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
Are the US and China about to end their trade war? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:43
President Donald Trump is topping off his whirlwind trip around Asia with a long-anticipated meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. After months of an escalating trade war, Trump says a “good deal” is clo…
Inside Mamdani’s campaign to be mayor of New York City [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:43
Voting starts on Saturday for one of America’s biggest and most prominent political positions. How did Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, emerge as the frontrunner to be the next mayor of New York, despite being vir…
Does Trump really want to invade Venezuela? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:51
Why is Donald Trump intent on targeting Venezuela, and what’s really behind the continued targeting of boats in the Carribean Sea? The U.S. military began attacking vessels in early September, and have maintained - witho…
Can Trump silence the press? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:45
A major row has erupted between the US defense department and the journalists that cover its work after a memo was issued last month requiring journalists to accept a new set of reporting restrictions or face being barre…
The battle for the soul of the Democratic Party [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:05
Since losing to Donald Trump in last year’s presidential election, Democrats across the U.S have been working behind the scenes to change the party’s image and its policies. In places like New York, Zohran Mamdani has le…
Trump's new plan for America's top universities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:35
There is a new deal on the table for universities in America. After months of fighting with the Trump administration over funding cuts, free speech and allegations of elitism and racism, the new deal is being offered to…
Can Trump turn a Gaza ceasefire into a lasting peace deal? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:00
There was an extraordinary moment at the White House on Wednesday when, in front of reporters, secretary of state Marco Rubio handed Donald Trump a note that read the words “very close”, followed by a whisper where he to…