This four-part series explores the changing nature of the American family—from marriage trends to retirement finances—blending individual and family voices with expert perspectives on trends and their implications.

In a four-part series, Pew’s “After the Fact” podcast asks a question at the heart of the human experience—how do we learn? And as we continue to live longer than previous generations, what are we discovering to help increase lifelong learning and prepare the workforce of the future?

Ken Burns is known for his expansive documentaries on American history and culture. With 33 documentary films to his name, what is the secret to his creative process? We travel to the New Hampshire barn where he works for a conversation about how he tells old stories in a new way and what inspires him to create.

In this three-part series, we explore the decline in local news coverage across America. We interview journalism experts, travel to a “news desert” where the daily newspaper recently printed its last edition, and visit the newsroom of a paper that is bucking the trend and doubling down on its investment in community coverage. 

Everybody knows what happened on the Fourth of July, but what about the First of July? That’s the anniversary of America’s first free library. Established in 1731 by Ben Franklin, it marked the democratization of information. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden—the first woman and African American in that role—talks about how libraries and librarians continue that mission to this day.

In this series of Pew’s “After the Fact” podcast, we talk about science—what it is, how it’s conducted and explained to the public, and how it affects our lives. We speak with scientists and researchers—from Dr. Anthony Fauci and Pew Biomedical Scholar Pamela Bjorkman, who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, to “Science Friday” host Ira Flatow and physicist and bestselling author Carlo Rovelli, who speak about the scientific process and why it matters. Join us as we explore science and envision how what’s happening today may shape the future of our world.

This series of Pew’s “After the Fact” podcast looks at the innovative solutions some states are developing to meet long-standing problems. From making small loans more affordable for consumers, to improving community flood preparedness, to designing corridors for wildlife to migrate safely across high-traffic roads—protecting animals and drivers—state leaders are working together to tackle big challenges.

This series on “After the Fact”, explores diversity in America and how race intersects with research in a range of fields—from public opinion polling to medicine to economics. The episodes of this season are a contribution to the evolving national conversation about race and diversity, offering a timely look at the challenges, opportunities—and the work—ahead.