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
Oct 4, 2020 • 26min
Blood and Oxygen
The president has been admitted to hospital. But how much confidence can we have in what we’re being told about his condition after evasive comments from President Trump's doctor?Studio Manager: Jack Graysmark
Editor: Dino Sofos
Oct 2, 2020 • 27min
The president tests positive
The president and his wife have tested positive for Covid. What does this mean for the election? Emily, Jon and Anthony gather for an emergency Americast.Producer: Harriet Noble
Assistant Editor: Emma Close
Editor: Dino Sofos
Sep 30, 2020 • 35min
“Will you shut up man?”
After a tempestuous night in Cleveland we talk through the biggest moments of the first presidential debate. And we hear from undecided voters about whether the fiery exchanges swayed them at all. Studio Director: Emma Crowe
Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena and Morgan Gisholt Minard
Assistant Editor: Emma Close
Editor: Dino Sofos
Sep 23, 2020 • 34min
Supreme decisions
The death of the US Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, is still dominating the conversation in Washington. Jon and Emily look at who could replace her and when. Also on the podcast, Democratic rising star Jamaal Bowman explains how he’ll challenge the status quo in Washington. And Californian Republican candidate Erin Cruz discusses why she won’t dismiss the QAnon conspiracy theorists.Studio Director: Emma Crowe
Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena and Harriet Noble
Assistant Editor: Emma Close
Editor: Dino Sofos
Sep 19, 2020 • 38min
RIP RBG
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, US Supreme Court Justice and icon of liberal America, has died at the age of 87. We sound the emergency klaxon and gather to discuss how she became a cult figure, and what her passing might mean for the election.Studio director: Michael Campbell
Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena
Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham, Emma Close
Sep 16, 2020 • 32min
America on fire
With wildfires devastating the West Coast, we look at whether environmental issues will sway voters’ minds. As polls in Florida tighten, we deep dive into the diverse Hispanic vote. And how could the election affect post-Brexit trade negotiations between the US and the UK?Studio Director: Emma Crowe
Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena
Assistant Editor: Emma Close
Sep 9, 2020 • 30min
Military Disservice
Following allegations that Trump made derogatory comments against the military, Jon, Emily and Anthony discuss what this could mean for the veteran vote. And the BBC’s New York Business Correspondent Michelle Fleury explains how the post-covid economy may affect the election. On AmericAnswer.... what exactly happens if one of the candidates dies?Studio director: Emma Crowe
Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena
Assistant Editor: Emma Close
Editor: Dino Sofos
Sep 8, 2020 • 32min
Sir Kim Darroch
In an exclusive interview for BBC Newsnight, Maitlis speaks with the former UK ambassador to the US, Sir Kim Darroch, about the cables that led to his resignation. The ambassador quit last year after it emerged he described the US President's government as "dysfunctional", "inept" and "divided" in the private letters.Producer: Natalie Ktena
Assistant Editor: Emma Close
Editor: Dino Sofos
Sep 2, 2020 • 33min
Make America Safe Again
Who do Americans trust to make them feel safer, and what difference could that make to November’s vote? With just over two months to go, Jon, Emily and Anthony discuss how much law and order will be an election issue. And why do so few Americans vote?Studio Director: Michael Regaard
Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena
Editor: Dino Sofos
Aug 28, 2020 • 37min
Saving the American Dream?
The Republican National Convention this year was set against the backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic, and protests over the shooting of a black man by a police officer in Wisconsin. So how did Donald Trump make his case for another four more years in office? Emily and Jon are joined by Republican strategist Ron Christie to get stuck into the key moments from the week. Studio Director: Emma Crowe
Producers: Natalie Ktena, Frankie Tobi
Assistant Editor: Emma Close
