Post Reports

In one of our favorite episodes of the year, a group of self-proclaimed “old ladies” dive for garbage — and unexpectedly find joy. This is a story from The Optimist, The Washington Post’s section about the best of humanity. If you want more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter. If you love hearing these stories on “Post Reports,” please send us an email at [email protected]. You can reach Maggie Penman directly at [email protected]’s show was produced by Maggie Penman. It was edited and mixed by Ted Muldoon. Thank you to Allison Klein. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Fartlek is a Swedish term for “speed play.” This informal version of interval training is simple, effective and dare we say … enjoyable? And not just because fartlek is fun to say. Exercise columnist Gretchen Reynolds is here to vouch for this often-overlooked, decades-old practice. Reynolds, who helped popularize the 7-minute workout, has found that a growing body of research points to the benefits of this approach, even in small doses. According to exercise scientists, it can improve strength, endurance and longevity and may even lower the risk of dementia.Today’s show was produced by Elana Gordon. It was edited by Maggie Penman. Thanks to Anjuman Ali.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Today, we revisit one of our favorite episodes from the past year: about the science of how dogs make us calmer, happier — and maybe even more trusting.If you want more optimistic content on the weekends, let us know at [email protected] and [email protected] – and check out our newsletter.Today’s show was produced and hosted by Maggie Penman and reported by Kyle Melnick. It was edited by Allison Klein and mixed by Ted Muldoon.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

The cafeteria at Ballard High School during lunch is a loud place. Students are talking and laughing, playing card games and going out to the courtyard for an informal recess. On Fridays, students have started playing bingo.It’s a big change from the past couple of years — and it’s not the only one. In the first month of school this year, students took out 67 percent more books from the school library than the same month last year.Today on the show, we interview psychologist Jean Twenge, author of the new book “10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World.” Listen to our episode about the young people giving up their smartphones.Today’s show was produced by Maggie Penman and Rennie Svirnovskiy, who also mixed the show. It was edited by Allison Klein.Subscribe to The Optimist here. And if you want more optimistic stories in your podcast feed, write to us at [email protected]. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Schools and community programs in Washington, D.C., are teaching students to play go-go music to help extend the legacy of the official music of the District.Producer Sabby Robinson spoke with enterprise reporter Marissa Lang about the history that these students are keeping alive and the impact the programs are having. Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson. It was edited by Maggie Penman and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.