[This episode was originally published in June 2025.]

Eighty years ago, a young John F. Kennedy took a summer job as a journalist for Hearst newspapers, filing dispatches in the final days of World War II. Even the most seasoned JFK scholars often overlook this chapter, missing the influence those months had on the future president.

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"JFK's Forgotten Summer" was the top performing Very Special Episodes episode of 2025. Tragically, it took on more significance earlier this month with the death of Rob Reiner.

Rob — who, with Soledad O'Brien, hosted Who Killed JFK?, one of the most successful podcasts of 2023 — kindly shared with us his knowledge and passion about the Kennedy family and appears in this episode. He was under no obligation to do this. He just wanted to help. It was an honor to work with him. We still cannot believe he and Michele are gone.

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Listen to Who Killed JFK? from Rob Reiner and Soledad O'Brien wherever you get your podcasts.

Check out Fred Logevall's excellent book: JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century.

Today's episode was written by Joe Pompeo. And thanks to our JFK voice actor, Tom Antonellis, for nailing another role.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Very Special Episodes: JFK's Forgotten Summer w/Rob Reiner [Re-Release]

Who Killed JFK?

Very Special Episodes: JFK's Forgotten Summer w/Rob Reiner [Re-Release]