The Untold Story with Martha MacCallum

On this Ash Wednesday, actor Mark Wahlberg joins Martha to discuss "Pray 40," the 40-day Lent prayer challenge on the Hallow app. Reflecting on his own faith journey, Mark highlights how his Catholic upbringing shaped his life. He emphasizes the vital role of discipline and prayer in navigating life’s challenges, explaining how he strives to be a positive example for his children. Mark also encourages listeners to deepen their faith this Lenten season with Hallow. Learn more and join the #Pray40 challenge on Hallow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an exclusive conversation with Vice President JD Vance, which aired Tuesday, he discusses the Trump Administration's ongoing negotiations with Iran, emphasizing that the U.S. has set firm lines to prevent nuclear proliferation. The Vice President addresses plans to lower the cost of living through housing reform, while defending federal immigration enforcement and the need for national artificial intelligence regulations. He also explains that the administration remains focused on delivering results for the American people over the next three years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Attorney and former South Carolina State Senator, Dick Harpootlian, discusses the Alex Murdaugh double murder case and the defense's tireless efforts to appeal the conviction. Dick outlines the arguments regarding jury tampering and recounts his frequent legal discussions with Alex about his innocence. Dick also examines Alex’s mental state at the time of the murders; he suggests that, despite the financial fraud Alex committed, he was not homicidal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New surveillance footage showing a man at Nancy’s Tucson home has been released by the FBI. Former law enforcement detective and security expert Wayne Black breaks down everything he knows so far in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie. Wayne explains potential suspects and what he believes could have happened the night Nancy was supposedly abducted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The internationally recognized matchmaker and dating coach behind Dating by Blaine, Blaine Anderson, shares her expertise on finding quality partners and navigating the challenges of modern dating. She encourages her clients to lead vibrant, fulfilling lives as a primary way to attract their ideal match. While Blaine's services cater primarily to men, she emphasizes that her strategies offer valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their dating life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hungarian Chess Grandmaster Judit Polgar became the youngest Grandmaster ever at age 15 and the only woman to compete in the final stage of a World Chess Championship. An upcoming documentary about her life, called Queen of Chess, depicts her remarkable journey and continuous pursuit of greatness. Judit and the documentary director, Rory Kennedy, discuss the challenges Judit has faced throughout her career and share some of the inspiring parts of her story, which the film will display. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an exclusive conversation, Marc Beckman, Senior Advisor and Agent to First Lady Melania Trump, discusses producing Melania's new documentary, Melania. The film follows the 20 days leading up to her husband, President Donald Trump's 2025 presidential inauguration. Marc discusses his long-standing relationship with Melania, offering a peek behind the curtain into the woman who chooses to live a very private life despite her immensely public role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Could the key to raising more confident children be as simple as returning to traditional etiquette lessons? A third-generation etiquette instructor and owner of Mannerly, Elizabeth Anne Russell, explains the resurgence of etiquette lessons and why they are the ultimate key to success for young people. Elizabeth discusses her business and the legacy her mother left for her, which has inspired her to teach people of all ages about manners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One year after a tragic hit-and-run at the University of Illinois took the life of his daughter Katie, Joe Abraham is still searching for answers. An illegal immigrant was allegedly behind the wheel, yet state officials remain silent. Joe joins the podcast to discuss his battle for transparency, the failure of local protections, and the media’s skewed focus on ICE protests over victims of crime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2020, Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy voice in Hong Kong, was imprisoned by the Chinese government under the national security law. Following years of prolonged solitary confinement, in late 2025, he was convicted and is now awaiting sentencing. Jimmy Lai's daughter, Claire Lai, joined Martha to share her father's story. She explains how dire his situation is due to worsening health concerns. She also describes how his faith carries him through the day-to-day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Deputy National Security Advisor of the United States, K.T. McFarland, joins Martha to discuss President Trump's latest foreign policy agenda. She shares her perspective on why Greenland is an integral part of a successful ‘Golden Dome’ system and how the acquisition would protect Europe and Canada from nuclear weapons. K.T. also breaks down the current dynamic between the United States and Iran, explaining what she believes is the future of the Iranian regime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ambassador and Chief of Protocol of the United States, Monica Crowley, shares a few exciting updates on America’s big birthday this summer from the White House lawn. She highlights the President’s plans for the 250th anniversary celebration, including various events and activities. The Ambassador also discusses why the celebration is essential to bring Americans together in a spirit of patriotism and unity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C., and holding a PhD in Iranian Studies from the University of St. Andrews, Nazee Moinian is an Iranian-born woman with many connections to the country. She discusses the ongoing protests and violent crackdown by the Iranian regime against civilians demanding freedom. Nazee also examines the possibility that the U.S. Government could step in, siding with the Iranian people, to help facilitate the downfall of the regime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Health and wellness expert, celebrity trainer, and host of the FOX Nation Special, Toxic: America's Food Crisis, Jillian Michaels, discusses the recent changes to the food pyramid and how it will impact government food assistance programs. She breaks down why the adjustments can enable Americans to adopt better eating habits. Jillian explains the pushback from industry groups and the misinformation campaigns being used to maintain the status quo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PhD candidate in Economics at Columbia University and a graduate fellow at the Manhattan Institute, Daniel Di Martino, explains the ongoing political situation in Venezuela and why the Trump administration felt they had to step in. As a Venezuelan native, Daniel discusses the changing power dynamics in the country and what is happening now that Maduro is no longer their leader. He also describes the potential for Venezuelan politician and activist Maria Corina Machado to become the next president. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On September 10th, 2025, Charlie Kirk was killed while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The impact of his death had a significant impact on millions of Americans. Martha revisits her conversation with the Bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, MN, founder of the Catholic ministerial organization' Word on Fire,' and formerly the host of 'Catholicism,' Bishop Robert Barron, a friend of Charlie Kirk's, who discusses his life, legacy, and how his message touched so many Americans. Bishop Barron also shares his hope for Americans moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following President Trump's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on Sunday, President Trump announced he had a plan to potentially end the war between Ukraine and Russia. Martha takes a look back at her conversation with Ukrainian author and Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, Yaroslav Trofimov, who shares the history behind the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Founder of Modernly Mannered, Kristen DeSanto tells the story behind her business, which helps educate young people on all aspects of etiquette. Kristen explains some of the main issues she sets out to correct through her program, and answers some of the most pressing questions regarding modern day etiquette, from table manners to gift giving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Faith can be found in many ways, but it never fails to make drastic changes in someone’s life. That was the story Reverend Russell Levenson set out to tell in his latest book, Witness to Belief: Conversations on Faith and Meaning, which describes how faith entered and impacted the lives of 12 of America’s most remarkable individuals, from world-renowned scientists like Jane Goodall to television broadcasters like Brit Hume. Reverend Levenson shares some of the most notable encounters he had while writing the book and how his own faith in God helped guide him through some of the darkest moments of his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dana Perino returns with her annual reading recap, sharing her must-read books of the year. The Co-Anchor of America’s Newsroom reveals exciting news: her novel, Purple State, will be released in April 2026. Plus, Dana reflects on her recent trip to Sierra Leone, where she worked with Mercy Ships, a nonprofit hospital ship providing medical care across West Africa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices