Reflector

Reflector is a documentary-style podcast that tells stories about how beliefs shape our world, the context behind the messy debates in our society, and on how deeply listening to one another can reveal a sense of shared humanity.

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • APT IN MIND
    Can’t recommend this show enough!
    This show does a really amazing job of trying to give a fair and balanced view of current and past events/issues! In a world filled with shouting this show is a calm voice of reason
  • spanza8
    Outstanding
    Reflector has turned out to be the most useful podcast I listen to. Andy Mills has proven himself to be a singular talent in this medium.
  • JoshuaKyle80
    I’m already smarter
    This podcast is goooooood. You’ll enjoy it.
  • The S.K.P. Machine
    Distorted Reflector
    Weirdly comfortable with basic factual errors.
  • Startship 567
    Enjoying it
    Well edited and smart editorial choices. Really enjoying being a listener
  • olive and lexico
    Love this treasure!
    Love everything about this podcast. Explores a wide range of interesting and thought provoking content. Like listening to the smartest people in the room discuss things that they’ve spent a lot of time thinking about. What a gem.
  • Nevets L
    Reflector hosts failed at the one job the episode demanded
    This review is in regards to, ‘why do politicians lie?’ There was a lot of good discussion, with examples of lies from both parties. However, the hosts and the guests failed miserably at calling out the biggest and most consequential lie of them all. I’m referring to Trump’s lie that climate change is a hoax. This was actually two lies because he said it was actually a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese. Trump’s blindly trusting followers hear this lie and do not question the enormous impacts that we are seeing today and which all generations, current and future will need to endure (not to mention the ecosystem and the tens of thousands of species upon which we depend) This was such an easy example of a lie and one which has far greater consequences than virtual any other lie on the most people in our country and on the planet. And the hosts completely missed it. It has me questioning the value of this podcast
  • PhilipSorensen
    Making Trump seem like any other Pres candidate
    Hate to say it but found several items in episode 3 of stealing elections very dismaying. One comment was that after 2020 loss, Trump made “several” court challenges. Several???? Try 62 in state and federal courts. Oh and how did he do! Lost 61 times. Elsewhere, they just seemed to equate Trump‘s suggested rigging with other candidates who had specific questions such as Hillary‘s questioning of Russian involvement. There is no comparison to what Trump did and continues to say not only about 2020 but about 2024 as well. It just seemed to treat him as any other candidate.
  • @yeahthatryan
    Very good.
    They clearly know how to weave a story together, the editing is spot on, and it’s never boring. One of my faves for sure
  • Wretched Man 63
    Election integrity
    Megan is an absolute Rock Star, so measured with integrity🙏🏼
  • BethFWTX
    Support
    I don’t have a lot of money but without hesitation became a founding subscriber within hours of my 1st listen. It’s just that good. For all who agree, we need to chip in to help these people make more episodes.
  • Historically A-Historical
    False Equivalencies and Both Side-isms
    Just an absolute catastrophe of journalism that falls into every trap of trying to be “independent ” media. Mixed together with an a-historical understanding of even the recent past it makes for a delightful swamp of bad faith arguments masquerading as good faith arguments in their attempt to be “balanced”. It’s a shame because there’s a real need for re-examining a lot of the topics they cover but I’ll have to find it elsewhere.
  • Gvdjibejudbheok
    Great Context
    I’ve only listened to the “No, You Stole the Election” episodes so far, but man…well-produced, with a very engaging narrative. Made me want to cry a bit, given how off-the-rails we’ve gotten. I could actually see sharing the episode with folks on either side of the political aisle.
  • RogerThat
    Tired & Predictable NPR-Style Yawner
    Considering the recommendation from Bari Weiss, I expected greatness — something refreshing yet intelligent, and listenable. Instead, it’s the usual cookie-cutter NPR-esque audio editing and a chorus of voices that all have the curse of the upper inflection. The episodes often drag on longer than they should; which diminishes the gravity and impact of the story. At times I thought I was listening to a scene from Mike Judge’s In the Know. But no, this isn’t satire.
  • Anzueno
    Thank you, thank you
    Thank you for restoring my faith that there are other people in the world who think that the ability to think, share, and evaluate in this way is both worthwhile and possible. I was beginning to doubt the possible part, but you have renewed my hope, for which I’m truly grateful. Please keep up up wonderful work, and thank you so much for what you’ve already done.
  • Raininindy
    Interesting show
    Interesting stories that look at other pov without bias or agenda.
  • Brudd3788
    Bari Weis
    A name I call myself. Young people are inherently stupid, it’s not their fault. Please don’t listen to this, read a book.
  • Letsbecool
    Genuinely special podcast
    Love seeing the nuance and intellect that is brought to these difficult subjects. This isn't for everyone – if you enjoy spending time in your own echo chamber and don't like having your views challenged, you probably won't appreciate a podcast that covers topics with an open mind from hosts that don't assume that they already know everything. Not that this is a political podcast by any means. So far it's mostly covered things I know nothing about and made them incredibly interesting to me, surprising me and presenting me with all sides of whatever topic they are covering. I really hope this podcast takes off and the hosts are able to continue their great work!
  • 136423689964212467
    Fantastic storytelling
    I love this show and how it’s not heavy handed or trying to push a particular viewpoint, just good solid stories told mostly by the people involved. If you like shows like Heavyweight, This American Life, etc. you’ll like this. Glad I found it by way of Ask A Jew!
  • Andiobe
    Fantastically researched and presented
    Loved the Stagger Lee ep but had a slight issue w Killer Mike who never once mentioned the lack of fathers or good father figures in black families and neighborhoods where gangs rule. I wonder if there were solid loving fathers in the homes of poor, young boys would the gangs have the same seductive and destructive impact? I doubt it. Hey, Mike, that’s something to advocate for that would provably have a greater impact than say more money for education.
  • rgb99
    Excellent
    Very high quality. The care taken to produce thoughtful and informative content is obvious. The team doesn’t try and tell you what to think but presents a nuanced investigation of the issues and lets you make up your own mind.
  • Me-ness
    PR clean up for JK without addressing all she actually said.
    I’ve lost all respect for Megan after the witch trials and now her teams seems to want to double down. The threats and far left and far rights views are not the the problem that needs to be addressed. Stop taking a few sound bits of JK where she is making sense and acting like that covers up the actual problematic statements she made and some of the horrible people she defends. This is absolutely terribly journalism. Address the actual issues and stop trying to make JK look better by skirting over the issues. This is such a deceptive show. You should be ashamed. Come back when you sit down with trans people and go over word for word the problematic statements JK said. Have her sit down with activist and trans people and talk over the views. I doubt you will because you rather cherry pick a few good points she says and act like that’s where all the outrage is from.
  • tubthumberess
    So good
    I can here by way of Blocked and Reported and was so touched to hear Katie’s story in the first episode. It was beautifully told and extremely engaging, everything I would expect from Andy given his track record of fantastic storytelling podcasts.
  • Julio A. Rey
    One of the best
    Righteous and fair. Well produced. Provocative and informational.
  • Supabroad
    Among the best to ever do it
    Cheers to these thoughtful storytellers, an incredible show
  • Simple Monster Cre8ive
    Acclaim for Sea Change alone.
    I have not even taken a deep dive into this podcast and I’m just really touched by this story. I have been in 12 step programs and the ending remarks were conclusions I myself had come to. I could go on, but maybe I should just start a podcast of my own to elaborate. Well reported, and beautifully written reporting. Looking forward to more. Thanks y’all!
  • @&$(/"@
    Thank god!
    This podcast is so well done and so interesting. Just such a breath of fresh air. I had forgotten how great podcasts can be! Thank you!!!
  • Lisa Anne 55
    So glad
    I found this channel. It’s interesting. It kept my attention. There doesn’t seem to be any bias, just balanced reporting of events.
  • Krabgrl
    Impressed👍🏻
    First your team gave us Katie Herzog, then you follow up with a double hit of Van Lathan. Both are insightful, thoughtful and great podcasters in their own right (yes, I encourage everyone to follow their work). I’ve really enjoyed these first episodes of REFLECTOR and hope you continue keep up the great work. Thank you!
  • Nika47
    Quickly becoming one of my favorite podcasts
    Combination of story telling and reporting, deep diving into an issue and examining from real people’s point of views. I’m excited for what else is to come!
  • gato verde
    This is what made you love podcasts in the first place
    I didn’t realize how much I’d been missing this
  • cginthepit
    Excellent intelligent podcasting
    Found this through The Fifth Column and I’m so glad. Excellent storytelling. Definitely will continue to listen and support!
  • Mr. French Tickler
    Reminds me why I became a podcast junkie
    Beautiful, curious story telling — this will be an immediate listen when it hits my feed.
  • Joeclone
    Fantastic podcast
    This is what NPR is meant to be like.
  • azosaim
    a podcast to watch!
    this one just feels good to listen to. feels like the early days of podcasting — curious, human, an element of the unknown. very excited to have found this
  • Pleyboybny
    Wow
    The Fifth Column led me to this podcast. It sounded interesting. I was blown away with how good this is. Highly recommend.
  • Clowns cassette
    Very impressed
    So far, covering a topic I feel is important, and have been thinking about, for the past several years. Very well nuanced and thoughtful.
  • Agnieszka5
    Astonishing & Illuminating
    From the amazing first episode on, this show—like anything Andy does—illuminates, astonishes, entertains, educates, moves.
  • Coren David William
    As good as it gets.
    As good as long form journalism gets.
  • Up to Date Olive
    Freaking good audio
    This is what audio used to be. No one has made audio this good in a long time. Reminds me of early This American Life, when it was still curious. Can’t wait for more.
  • rrsundstrom
    Great Show
    This a carefully researched and produced podcast about the the stuff, the raw material, of our culture wars that doesn’t get caught up in in. It’s reasoned, calm, and engaged. With the listen.
  • Word guy 1233456754
    Like search engine but slightly better!
    The story actually went somewhere! Great episode on naltrexone/ drinking. Wish there was comparative analysis with other countries (they brought it up only to whiff??) I would have liked more data. However, perfect audio; great structure and pacing. Hope each episode is at least 1hr and change.
  • compostrat
    Giddyup
    Thrilled and titillated by this new treat from Andy Mills. Simply the best producer in radio. What an enjoyable listen, salivating for more.
  • Go Seigen
    Looking Forward to More
    I’m a long-time fan of Andy Mills’ work, though I haven’t always known him by name. I’m an old-school RadioLab fan, and more recently I loved The Witch Trials of J. K. Rowling and his guest appearance on Blocked and Reported. I share some similarities in my background: I was raised an Evangelical Christian but later left, convinced that the truth lay elsewhere. I think many of us who have radically changed our beliefs at some point in our lives share an important awareness of how sincere and thoughtful the people on the other side of any given issue or debate often are. The first episode was great: I’m a huge fan of Katie Herzog and was quite moved by her willingness to share this incredibly personal story. I can’t wait for more.
  • El jlglke
    Excellent episode. Thank you.
    👍
  • Dermerat23
    Excellent first episode
    If future episodes are as well produced and compelling as the first one, Reflector will become my new favorite podcast.
  • Hoogie
    So far so Good!
    Really enjoyed the first episode & really looking forward to more to come.
  • Sv3tik
    Loved this first episode
    Learned of this podcast from barpod literally earlier today, and so glad I searched for the name. This was such a compelling story. Its an immediate subscribe for me.
  • A-Team for the little guy
    Wow!
    After being unfairly ‘cancelled’ and vilified by the NYT mob, what a comeback. Keep up the great work. This recalls radio and storytelling at its best. Fantastic job!
  • podfan55
    Excellent debut
    A great episode! I’ve always wondered about drinking medication and why more people don’t go that route. Looking forward to the next installment.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.