In a world where political landscapes are constantly shifting, staying informed is crucial. Podcasts have become a go-to source for many seeking to understand the complexities of governance, policy-making, and international relations without being overwhelmed by jargon or partisanship. For those looking to keep their finger on the pulse of politics with insights from experts and analysts, we’ve compiled a list of the best politics podcasts available. These shows promise to enlighten you with facts-first reporting and thoughtful commentary that cuts through the noise.
10 Best Political Podcasts
Pod Save America
Pod Save America is a straightforward political podcast hosted twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays by former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor. Since its launch in January 2017 as the successor to Keepin’ it 1600, the podcast has focused on breaking down topical news from the Trump administration, US government, Democratic Party and progressive grassroots movements.
The hosts aim to help listeners understand important issues by cutting through unnecessary noise and frequently invite journalists, activists, politicians, entertainers and world leaders for in-depth discussions about current affairs.
FiveThirtyEight Politics
The FiveThirtyEight Politics podcast is hosted by Nate Silver and Galen Druke who, along with other writers from the FiveThirtyEight website, delve into American politics using a data-driven approach. They discuss everything from current political happenings like election results and campaign spending to historical aspects such as the development of the US presidential primary system. Despite its focus on data and statistics, the podcast is accessible and engaging, making complex topics easy to understand.
It’s not just about number-crunching; it also offers insights into political trends, predictions for future events, and even acknowledges when their analyses are off-mark. Ideal for anyone interested in understanding US politics through a numerical lens.
Politics Done Right
Politics Done Right is a straightforward, no-nonsense podcast that aims to demystify the world of politics and inspire listeners to take an active role in government. Hosted by software engineer and passionate Liberal Egberto Willies, it provides a platform for diverse viewpoints, encouraging dialogue and understanding among Liberals, Conservatives or otherwise. The show challenges current policies favoring wealth accumulation at the expense of tangible societal contributions, advocating instead for political involvement as a requirement for citizenship.
By promoting tolerance and citizen engagement, Politics Done Right seeks to prevent the emergence of oligarchic societies where wealth disparities become insurmountable.
#SistersInLaw
Politicon’s #SistersInLaw brings together four prominent legal and political experts: Joyce Vance, Jill Wine-Banks, Barb McQuade, and Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Through engaging discussions on politics, law and culture, these accomplished women pull back the curtain on government operations with their knowledge acquired from diverse experiences such as serving as US Attorneys or working in journalism. They boldly address corruption while sharing insightful opinions about recent developments in law.
Each episode turns intense conversations into enjoyable dialogues as they strive to reveal the truth behind complex issues for listeners.
The Weeds
The Weeds is a weekly podcast, produced by Vox and the Vox Media Podcast Network, that delves into the intricate world of politics and policy. Hosted by Jonquilyn Hill along with various guests, every episode dissects different policies that impact our everyday lives – from financial regulations to housing to climate change. Released every Wednesday, this podcast provides an in-depth yet enjoyable exploration into political matters. Its overarching aim aligns with Vox’s mission: helping listeners comprehend our complex world better so they can actively shape it themselves regardless of their background or income level.
The Rest Is Politics
The Rest Is Politics is a podcast co-hosted by Alastair Campbell, the former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy, and Rory Stewart, a previous cabinet minister. Despite being from different political backgrounds and previously expelled from their respective parties for opposing extreme elements within them, they unite on this platform to offer an insider’s perspective on UK and global politics.
The podcast serves as a medium that promotes informed political discussions in a respectful manner, embodying the principle of “disagreeing agreeably”. It releases two episodes weekly: the main episode where they discuss current events lasting between 30-50 minutes; and “question time”, offering more insight into specific topics.
Democracy Now! Audio
Democracy Now! is a daily independent news program on TV and radio, led by journalists Amy Goodman and Juan González. They present global headlines, detailed interviews, and investigative reports without ads or government funding. The show highlights misuse of power by corporations and governments while sharing stories of everyday people trying to make a difference during challenging times. The format includes news reporting, interviews, in-depth research work and political commentary with an emphasis on peace activism connected to environmental justice and social equality from a progressive viewpoint.
Democracy Now! also acts as a watchdog concerning the impacts of American foreign policy. Its goal is to provide activists and citizens with an opportunity for discussion with representatives from “The Establishment”.
The Skepticrat
The Skepticrat is a political comedy podcast that has been airing since 2015. Its hosts – Noah Lugeons, Heath Enwright, and Eli Bosnick – are known for their frank discussions on religion through their other podcast “The Scathing Atheist.” In The Skepticrat, they use the same no-nonsense style to talk about politics. They highlight issues of corruption, incompetence, and hypocrisy in government while also finding humor in absurd moments from public figures like Rudy Giuliani. Their show offers an unfiltered view of politics from a balanced perspective.
Political Currency
Political Currency is a weekly podcast featuring former Chancellor George Osborne and former shadow chancellor Ed Balls. Known for their previous roles in the Conservative government and New Labour governments respectively, these political adversaries now come together to provide an insider’s perspective on how economic decisions affect the nation. They shed light on how politics shapes economics, reveal instances where powerful individuals can’t control market forces or political currents, and discuss various topics that impact our pockets. With their combined knowledge and experience, they simplify complex issues into digestible discussions every Thursday.
CNN Inside Politics
Political Currency is a daily podcast that brings you the most crucial political stories of the day. During weekdays, Dana Bash along with a team of experienced reporters delve into these topics, getting answers directly from headline makers and explaining why these stories matter. On Sundays, Manu Raju kick-starts CNN’s Sunday morning political coverage with Inside Politics Sunday, offering insights on how news impacts listeners’ lives. Having been broadcast for over 10 years during late afternoons on weekdays originally, this show has established its reputation as an essential source of political news and analysis.
Stay Informed with Top Politics Podcasts
Navigating the torrent of political news can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With this curated selection of top-notch politics podcasts, staying updated has never been easier or more accessible. Whether you’re a seasoned politico or just dipping your toes into governmental affairs, these podcasts offer clear perspectives that respect your need for straightforward information.
Tune in regularly, and you’ll find yourself better equipped to engage in civic conversations and make sense of our ever-evolving political landscape.
