Americast
BBC News
Americast is the authoritative US news and politics podcast from the BBC.
Each week we provide audiences with the best analysis from across the BBC, with on-the-ground observations and big picture insights about the stories which are defining America right now.
The podcast is hosted by trusted BBC journalists including the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Justin Webb, the BBC’s disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, and BBC North America correspondent, Anthony Zurcher.
As well as political analysis, we also specialise in social media. Each week Marianna Spring brings listeners the latest updates from the BBC’s Undercover Voters, our award-winning investigation into the content that is recommended to US voters on social media.
The team is also joined by special guests each week, like CNN anchor, Christiane Amanpour, Emmy Award-winning TV host, Rachel Maddow, and Succession actress, J Smith-Cameron.
Podcasts are published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As well as being a podcast, we are also available every Friday on the World Service. Oh, and by the way, you can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say ‘”Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.
Every Monday we answer your questions on Americanswers, with some help from special guests, including Miles Taylor, who was chief of staff at the Department for Homeland Security during the Trump presidency before becoming a whistleblower. Got a question or a comment? Get in touch with us on email at Americast@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Each week we provide audiences with the best analysis from across the BBC, with on-the-ground observations and big picture insights about the stories which are defining America right now.
The podcast is hosted by trusted BBC journalists including the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Justin Webb, the BBC’s disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, and BBC North America correspondent, Anthony Zurcher.
As well as political analysis, we also specialise in social media. Each week Marianna Spring brings listeners the latest updates from the BBC’s Undercover Voters, our award-winning investigation into the content that is recommended to US voters on social media.
The team is also joined by special guests each week, like CNN anchor, Christiane Amanpour, Emmy Award-winning TV host, Rachel Maddow, and Succession actress, J Smith-Cameron.
Podcasts are published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As well as being a podcast, we are also available every Friday on the World Service. Oh, and by the way, you can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say ‘”Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers.
Every Monday we answer your questions on Americanswers, with some help from special guests, including Miles Taylor, who was chief of staff at the Department for Homeland Security during the Trump presidency before becoming a whistleblower. Got a question or a comment? Get in touch with us on email at Americast@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 24, 2025 • 35min
Were our 2025 predictions right?
The hosts dive into their bold predictions for 2025 and assess their accuracy. They discuss a government shutdown and its far-reaching consequences. Sarah debates the possibility of Trump winning a Nobel Prize amidst the turmoil in the Middle East. There’s a fascinating analysis of social media's shifting power dynamics with Musk and Zuckerberg. They also explore the impact of Supreme Court decisions on cultural issues and highlight under-the-radar events like rising vaccine skepticism and targeted deportations.
10 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 35min
Americanswers! What did we learn from the latest Epstein files?
A recent court-mandated release of documents regarding Jeffrey Epstein has sparked controversy, with accusations of improper redactions by the Justice Department. As tensions rise between the U.S. and Venezuela, the legality of Trump's actions without congressional approval is explored. The hosts dissect past presidential precedents on war powers and discuss the implications of Trump's potential renaming of institutions. Finally, they delve into public trust in the DOJ and the political ramifications of the upcoming 'Patriot Games' to mark America's anniversary.
9 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 25min
Can Trump convince voters on the US economy?
Donald Trump delivered a primetime address defending his administration's economic record, focusing on affordability. The hosts dissected the speech's delivery and its scripted nature. They highlighted mixed social media reactions, questioning its authenticity. Polling data showed declining support for Trump over economic issues, raising concerns for Republicans ahead of the midterms. The introduction of a 'warrior dividend' for service members was also discussed, alongside the speech's purpose to shape narratives rather than unveil new policies.
17 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 30min
Has Trump’s chief of staff revealed White House secrets?
Chris Whipple, investigative journalist and author, dives into the secrets of Susie Wiles, Trump's chief of staff. They discuss her bold criticisms of Trump, calling him an 'alcoholic's personality', and her views on JD Vance and Elon Musk. Whipple reveals Wiles' intentions behind her Vanity Fair interviews, emphasizing her desire for fair representation. The conversation touches on the dynamics of power within the White House and how these revelations could impact Trump's influence and voter appeal. Expect surprising insights and candid assessments!
Dec 15, 2025 • 35min
The Americast Awards 2025… on 5 Live!
This year’s highlights in US politics take center stage, with nominations for biggest disruptors including Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Surprising moments are recalled, like the Oval Office meeting with Zelensky. The panel debates the most bonkers moments, including a bizarre video about Gaza’s transformation. Listeners also weigh in, revealing the impact of social media on political discourse. The episode dives deep into the complexities of Trump's foreign policy and the chilling effects of political violence.
Dec 11, 2025 • 37min
How far will Trump go in his 'war' with Venezuela?
Tensions rise as the US seizes a Venezuelan oil tanker, claiming it fuels an illicit oil network tied to terrorism. Dramatic military footage showcases the operation, while Venezuela calls the action theft for its resources. The podcast delves into Trump's escalating tactics against Maduro, linking his policies to broader drug and migration issues in the hemisphere. The hosts discuss the implications of military strikes, Trump's regional ambitions, and the feasibility of removing Maduro, all while examining the impact on Venezuelan families.
9 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 31min
Does Trump have a plan to reform healthcare in America?
Donald Trump criticizes European leaders and their immigration policies, raising concerns about America's ties with traditional allies. He proposes a controversial healthcare reform that shifts subsidies directly to individuals. As Congress debates rising premiums, he points fingers at Democrats for the impasse. Additionally, the Supreme Court prepares to hear a pivotal case on birthright citizenship, stemming from Trump's executive order aimed at changing immigration law. The hosts dissect the potential political ramifications of these bold moves.
45 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 34min
Americanswers... On 5 Live! Has Trump just made the US/Europe breakup official?
The discussion reveals the Trump administration's bold National Security Strategy, declaring Europe at risk of 'civilisational erasure' due to immigration policies. It questions Europe’s reliability as an ally and hints at a shift in geopolitical strategy towards the Western Hemisphere. Anthony shares his exclusive experience in the Oval Office with the FIFA peace prize, sparking debates on public reactions and political implications. The conversation also touches on controversial strikes against drug boats in the Caribbean and their potential legal ramifications.
8 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 29min
Is Trump giving the FIFA World Cup a MAGA makeover?
Henry Bushnell, Senior Soccer Writer at The Athletic, dives into the intriguing ties between Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of the 2026 World Cup. They discuss how Trump's ambition for global spotlight intersects with the tournament's politics, including his controversial threats to shift games from Democratic cities. Bushnell also elaborates on the implications of the new FIFA Peace Prize and how Trump's showmanship shapes the event's narrative, reflecting on its burgeoning commercial landscape and the dynamics within American soccer fandom.
23 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 35min
Did Donald Trump fall asleep at a cabinet meeting?
The podcast delves into a chaotic cabinet meeting, highlighting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s controversial comments about U.S. military operations in the Caribbean. The hosts scrutinize Trump’s inflammatory statements about Somali immigrants, connecting them to broader immigration policies targeting Minnesota's Somali community. Additionally, they analyze video evidence suggesting that Trump might have dozed off during the meeting, leading to playful banter about his health and comparisons with previous presidents.
