Americast
News & Politics
About
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...
Episodes
- Does Trump need China to end the war in Iran?
Americast discusses the complexities of Donald Trump's visit to China, focusing on the potential for Chinese assistance in resolving the war in Iran, given China's alliance with Iran. The episode also briefly covers allegations against FBI…
- Americanswers! Vance vs Rubio… who will take over from Trump in 2028?
In this episode of Americast, Justin Webb and Anthony Zurcher explore the potential Republican successors to Donald Trump for the 2028 presidential run, considering JD Vance and Marco Rubio. They also examine US campaign spending and recen…
- Trump takes his revenge on disloyal Republicans
Donald Trump is actively campaigning against Republican politicians he perceives as disloyal, intervening in state primaries in Kentucky, Indiana, and Louisiana. This episode explores these political challenges, particularly focusing on Tr…
- Is Donald Trump close to finishing his war with Iran?
Americast analyzes the Trump administration's mixed messages on the war with Iran, including \"Project Freedom\" and the potential for \"higher intensity\" bombing. The hosts discuss the political and economic implications for the US as ga…
- Americanswers… LIVE at Castfest! Who could lead the Democrats into 2028?
In a live Castfest episode, the Americast team discusses potential Democratic leaders for the 2028 presidential election. They also explore President Trump's thoughts on the war with Iran and his relationship with the UK and NATO allies.
- Will ICE agents stay away from the 2026 World Cup?
This Americast episode explores controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup, including discussions about ICE agents and security in Texas, and transportation costs in New Jersey. The hosts also examine potential risks for Donald Trump and…
- LIVE at Castfest! How popular is Donald Trump?
This episode of Americast, recorded live at Castfest, examines Donald Trump's popularity and the approval ratings of Democrats. The discussion includes analysis of recent polling data and the potential implications for the Republican party…
- Why is Donald Trump calling for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired... again?
This Americast episode discusses Donald Trump's call for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired following a joke about Melania Trump. It also covers the FCC's review of Disney's broadcast licenses and examines conspiracy theories surrounding a recent sh…
- Americanswers… on 5 Live! Could Trump have been evacuated from the shooting more quickly?
This Americast episode answers listener questions regarding a shooting at the White House correspondents dinner. Discussions include the evacuation of President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, the "designated survivor" protocol, and for…
- Who is Trump’s “would-be assassin”… were there security failings at DC shooting?
Americast discusses the shooting at the White House correspondents’ dinner, focusing on the gunman’s manifesto, potential motives, and security issues. Justin Webb and Sarah Smith interview BBC correspondent Tom Bateman, who witnessed the…
- Donald Trump gets on the phone... with Sarah
In this episode of Americast, hosts Sarah Smith and Anthony Zurcher discuss Sarah's unexpected phone call with Donald Trump. They unpack how the interview was planned, and Trump's comments on King Charles, Queen Camilla, Keir Starmer, and…
- Democrats fight back against Trump in Virginia… and win
Voters in Virginia approved a measure to redraw the state’s political map in favor of Democrats. This change could impact Donald Trump’s power and potentially shift control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections.
- Americanswers… on 5 Live! Is insider trading corrupting Trump's White House?
This Americast episode discusses allegations of insider trading surrounding Trump's White House and FBI Director Kash Patel. The hosts also examine the controversy over FIFA World Cup travel fares and their potential impact.
- Have the Democrats found a new strategy to scare Trump?
Americast discusses the Democratic Party's new strategy to challenge Donald Trump, examining how a specific candidate from Maine plays a role. The episode features insights from reporter Josh Keefe about the candidate and the local perspec…
- Has Trump given up on the midterms?
Justin Webb and Sarah Smith discuss Donald Trump's public support, the war in Iran, and gas prices in relation to the midterm elections. They examine China's involvement in the naval blockade, the mood among Republicans, and the Democratic…
- Americanswers... on 5 Live! Donald Trump vs Pope Leo on Iran
Americast analyzes Donald Trump's clash with Pope Leo XIV over the US war with Iran and its potential impact on public opinion. The episode also addresses listener questions on various political topics, including Melania Trip's statement a…
- Is Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth waging a holy war against Iran?
This Americast episode investigates Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, focusing on his leadership in the Pentagon, his religious justifications for US military actions, and his impact on US defense policy. Justin Webb and Anthony Zurcher spea…
- Trump pulls back from the brink... but for how long?
This Americast episode discusses Donald Trump's threats, a two-week ceasefire, and claims about Iran. It examines Trump's political options and the influence of his MAGA Republican base.
- Americanswers! Can Zohran Mamdani keep his promises as New York mayor?
This episode of Americast discusses current events, including the impact of the Iran War, alleged US strikes off Venezuela, the trial of Nicolas Maduro, and whether New York mayor Zohran Mamdani has kept his campaign promises. The hosts al…
- Are the Democrats ready to win back Congress?
Americast discusses the Democratic party's prospects in the upcoming midterm elections. The episode features insights from Democratic adviser Jim Messina on the party's approach and potential new leadership.
- Trump v Supreme Court: The battle over birthright citizenship
This Americast episode discusses the Supreme Court hearing arguments on former President Donald Trump’s effort to ban birthright citizenship. Hosts Justin Webb and Sumi Somaskanda assess how the court will consider the arguments and obstac…
- Americanswers! Why does Trump want to take Iran’s Kharg Island?
This Americast episode discusses Donald Trump's statements regarding Iran, including threats to Kharg Island, and concerns about the potential for escalation. Justin and Sumi answer questions on the war in Iran, including domestic response…
- What is RFK doing to vaccines for children in America?
A federal judge blocked the Trump administration's proposed changes to childhood vaccination schedules by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This episode explores what this means for US health policy, featuring Dr. Debra Houry, former…
- Will Trump succeed in changing the US voting system?
This episode of Americast discusses Donald Trump's efforts to change the US voting system, including proposals for voter ID and citizenship verification. It also examines a recent special election in Florida, where a Democratic candidate w…
- Americanswers… on 5 Live! Trump claims Iran wants to "make a deal" to end the war
This Americast episode discusses Donald Trump's claims regarding talks with Iran and the conflicting statements surrounding them. Justin, Sumi, and Marianna, with Matt Chorley, answer listener questions about the situation, US public opini…
- Trump v Anthropic: The battle over who controls AI
This episode of Americast explores the dispute between the Pentagon and Anthropic regarding the use of AI in government systems. The discussion covers Anthropic's refusal to allow its AI, Claude, to be used for mass surveillance or in leth…
- Trump threatens TV networks over unpatriotic Iran coverage
Donald Trump has threatened US TV networks over their reporting on Iran, accusing them of circulating AI-generated videos. This episode explores the potential impact on journalists and the resignation of counterterrorism official Joe Kent…
- Americanswers… on 5Live! Will Trump lose his MAGA base over Iran?
This Americast episode explores the potential fracturing of Trump's MAGA base concerning Iran, the demands placed on NATO for the Strait of Hormuz, and Hollywood's commentary on Trump at the Oscars. Justin, Sarah, and Marianna join Matt Ch…
- Is Cuba Trump’s next target after Iran?
This Americast episode explores President Trump's threats regarding Cuba and the ongoing negotiations between the US and Cuba. It examines the impact of US sanctions on Cuba, including oil supply cuts, and discusses the potential for a hum…
- Can Trump persuade Americans to ignore oil prices and back his war on Iran?
This Americast episode explores whether Donald Trump can persuade Americans to back his approach to the conflict in Iran, especially with increasing oil prices and worries about oil supplies. Sarah Smith and Anthony Zurcher examine the US…
- Americanswers… on 5Live! Why is Trump’s White House comparing the war in Iran to a video game?
This Americast episode discusses the US-Israel war with Iran, rising oil prices, and the White House's comparison of the war to a video game. It also covers the dismissal of former homeland security head Kristi Noem and its implications fo…
- Trump's war with Iran: What we still don't know
This episode of Americast explores the Trump administration's shifting narratives regarding military action in Iran. Sarah Smith and Anthony Zurcher discuss unanswered questions with Robert Malley, an architect of the Iran nuclear deal, wh…
- What did we learn about Epstein from the Clintons?
This Americast episode covers US news, including discussions on primary elections in Texas, newly released video of the Clintons testifying about Jeffrey Epstein, and concerns over the future of CNN. The hosts are Justin Webb and Anthony Z…
- Americanswers… on 5 Live! Are Trump’s Iran strikes breaking the law?
On this episode of Americast, hosts Justin Webb and Anthony Zurcher discuss the legal basis for Trump's military actions in Iran and their potential effects on the midterm elections. They address concerns about an "endless war" and the US…
- Trump's Iran Gamble... What is the US president up to?
This episode of Americast discusses Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iran. Hosts Sarah and Justin analyze Trump's justification, his aims for the war, and the political reactions from his base and the wider Republican party. The impact on u…
- The battle for Texas: Can Democrats win it back from Trump?
This Americast episode explores the Texas midterm elections, analyzing the Democratic party's chances of winning a Senate seat and the broader national consequences. It delves into the ongoing primaries, prominent candidates from both part…
- Trump's big, long, State of the Union speech
The Americast team analyzes President Trump's State of the Union speech, his defense of his administration's record, and its potential impact on the upcoming midterm elections. Topics include the economy, immigration, and the Democratic pa…
- Americanswers... on 5Live! Why haven't more Americans faced charges over Epstein?
This Americast episode addresses emerging questions about the Jeffrey Epstein case and accountability. It also covers rising tensions between Iran and the US, including potential military options, and the implications of Donald Trump's tar…
- Trump's Tariffs... Trump attacks the Supreme Court over tariff ban
Donald Trump was disappointed by the Supreme Court’s ruling on his tariffs. He announced a new 10% tariff on global imports. This episode of Americast discusses the implications of these events.
- Who is Tucker Carlson and what does he tell us about the future of MAGA?
This Americast episode discusses Tucker Carlson's role in shaping MAGA ideology and the evolution of conservative media in the United States. It examines his influence and the future leadership of the Make America Great Again movement.
- Everything you need to know about Donald Trump’s Board of Peace
Americast explores Donald Trump's Board of Peace, detailing its structure, membership, and Trump's intentions. The episode also reviews the Democratic presence at the Munich Security Conference and speculates on potential presidential cand…
- Americanswers... on 5Live! Why did Pam Bondi, US Attorney General, lose her temper during Epstein Files questioning?
Americast discusses US Attorney General Pam Bondi's defense of the justice department's handling of the Epstein files. The hosts also discuss the difficulties for survivors of Epstein's abuse in obtaining successful prosecutions and Bill a…
- Will the US Supreme Court stand up to Trump?
Americast explores the US Supreme Court's potential role in ruling on Donald Trump's presidential powers and second term agenda. Guests discuss past court interactions with presidents and concerns about the current court's impact on presid…
- Has Jeff Bezos brought down the Washington Post?
This Americast episode explores Jeff Bezos's ownership of the Washington Post and recent mass layoffs. It discusses the changes at the newspaper, the reasons for the cuts, and their wider implications for US media.
- Americanswers! Why is Trump so annoyed about Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl?
This Americast episode features a discussion on Donald Trump's reaction to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance. It also covers a controversial White House video and Trump's comments regarding ICE agents and the death of Alex Pretti.
- Is Donald Trump going to cancel the midterm elections?
This Americast episode discusses Donald Trump's proposal for federal control over elections and the potential impact on the upcoming midterms. It also covers recent Democratic successes, including a win in the Supreme Court for California'…
- Why are Bill and Hillary Clinton testifying over Epstein?
Former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton are scheduled to testify in the congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. This episode of Americast examines their testimony and the reactions of Republicans to new information in t…
- Americanswers… On 5 Live! Do the new Epstein files "absolve" Trump?
This Americast episode examines new Jeffrey Epstein files and their implications for Donald Trump, victims, and his MAGA base. The hosts also discuss celebrity responses to ICE agents and the unexpected connection between quilters and ongo…
- Can Trump really save the midterms for the Republicans?
Donald Trump is campaigning for Republican candidates in the midterm elections. This episode discusses the significance of these elections, the potential outcomes, and the Republican party's chances of success with guests Sarah Smith, Anth…
- Will Trump “de-escalate” Minneapolis tensions after Alex Pretti killing?
This Americast episode discusses President Trump's statement on "de-escalating" tensions in Minneapolis following the killing of Alex Pretti and the attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar. Hosts Sarah Smith, Anthony Zurcher, and Marianna Spring examine…