Top 3 US political podcasts to listen to during Trump's second term
Wondering what to expect from a second Trump presidency after his inauguration on Monday 20 January? Listen to these three US political podcasts…
As Donald Trump steps into the Oval Office once again, against a backdrop of a deeply divided, chaotic and literally enflamed America, here’s three essential podcasts about US politics to keep you informed, distracted, and hopefully entertained, during these ‘interesting times’; from balanced discourse from the BBC to distinctly partisan, liberal-minded commentary from Obama-era insiders (and even a bit of insider gossip to boot).
Americast
Justin Webb, Sarah Smith, Anthony Zurcher, and Marianna Spring host this BBC podcast offering insightful analysis of the turbulent political and social landscape of America.
Thanks to the BBC’s mandate for impartiality, it’s a balanced and thorough examination of current events, from the latest developments in Washington to social media trends.
Webb brings no small measure of self-deprecating charm, while his warm rapport with Spring often adds some much-needed humour to the discussion.
Each episode’s a blend of engaging political analysis and lighter moments, on topics such as identity politics, and the role of disinformation in shaping public opinion; while recent episodes have included Trump’s controversial territorial claims over Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal; the death of Jimmy Carter, and Elon Musk’s influence on social media and the Republican Party.
Listen to Americast from the BBC
The Rest is Politics US
Blending insider stories with expert analysis – and the occasional juicy political gossip – Katty Kay, BBC’s US special correspondent, and Anthony Scaramucci, former White House director of communications, pick over the intricacies of US political life and the societal forces that shape its policies.
With new episodes released weekly, the show delves into topics such as Trump’s criminal trials, his appeal to the American public, and his impact on the political discourse.
Scaramucci’s typically blunt, colourful commentary and his ability to offer insider anecdotes brings a unique perspective, while Kay’s extensive knowledge and historical context provides depth and balance.
The show also includes a special four-part series examining how Trump defied expectations to win the 2016 presidency, while recent eps include the self-explanatory ‘Musk vs MAGA’, the US Healthcare Crisis, and ‘Saving the Democrats’ – the Future of the Democratic Party, post-Trump.
Listen to the Rest is Politics US
Pod Save America
Jon Favreau (no relation to the Swingers actor), Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor, the progressive Pod Save America has become something of a key voice in liberal politics since launching in 2017, combining sharp political analysis, humour, and a call to activism.
Alongside the hosts (who happen to be former Obama aides), a range of guests, from journalists to politicians, are on hand to offer diverse perspectives on current events.
Its own initiatives, such as ‘Vote Save America’, include raising funds for causes and encouraging grassroots participation.
Predictably, the show’s shift towards a hard-left, anti-Trump rhetoric, has alienated some listeners. (What did they expect?) Yet it continues to attract high and loyal audience numbers, with more than 1.5 million listeners per episode.
The New York Times has described it as “the left’s answer to conservative talk radio”, while Newsweek praised it for making politics “entertaining and even fun, without ever downplaying what they see as the threat posed to American democracy by the man elected to defend it”.