEpisodeId=55dac1f7-71b4-40c9-a35f-0a14b43b302b&feed=HMwRVgVt&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5786500&p=510318&d=2323&size=37169155", "listen_url": "https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510318/npr.simplecastaudio.com/d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632/episodes/55dac1f7-71b4-40c9-a35f-0a14b43b302b/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632&awEpisodeId=55dac1f7-71b4-40c9-a35f-0a14b43b302b&feed=HMwRVgVt&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5786500&p=510318&d=2323&size=37169155", "verdict": "worth_your_time", "why_listen": "It goes beyond the title with direct discussion of like, know, it's, including: You can watch the show on NPR's YouTube channel or search for newsmakers wherever you get your podcasts.", "summary": "You can watch the show on NPR's YouTube channel or search for newsmakers wherever you get your podcasts. Do you feel like your job is to be provocative?."}, {"episode_id": "ep_up_first_from_npr_ba516718dbcb", "episode_title": "Middle East War Negotiations, War And The Global Economy, New Swalwell Allegations", "podcast_name": "Up First from NPR", "podcast_slug": "up_first_from_npr", "source_id": "src_up_first_from_npr", "category": "news", "publish_date": "2026-04-15T09:45:51Z", "overall_score": 66.9, "score_breakdown": {"clarity": 75.5, "originality": 60.0, "hype_penalty": 2.7, "actionability": 67.0, "technical_depth": 53.5, "information_density": 72.0}, "podcast_cover_url": "https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x3000+0+0/resize/1400/quality/66/format/jpg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F7a%2Ffe9d16a44fbf9dd2d9932ffe799b%2F510318.png", "source_link": "https://www.npr.org/2026/04/15/nx-s1-5786030/middle-east-war-negotiations-war-and-the-global-economy-new-swalwell-allegations", "audio_url": "https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510318/npr.simplecastaudio.com/d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632/episodes/b145cd1c-28c9-40ca-b472-8e6579b3bef1/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632&awEpisodeId=b145cd1c-28c9-40ca-b472-8e6579b3bef1&feed=HMwRVgVt&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5786030&p=510318&d=787&size=12607365", "listen_url": "https://www.npr.org/2026/04/15/nx-s1-5786030/middle-east-war-negotiations-war-and-the-global-economy-new-swalwell-allegations", "verdict": "worth_your_time", "why_listen": "It goes beyond the title with direct discussion of says, iran, talks, including: And Israel and Lebanon agree to start peace negotiations, but with Hezbollah refusing to disarm, will Israel agree to a ceasefire?.", "summary": "President Trump says another round of talks with Iran could happen in the next few days. And Israel and Lebanon agree to start peace negotiations, but with Hezbollah refusing to disarm, will Israel agree to a ceasefire?."}, {"episode_id": "ep_up_first_from_npr_b1f1a02c9b49", "episode_title": "Swalwell Resignation, Strait Of Hormuz Standoff, Trump Feuds with Pope Leo", "podcast_name": "Up First from NPR", "podcast_slug": "up_first_from_npr", "source_id": "src_up_first_from_npr", "category": "news", "publish_date": "2026-04-14T09:48:07Z", "overall_score": 68.9, "score_breakdown": {"clarity": 60.8, "originality": 47.3, "hype_penalty": 3.0, "actionability": 100.0, "technical_depth": 46.0, "recency_relevance": 88.0, "information_density": 65.4}, "podcast_cover_url": "https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3000x3000+0+0/resize/1400/quality/66/format/jpg/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F7a%2Ffe9d16a44fbf9dd2d9932ffe799b%2F510318.png", "source_link": "https://www.npr.org/2026/04/14/nx-s1-5784554/swalwell-resignation-strait-of-hormuz-standoff-trump-feuds-with-pope-leo", "audio_url": "https://prfx.byspotify.com/e/play.podtrac.com/npr-510318/npr.simplecastaudio.com/d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632/episodes/361bfc6b-12e3-482f-8336-b7eff1508c6c/audio/128/default.mp3?awCollectionId=d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632&awEpisodeId=361bfc6b-12e3-482f-8336-b7eff1508c6c&feed=HMwRVgVt&t=podcast&e=nx-s1-5784554&p=510318&d=782&size=12526699", "listen_url": "https://www.npr.org/2026/04/14/nx-s1-5784554/swalwell-resignation-strait-of-hormuz-standoff-trump-feuds-with-pope-leo", "verdict": "worth_your_time", "why_listen": "It goes beyond the title with direct discussion of trump, pope, swalwell, including: I've certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past.", "summary": "Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell is resigning after multiple women accused him of sexual assault and misconduct."}], "category_breakdown": [{"category": "news", "count": 7}]}