Americast - podcast cover

Americast

BBC Newswww.bbc.co.uk

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 [email protected] or WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Episodes

Who Let The Dogs Out?

President Biden says Donald Trump's impeachment trial "has to happen". House impeachment managers deliver the article of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate, formally triggering a trial. Meanwhile, President Biden continues to reverse many of the executive orders from the Trump era while emphasising his message of unity. Oh, and Rudy Giuliani is being sued by the Dominion voting machine firm for $1.3bn (£950m). Emily, Jon and Anthony are joined by Slate's Dahlia Lithwick. Producer: Na...

Jan 26, 202143 min

Americast's Got Talent with Piers Morgan

Piers Morgan tells us an incredible story about how Donald Trump was called on Air Force One last year by a prankster posing as... Piers Morgan. Piers also helps Emily and Jon find a Frank Sinatra impersonator to perform 'His Way', written by Americaster, Trevor Knight. Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Jan 22, 202123 min

It’s Biden Time

The new president begins dismantling Trump’s legacy... After all the festivities, Biden promises to get straight to work, signing executive orders and taking other actions that don’t require congressional approval. And at Americaster Francis’ request, we take some time to assessing Donald Trump’s achievements in the past 4 years. Also, what was the rationale behind Trump’s ‘generous’ letter to Biden? Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sof...

Jan 21, 202139 min

DT Flown Home

On his final day in office, President Trump gives his farewell address and gets ready to head back to Florida. And on the eve of their inauguration, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris hold a Covid memorial service to remember those who have lost their lives. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Jan 20, 202131 min

Donald and the Giant Impeach

Donald Trump has become the only US president to have been impeached by the House of Representatives for a second time. Emily, Jon and Anthony speak to Republican Representative French Hill on why he believes this was the wrong action to take, and Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse on what will happen next when this goes to trial in the Senate. This episode also contains harrowing details about Lisa Montgomery, the woman who was executed this week in Indiana. Not just about her execution - bu...

Jan 14, 202146 min

United State of Emergency

Posting for the first time since his Twitter account was suspended for 12 hours, President Trump criticised the violent protests that saw five people lose their lives, and called for an ‘orderly transition of power’. But, what’s behind this change in rhetoric? Emily, Jon and Anthony talk through this and all the fallout from Wednesday’s dramatic events. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi and Ben Weisz Editor: Dino Sofos

Jan 08, 202138 min

Coup-nited States of America

Violent scenes of Trump supporters storming the US Capitol have shocked the world. On the day that Joe Biden’s electoral win was supposed to be confirmed, and the Georgia run-offs confirmed a Democratic majority in the Senate, Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss the day’s extraordinary events. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Frankie Tobi Editor: Dino Sofos

Jan 07, 202148 min

'Find me more votes'

Georgia takes centre stage as Trump’s phone call to its Secretary of State is leaked – Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss whether his latest attempt to cling to power is illegal. And in a big week for the Senate, could the results of the election be overturned? Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Jan 04, 202120 min

The Americast Advent Calendar

Maitlis, Sopel and Anthony take a look back at 2020 - an extraordinary year, that featured a global pandemic, civil unrest sparked by the killing of an African American man, and the small matter or a presidential election. But did any of their analysis prove to be right?? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Americasters! We'll be back next year. Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos [email protected]

Dec 23, 20201 hr 2 min

From Russia with Bugs

A large-scale and sophisticated hack targeting multiple US departments has been confirmed, with fingers being pointed at the Russian government. Our Moscow Correspondent Steve Rosenberg tells us why Russia say the claims are baseless, and, what the new era of US-Russian relations might look like under President-Elect Joe Biden. And big news... Sopes is back on home turf! Producers: Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Dec 18, 202034 min

Eau d'Americast

As covid cases continue to rise, Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss how Biden will fight the pandemic. Also, how Texas is making a bid to overturn Biden’s win. And why is Trump carrying out federal executions in the dying days of his Presidency? Studio Direction: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close

Dec 11, 202033 min

All Vaxxed Up

As Biden asks people to ‘mask’ for his first 100 days, Emily, Jon and Anthony look at his policies and whether he will be a reassuring or radical President. Also, why is Anthony Fauci apologising to the UK? Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Natalie Ktena and Frankie Tobi Lead Producer: Harriet Noble Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Dec 04, 202037 min

The kids’ table

As Trump confirms he will leave the White House, Emily Jon and Anthony compare his testy press conference with the Bidens’ Thanksgiving message. Also, rumoured cabinet pick Heidi Heitkamp discusses Democrats and the rural vote. And we Americ-answer – is Trump going to pardon himself? Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Nov 27, 202033 min

'I concede NOTHING!!!!!'

With the transition now formally underway, Jon, Emily and Anthony discuss whether a Trump tweet is the closest we will get to a concession speech. Also, why Biden’s diverse cabinet picks look like an Obama third term. And, could Trump reveal classified information post-presidency? Studio director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Nov 24, 202032 min

Democracy Dyes in Darkness

As Biden gets on with the business of transition, Jon, Emily and Anthony discuss the Trump campaign’s latest outlandish press conference – and how Rudy Giuliani’s hair-dye stole the scene. Also, how is the White House press pack reacting to the White House’s war on the media? And is Fox News abandoning President Trump? Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Nov 20, 202020 min

Barack Obama's Big Book

Fresh from his surprise cameo in The Crown, Jon joins Emily and Anthony to discuss all the latest on the transition in limbo. Also, historian David Olusoga joins us to discuss Barack Obama's book and his exclusive UK interview with the 44th president. And how Trump’s election message could be an own goal in the battleground Georgia senate race. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena and Sej Asar Editor: Dino Sofos

Nov 18, 202041 min

Orange is the new black

As Biden increases his electoral college tally, Emily, Jon and Anthony go behind-the-scenes in the Trump camp with New York Magazine correspondent Olivia Nuzzi. Also, is Trump frightened of prison? And we speak to former US Ambassador to the EU, Anthony Gardner, about whether Biden and Boris will be good for the UK-US relationship. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena and Harriet Noble Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Nov 13, 202036 min

Americast Total Landscaping

It's our election post-mortem. As Biden’s transition team steps up, Emily, Jon and Anthony are joined by red and blue strategists for a forensic look at the election. Also, is Trump’s firing of his Defence Secretary an act of revenge? And we Americ-answer who can be considered for President-Elect Biden’s cabinet. A big shoutout to BBC Builders Merchants Ltd in Dewsbury for being good sports. Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Nov 10, 202043 min

President-elect Biden & Resident Trump

Joe Biden has won the race to become the next US president. And Donald Trump is on his way back from the golf course. Maitlis, Sopes and The Zurch discuss an extraordinary 24 hours in Washington. Studio Director: Nick Jones Producer: Morgan Gisholt Minard Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Nov 07, 202030 min

Big Boy Pants

As the counting continues, Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss how a fresh Biden lead may have broken the Presidential stalemate. Reporter Julia Terruso takes us inside the Pennsylvania vote centre. And could there be a dark endgame for Trump’s legal suits? Also we Americanswer – if Trump loses, can he run again in 2024? Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena and Caitlin Hanrahan Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Nov 06, 202041 min

Voice Note from Sopes’ Apartment

Things are moving so quickly, but it looks like the presidency is slipping away from Donald Trump. We'll be recording a proper episode with the whole gang later. Until then, here's a quick update from Sopes. It's a bit like Letter from America, but recorded on an iPhone in his flat, after very little sleep. Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Nov 06, 20207 min

Act II

As Donald Trump prematurely declares victory, Emily, Jon, Anthony and Ron Christie discuss which paths to the White House are still in play. Also, will the swing states be decided in the Supreme Court? And our Texan Trump supporter Ryan returns to the podcast. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Natalie Ktena, Morgan Gisholt Minard, Caitlin Hanrahan Editor: Dino Sofos

Nov 04, 202030 min

Hot Takes

What a night! Emily, Jon, Anthony and Nick Bryant get together to bring you the story of election night so far. We don’t have a winner, and it could be a long time until we do. We recorded this at midnight EST / 5am GMT. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Morgan Gisholt Minard, Caitlin Hanrahan Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Nov 04, 202037 min

The Boss v The King of Europe

As the candidates roll out the red carpet, Emily, Jon and Anthony explain how Lil Wayne, Bruce Springsteen and Nigel Farage are attempting to bring out the votes. Campaign insiders Guy Cecil and Jenna Ellis make their final pitches for their candidate to be President. And the team bring you Americast’s ultimate guide to election night. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Oct 30, 202032 min

Workin’ our asses off

With less than a week until election day, Jon, Emily and Anthony consider the candidates’ final pitches to the American people. BBC News at Ten's Clive Myrie joins us from Arizona where he’s been reporting on coronavirus and race. And remember Heather, our undecided voter who we heard from after the first debate? She’s back, and she’s no longer undecided… Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena and Morgan Gisholt Minard Editor: Dino Sofos

Oct 28, 202040 min

Muted

With record early voter turnout, Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss whether the candidates’ calm and focused performances will make a difference at the ballot. Also, one Texan tells us whether the night’s events have made him question his early vote. And how former President Barack Obama is trying to get inside Trump’s head. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Oct 23, 202038 min

Hunter Biden's Laptop

Donald Trump thinks the media should be talking about the content of Joe Biden’s son Hunter’s old laptop; we explain why they’re not. Plus with polls favouring Joe Biden, Emily, Jon and Anthony look at how Trump could beat the odds to a second term in the White House. And as the Democrats try to flip the Senate, we find out how sexting and the price of soybeans could shape the race. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Oct 21, 202043 min

Crazy Uncle and Sleepy Joe

As Donald Trump and Joe Biden field voter questions at the same time on different TV networks, Emily, Jon and Anthony compare their performances. And we "Americanswer" why swing states are so swingy. Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalies Ktena and Morgan Gisholt Minard Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Oct 16, 202043 min

Macho Macho Man?

Just over a week after leaving hospital, President Trump returned to the campaign trail with a big rally in Florida. It's a crucial state, and in this episode we explain why it might decide the election, and hear from the voters who could swing it. Studio director: Wayne Moses Producers: Harriet Noble, Natalie Ktena and Morgan Gisholt Minard Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Oct 13, 202041 min

The Debate Buzz

Jon, Emily and Anthony talk us through the flies, the highs and lows of the VP debate in Utah. And two undecided voters tell us if the candidates' sparring on race helped them make their pick. Studio director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Oct 08, 202035 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast