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
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.
32 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 38min
Who is Tucker Carlson and what does he tell us about the future of MAGA?
Jason Zengerle, New Yorker staff writer and author of Hated by All the Right People, maps Tucker Carlson’s rise from centre-right TV figure to a leading voice in the MAGA movement. He traces Carlson’s media moves, rhetoric and influence on politicians. The conversation explores Carlson’s platform shifts, controversial interviews, and what his emergence signals for the future of conservatism.
30 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 32min
Everything you need to know about Donald Trump’s Board of Peace
They dig into what the newly announced Board of Peace is and how it grew from a Gaza ceasefire role into a wider international body. They map who accepted or declined membership and why some allies are wary of lifetime control. They preview what the inaugural Washington meeting might produce and debate whether the Board could rival existing global institutions.
18 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 32min
Americanswers... on 5Live! Why did Pam Bondi, US Attorney General, lose her temper during Epstein Files questioning?
A heated congressional hearing over handling of the Epstein files sparks debate about redactions, accountability and whether aggressive questioning will deter survivors from testifying. Discussion covers Pam Bondi’s combative answers, the Clintons’ decision to give public testimony, and why prosecutors still lack a clear path to new prosecutions. A sidebar explores Barack Obama’s eyebrow-raising comments about aliens and his later clarification.
40 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 31min
Will the US Supreme Court stand up to Trump?
Kate Shaw, former Supreme Court clerk and law professor, offers sharp legal perspective. She discusses the court’s recent pro-Trump trend and how justices have defied expectations. They examine high-stakes cases on tariffs, firing protected officials, birthright citizenship and the prospects of court expansion. The conversation centers on whether the Supreme Court will curb or enlarge presidential power.
28 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 28min
Has Jeff Bezos brought down the Washington Post?
They dig into mass newsroom cuts and what losing metro, sports and foreign desks means for local and global reporting. They explore the owner’s data-driven defence, corporate ties to government and possible political influence. The conversation contrasts different media-owner styles and asks how financial strategy is reshaping a once-powerful paper.
24 snips
Feb 9, 2026 • 39min
Americanswers! Why is Trump so annoyed about Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl?
A deep dive into the controversy over Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language Super Bowl performance and the sharp political backlash it provoked. A look at how the show might reshape Latino narratives and split social media reactions. Coverage of a racist AI video that appeared on a major social account and the fallout around responsibility. Discussion of Trump defending ICE after fatal shootings and calls for impartial investigations.
16 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 32min
Is Donald Trump going to cancel the midterm elections?
They debate a plan to shift election control from states to the federal government and why that matters. They map out how tiny seat swings could decide control of Congress. They explore legal and constitutional barriers to cancelling or blocking midterm voting. They look at surprising local wins, shifting Hispanic turnout, and battleground voting-map fights.
24 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 30min
Why are Bill and Hillary Clinton testifying over Epstein?
Lawmakers summon Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify about ties to Jeffrey Epstein and why they initially resisted. The conversation probes political motives, potential precedents for questioning presidents, and risks of feeding conspiracy theories. Reporters sift legal files, missing records and reputational fallout as social media and partisan bases react to each new disclosure.
