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 10, 2025 • 39min
Trump's new plan for America's top universities
Inez Stepman, a Senior Policy and Legal Analyst at the Independent Women’s Forum, dives into the recent proposal from the Trump administration impacting U.S. universities. She critiques how federal grants could compromise academic freedom in exchange for conformity to new policies addressing elitism and racial bias. The conversation explores the need for merit-based admissions, the lack of true diversity in elite schools, and the influence of campus ideologies on broader society. Inez passionately advocates for reform, challenging the notion that government should dictate academic standards.
Oct 9, 2025 • 20min
Can Trump turn a Gaza ceasefire into a lasting peace deal?
Tensions in the Middle East rise as Trump hints at a potential Gaza ceasefire after a dramatic note from Marco Rubio. The podcast dissects a phase one deal involving hostage releases and Israeli pullbacks. Trump's unusual approach combines aggression with leverage, raising questions about his effectiveness compared to past leaders. The conversation explores the critical roles of Gulf states in negotiations and the vagueness of the deal. Can this breakthrough boost Trump's Nobel ambitions and reshape U.S. foreign policy?
48 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 29min
Americanswers… on 5 Live! Is Chicago really a ‘war zone’?
Tensions rise as Texas deploys the National Guard to Chicago, sparking outrage from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. The hosts dissect whether this move is legal and analyze Trump's motives. Meanwhile, the government shutdown looms with a standoff over spending plans. They question the significance of Trump selling '2028' merchandise: is it a hint at a future campaign or just a ploy for influence? The show also delves into the complexities of presidential power and disinformation’s role in shaping public opinion on military deployments.
11 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 32min
Why is Trump blowing up Venezuelan "drug boats"?
The podcast dives into the controversial U.S. strikes on Venezuelan boats allegedly carrying drugs. Hosts challenge the morality and legality of these actions, questioning the credibility of claims and potential repercussions. They analyze Trump's framing of the strikes as a protective measure for Americans. The conversation shifts to the backlash against Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show, exploring its cultural significance and political undertones. Will these controversies shape Latino voter dynamics? Tune in for a blend of politics, culture, and critical analysis!
24 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 37min
Will the Democrats’ shutdown gamble pay off?
The U.S. federal government has shut down, igniting fierce debates about political strategy and blame. Democrats aim to leverage this moment to protect healthcare benefits and challenge Republican spending cuts. Alongside this, Trump’s TikTok deal raises questions about ownership and the potential for political manipulation of its powerful algorithms. The hosts delve into whether Democrats can effectively reframe their message to the public while also navigating concerns about TikTok's influence in the political landscape.
20 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 27min
Americanswers… on 5 Live! What next after US government shutdown?
The recent U.S. government shutdown marks a significant political crisis. How will it impact federal workers and the economy? Meanwhile, Donald Trump's peace proposal for Gaza sparks debate about its seriousness without Hamas's involvement. The discussion takes a turn as Trump critiques military standards, suggesting cities as potential training grounds. Concerns surface over the implications of using military forces domestically. The podcast unpacks these urgent topics with a blend of expertise and insight.
49 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 34min
Trump vs Comey (and the city of Portland)
A fiery political landscape unfolds as Trump’s Truth Social post incites calls for the prosecution of critics like former FBI director Comey, who now faces perjury charges. The hosts dissect the implications of Trump using the justice system for political revenge and analyze the tense situation in Portland. With federal troops potentially deployed, they evaluate the thin justifications for such moves and the longstanding tensions surrounding protests. They also explore who might be next on Trump's target list, drawing eerie parallels to historical abuses of power.
33 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 31min
Is America's health secretary RFK Jr a danger to public health?
Dr. Debra Houry, former chief medical officer at the CDC, shares her insights on the alarming public health implications of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s leadership. She reveals how political interference has affected vaccine policy, leading to her resignation. The podcast dives into RFK Jr.'s radical claims regarding Tylenol and autism, which have faced fierce backlash from the medical community. Houry also discusses the CDC's pandemic response mistakes and the rising tide of misinformation, leaving listeners questioning the agency's trustworthiness.
Sep 24, 2025 • 27min
Americanswers… on 5 Live! Can we trust what Donald Trump says about Ukraine?
Donald Trump delivered a lengthy address at the UN, making sharp critiques of European nations and immigration. His statement about Ukraine regaining lost territory raises questions about his shifting stance on the conflict. The hosts delve into his attacks on the UN, and the public’s reaction to his controversial medical claims. Meanwhile, Jimmy Kimmel’s return adds to the heated debate around free speech and censorship in America, as major political events unfold. It's a lively mix of politics, controversy, and media scrutiny!
35 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 33min
MAGA’s “righteous fury” at Charlie Kirk’s memorial
The podcast dives into the memorial service for Charlie Kirk, blending political rallying and evangelical passion. Erika Kirk delivers a moving speech, emphasizing forgiveness while receiving immense support. The conversation explores whether MAGA leaders will leverage the tragedy to spark a religious revival against the left. There's a provocative debate on using such grief to influence legal reforms and media narratives. The episode raises questions about the future of the conservative movement and the role of faith in politics.
