Listen to NPR's Up First Podcast for Free, with No Ads
Last updated: March 2026
Start your day with the biggest stories and ideas from NPR's Up First, completely free. The Podcast App gives you a premium, ad-free listening experience for all your favorite shows. No trials, no credit cards, just pure podcast enjoyment.
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Unlock Your Daily News with NPR's Up First
Staying informed with the day's top headlines is crucial, and NPR's "Up First" delivers just that: a concise, 10-15 minute daily news podcast designed to get you up to speed before your day truly begins. Each episode provides essential context and analysis on the most significant stories, making it an indispensable resource for anyone seeking a clear and authoritative overview of current events. Whether you're preparing for work, enjoying your morning coffee, or simply want to be well-informed, "Up First" offers a reliable and efficient way to connect with the world's happenings.
To ensure you never miss a beat, The Podcast App enhances your "Up First" listening experience. Enjoy every episode completely ad-free, allowing you to absorb NPR's reporting without any interruptions. For those on the move, our app supports offline downloads, so you can save episodes to listen during your commute, on a flight, or in areas without internet access. Seamless integration with CarPlay also means you can safely and conveniently access "Up First" directly from your car's dashboard, keeping you informed wherever your journey takes you.
Beyond just listening, The Podcast App empowers you to engage more deeply with the news. Our innovative Brain AI feature allows you to ask specific questions about any topic discussed in "Up First" episodes. Curious about a particular policy or a global event mentioned? Simply ask Brain AI for summaries, clarifications, or to explore related information, transforming passive listening into an interactive learning experience. You can also adjust the playback speed with our variable speed control, perfect for catching up on an episode quickly or slowing down to fully grasp complex details.
Integrating "Up First" into your daily routine is effortless with The Podcast App. Our cross-device sync ensures that your listening progress is always up-to-date across all your devices, so you can start an episode on your phone and pick up exactly where you left off on your tablet. This seamless continuity, combined with the app's user-friendly interface, makes managing your daily news intake simple and efficient, allowing you to focus on what matters most: staying informed and connected.
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