Americast

Americast

Insight and analysis on what's happening inside Donald Trump's White House. Podcast episodes Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Watch on iPlayer here: https://bbc.in/4j3DjKy. 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 social media investigation 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. Podcasts are published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As well as being a podcast, we are also available every Friday on BBC Radio 4 and every Saturday on the BBC World Service. Oh, and you can now watch us on YouTube and on iPlayer: https://bbc.in/4j3DjKy.

Also, you can 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 our friends, including BBC Radio 5 Live's Matt Chorley. 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.

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Resumen del episodio

This episode examines controversial US policy proposals and shifting geopolitical dynamics. The panel discusses Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's plan to live-stream the execution of Nidal Hassan, alongside the political implications of Donald Trump's deal to import Russian diesel despite existing sanctions. The discussion further explores Republican unease regarding oil policy, the mechanics of modern digital influence operations via bot farms, and Democratic strategies for the upcoming midterms. Finally, the episode analyzes Marco Rubio's recent speech in Athens, focusing on his critiques of European identity and potential future political partnerships within the Republican party.

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Destacados

And we'll make sure that people are able to watch it, that it's public, because people need to understand that there's serious consequences for these types of things.

00:03:35 · Pete Hegseth explains his reasoning for live-streaming the execution of Nidal Hassan.

the first of those questions is easier than sex. So the first of those questions, how can Donald Trump do this? Well, he can do it because he just decides to do it.

00:11:25 · Justin explains how Donald Trump is able to bypass existing sanctions through unilateral decision-making.

The way that foreign influence tends to operate now is that bots jump on existing narratives spread by real accounts, like real accounts that are sowing division or often posting very polarizing takes, and those are then co-opted by other profiles.

00:16:01 · The speaker explains how modern digital influence operations rely more on hijacking real human narratives than creating massive networks of fake accounts.

Europe has to step up. and do a lot more of its own defence and not assume that it can be under an American umbrella anymore, because America is going to do what's best for the US, not necessarily what's best for the whole of NATO.

00:26:15 · The speaker describes the shift in American foreign policy priorities regarding NATO and European defense.

The smart money right now would be on Vance being at the top of the ticket with Marco Rubio running as his vice president.

00:28:33 · The speakers speculate on a potential future Republican political ticket featuring J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio.

Episodios

657-

Americanswers! Will Trump really livestream a firing squad execution?

This episode examines controversial US policy proposals and shifting geopolitical dynamics. The panel discusses Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's plan to live-stream the execution of Nidal Hassan, alongside the political implications of Donald Trump's deal to import Russian diesel despite existing sanctions. The discussion further explores Republican unease regarding oil policy, the mechanics of modern digital influence operations via bot farms, and Democratic strategies for the upcoming midterms. Finally, the episode analyzes Marco Rubio's recent speech in Athens, focusing on his critiques of European identity and potential future political partnerships within the Republican party.

12 oct. 2026
656-

Are the Democrats heading for a midterms landslide?

This episode of AmeriCast explores the shifting political landscape ahead of the midterm elections, examining recent polling that suggests Democrats may perform unexpectedly well in traditionally Republican states like Texas and Kansas. The discussion delves into how economic pressures from inflation and tariffs, alongside candidate quality, are impacting voters in key states like Iowa. Featuring insights from pollster John Anzalone, the conversation analyzes the decline in branding for both major political parties and the emergence of 'double haters' who may drive ticket-splitting behavior. The episode also concludes with previews of upcoming podcast investigations into topics ranging from the Facebook whistleblower to historical technological shifts.

09 oct. 2026
655-

Did Trump really say Iran could “take out” Los Angeles?

This episode of AmeriCast examines the controversial 'State of the Force' speech by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, focusing on his significant reductions in military leadership and his emphasis on a 'warrior ethos.' The discussion explores the implications of his policies regarding diversity, masculinity, and religious influence within the Pentagon under the Trump administration. The episode also covers the political pressures facing Hegseth, including an impeachment effort led by Congressman Thomas Massie regarding military involvement in Iran. Additionally, the hosts analyze Donald Trump's controversial remarks concerning potential strikes on California cities and the resulting friction with Governor Gavin Newsom.

07 oct. 2026
654-

Americanswers…Will Christa Pike still face the death penalty after surviving two lethal injection doses?

This episode explores the shifting political landscape surrounding the U.S. midterm elections, examining potential 'October surprises,' the threat of AI-generated deepfakes, and Donald Trump's current campaigning strategy in red states. The discussion also covers the reopening of a criminal investigation into rape allegations at Cornell University and the legal debates regarding consent and institutional accountability. Additionally, the episode examines the implications of botched executions in Tennessee and Republican efforts to target former special counsel Jack Smith through congressional hearings.

05 oct. 2026
653-

Can the Democratic Socialists of America win over voters?

This episode of AmeriCast explores the rise and political strategy of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), examining their identity as a wing of the Democratic Party and their controversial policy positions. Through an interview with DSA national co-chair Ashik Sadiq, the discussion covers proposals for taxing billionaires to fund universal healthcare, housing, and education. The conversation further delves into the DSA's platform regarding wealth redistribution, critiques of DEI programs, and the impact of privatization in the public sector. The episode also addresses foreign policy stances concerning Israel/Palestine and Russia/Ukraine, alongside a proposal to reduce the US overseas military presence to reallocate funds toward domestic social needs and the climate crisis.

02 oct. 2026