Americast

Americast

Author: BBC News Language: English Episodes: 100
Trying to make sense of American politics can feel like navigating a maze. Americast, from BBC News, cuts through the noise with a perspective that’s both grounded and far-reaching. You’ll hear from seasoned correspondents like the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, and presenter Justin Webb, who bring decades of experience to the conversation. This isn’t just a recap of headlines; it’s about understanding the forces shaping the United States, from the granular details observed on the ground to the wider historical and social currents at play. The team delves into everything from election campaigns and policy debates to the complex role of disinformation and social media, offering clarity on the stories that define the nation week to week. Relying on the BBC’s global network of journalists, this podcast provides analysis that connects local events to their international significance. For anyone looking to move beyond the soundbites and gain a more nuanced view of American government and society, tuning into this weekly discussion offers a valuable and authoritative resource.
Episodes
Trump v Supreme Court: The battle over birthright citizenship [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:28
It was an historic day in the Supreme Court on Wednesday as it began hearing arguments on Donald Trump’s effort to ban birthright citizenship. The president began his second term in office by signing an executive order t…
Americanswers! Why does Trump want to take Iran’s Kharg Island? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:44
Donald Trump has said the US will “conclude” its war in Iran by “blowing up and completely obliterating” key assets in the country, including Kharg Island - Iran’s key oil export terminal - if a deal is not reached. He a…
What is RFK doing to vaccines for children in America? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:34
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from making big changes to vaccines for children in the United States. It is a blow to Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy - RFK Jr - a longtime vaccine scep…
Will Trump succeed in changing the US voting system? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:05
Should voters be required to prove they are US citizens and show photo ID before being allowed to cast their ballots?Donald Trump is pushing for these changes and more in the SAVE (Save America Act) telling Republican la…
Trump v Anthropic: The battle over who controls AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:47
Away from the war in Iran, the Pentagon is engaged in another battle, with Anthropic and its AI chatbot Claude. After awarding the company a contract potentially worth $200 million last year to integrate their artificial…
Trump threatens TV networks over unpatriotic Iran coverage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:54
Donald Trump’s fight with US media has entered a new chapter since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran. The president has taken issue with Wall Street Journal reporting on an Iranian attack against US tankers in Sau…
Americanswers… on 5Live! Will Trump lose his MAGA base over Iran? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:54
How serious is the growing split within Trump’s MAGA base, as prominent Republican commentators and influencers criticise why the US started a war with Iran, and how long it might go on for. Also, might Trump voters turn…
Is Cuba Trump’s next target after Iran? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:07
President Trump has renewed his threat of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, saying the island is in deep trouble and that the Cuban government is desperate to make a deal. In this episode, Justin and Anthony look at how ser…