Studio 2

WHYY

Everything you need to know about what’s happening in the Delaware Valley – from news and politics to science and the arts– delivered with a fresh perspective, all in an hour.

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100 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes100

Newest first

June 22 · 51 min
Supreme Court decision time
The Supreme Court will soon hand down decisions on major cases like birthright citizenship, mail-in ballots, and transgender sports bans. What should we expect?
June 18 · 51 min
The founding of Pennsylvania and the legacy of the Pa. Constitution
What made Pennsylvania’s first ever constitution so radical that it only lasted 14 years? And how did such a short lived document have such a long lasting impact?
June 17 · 51 min
The case for a throwback summer
On this episode of Studio 2, it’s the ultimate throwback summer: we’re bringing back some of our favorite memories from decades past. We’ll talk about the songs, snacks and hangouts that defined generations, the fun that stuck with us, and how to bring that carefree nostalgia into the 21st century. Guests: Marc Faletti, Owner of Latchkey in South Philly Stephanie Humphrey, Host of Life & Tech with Tech Life Steph on WURD Christopher Wink, Publisher of Technical.ly
June 16 · 51 min
America’s love-hate relationship with tipping
Why American consumers are tired of tipping and why many workers can’t get by without it.
June 15 · 51 min
The changing way we work
Microshifting, polyworking, hybrid, RTO mandates and AI…disruptions to modern work continue.
June 11 · 52 min
LIVE From FIFA Fan Fest at Lemon Hill
It’s the most-watched sporting event on the planet, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Philadelphians. For the first time ever, the city will host men’s teams from around the world for the FIFA World Cup, airing six games at Lincoln Financial Field. It’s a dream come true for many soccer fans in the region and the culmination of years of planning and lobbying by local business and political leaders. On this special edition of Studio 2, we look at the social, cultural and economic impact of the World Cup on the Philadelphia region. Guests: Meg Kane, Host City Executive and CEO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Kae Lani Palmisano, Host of WHYY’S Check, Please! Philly and food editor at Philadelphia Magazine Mark Franek, teacher at YSC Academy and author of American Soccer Nation
June 10 · 51 min
Where’s the line in comedy?
How do controversies in comedy reflect the broader cultural and political moment? And has the threshold for socially acceptable speech shifted?
June 9 · 51 min
Documenting corruption in the Trump White House
New York Times investigative reporter Eric Lipton on the unprecedented ways in which President Trump is profiting from the presidency.
June 8 · 51 min
Should personal scandals matter at the ballot box?
How much do democrats really care about questions of character for potential political leaders? And in an era of hyper-polarization… has the calculus changed?
June 4 · 51 min
Is Philly ready for USA 250?
With the nation’s birthday just around the corner, will the city’s infrastructure will hold up as well as the Declaration of Independence?
June 3 · 51 min
How constraints make us happier and more productive
In a world with seemingly infinite competition for our time and attention, how do we decide what to prioritize?
June 2 · 51 min
The state of ICE detention and deportation
Protests at Newark’s Delaney Hall are drawing public attention to conditions in ICE detention facilities.
June 1 · 51 min
Should billionaires pay more taxes?
As America’s billionaire class grows, some states and some in Congress are proposing a wealth tax. Polls show most Americans think the rich aren’t paying their fair share.
May 29 · 15 min
Kurt Vile: Philadelphia’s Been Good to Me
Kurt Vile’s latest album, an ode to his Philly roots, drops May 29. He joins Avi Wolfman-Arent to talk about his signature lo-fi, DIY, rock and roll sound.
May 28 · 51 min
Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story
The filmmakers behind a new PBS documentary share the stories of indigenous people, enslaved Africans, and other diverse communities that helped shape our nation.
May 27 · 51 min
The Big Fix: getting kids off screens
Can we make technology safer and healthier for kids and teens? Do social media and phone bans actually work? And who should be responsible for setting the boundaries?
May 26 · 51 min
National politics roundup
We’re hosting two political reporters to dig into fault lines in the GOP, debates over the future of the Democratic party, and rapidly evolving tensions abroad.
May 25 · 51 min
Where our accents come from; 90s Black sitcom history
A linguistics expert on the history and complexity of accents and subtle social cues that underpin them. Plus, a fascinating look at 90s TV hits like Martin and Living Single.
May 22 · 22 min
Studio 2 Extra: Bestselling author Celeste Ng
In Our Missing Hearts, writer Celeste Ng meticulously crafts a near-future American dystopia, not far removed from the real world. It’s the ‘One Book, One Philadelphia’ pick.
May 21 · 51 min
What makes a great commencement speech?
It’s commencement speech season, when politicians, CEOs and celebrities impart words of wisdom to new graduates. What makes a speech resonate? How did this tradition evolve?

Studio 2

Supreme Court decision time

The founding of Pennsylvania and the legacy of the Pa. Constitution

The case for a throwback summer

America’s love-hate relationship with tipping

The changing way we work

LIVE From FIFA Fan Fest at Lemon Hill

Where’s the line in comedy?

Documenting corruption in the Trump White House

Should personal scandals matter at the ballot box?

Is Philly ready for USA 250?

How constraints make us happier and more productive

The state of ICE detention and deportation

Should billionaires pay more taxes?

Kurt Vile: Philadelphia’s Been Good to Me

Becoming American: Philadelphia’s Story

The Big Fix: getting kids off screens

National politics roundup

Where our accents come from; 90s Black sitcom history

Studio 2 Extra: Bestselling author Celeste Ng

What makes a great commencement speech?