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
Oct 2, 2024 • 27min
The JD Vance VS Tim Walz Vice Presidential Debate!
JD Vance, a vice presidential candidate, and Tim Walz, also running for the same position, clash in a fiery debate packed with contentious moments. They tackle major issues like immigration, abortion rights, and the ramifications of the January 6th Capitol riots. Vance's performance shows promise, potentially swaying viewers in a divided political landscape. Analysts discuss how their respective styles shifted from attack to a focus on policy, revealing the candidates' emotional connections with the audience.
Sep 30, 2024 • 30min
Americanswers! How will Russia and Iran shape the US election?
JD Vance, a political figure known for his ties to Donald Trump, discusses his careful approach ahead of the vice presidential debate with Tim Walz. They analyze the impact of escalating Middle Eastern conflicts on the upcoming US elections and what candidates must do to engage the millions of disengaged voters. Vance reflects on balancing his political identity while navigating Trump's influence, while also tackling the challenges of U.S. foreign policy and border security in this election cycle.
Sep 29, 2024 • 29min
Introducing... Why Do You Hate Me? USA
Join Camille, a nature advocate with unique political views, and Wild Mother, who shares a love for the outdoors but differs significantly in beliefs. They discuss their shared conviction about staged assassination attempts on Donald Trump and explore how social media fuels conspiracy theories across the political spectrum. Marianna Spring, a BBC correspondent specializing in disinformation, investigates the impact of these online narratives on real-world beliefs as she journeys through Colorado, highlighting the emotional toll on personal relationships.
Sep 27, 2024 • 35min
Arizona… and the battle for the Latino vote
Mike Madrid, a veteran Latino pollster and strategist, dives into the crucial role of Latino voters in Arizona's political landscape. He discusses the shifting demographics and how they influence electoral outcomes. Madrid highlights the need for Democrats to rebrand their approach to connect with younger, U.S.-born Latinos, emphasizing economic concerns over identity politics. The conversation also touches on complex issues like immigration and the varied perspectives within the Latino community that shape voting behavior. It's a fascinating look at how the Latino vote could sway the upcoming presidential election.
Sep 25, 2024 • 36min
Americanswers! Who is Mark Robinson? And could he cost Trump the election?
Mark Robinson, a controversial Republican candidate for governor of North Carolina, faces scrutiny over past online messages that could jeopardize his campaign. The discussion dives into how this scandal might impact Donald Trump's chances in this vital swing state. Also explored are 'October surprises' in elections, potential foreign interference, and key electoral college questions. The hosts dissect these dynamics with a sharp focus on upcoming political strategies and voter behavior as the 2024 elections near.
Sep 23, 2024 • 33min
The US Election in Conspiracyland
Justin, a reporter specializing in social media's role in conspiracy theories, joins Marianna, who focuses on their implications for the U.S. election. They delve into how conspiracy theories influenced the political landscape, examining the real-world consequences for election workers under threat. Gabriel Gatehouse contributes insights on the belief in a 'Deep State,' highlighting the dangerous intertwining of misinformation and democracy. The discussion reveals the fragility of electoral processes and the psychological toll on those involved.
Sep 22, 2024 • 40min
Introducing... The Coming Storm (season 2)
Gabriel Gatehouse, a journalist who delves into American conspiracy culture, invites listeners into the dizzying world of political extremism. He explores the impact of January 6th on democracy, discussing a local Republican candidate's wild journey from thrill-seeker to guilt-ridden participant. The conversation also reveals how COVID-19 exacerbated societal tensions, transforming protests into spectacles of chaos. Gatehouse highlights the psychological toll of these experiences and the entrenchment of fringe beliefs in today’s political discourse.
Sep 20, 2024 • 30min
How do you protect a president?
Bill Gage, a former Secret Service agent who safeguarded Presidents George W. Bush and Obama, shares riveting stories from his tenure. He delves into the unique challenges of protecting high-profile figures, particularly while on a golf course. Gage reveals the unconventional items agents might stash in their bags and recounts memorable experiences, drawing a contrast between real-life security protocols and Hollywood portrayals. The conversation highlights the ongoing threats faced by public figures, especially in today's charged political climate.
Sep 18, 2024 • 27min
Americanswers! Who's to blame for violence against Donald Trump?
Laura Loomer, a controversial right-wing conspiracy theorist, joins the discussion about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. They delve into whether political violence is becoming normalized in the U.S. and the implications of aggressive political rhetoric. The conversation also touches on Loomer's potential impact on Trump's campaign and the dangers of conspiracy theories in a polarized climate. They explore the unsettling normalization of gun violence in politics and its broader cultural ramifications.
Sep 16, 2024 • 19min
Another attempted assassination on Donald Trump?
A shocking assassination attempt on Donald Trump has raised alarm bells. The recent incident at his golf course reveals a concerning backdrop of escalating political violence. Discussion delves into the gunman's motives and the potential fallout for security measures. Trump's reaction demonstrates his resilience and aims to galvanize his base amidst a chaotic election cycle. The podcast also dissects how such events could shape narratives around immigration and campaign dynamics, amplifying the complex political landscape.
