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
7 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 36min
Is Zohran Mamdani the Democrats' new secret weapon?
Michael Lewis, the acclaimed author of 'Moneyball' and 'The Big Short', joins the discussion to explore the rising star of Zohran Mamdani in New York's mayoral race. They analyze Mamdani's label as a ‘disruptor’ and the implications of his candidacy for the future of the Democratic Party. Lewis emphasizes the need for reinvention within the party and shares insights from his new book on government dynamics. The conversation also touches on generational shifts in politics and how emerging leaders might redefine American political landscapes.
23 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 25min
Has a Pentagon leak shattered Trump’s claims on Iran?
The leaked Pentagon report casts doubt on Trump's claims about the success of airstrikes in Iran, suggesting minimal impact on the country’s nuclear program. The hosts discuss the implications of these military actions on U.S.-Iran relations and internal political narratives. Trump's bold self-characterization as a peacemaker at a NATO summit is scrutinized, highlighting the diplomatic flattery used to manage his temperament. The conversation also touches on unusual diplomatic language between the U.S. and Israel, reflecting the complexities of international relations.
19 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 28min
Americanswers… Has Trump triggered all out war in the Middle East?
Tensions flare as Trump's airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites ignite debates over U.S. foreign policy. The team dissects his shifting stance on regime change and its implications for both American politics and military strategy. Concerns about Iran's nuclear capabilities deepen, raising critical safety questions. With Congress's role in the balance, the podcast explores the potential for escalating conflict and the public's reaction to these dramatic shifts in policy. The exploration prompts listeners to engage and share their thoughts on this unfolding crisis.
8 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 30min
Newscast: The US Bombs Iranian Nuclear Sites
Gary O’Donoghue, BBC's North America correspondent, shares insights into Trump’s provocative stance towards Iran and the U.S. response to recent bombings of Iranian nuclear sites. Security analyst Gordon Corera analyzes the scale of these airstrikes and their potential geopolitical ramifications. The discussion delves into the complexities of international relations, military responses, and how these actions might affect Middle Eastern stability, with a spotlight on both U.S. and Iranian narratives amid rising tensions.
Jun 19, 2025 • 34min
Why Trump’s Iran decision is splitting the Republican party
Tensions rise within the Republican Party as Donald Trump faces pushback from supporters over potential military action against Iran. Many MAGA followers, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, oppose military involvement, challenging Trump’s ‘America First’ stance. The discussion dives into the legacy of past U.S. wars and whether Trump needs party backing for his decisions. Insights from Elliott Abrams shed light on the complexities of Iran's nuclear ambitions and the internal struggles of Trump's advisory team, navigating a divided political landscape.
Jun 18, 2025 • 32min
Is Donald Trump about to put the US at war with Iran?
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran are escalating, with Trump weighing the implications of military involvement. The hosts recount their experiences at the G7 summit, where Trump's unpredictable behavior shaped international diplomacy. They explore the conflicting messages from the Trump administration on foreign policy and the potential implications for future military action. Political uncertainty looms as Republican divisions emerge around Trump’s foreign strategies, making listeners question what might come next.
Jun 16, 2025 • 34min
Americanswers… On 5 Live! Can Donald Trump stop the war between Israel and Iran?
Dive into Donald Trump's bold claim to end all wars while scrutinizing his connections to Israel's actions against Iran. Explore the intriguing dynamics at the G7 summit and how Trump's foreign policy shapes global events. In a humorous twist, discover how pizza orders may hint at Pentagon secrets. The discussion also tackles the spectacle of a military parade on Trump's birthday, featuring mixed reactions from attendees, and the troubling rise of political violence in America. It's a blend of humor and serious geopolitical analysis.
9 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 24min
Why has RFK Jr sacked an entire US vaccine safety committee?
Recent political strife has landed the issue of vaccine safety in hot water, with controversial committee changes stirring public concern. The election outcomes in New Jersey and Virginia hint at shifts within the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, two high-profile immigration cases pose challenges to current deportation policies. Lastly, a landmark agreement paves the way for significant payments to college athletes, raising questions about the future of amateur sports. Tune in for these engaging discussions and deeper insights!
4 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 32min
Did Donald Trump deliberately provoke the LA protests?
In this discussion, Miles Taylor, former Chief of Staff at the Department of Homeland Security and outspoken Trump critic, dives deep into the implications of military deployment during LA protests. He reveals how Trump's actions may be calculated political moves. Taylor also shares insights on controversial immigration raids and their community impact, probing whether they are designed to provoke outrage. Additionally, he discusses troubling accusations he faced from the Trump administration, illustrating the precarious intersection of power, free speech, and accountability.
14 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 25min
Americanswers... on 5 Live! Why has Donald Trump sent the National Guard to protests in LA?
Donald Trump's deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles has sparked intense debate. Protests against immigration raids have escalated, raising questions about local law enforcement and the president's motives. The podcast delves into the implications of this decision, examining its political ramifications and the legal context. Additionally, it discusses the dangers journalists face while covering protests. The hosts wrap up with lighthearted banter, engaging their audience with fun ideas and a sense of community.
