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
Can Trump convince voters on the US economy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:56
There was a lot of speculation ahead of Donald Trump’s address to the nation on Wednesday night and what the president would say to Americans during television primetime. Ultimately the president gave a full-throated def…
Has Trump’s chief of staff revealed White House secrets? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:00
Susie Wiles is widely credited as being the mastermind behind Donald Trump’s successful presidential campaign last year. The White House Chief of Staff, referred to by the president as the “most powerful woman in the wor…
The Americast Awards 2025… on 5 Live! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:20
It’s time for the 2025 Americast Awards…There’s no doubt that it’s been a tumultuous year in US politics. From a dramatic disagreement between President Trump and Ukraine’s President Zelensky in the Oval Office, the depl…
How far will Trump go in his 'war' with Venezuela? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:35
What’s going on between the United States and Venezuela? The Trump administration has been defending its seizure of an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast. In a dramatic video shared by the US Attorney General, armed cam…
Does Trump have a plan to reform healthcare in America? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:33
Donald Trump has lambasted European countries as “decaying” and “weak”, singling out the UK, France and Germany for their immigration policies, whilst praising the Hungarian leader Viktor Orban for allowing “nobody in hi…
Is Trump giving the FIFA World Cup a MAGA makeover? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:28
As the United States gets ready to host the Fifa World Cup 2026, Americast looks at what’s behind the close relationship between Donald Trump and the president of football’s world governing body, Gianna Infantino. Sarah…
Did Donald Trump fall asleep at a cabinet meeting? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:56
In Trump’s last cabinet meeting of the year, we hear the US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth - under pressure over possible war crimes in the Carribean Sea - give his fullest explanation yet over what he knew, and when. Ci…
The Donald Trump v Zohran Mamdani Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:01
In this episode, Sarah and Anthony unpack one of the most surprising political moments of the year - when New York’s incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani met Donald Trump in the Oval Office. After weeks of insulting each other…