10 Best Political Podcasts of All Time
For better or for worse, politicians have the ability to fundamentally change your life and the lives of those around you. Being politically informed helps you keep tabs on the important decisions that will shape your every day. Now that politics are more polarized than ever, it’s critical to understand perspectives of different political stripes around the world. That’s where podcasts can help!
Unlike TV and radio where soundbites rule, podcasts are a unique medium that give speakers space and time for nuanced political discussions and debates. You can hear what the left thinks on liberal podcasts, or what the right thinks on top conservative podcasts. Underrepresented and marginalized voices can also use podcasts to reach millions of people without traditional media gatekeepers.
With recommendations from Podyssey’s community of politically-minded podcast lovers, we’ve compiled a list of the best political podcasts so you can stay on top of current affairs from the US to Australia. Whether you’re a liberal or conservative or somewhere in between, this podcast playlist contains a bit of every perspective to help bridge the gap between the aisles. Perhaps it will even inspire you to become politically involved.
mmLast Updated: Jan 15th, 2021
1. With Friends Like These
Politics can feel like an arena where the loudest voices win, but With Friends Like These flips that dynamic on its head. Political critic, Ana Marie Cox interviews politicians, activists and authors across the political spectrum to give us deep and nuanced insights on what today’s leaders are thinking.
Most Recommended Episode
Why (Most) People Don’t Convert
35:50 | May 15th, 2020
2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Welcome to our first themed season, “With Friends Like These: Converts.” We’ve always been interested in why and how people change their minds about what they believe — mostly because it just doesn’t ...Show More
2. The NPR Politics Podcast
NPR’s top political podcast is for people who want to be informed for the dinner table debate, but don't have time to keep up. In less than 20 minutes, get the latest insights to key political highlights from the best political reporters and analysts in this daily politics podcast. They also release a weekly roundup every Friday so you won’t miss a beat.
Most Recommended Episode
Democratic Backsliding Rocks The Summit Of The Americas Before It Begins
13:55 | Jun 7th, 2022
1 RECOMMENDATION
The United States is hosting a major gathering of heads of state from the Americas, but some countries are upset President Biden has elected not to invite some leaders the White House described as "di...Show More
3. The Argument
What happens if you give mics to political columnists with strong opinions from both sides of the political spectrum and ask them to debate questions like “Should weed be legal?” and “How screwed up is American politics?” The Argument happens. Hear top conservative and liberal political critics argue about what’s best for the US every week in one of the best American politics podcasts.
Most Recommended Episode
Which 2020 Underdogs Stand a Chance? (LIVE from NYC)
35:27 | Apr 17th, 2019
1 RECOMMENDATION
What should U.S. immigration policy look like? The columnists debate Kirstjen Nielsen's resignation, Trump's xenophobia and Obama's legacy on immigration live on stage at the Times Center in New York....Show More
4. The Brown Girls Guide to Politics
If you’re a woman of color who wants to be in politics, want to support WOC in politics, or simply just like politics, this US politics podcast is for you. With a different theme every season, host A’shanti Gholar talks to the trailblazing people of color in politics on how they are building a foundation for a better tomorrow.
Latest Episode
5. FiveThirtyEight Politics
Data, data, data! If you’re a numbers nerd who loves politics, statistician Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight Politics podcast will be your new best friend. Find out how data answers questions like “Are voters sexist?” and “How much does Iowa matter?”. Roll up your sleeves with Nate and the rest of the FiveThirtyEight Politics podcast crew to count what matters.
Most Recommended Episode
51:29 | Jul 31st, 2017
1 RECOMMENDATION
The team breaks down the latest White House staffing shakeups and asks how Chief of Staff John Kelly might correct course amid the chaos.
6. The Guardian UK: Politics Weekly
Get the latest dose of UK and US politics from a British perspective in this top UK politics podcast. The Guardian’s political editors and their guests peel back the week’s pressing political topics and drama between the Conservative and Labour parties in Westminster.
Most Recommended Episode
Government errors pile up: Politics Weekly podcast
36:07 | Oct 7th, 2020
1 RECOMMENDATION
Heather Stewart and Peter Walker discuss the latest from Westminster. Plus Anita Boateng and Paul Harrison review the prime minister’s performance at the Conservative party conference. Help support ou...Show More
7. Pod Save the People
As part of the Crooked Media political podcast network, Pod Save the People uncovers underreported and overlooked political news of the moment. Hosted by organizer DeRay Mckesson and fellow activists, hear thoughtful conversations with politicians, artists, and activists about their struggles to create change in America and how you can help make a difference.
Most Recommended Episode
1:22:22 | Jun 20th, 2017
1 RECOMMENDATION
DeRay speaks with Andy Slavitt, the former head of Obamacare for 3 years, who provides a brief update on the status of the healthcare legislation. Clint Smith joins DeRay and Sam to discuss the news, ...Show More
8. The Party Room
Get the low-down on what’s happening in politics Down Under. The Party Room is one of the best Australian politics podcasts hosted by ABC’s political journalists analyzing the latest federal political news at Parliament House.
Latest Episode
9. Presidential
Walk down the memory lane of American presidential history with The Washington Post. Each episode of this political history podcast explores the life and legacy of a different US president. Hear how decades of decisions made by leaders of the republic continue to impact the lives of the American people today.
Most Recommended Episode
George Washington: The man, the myth, the legend
49:42 | Jan 10th, 2016
2 RECOMMENDATIONS
Who exactly was our first president? Bob Woodward, Joel Achenbach and Julie Miller kick off our first episode of Presidential.
10. Fake The Nation
Politics doesn’t need to be serious all the time! Poke fun at politics and see its lighter side with host Negin Farsad and her funniest politically-minded friends. Join guest comedians like Margaret Cho and Gaby Dunn in this funny political podcast for a riot of a time chatting about “all the comedy about politics without the politics about the politics”.
