

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

Jan 26, 2021 • 43min
Who Let The Dogs Out?
President Biden says Donald Trump's impeachment trial "has to happen". House impeachment managers deliver the article of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate, formally triggering a trial. Meanwhile, President Biden continues to reverse many of the executive orders from the Trump era while emphasising his message of unity. Oh, and Rudy Giuliani is being sued by the Dominion voting machine firm for $1.3bn (£950m).Emily, Jon and Anthony are joined by Slate's Dahlia Lithwick.Producer: Natalie Ktena
Assistant Editor: Emma Close
Editor: Dino Sofos

Jan 22, 2021 • 23min
Americast's Got Talent with Piers Morgan
Piers Morgan tells us an incredible story about how Donald Trump was called on Air Force One last year by a prankster posing as... Piers Morgan.Piers also helps Emily and Jon find a Frank Sinatra impersonator to perform 'His Way', written by Americaster, Trevor Knight. Studio Director: Michael Regaard
Producer: Natalie Ktena
Editor: Dino Sofos

Jan 21, 2021 • 39min
It’s Biden Time
The new president begins dismantling Trump’s legacy... After all the festivities, Biden promises to get straight to work, signing executive orders and taking other actions that don’t require congressional approval. And at Americaster Francis’ request, we take some time to assessing Donald Trump’s achievements in the past 4 years. Also, what was the rationale behind Trump’s ‘generous’ letter to Biden?Studio Manager: Emma Crowe
Producer: Natalie Ktena
Assistant Editor: Emma Close
Editor: Dino Sofos

Jan 20, 2021 • 31min
DT Flown Home
On his final day in office, President Trump gives his farewell address and gets ready to head back to Florida. And on the eve of their inauguration, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris hold a Covid memorial service to remember those who have lost their lives.Studio Director: Emma Crowe
Producer: Natalie Ktena
Assistant Editor: Emma Close
Editor: Dino Sofos

Jan 14, 2021 • 46min
Donald and the Giant Impeach
Donald Trump has become the only US president to have been impeached by the House of Representatives for a second time. Emily, Jon and Anthony speak to Republican Representative French Hill on why he believes this was the wrong action to take, and Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on what will happen next when this goes to trial in the Senate. This episode also contains harrowing details about Lisa Montgomery, the woman who was executed this week in Indiana. Not just about her execution - but our reporter, Hilary Andersson, also tells us about the awful crime she committed and abuse she suffered in her life. If you're affected by anything you’ve heard and require support or advice, you can contact the BBC Action Line - bbc.co.uk/actionlineStudio Director: Michael Regaard
Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena, Ben Weisz
Assistant Editor: Emma Close
Editor: Dino Sofos

Jan 8, 2021 • 38min
United State of Emergency
Posting for the first time since his Twitter account was suspended for 12 hours, President Trump criticised the violent protests that saw five people lose their lives, and called for an ‘orderly transition of power’. But, what’s behind this change in rhetoric? Emily, Jon and Anthony talk through this and all the fallout from Wednesday’s dramatic events.Studio Director: Emma Crowe
Producers: Frankie Tobi and Ben Weisz
Editor: Dino Sofos

Jan 7, 2021 • 48min
Coup-nited States of America
Violent scenes of Trump supporters storming the US Capitol have shocked the world. On the day that Joe Biden’s electoral win was supposed to be confirmed, and the Georgia run-offs confirmed a Democratic majority in the Senate, Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss the day’s extraordinary events.Studio Director: Emma Crowe
Producer: Frankie Tobi
Editor: Dino Sofos

Jan 4, 2021 • 20min
'Find me more votes'
Georgia takes centre stage as Trump’s phone call to its Secretary of State is leaked – Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss whether his latest attempt to cling to power is illegal. And in a big week for the Senate, could the results of the election be overturned?Studio Director: Emma Crowe
Producer: Natalie Ktena
Editor: Dino Sofos

Dec 23, 2020 • 1h 2min
The Americast Advent Calendar
Maitlis, Sopel and Anthony take a look back at 2020 - an extraordinary year, that featured a global pandemic, civil unrest sparked by the killing of an African American man, and the small matter or a presidential election. But did any of their analysis prove to be right?? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Americasters! We'll be back next year.
Producer: Natalie Ktena
Assistant Editor: Emma Close
Editor: Dino Sofosamericast@bbc.co.uk

Dec 18, 2020 • 34min
From Russia with Bugs
A large-scale and sophisticated hack targeting multiple US departments has been confirmed, with fingers being pointed at the Russian government. Our Moscow Correspondent Steve Rosenberg tells us why Russia say the claims are baseless, and, what the new era of US-Russian relations might look like under President-Elect Joe Biden. And big news... Sopes is back on home turf!Producers: Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena
Assistant Editor: Emma Close
Editor: Dino Sofos


