

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

Jul 24, 2024 • 30min
Americanswers! Why have the Democrats backed Kamala Harris?
Vice-President Kamala Harris's fast rise as the Democrats' nominee, potential strategies to shape her image for voters, controversies surrounding her, her stance on Gaza, and discussions on outsider candidates in politics and the influence of money in campaigns.

Jul 22, 2024 • 35min
Welcome to the Kamala Harris presidential campaign
Former chair of the Democrat's Congressional Campaign Committee, Steve Israel, discusses Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. They unpack her endorsements, chances against Trump, and why she's linked to coconut trees. Analyzing her communication style, fundraising success, and campaign challenges, the podcast explores the strategic aspects of Harris's campaign.

Jul 21, 2024 • 29min
Biden Withdraws from the Presidential Race!
Joe Biden announces his withdrawal from the presidential race, sparking discussions on campaign impact and online reactions. Speculations arise on the timing of his decision and controversies surrounding the Democratic nomination process. Kamala Harris's vice presidential choices and election speculations are explored, along with insights into the 2024 Paris Olympics and a new podcast.

Jul 20, 2024 • 38min
Newscast x Americast Q&A
Join hosts Justin Webb and Marianna Spring as they discuss the impact of social media on public perception of political figures, changing attitudes towards Donald Trump within the Republican Party, the future of Kamala Harris and Michelle Obama in American politics, and contrasting American and British media perspectives.

Jul 19, 2024 • 24min
Donald Trump's convention speech: ‘I had God on my side’
Political analyst and journalist Justin Webb joins Sarah and Anthony to discuss Donald Trump's dramatic recount of the moment he was shot in his convention speech, emphasizing divine intervention. They analyze the impact of the speech on the Republican Party, contrasting public perceptions of Trump and Biden post-COVID, and delve into speculation surrounding Joe Biden's campaign.

Jul 18, 2024 • 23min
JD Vance makes his VP pitch to America
Former US Marine and Yale Law School graduate JD Vance, potential VP pick for Trump, shares his journey from Ohio to the Senate. Biden faces more challenges, while the podcast covers the dynamics of the RNC and upcoming election campaigns.

Jul 17, 2024 • 24min
Are the Republican Rivals Reunited?
Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, and Vivek Ramaswamy support Trump at the Republican Convention. They discuss minority support, swing state voters, and emotional moments. Online theories on a shooting incident are explored. Donald Trump's reception and upcoming House Oversight Committee hearings are highlighted. Biden's campaign event, Clyburn's endorsement, and presidential debates speculation are analyzed.

Jul 16, 2024 • 26min
Trump's Vice President is... JD Vance!
JD Vance, Senator of Ohio, could be Trump's running mate if he returns to the White House. The podcast discusses Vance's political evolution from a Trump critic to a supporter aiming for VP endorsement. The hosts also talk about Trump's strong support among followers and the dropping of charges in a Florida case involving him.

Jul 15, 2024 • 37min
How the U.S. Secret Service failed Donald Trump
Former Chief of Staff at Department for Homeland Security, Miles Taylor, discusses U.S. Secret Service failures with Trump, Republican Convention unity, and legal case updates. Will Trump reunite the country? What does this mean for Biden?

Jul 14, 2024 • 24min
Attempted Assassination on Donald Trump
Analyzing the live televised shooting incident at a Pennsylvania rally targeting Donald Trump, chaos during the attempted assassination, conspiracy theories blaming Biden, Trump's reaction impact on voters, perception of strength in election campaign