
Americast
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.
Latest episodes

Mar 24, 2025 • 29min
Americanswers… on 5 Live! Why does Trump want to shut down the Education Department?
Join the lively discussion where hosts tackle whether Trump can dismantle the Department of Education without Congress, and its potential consequences for special needs students. They also humorously navigate breakfast debates before diving into the peculiarities of Trump's controversial portrait that sparked his ire. Plus, the podcast sheds light on the U.S.'s role in Canada's upcoming snap election and speculates on Trump's ambitious plans for a third term, questioning the flexibility of constitutional rules.

9 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 25min
The Trump Comeback... Michael Wolff’s Inside Story
In this engaging conversation, journalist Michael Wolff, known for his sharp insights on Donald Trump, delves into the complexities of Trump's relationships, including his intriguing ties with Elon Musk. Wolff offers insider details about Trump's political comeback, revealing how personal connections shaped his success. He dissects Trump's relationship with Melania, exploring its transactional nature and how it mirrors his professional dynamics. The discussion emphasizes the unique challenges of reporting on Trump's controversial figure and governance style.

Mar 19, 2025 • 30min
Is Donald Trump ready to defy the courts?
The U.S. President is setting up a major showdown with America’s judicial system. Sarah and Justin pick apart claims that Donald Trump defied a court order by deporting more than 200 migrants to El Salvador, despite a judge ordering to be turned planes carrying the migrants to be turned back if they were already in the air. Legal analyst and former federal prosecutor Jennifer Rodgers gives her view on whether Trump has broken the court ruling, and whether America is facing a constitutional crisis. HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America EditorGUEST:
• Jennifer Rodgers, Former Federal Prosecutor and Professor of Clinical Law at NYU Law SchoolGET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #AmericastThis episode was made by George Dabby with Julia Webster, Catherine Fusillo and Claire Betzer. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.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.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd
The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm

Mar 17, 2025 • 36min
Americanswers…on 5 Live! Is Trump standing up to Putin?
Donald Trump says he and Vladimir Putin will hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday.Sarah, Anthony, Justin and Marianna answer your questions on what they might say to each other.And they return to the subject of egg prices after claims from Trump that they’re dropping.And we find out why JD Vance has been wearing special socks.This episode was made by Chris Flynn and Catherine Fusillo. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.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.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.
The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd
The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm

25 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 38min
Where do the Democrats go from here?
Join Congressman Seth Moulton, a rising voice in the Democratic Party, as he shares insights on the party's struggle to connect with voters. He discusses strategies from the recent retreat, including political strategist James Carville's controversial suggestion to remain passive against Trump. The conversation highlights the need for innovative communication in today's polarized landscape and the challenge of crafting a cohesive narrative. Moulton emphasizes the importance of authenticity and actively engaging with core supporters in shaping the party's future.

Mar 12, 2025 • 25min
Can Donald Trump afford a trade war with Canada?
The world is bracing itself as Donald Trump enacts his global tariffs. As the president begins to enforce them upon the rest of the world, the Americast team assemble to ask whether Trump’s bet on tariffs might be a bad deal for the US. How have the markets reacted, and does Trump actually care? Plus, why has Donald Trump bought a Tesla even though he isn’t allowed to drive it? HOSTS:- Justin Webb, Radio 4 Presenter
- Sarah Smith, North America Editor
- Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGET IN TOUCH:
* Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
* Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
* Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
* Or use #AmericastThis episode was made by George Dabby with Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app.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.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd
The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm

Mar 10, 2025 • 32min
Americanswers…on 5 Live! Is Trump worried about the US economy?
The hosts dive into Trump’s concerns about a possible recession, exploring the impact of his trade war on stocks and voters. They discuss Canada’s new PM and escalating tariff tensions, while analyzing the Democrats' effectiveness in opposition. The conversation turns humorous as they examine the influx of memes about Vice President JD Vance and the challenges within the Democratic Party. Additionally, they highlight the struggles faced by American farmers due to tariffs and the broader economic implications.

Mar 6, 2025 • 25min
How should Trump deal with Putin?
What do we know about President Trump’s long term strategy when it comes to dealing with Russia, and where does that leave America’s relationship with Europe and Ukraine? Justin, Sarah and Anthony get an inside view from Celeste Wallander, one of Biden and Obama’s top security staffers who has been in meetings with Vladimir Putin.How does the Russian leader behave during negotiations, and what advice does she have for the Trump administration? We also look at what Trump’s reset of US/Russia relations means for Europe, and the war in Ukraine. HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sarah Smith, North America Editor
• Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGUEST:
• Celeste Wallander, Former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense (2022-25)GET IN TOUCH:
• Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB
• Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480
• Email Americast@bbc.co.uk
• Or use #Americast This episode was made by Chris Flynn with Rufus Gray and Claire Betzer. The technical producer was Michael Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to be notified every time we publish a new episode, please subscribe to us on BBC Sounds by hitting the subscribe button on the app. 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.US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155 Americast is part of the BBC News Podcasts family of podcasts. The team that makes Americast also makes lots of other podcasts, including The Global Story, The Today Podcast, and of course Newscast and Ukrainecast. If you enjoy Americast (and if you're reading this then you hopefully do), then we think that you will enjoy some of our other pods too. See links below.The Global Story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/w13xtvsd
The Today Podcast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gg4k6r
Newscast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p05299nl
Ukrainecast: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0bqztzm

8 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 27min
Trump’s GREAT BIG LONG Speech
The discussion unpacks Donald Trump's lengthy address to Congress, highlighting its record duration packed with bold claims and interruptions. Key issues include his controversial pause on aid to Ukraine, trade tensions with Mexico and Canada, and a cheeky ambition for Greenland. The podcast also explores Trump's rhetoric on the economy and immigration, painting a picture of both achievements and challenges. Meanwhile, personal stories shared during the speech add an emotional dimension, reflecting the intersection of politics and storytelling.

12 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 39min
Americanswers... on 5 Live! Did Trump ambush Zelensky?
Tensions escalated during a fiery White House encounter between Trump and Zelensky, raising questions about premeditated motives versus spontaneous conflict. The podcast dives into the unpredictable dynamics of U.S. foreign policy, especially as public opinion and poll ratings fluctuate. It explores the GOP's internal struggles under Trump's sway and the courage shown by Zelensky amidst a shifting American support landscape, alongside the role of media in shaping political narratives in today's polarized climate.
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