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
May 16, 2024 • 38min
Why does Biden want to debate Trump?
Jill Stein, Green Party candidate, discusses her impact on the 2016 election, third-party candidates in climate policies. The podcast explores Biden's eagerness for debates, the dynamic anticipation for the upcoming presidential debates, and the potential guest RFK Jr. intriguing comparisons to boxing promos.
May 13, 2024 • 30min
Americanswers! VP picks, Nikki Haley's back, and could Trump do three terms?
Exploring presidential term limits and the possibility of Trump serving more terms, along with considerations for Biden's future campaigns. Discussing the influence of social media algorithms on election outcomes and the dangers of AI-generated fake content. Addressing the increasing mistrust in politics and encouraging listener engagement with thought-provoking questions.
May 10, 2024 • 29min
Trump Trial Week 3… Stormy Daniels Takes The Stand
The former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trial in New York is in its third week, where he’s accused of trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.He’s pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and also denies having a sexual encounter with Daniels.Sarah and Anthony are joined by the BBC’s US reporter, Kayla Epstein - who’s been in court every day - to hear what happened when Ms Daniels herself took the stand, and court artist Jane Rosenberg reveals how she creates those incredibly candid sketches from the trial.HOSTS:
* Sarah Smith, North America editor
* Anthony Zurcher, North America CorrespondentGUEST:
* Kayla Epstein, BBC’s U.S. reporter covering the trialGET 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
US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s new BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155 This episode was made by Keiligh Baker. The producer was Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
May 9, 2024 • 30min
Keeping up with the Kennedys: RFK Jr’s run for the White House
JFK’s nephew is taking on Biden and Trump as an independent. He’s a big outsider but his high polling numbers are worrying the main parties, who fear that his bi-partisan policies could steal votes.Sarah, Anthony and Marianna talk about who RFK Jr is, why he’s running, and if he lives up to his reputation as one of America’s most famous conspiracy theorists. And they get to the bottom of how he came to have a dead worm in his brain.HOSTS:
• Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent
• 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 #AmericastUS Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s new BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155This episode was made by Chris Flynn with Rufus Gray, Catherine Fusillo, and Claire Betzer. The technical producer was Hannah Montgommery. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
May 6, 2024 • 22min
Americanswers! Kristi Noem’s dog, ‘Momala’, and presidential immunity
Americanswers is back and we take a deep dive into Joe Biden’s TikTok account and the type of content his campaign is prioritising to win over young voters.A vice presidential hopeful has revealed she killed her dog due to behavioural issues. Will the admission end her chances of being Donald Trump’s running mate?And, Kamala Harris has been given a new nickname by a daytime television host. Who is the White House hoping she can win over on the campaign trail?HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media 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 #Americast US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s new BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155 This episode was made by George Dabby with Catherine Fusillo and Rufus Gray. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomeryl. The series producer is George Dabby. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
May 3, 2024 • 26min
Trump Trial Week 2… The Surprise Witness
BBC's US reporter Kayla Epstein joins hosts Sarah and Anthony on Americast to discuss the Trump trial, focusing on a surprise witness, Trump's comments on the judge, and predictions for the trial outcome. Topics include witness testimonies, legal drama, jury engagement, and anticipation for Michael Cohen's testimony.
May 2, 2024 • 38min
Back on campus: Biden condemns 'violent' protestors
Historian Niall Ferguson discusses how universities are responding to student protests in the US. The podcast explores violent clashes on campuses, the impact of social media, and the influence of protests on American politics and the upcoming election. It also delves into the challenges of balancing free speech and campus activism.
Apr 29, 2024 • 41min
Americanswers! RFK Jr, pardoning Trump, and why is Biden talking about cannibals?
Following the start of Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York, we answer your questions on how Joe Biden could handle his main challenger’s legal woes.And, Democrats are worried about the threat posed by Robert F Kennedy's Jr's run for office. But could Kennedy's campaign also be a threat to Donald Trump? We assess his chances and take look at another less conventional third-party candidate.HOST:
• Sarah Smith, North America editorGUEST:
• Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland SecurityGET 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 US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s new BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155 This episode was made by George Dabby with Catherine Fusillo. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The series producer is George Dabby. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
Apr 26, 2024 • 30min
Trump Trial Week 1... Inside the Court
BBC's US reporter, Kayla Epstein, joins Americast hosts to discuss Donald Trump's trial in NY. They cover the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, Trump's denials, key players in the trial, potential outcomes, and courtroom dynamics. Insights into tabloid journalism, witness immunity, and updates on the trial are shared. Contact info for listener engagement is provided.
Apr 25, 2024 • 33min
On campus: Students protest over Gaza
Students across US campuses protest Israel's campaign in Gaza, sparking debate on campus safety for Jewish students. Social media, especially TikTok, influences new voters' engagement in politics. The episode discusses the impact of protests on the Democratic Party Convention and President Biden's stance.
