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.You can register for Castfest tickets here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026
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.You can register for Castfest tickets here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/shows/castfest-2026
Episodes
Mentioned books
18 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 28min
Can Trump persuade Americans to ignore oil prices and back his war on Iran?
They dig into whether Trump can sell support for a war with Iran amid rising oil prices and voter unease. They explore unclear goals of the campaign and how Israel’s aims may differ. They examine risks to shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz and the potential for global fuel price shocks. They discuss domestic political trade-offs, congressional funding pressures, and reactions from veterans and local voters.
33 snips
Mar 9, 2026 • 40min
Americanswers… on 5Live! Why is Trump’s White House comparing the war in Iran to a video game?
A rapid-fire look at US strikes on Iran and the murky strategic aims behind them. Discussion of whether oil, politics or coalition dynamics drove the actions. Examination of the White House’s viral videos and the ethics of turning conflict into gamified social content. A rundown of a high-profile cabinet sacking and what it signals about loyalty and competence in the current administration.
45 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 32min
Trump's war with Iran: What we still don't know
Robert Malley, former US special envoy for Iran and lead negotiator on the 2015 nuclear deal, shares his diplomatic experience. He discusses shifting US justifications for strikes, what success might look like, Iran’s motives and capabilities, and whether military pressure can drive talks. Short, candid takes on negotiation dynamics and why long-term agreements proved fragile.
16 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 38min
What did we learn about Epstein from the Clintons?
They unpack Texas primary shockwaves and what a rising Democrat’s win might mean for 2026. They review newly released testimony about ties to Jeffrey Epstein and who else could be pulled into inquiries. They flag worries about CNN’s future under new ownership and debate political influence on the media. They also revisit viral footage of Homeland Security testimony over ICE operations and deadly shootings.
10 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 35min
Americanswers… on 5 Live! Are Trump’s Iran strikes breaking the law?
A fast-paced discussion about recent strikes on Iran and whether the US had legal authority to act. They probe how rising US casualties could shape public support and midterm politics. There is debate over coordination with Israel, risks of decapitation strategies, and the potential economic fallout on oil and households.
29 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 34min
Trump's Iran Gamble... What is the US president up to?
A fast breakdown of a sudden US strike on Iran and the claims about stopping its nuclear and missile programs. They examine the president directing military action from Mar-a-Lago and the unusual late-night social media announcement. Discussion covers US casualties, possible Iranian retaliation, splits within the Republican movement, and the political risks for both parties as midterms approach.
26 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 32min
The battle for Texas: Can Democrats win it back from Trump?
A deep dive into why Texas is central to national power and how flipping it could reshape future presidential and congressional maps. Conversations cover demographic shifts, changing Hispanic and urban dynamics, and the mounting cost of a high-stakes primary. The contest between contrasting Democratic hopefuls and a fractious Republican fight highlights tensions over electability, loyalty and Trump’s influence.
24 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 31min
Trump's big, long, State of the Union speech
They unpack a near two-hour State of the Union filled with economy claims, immigration theatrics and a surprising hockey cameo. Discussion covers tariff talk, the Supreme Court moment and party reactions in the chamber. They debate whether the long, disciplined speech can shift polls ahead of November.
8 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 30min
Americanswers... on 5Live! Why haven't more Americans faced charges over Epstein?
They dig into newly released Epstein material and why more Americans have not been charged. They unpack rising US-Iran tensions and what limited or broader military options might look like. They explain a Supreme Court ruling that struck down Trump’s tariffs and the legal and business fallout. There’s also a quirky detour into protest quilting and a mystery audio blooper.
39 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 22min
Trump's Tariffs... Trump attacks the Supreme Court over tariff ban
A seismic Supreme Court ruling blocks large parts of presidential tariff powers and sparks a furious reaction from the White House. The conversation covers which laws could be used next and which conservative justices surprised the administration. They probe the diplomatic uses of tariffs, potential $200bn legal claims over refunds, and the political fallout ahead of upcoming elections and major speeches.
