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
Jun 10, 2024 • 22min
Americanswers! Project 2025 and Biden’s mental capacity
Sarah Smith, back from holiday, discusses potential non-Christian US Presidents and desires for monarchy with Americaster Joanna. They dive into Hunter Biden trial, cognitive tests for Biden, and Project 2025 speculations. The discussion also covers government norms, celebrities in politics, and ads for AI supercomputing and Brazil's flooding crisis.
Jun 8, 2024 • 30min
Trump Trial… An interview with team Donald Trump
Members of Donald Trump's campaign team discuss the legal proceedings post-conviction. They explore the grounds for appeal and sentencing possibilities. The podcast also delves into Hunter Biden's trial for lying about drug use when purchasing a firearm.
Jun 7, 2024 • 34min
Is Biden losing the black vote? (ft. Charlamagne Tha God)
Charlamagne Tha God discusses Biden and Trump's struggle to win over black voters. Biden's executive actions on border security are analyzed. The podcast also delves into the origins of Charlamagne's stage name and his influence on politics.
Jun 3, 2024 • 24min
Americanswers! After Trump’s conviction, what’s next?
Exploring the aftermath of Trump's conviction, the podcast delves into the potential for civil unrest and how Republicans are reconsidering their support. Analysis includes legal challenges for a convicted felon running for president, Nikki Haley's shifting perspectives on Trump, and the impact on voter sentiments and political alliances in battleground states.
May 31, 2024 • 32min
The man who beat Trump
Chase Oliver, the first openly gay Libertarian presidential candidate, discusses the party's beliefs, the impact of immigration on the economy, and the challenges in reporting on Trump and Biden. The episode explores the shifting political climate towards libertarianism and the role of the BBC in providing diverse viewpoints.
May 31, 2024 • 29min
Trump Trial… Donald Found Guilty!
BBC reporters and former Homeland Security chief discuss the historic guilty verdict in Trump's trial for 34 counts of falsifying business records. They delve into the legal and political fallout, potential sentencing, and impacts on Trump's future political ambitions.
May 30, 2024 • 19min
Trump Trial Week 6… All Eyes on the Jury (and Robert De Niro)
Actor Robert De Niro speaks out against Donald Trump as the trial enters its sixth week. Jurors begin deliberations on the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels. Drama inside and outside the courtroom with contrasting closing arguments. De Niro's presence causes a stir among Trump supporters in Manhattan.
May 27, 2024 • 26min
Americanswers! Where is Melania Trump? Will AOC run in 2028?
The podcast discusses Melania Trump's absence from the campaign trail, potential candidates for the 2028 election including AOC, and travel recommendations during the presidential election. It also explores healthcare coverage, payment solutions, and British TV shows promotion.
May 24, 2024 • 24min
Trump Trial Week 5…Chaos in the courtroom!
Former President Trump's trial in New York continues with chaos in the courtroom, including a moment where the jury was ordered out. The prosecution focuses on discrediting key witness Michael Cohen, while both sides prepare for closing arguments and the verdict.
May 23, 2024 • 28min
Why is Biden falling behind Trump in the polls?
The podcast discusses Biden's falling poll numbers and potential concerns for his campaign. They also delve into a controversial video shared by the Trump campaign and its implications. The episode explores the complexities of online political content and touches on the upcoming UK election investigation.
