Americast

The self-proclaimed ‘Childless Cat Lady’ Taylor Swift has endorsed Kamala Harris… but what difference is it likely to make, in terms of persuading the undecideds, and getting new voters registered? We also look back at the history behind celebrity endorsements from Frank Sinatra’s backing of JFK to Bruce Springsteen and Ronald Reagan, what motivates a star to back a politician? When does an endorsement backfire? Justin, Sarah and Marianna speak to Tyler Foggatt, a senior editor at The New Yorker magazine.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Marianna Spring, Social Media & Misinformation Correspondent<...

And why is "THEY'RE THE EATING DOGS" trending on X?

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump meet for the first time on a debate stage in Philadelphia, sparring over key issues and exchanging deep personal attacks. The momentous meeting was marked by question dodging, finger pointing… and pet-eating!

The Americast Team analyses the night from the heart of the action. Who will go viral after tonight? Did Trump stick to his messaging? And how big a deal is Taylor Swift's support?

HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Sarah Smith, North America editor * Marianna Spring, Disinformation & so...

We answer your questions about the upcoming presidential debate.

Including:

- Their strategies - How they're preparing (and who's role playing Donald Trump for during Democrat rehearsals) - What the rules are

HOSTS:

* Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presenter

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email Americast@bbc.co.uk * Or use #Americast

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s new BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/ne...

Americast is profiling the four candidates in the race to become the next President and Vice President of the United States. How did JD Vance, whose memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” about growing up in Ohio amidst alcoholism and drug addiction, become Trump’s VP pick for the White House? Once a fierce critic of Trump, publicly declaring himself a “never Trumper”, Anthony looks into what JD Vance stands for, and why he changed his mind about the former President. We also find out which song makes him cry, and how Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings influenced his career.

HOST: • An...

This week is all about predictions, polling and risk taking - what do current polls tell us about who might win the 2024 presidential race? We get a behind the scenes look at how statisticians make their predictions, and how accurate they are. Our guest Nate Silver developed a forecasting system which correctly predicted the outcome of the presidential election in 49 out of 50 states in 2008, and all 50 states in 2012. He also talks to Marianna and Sarah about his new book on risk - On the Edge - and his journey from professional poker playing to politics.

HOSTS: Sarah...

This week is all about predictions, polling and risk taking - what do current polls tell us about who might win the 2024 presidential race? We get a behind the scenes look at how statisticians make their predictions, and how accurate they are. Our guest Nate Silver developed a forecasting system which correctly predicted the outcome of the presidential election in 49 out of 50 states in 2008, and all 50 states in 2012. He also talks to Marianna and Sarah about his new book on risk - On the Edge - and his journey from professional poker playing to politics.

HOSTS: Sarah...

Following her first interview since entering the presidential race, where does Vice-President Kamala Harris stand on the issues that matter to Americans?

And, is campaigning a family affair? We take a look at whether a single person could run for the White House, or whether a candidate could lose the race because of a media-shy partner.

HOSTS:

* Sarah Smith, BBC North America Editor * Marianna Spring, BBC Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 ...

Inside Trump’s White House

LONG After one of the greatest political surprises in American political history, Donald Trump’s 2016 victory gave way to a controversial and consequential presidency.

We look back on the four years that were defined by staff fallouts, COVID, and an attempted insurrection. Anthony is joined by two journalists who were in the room with Trump while he was changing American politics one decision at a time.

Americast is profiling the four candidates in the race to become the next President and Vice President of the United States.

HO...

Americast discovers how Donald Trump's business success came from creating a franchise out of his most valuable commodity: himself.

Americast is profiling all the major candidates in the U.S. election - Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Tim Walz and JD Vance - look out for our special profile eps over the next few Sundays!

HOST: * Sarah Smith, North America Editor

GUESTS: * Marc Fisher, senior editor at the Washington Post and co-author of the biography ‘Trump Revealed’ * Bill Pruitt, former Apprentice producer

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrx...

In 2020 Joe Biden won this key swing state by fewer than 81,000 votes. In 2024, the path to the White House may be impossible for the Democrats unless they win over the people of Pennsylvania.

And the Republican know it. Vance and Trump are both visiting this week.

In this episode of Americast we investigate what makes Pennsylvania so important, and what makes its voters tick.

Sarah and Sumi are joined by two people with their fingers on the pulse; a morning radio host and a political strategist on different sides of the aisle.

US prosecutors have issued revised charges against Donald Trump for the former president's alleged attempts to interfere in the 2020 election after losing the contest. How do they differ from the charges he’s already facing?

RFK Jr has officially dropped out of the race for the White House after a campaign which at one point saw him polling in double digits. How will his withdrawal affect the race?

And, it’s been confirmed that Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will do an interview with CNN this week. Why are Democrats nervous about Harris’s first interv...

Few people had heard of Governor Tim Walz when he was selected by Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States. The former teacher was chosen ahead of fierce competition, including an astronaut, and the governor of a key swing state - but why? Americast finds out how “Coach Walz” made his way onto the ticket.

Americast is profiling the four candidates in the race to become the next President and Vice President of the United States.

HOST: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter

GUESTS: • Leah Solo, Tim Walz’s former s...

Kamala Harris closed the DNC with a speech that she hopes will sway voters to the Democrats.

The day began with speculation over whether she might be joined on stage by Taylor Swift or Beyoncé.

In the end, Harris took to the stage alone and focused on her upbringing and a pitch to America’s middle class.

The team assemble on the final night of the convention to analyse whether she did enough to win over the undecided.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America c...

Kamala Harris closed the DNC with a speech that she hopes will sway voters to the Democrats.

The day began with speculation over whether she might be joined on stage by Taylor Swift or Beyoncé.

In the end, Harris took to the stage alone and focused on her upbringing and a pitch to America’s middle class.

The team assemble on the final night of the convention to analyse whether she did enough to win over the undecided.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America c...

Sarah, Justin and Anthony are at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Tim Walz and Bill Clinton have been sharing a stage with the likes of Oprah Winfrey, John Legend, and Stevie Wonder.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast

This episode was made by George Dabby and Claire Betzer in Chicago, with Hatty Nash in London. The...

Sarah, Justin and Anthony are at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Barack and Michelle Obama have been speaking.

The gang unpack the speeches, which also included endorsements of Kamala Harris, innuendos, and classic Obama themes.

Plus, a rousing musical appearance from rapper Lil Jon.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast

This episode...

The Democratic National Convention is officially underway. The president began his long goodbye from American politics with an address to the nation in which he sought to remind Americans of his achievements in office., at times angry and visibly emotional.

And before that there was a speech from former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who used her time at the podium to say that it's time for Kamala Harris to break the 'glass ceiling'.

Sarah, Justin and Anthony are all together in Chicago to chat through a defining week in Kamala Harris’s bid to defeat Do...

A collab with our friends at BBC Radio 5 Live.

HOSTS: • Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Tony Livesey, 5 Live presenter

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s new BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

This episode was made by Radio 5 Live and the Americast team. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The...

It’s the second part of our Kamala Harris profile, as Americast takes a closer look at all the major candidates in the U.S. election. In this episode, Justin goes back to why Joe Biden picked Kamala Harris as his VP, and discusses what she stood for, and achieved during her time in the White House. Why did she lose confidence in 2021? Which issue redefined her, and which Democrats hope will be integral to success in the 2024 election? Americast is also profiling Donald Trump, and Vice Presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance - look out for our sp...

How much do we know about the four candidates in the race to become the next President and Vice President of the United States? What are their backgrounds, and what do they stand for? Americast kicks off its first profile series with Vice President Kamala Harris part 1. Justin explores her early rise in the state of California as a prosecutor and senator, to her journey towards becoming VP. What’s the connection between Toni Morrison and Kamala Harris? Why did she drop out of the 2020 race before a single ballot was cast? Americast is profiling all the major candidates in...

There is new and significant polling from the swing states which is energising the Democratic campaign. But beyond the headline numbers, what do the polls tell us about how long Kamala Harris’s boost in popularity might last?

This week Justin and Sarah look at what voters in swing states think about both candidates, and how they decide to who to vote for.

Ruth Igielnik, Polling Editor for the New York Times, gives us a behind the scenes insight into the accuracy of polls.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor...

Elon Musk and Donald Trump connected on X to broadcast a long conversation which covered topics ranging from immigration, the economy and freedom of speech.

The pair have developed a close relationship in the two years since Donald Trump called Musk a liar at a rally. So what's behind their new-found friendship? And how could Trump's return to the platform he once dominated impact his chances at becoming president?

HOSTS:

* Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB ...

Elon Musk does not stay on the fence when it comes to politics in the US or the UK. Are his comments regarding riots in England this summer intended to send a message ahead of the presidential election?

And, Joe Biden gave an interview to CBS News explaining why he took the decision to withdraw from the election. He name-checked Nancy Pelosi in the interview. Just how powerful is Pelosi within the Democrat Party?

HOSTS:

* Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent * Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presenter

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our...

Fred Trump III, Donald Trump’s nephew, is on Americast. He speaks to Anthony about growing up with uncle Donald, their strained relationship, and why he’s backing Kamala Harris over a member of his own family.

Plus we hear what it’s been like at rallies with Harris and Walz.

HOSTS: • Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST: • Fred Trump III

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Am...

Tim Walz is not a household name in American politics and until recently wasn't even considered a frontrunner to be Kamala Harris's pick as vice president. But after days of speculation, Harris has chosen Walz as she looks to gain support among working class and progressive voters.

What does his selection tell us about the Democrats strategy to retain the White House in November? Justin, Sumi and Marianna analyse Walz's selection with Newscast's Adam Fleming on another big day in the election campaign.

HOSTS:

* Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media...

Barack Obama has already done his two terms as president of the US. Would he be allowed to then serve as vice president to Kamala Harris?

And, Donald Trump made a controversial appearance at the convention for the National Association of Black Journalists last week. Why did he make comments questioning Kamala Harris’s racial identity?

HOSTS:

* Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent * Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presenter

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email Americast@bbc.co...

After a breathless couple of weeks in American politics it’s time for the Americast team to take stock. Has there been a more tumultuous time in American politics? And what can history tell us about what’s happening today?

This week we’re joined by former BBC correspondent and historian Nick Bryant who tells that Trump is as much product of US history as JFK, Lincoln and Reagan.

HOST: - Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter

GUEST: - Nick Bryant, former BBC Washington correspondent and author

GET IN TOUCH:

- Join o...

It’s been a tricky week for Donald Trump. With his presumed opponent, Kamala Harris, enjoying a wave of momentum after Joe Biden stood down from the 2024 race, Trump has been defending his VP pick - JD Vance - after criticism of his “childless cat lady” comments.

Harris meanwhile has been campaigning in Georgia, challenging Donald Trump to a debate and pledging to solve the crisis at the US southern border. Harris has previously been criticised for not doing enough to come up with solutions. Can she convince voters that she now has the answers?

HOSTS...

Donald Trump promised supporters at a rally that he would “fix” things so that they would never have to vote again. Was he referring to the end of democracy in the US?

We answer your questions about how to interpret Trump’s messaging, as well as assessing the effect of political memes on the outcome of the election.

HOSTS:

* Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent * Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email...

In the days after Kamala Harris announced her presidential bid, the Democrats raised more than $100 million. Now, Donald Trump's team have filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, challenging whether she can take over Joe Biden's campaign funds.

Where does all this money come from? And what's it used for? This week we're joined by Sarah Bryner from OpenSecrets, an organisation dedicated to tracking the money in US politics to find out why presidential candidates are spending more than ever before on their campaigns, and what motivates people to donate to their cause.

HOSTS: ...

In a rare televised address from the Oval Office, Biden makes his first public comments on why he dropped out of the presidential race. He said he would level with the American people, and tell the truth, but did he answer the big question? Justin and Adam discuss what President Biden did, and didn’t say in his historic speech. They also discuss what this means for Biden’s future, and the speculation over whether he can continue as President.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Adam Fleming, presenter of Newscast

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online com...

Vice-President Kamala Harris has secured the support of a majority of Democratic delegates to become the party's nominee for president.

We answer your questions on how she’s gone from playing a backseat role, to the forefront of the party’s hopes in the election.

Plus - how will the Republican campaign respond? What’s George Clooney doing for the Democrats? And did the Secret Service director Kim Cheatle have to resign after the Trump shooting?

HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online...

In one single day, since Joe Biden announced he was stepping down as the Democrat’s nominee, VP Kamala Harris has raised over $150 million for her presidential campaign. She has also gained the endorsements of a large number of Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi and the Clintons.

But how realistic are her chances of winning against Donald Trump and how should the Democrats be shaping her campaign? Steve Israel, a former chair of the Democrat’s Congressional Campaign Committee - who has plenty of experience when it comes to big campaigns - joins Sarah, Anthony and Justin to disc...

And says it's "in the best interest of my party and the country".

Americast and Newscast collaborate for another episode. Adam, Justin, Sarah and Marianna come together to talk about what's happened and what it could all mean for the US election.

HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Sarah Smith, North America Editor * Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent * Adam Fleming, Newscast host

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email Americast@bbc.co.uk * Or use #Americast

Today, Newscast and Americast join forces to answer your questions on the US election.

What brought Donald Trump and JD Vance together? If Kamala Harris does run to be President, who would be her VP? And, Is President Michelle Obama a possibility?

Adam is joined by Americast’s Justin Webb and Marianna Spring. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Gemma Roper and Sa...

The RNC has been waiting all week to hear Donald Trump speak for the first time since his attempted assassination.

In a record-length speech, he described in detail the moment he was shot before paying tribute to the Pennsylvania fire chief who was killed at the rally.

Sarah and Anthony were in the room to witness the speech, and reflect on the key themes with Justin Webb. They discuss the key messages in the speech, and what a second Trump term in the White House might look like. Also, what did delegates make of Melania...

On day three of the Republican National Convention, it was the turn of JD Vance to pitch his story to the nation after being chosen as Donald Trump's vice presidential pick.

He vowed to fight for forgotten Americans in a primetime speech that charted a difficult childhood in Ohio before joining the US Marines, Yale Law School and ultimately the US Senate.

Elsewhere, it was another difficult day for Joe Biden. Before it was confirmed he had tested positive for Covid, the embattled president received another public call to step down, this time from top...

Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, and Vivek Ramaswamy back Trump!

Sarah and Anthony are at the Republican convention, chatting to delegates and catching up with each other about what's been happening in Milwaukee.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North American Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s new BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

This episode...

We are live at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

Sarah and Anthony talk through the big announcement of the night. Donald Trump has announced that JD Vance, the senator of Ohio, will be his running mate and vice-president if he returns to the White House.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North American Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use #Americast

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’...

We get the inside track on presidential security at the highest levels from an expert who has worked with Donald Trump. Justin is joined by Miles Taylor, a former Chief of Staff at the Department for Homeland Security when Trump was President. Also, as the Republican Convention gets underway in Milwaukee, Justin and Miles discuss Trump’s call for America to “UNITE”. Can the former President reunite not just the country, but the Republican party? What does this mean for Joe Biden and the Democrats?

And - Anthony joins us for some breaking news on one of Donald...

What happened at the Pennsylvania rally on Saturday? Justin, Sarah and Marianna get together on Sunday morning to talk through what we know about the assassination attempt.

HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Sarah Smith, North America Editor * Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB * Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 * Email Americast@bbc.co.uk * Or use #Americast

US Election Unspun: Sign up for Anthony’s new BBC newsletter: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-68093155

This ep...

The president’s press conference on Thursday was hailed as one of the most important in his political life - make or break for his chances of re-election. After a disastrous debate performance two weeks ago, Democrats have been voicing concerns about Biden’s ability to win against Donald Trump in November. We’ll find out if he managed to hold off the rebels trying to oust him from the White House.

Justin and Sarah also spoke to a friend of the President, Steve Israel, former congressman and former chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He explai...

Joe Biden has issued a warning to his critics to challenge him at the upcoming Democratic National Convention. Anthony and Miles answer criticism on whether the BBC focus too much on the president’s cognitive abilities.

And with momentum building behind the idea of Kamala Harris taking over from Biden, we answer your questions on why she has been largely absent from the campaign so far.

HOST: Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST: Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland Security

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: ht...

One week on from his disastrous presidential debate performance, Joe Biden has given his first interview to the American network ABC, to try and reassure the voices calling for him to stand aside. Justin and Sarah convene for an emergency episode to analyse his performance, in which the president defends his health, and presidential record. They also discuss who might replace Biden if and when he goes.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via What...

In one of its most pivotal decisions of the year, the top US court has ruled that American presidents can have absolute immunity for ‘official’ acts. But what does that mean exactly? How far could the leader of the free world push the definition of a presidential duty?

Sarah and Anthony have been combing through the opinion, and call in constitutional law expert Alison LaCroix to help them understand all the details - from the practical to the farcical. Does the ruling impact Donald Trump’s other legal cases? Could Joe Biden order Trump’s assassination and claim im...

After last week’s presidential debate, Justin and Marianna discuss whether President Biden is likely to step down – or be forced to stand down – as the Democratic nominee. Who might replace him? Or if he stays, what are his chances of winning the election against Donald Trump? Justin and Marianna also answer questions on how the media covered Trump’s performance in the debate, and why many of his false claims were not fact checked. GUESTS: Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland Security HOSTS: Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent GET IN TOUCH...

Joe Biden and Donald Trump face off in their first presidential debate

The testy showdown was marked by personal attacks and a stumbling Biden performance. The Americast Team reacts to the policies debated as well as each candidate’s performance.

Sarah and Anthony join us from the Spin Room after the debate, where they talk about the Democrats’ mood and how the Trump team is reacting.

GUESTS: Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland Security

HOSTS: Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter Sarah Smith, North America Editor Anthony Zurcher, North Amer...

More questions, more answers: Anthony and Miles disect how Democrats in the deep south lost the working class vote.

The team tackle who Trump’s current VP pick might be, and respond to the most asked question in the Americast inbox: whether if it’s too late for Trump or Biden to drop out of the race.

We also find out how politics is breaking up American families, and whether Western allies fear the return of Donald Trump.

GUESTS: Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland Security

HOSTS: Anth...

Joe Biden and Donald Trump will face off next week in the first presidential debate of the 2024 U.S. election season. Questions are swirling about how prepared both candidates are before they meet each other at the podium once again.

Sarah and Justin sit down with Mike Murphy, a veteran Republican strategist who has prepared many Republican candidates for debate, to break down what we can expect from the rematch. Can Biden calm concerns about the economy? Can Trump swat away attacks about his criminal conviction? What should Americasters be watching out for?

The showdown...

Justin gets grilled by the Americasters on why he didn’t correct an interviewee who referred to Donald Trump as “President”... And why he refers to the world wide HQ of Americast as being in “London, England”.

He and Sarah also tackle precinct issues like how Trump and Keir Starmer would interact if elected this year, and whether he could run for a third term, and how a President builds his cabinet. We also hear from a caller who wants to know what happened to the political centre ground in the United States.

HOSTS: Sarah Smith, Nor...

Hunter Biden has been found guilty on all three charges in his federal gun trial, becoming the first child of a sitting U.S. president to be criminally convicted. Prosecutors said Biden lied about his drug use when he bought a handgun in 2018. Sarah Smith - who has just returned from Delaware where the trial took place - and Justin Webb unpack the evidence and the consequences for President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign.

Also, Justin and Sarah speak to Jill Biden’s former Press Secretary, Michael LaRosa on how the case will be affecting Joe Biden’s inne...

Sarah Smith is reunited with the Zurch! She’s back from her holiday, and returns to a very full inbox of Ameriquestions to answer.

They include queries on whether the U.S. would ever elect a President who isn’t a Christian, and why politicians “approve this message” at their end of their campaign adverts?

And we speak to Americaster Joanna, who wants to know whether Americans harbour desires for their own monarchy.

HOSTS:

- Sarah Smith, North America editor - Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our o...

Donald Trump has been speaking out after being convicted last week on all 34 counts of falsifying business records. His team say they will continue to appeal, but on what grounds, and how likely are they to overturn the verdicts? Justin and Anthony hear directly from the Trump campaign, and also put forward questions from Americast listeners. Sentencing takes place on July 11th.

Also, what happened in Hunter Biden’s criminal trial which got underway in Delaware this week? It is the first trial for the son of a sitting US president. He is accused of lying about hi...

Black Americans could be the deciding vote this election year. Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump are making their case to court black voters, but are their messages breaking through? Justin sits down with Charlamagne Tha God, one of the most influential radio broadcasters in the US whose show has become a campaign stop for presidential candidates. As the author of the new title ‘Get Honest or Die Lying,’ Charlamagne gets straight to the point on how both Biden and Trump are losing support. Also, Biden has unveiled new executive actions aimed at curbing the number of migrants seeking asyl...

Former President Donald Trump is now the first former US president to be criminally convicted. The historic verdict has drawn Americasters from all over the world to send in their burning questions: Could the fallout trigger civil unrest? Is Trump’s status causing Republicans to think twice about supporting him?

Marianna and Anthony tackle all these questions and more in this special edition of Americanswers!

HOSTS: * Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent * Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB * Send us a message or vo...

The Libertarian Party is known for being unconventional in US politics. But could it have an outsized influence in who wins the Oval Office this election year?

Americast sits down with Chase Oliver, the man who beat both Trump and RFK Jr for his party’s 2024 nomination. But what does he and his party believe in? Could he make it all the way to the top? And will he give the BBC his first interview if he’s elected president.

HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST: * Sumi Somaskanda, BBC...

Donald Trump has been convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in his historic criminal trial in New York. He called the verdict a “disgrace” and maintained his innocence - the sentencing happens on 11 July.

HOST: * Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUESTS: * Kayla Epstein, BBC reporter covering the trial in New York * Madeline Halpert, BBC reporter covering the trial in New York * Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland Security

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB * Send us a message or voice note via What...

Arguments are taking place inside (and outside) the courtroom.

Former US President Donald Trump’s trial in New York is in its sixth week, where he’s accused of trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

After hearing closing arguments from the prosecutors and defence, jurors in Donald Trump's historic criminal trial will begin their deliberations. The 12 New Yorkers must reach a unanimous verdict.

As always, there’s been drama outside the courtroom. The actor Robert De Niro has been speaking out against Donald Trump, much to the chagrin of the...

Last week, Donald and Melania Trump attended Barron Trump's high school graduation ceremony in West Palm Beach, Florida. Melania has been largely absent so far from the campaign trail. Is that likely to change in the coming months?

Americasters have also been in touch about candidates who could run in the 2028 presidential election. Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez likely to be one of them?

Plus, we answer your request for travel recommendations during the presidential election…

HOSTS: * Sarah Smith, North America Editor * Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: * Join our online co...

Former US President Donald Trump’s trial in New York is in its sixth week, where he’s accused of trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. He’s pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and also denies having a sexual encounter with Daniels.

This week, there was a moment of chaos when Justice Merchan ordered the jury out of the courtroom to admonish defence witness Bob Costello for his conduct on the stand.

Sarah and Anthony, alongside the BBC’s US reporter, Kayla Epstein, take a look at Coste...

With both candidates gearing up for the first presidential debate and national party conventions, the Americast team takes a step back to look at where the race stands now.

Justin Webb and Sarah Smith give their analysis on recent polling and ask whether the Biden camp should be worried, and how polls could influence the next six months.

Also, the Trump campaign reposted a video this week which referenced a “unified reich.” Marianna Spring looks into where this video came from and why it matters that staffers are posting videos that they did not make them...

The team regroup to make more predictions about possible candidates for the Democrats and Republicans in 2028. We also take stock of foreign influence operations ahead of the upcoming US election. What has the US learnt since the last election?

Plus, Ivanka Trump played an influential role in her father’s first administration, but she’s since disappeared from the public eye. Could she reappear in Trump’s next White House?

HOSTS: • Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

GUEST: • Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland Security

Donald Trump’s former lawyer takes the stand.

Former US President Donald Trump’s trial in New York is in its fourth week, where he’s accused of trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

He’s pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and also denies having a sexual encounter with Daniels.

This week, the man at the centre of those allegations - Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer and right hand man - took the stand. 

Anthony Zurcher, alongside the BBC’s US reporters, Ka...

Donald Trump and Joe Biden have made plans for two televised election debates. But who benefits? And, crucially, who has more to lose? Justin Webb, Anthony Zurcher and Marianna Spring look into the drama behind the announcement, and the strategy of holding the first debate in just six weeks’ time. Also, should independent candidate RFK Jr - Robert F Kennedy - also be allowed to take part?

And, speaking of presidential nominees, we speak to one! Jill Stein, the candidate for the Green Party, joins us on the podcast. She’s been criticised in the past for taki...

Americanswers is back and this week we take a look at presidential term limits. Joe Biden once said he wanted to be viewed as a “bridge” to the next generation in 2020. But did he ever commit to one term in office?

Meanwhile, Donald Trump once praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for getting rid of their two-term limits. The team assesses whether Trump would have the ability to follow suit.

And, social media algorithms are powerful. How do you leave your own echo chamber in an election year?

HOSTS: • Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Corres...

The former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trial in New York is in its third week, where he’s accused of trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

He’s pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and also denies having a sexual encounter with Daniels.

Sarah and Anthony are joined by the BBC’s US reporter, Kayla Epstein - who’s been in court every day - to hear what happened when Ms Daniels herself took the stand, and court artist Jane Rosenberg reveals how she creates those incr...

JFK’s nephew is taking on Biden and Trump as an independent. He’s a big outsider but his high polling numbers are worrying the main parties, who fear that his bi-partisan policies could steal votes.

Sarah, Anthony and Marianna talk about who RFK Jr is, why he’s running, and if he lives up to his reputation as one of America’s most famous conspiracy theorists. And they get to the bottom of how he came to have a dead worm in his brain.

HOSTS: • Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent • Sarah Smith, North America edit...

Americanswers is back and we take a deep dive into Joe Biden’s TikTok account and the type of content his campaign is prioritising to win over young voters.

A vice presidential hopeful has revealed she killed her dog due to behavioural issues. Will the admission end her chances of being Donald Trump’s running mate?

And, Kamala Harris has been given a new nickname by a daytime television host. Who is the White House hoping she can win over on the campaign trail?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Co...

Former US President Donald Trump’s trial in New York is in its second week, where he’s accused of trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

He’s pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and also denies having a sexual encounter with Daniels. Americast is launching a new mini series to break down what’s happening in the courtroom over the six-week criminal trial.

Sarah and Anthony are joined by the BBC’s US reporter, Kayla Epstein - who’s been in court every day - to hear what ha...

Response to student protests across the US have escalated to violence this week, with students clashing, and arrests now exceeding 1,000.

We hear from students and BBC colleagues from across the States.

And the Americast team speaks to Niall Ferguson, historian and senior fellow at the Hoover Institute at Stanford University, about how universities are responding to protests. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, Disinformation & Social Media Correspondent

GUEST: • Niall Ferguson, historian and senior fellow at the Hoover Institute at Stanford University

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online...

Following the start of Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York, we answer your questions on how Joe Biden could handle his main challenger’s legal woes.

And, Democrats are worried about the threat posed by Robert F Kennedy's Jr's run for office. But could Kennedy's campaign also be a threat to Donald Trump? We assess his chances and take look at another less conventional third-party candidate.

HOST: • Sarah Smith, North America editor

GUEST: • Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland Security

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online com...

Former US President Donald Trump’s trial in New York began this week, where he’s accused of trying to cover up a $130,000 payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

He’s pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records and also denies having a sexual encounter with Daniels.

Americast is launching a new mini series to break down what’s happening in the courtroom over the six-week criminal trial.

Sarah and Anthony are joined by the BBC’s US reporter, Kayla Epstein - who’s been in court every day - to take a look...

Hundreds of students have been arrested across the United States as they protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Sarah is at Columbia University in New York City, one of many colleges where students are protesting, but where some Jewish students say they feel threatened by the actions of demonstrators.

And Marianna takes a look at how social media, and TikTok in particular, are shaping how a new generation of voters are engaging with politics through the lens of the war in the Middle East.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North Amer...

In the latest edition of Americanswers, we get down to basics at the start of Donald Trump’s first criminal trial.

Who are the jurors selected to decide Trump’s fate? Who protects them? And how are they being targeted online?

Today’s opening statements mark the first criminal trial against a president in US history, as Trump stands accused of trying to cover up hush-money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels before he won the 2016 election.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media corresponden...

The president has urged Benjamin Netenyahu to “take the win” after thwarting an attack from Iran. The question now is how Israel responds, and if Joe Biden has any influence over it. Christiane Amanpour, the British/Iranian chief international anchor for CNN, joins Americast to assess what could happen next.

In Congress there’s a vote on a pivotal deal that would provide billions of dollars for Ukraine and Israel, and introduce more sanctions for Iran. It could change the course of the conflicts but it could also cost Speaker Mike Johnson his job. We’re asking whether...

Donald Trump is no stranger to Megyn Kelly. The pair had a very public fallout in 2015 after the former Fox anchor questioned his temperament in a Republican Party debate.

These days the pair are back on speaking terms, with Trump often choosing to do longer interviews with one of America’s most recognisable broadcasters.

And on the day he became the first ever president to face a criminal trial, Megyn Kelly joins us to give her thoughts on how much the trial could affect the outcome of November’s election, the Democrat’s strategy to beat h...

In a heavily-trailed announcement on Monday, Donald Trump released a video on his Truth Social platform to announce his position on abortion.

Having been considered one of the most anti-abortion presidents in history, he has now said it is a matter for states to decide and later confirmed he would not sign a federal abortion ban.

His stance has led to a backlash from senior Republicans, including his former vice president, Mike Pence. Could the backlash extend to the ballot box in November?

HOSTS: • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Justin Webb, Radi...

Orenthal James Simpson, known to the world as OJ, lived many lives. First as one of the greatest ever running backs in the history of the NFL, then as a Hollywood movie star.

His fame skyrocketed, however, when he was arrested as a suspect in the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman. The ensuing ‘trial of the century’ gripped and divided the nation.

As the news broke, the team interrupted their normal recording to relive the shocking events of his life, trial, and acquittal. Anthony, who was then living in LA...

Americanswers is back!

In the latest edition of Americanswers, Miles Taylor and Katie Hill join us once more to answer your questions.

This week we look at some challenges from listeners about the evidence of social media’s polarising effect in the US, and whether we do enough to hear from Donald Trump’s supporters.

We also look at the foreign policy record of the former president as we assess whether the US was safer under his watch.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent

GUESTS...

Joe Biden and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Thursday for the first time since the killing of seven aid workers in Gaza this week. Netanyahu has called the incident an “unintended strike”, but the White House has said it’s ‘outraged’.

Back home, US policy toward the Gaza war is causing problems for the president. A growing campaign of voters are using their ballot to protest Biden’s handling of the crisis.

Jeremy Bowen joins us from Jerusalem to assess whether the US/Israel relationship has ever been this strained and we assess how Joe Biden ca...

The Americast team have left the safety of the podcast studio for an old fashioned radio phone-in! 5 Live listeners were given the opportunity on Wednesday to quiz all of our hosts on the issues that matter going into the 2024 presidential election. Nothing was off the table as we discussed issues ranging from voter attitudes towards Trump and Biden, whether 2024 will be America’s first ‘AI election’, or how the candidates could approach a stacked foreign policy inbox. HOSTS: Sarah Smith, North America editor Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent GET IN...

As the election comes closer into view, potential candidates are lining up to be on the ticket with Donald Trump in 2024.

After former Veep Mike Pence rules himself out, Americast assembles to answer FAQs about who makes the shortlist and why. Plus, what makes a good VP anyway? And what do they actually do?

Find out in the latest Americast.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note...

The city of Baltimore has woken up in shock this morning after a major bridge in the US city of Baltimore snapped and plunged into the Patapsco River.

The city’s mayor has called the event an “unspeakable tragedy” and confirmed that construction workers were on the bridge when it collapsed.

A state of emergency has been declared in Maryland while a huge search operation is under way for at least seven people.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter

GUESTS: • Dr Stergios Aristoteles, Head of Structures at the University of Birmingham • Justin Fenton, an i...

Americast is now publishing two episodes a week!

We’re joined once again by special guest hosts Miles Taylor, Trump staffer turned whistleblower, and Katie Hill, former Democratic Congresswoman.

They sit down with Sarah and Marianna to go through some of the most commonly asked questions we get on Americast.

This episode contains a reference to drug overdose which some listeners may find upsetting.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent

GUESTS: • Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland Security • Katie Hill...

In an interview that ranged from content moderation on X to its chairman’s use of ketamine, Don Lemon sat down for an hour-long interview with one of the world’s most prominent entrepreneurs.

The interview was meant to be the first in a series in collaboration with the platform, but the company posted that “after careful consideration, X decided not to enter into a commercial partnership with the show.”

Justin and Marianna spoke with Don to get his thoughts on why the Tesla boss cut ties with him and the grapple for power between traditio...

Americast is now publishing two episodes a week!

We’re joined once again by Special Guest Hosts Miles Taylor, Trump staffer turned whistleblower, and Katie Hill, former Democratic Congresswoman.

They sit down with Sarah and Anthony to go through some of the most commonly asked questions we get on Americast.

This episode contains a reference to suicide which some listeners may find upsetting.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GUESTS: • Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland Security • Katie Hill, former Democratic...

Fentanyl is a pharmaceutical drug that can be prescribed by a doctor to treat severe pain. But like its predecessors, that drug has been illegally manufactured and sold by criminal gangs.

The president has called the crisis an “American tragedy” but many angles to the epidemic lie elsewhere in China and Mexico.

Ben Westhoff was the first journalist to enter a Chinese fentanyl lab posing as a buyer. He spoke with us about the origins of the epidemic, the scale of the problem for US towns and cities and the hope that exists for solutions to t...

We answer the biggest questions in the race for the White House...

Americast is now publishing two episodes a week!

In the first Monday edition of Americast, we’re joined by Special Guest Hosts Miles Taylor, Trump staffer turned whistleblower, and Katie Hill, former Democratic Congresswoman.

They sit down with Sarah and Justin to go through some of the most commonly asked questions we get on Americast.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor

GUEST HOSTS: • Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at Department for Homeland Security...

Under the close gaze of his critics - and millions of American voters - Joe Biden delivered arguably the most significant State of the Union address in recent times.

The president chose to focus on his economic record, his plans to to fix America's immigration system and repeatedly took aim against Donald Trump.

The Americast team chew over the president's speech with the help of Joe Biden's former speechwriter, Jeff Nussbaum, who told us what it's like to work with him and how you judge the success of a speech like the one Biden just...

Fifteen states voted on super Tuesday to decide who the nominees for the Democratic and Republican parties will be. Donald Trump didn’t quite get the clean sweep he hoped for, but will Nikki Haley’s Vermont win be enough to keep her in the race?

The Americast team discuss the issues that mattered most to voters on Tuesday, namely immigration and the economy, and how the race has become a battle of the incumbents.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America corr...

This afternoon the Supreme Court overturned a Colorado ruling that declared Donald Trump ineligible to run for President in the state.

Justin and Marianna have been in the US to look at how despite legal, financial and polling challenges, he's on course for an epic election rematch with Joe Biden in November. Marianna’s also uncovered evidence of Trump supporters using AI to attract votes from African Americans.

You can watch Panorama, Trump: The Sequel? here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001x0yl

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, disinformation and so...

US Supreme Court justices are considering two cases from Florida and Texas which could fundamentally alter the future of online free speech.

Meanwhile, in Alabama, the state’s top court ruling on IVF has cast doubt on the future of the treatment, as the debate over reproductive rights enters new territory.

We unpack what’s going on, how the cases could affect the lives of Americans, and how they could influence the upcoming election.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GUEST: Ma...

Back on earth, Donald Trump’s legal troubles are mounting and the Republican presidential hopeful now faces debts of over half a billion dollars.

We assess how the former president will try to pay off these debts and what effect it might have on his run for the White House.

And on the evening that the US returned to the moon, Neil deGrasse Tyson - one of America’s most famous astrophysicists - talks to us about why commercial space ventures are in fashion and why people are struggling to know where to get their fact...

Love is in the air…or is it? Vladimir Putin expressed his preference for the next American president on Valentine’s Day - but critics suspect there might be more to his endorsement than meets the eye. His comments come in the wake of Donald Trump’s disparaging declaration against NATO and that Russia should “do whatever the hell they want” to countries that don't pay up.

And after our emergency episode on Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report on Joe Biden’s handling of classified documents, we respond to your questions about how, if at all, President Bide...

Our colleagues on The Global Story made this episode on a subject we know is close to many Americaster's hearts. So we thought we'd put it in your feeds.

It's presented by Europe editor Katya Adler. To look at Taylor Swift's potential political sway, she's joined by North America business correspondent Erin Delmore.

Subscribe to The Global Story by searching for The Global Story on BBC Sounds.

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/qSrxqNcmRB • Send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 9480 • Email Americast@bbc.co.uk • Or use...

A bombshell report from Special Counsel Robert Hur has raised serious questions about President Joe Biden's memory, which the White House has been quick to rebuff.

The report criticised the president for retaining classified information but rejected prosecution, arguing that Biden would likely present himself at trial as "a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory".

Americast dissects the details of this breaking story with Sarah Baxter, Director of the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting and a former US correspondent.

And as Tucker Carlson becomes the first Western journalist to sit...

The Americast team pore over the New Hampshire results after an evening in which Donald Trump looks to have the Republican nomination all but sewn up. Nikki Haley says she's a fighter and that the race "is far from over" but is there really a route back from here?

Earlier in the evening, Sarah caught up with former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, who told us why he thought Trump’s various indictments have helped him in the polls so far.

And, Ron DeSantis officially suspended his campaign before the New Hampshire primary. What ne...

The world waits to see how the United States will retaliate to a drone strike that killed three American troops in Jordan, after an Iran-backed militia group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Christiane Amanpour, the Iranian-British Chief International Anchor for CNN, is our star guest this week. We hear why Joe Biden now walks a tightrope between avoiding escalation in the Middle East, and projecting strength at home - all while Donald Trump looks on from the campaign trail.

Also on the podcast, Marianna tells us about her new BBC Radio 4 podcast series called 'Why...

Donald wins... and then lashes out at Nikki Haley.

The Americast team pore over the New Hampshire results after an evening in which Donald Trump looks to have the Republican nomination all but sewn up. Nikki Haley says she's a fighter and that the race "is far from over" but is there really a route back from here?

Earlier in the evening, Sarah caught up with former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, who told us why he thought Trump’s various indictments have helped him in the polls so far.

And, Ron De...

Hot on the heels of the Iowa caucus, Republican candidates Donald Trump, Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis prepare for the next primary showdown in New Hampshire.

Sarah and Justin unpack if it could prove to be a tougher test for Trump and a way back into the race for the other candidates.

And, why are the Democrats infighting after Biden’s idea to bump the state from its prized primary calendar slot?

HOSTS: Sarah Smith, North America editor Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter

GET IN TOUCH: Join our online community: https://discord.gg...

The 2024 presidential election is officially underway.

Americast hits the road for a record breaking caucus. Destination? Des Moines, Iowa.

It’s not only the coldest caucus ever seen in Iowa, but it’s also the biggest landslide for a Republican nominee. The question is whether it’s enough to bury his main rivals Ron Desantis and Nikki Haley for good, or whether the runners up are still even in the running at all.

The gang chew through the numbers with the famed pollster Frank Luntz, and Sarah gets a peek into the Trump family...

With the Iowa caucus just days away, Chris Christie drops out of the 2024 presidential race. Can anyone stop Donald Trump? The team takes a look at why Iowa dominates the political conversation every four years.

Anthony Blinken is once again in the Middle East to broker peace in the region amid a barrage of attacks by Houthi rebels against Red Sea shipping.

And on Saturday Taiwan heads to the polls for its presidential elections in a vote that could shape the future of relations between the US and China.

With the help of...

High-profile associates of Jeffrey Epstein named in US court papers.

Former presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump are among the people named in US court papers detailing connections of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The team assesses what we know so far, what’s to come, and how the story has played out on social media.

And after weeks of controversy, Claudine Gay has stepped down as president of Harvard University following her comments on anti-Semitism.

We speak to the reporter who got the scoop on the plagiarism story about why he...

Americast reimagines the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, to understand the changing landscape of American politics.

They are joined by Heather Cox Richardson, historian and author of the hugely popular newsletter "Letters from an American", who helps guide them through the past, the present and the future of the United States on this special Christmas edition.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GUEST: • Heather Cox Richardson, author

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community: https://discord.gg/q...

The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that Trump cannot run for president in the state.

The Trump team has called the decision “completely flawed” and will appeal to the US Supreme Court.

But will this lead other states to follow suit?

The Americast team brings in a constitutional expert – Kermit Roosevelt III – to dive into the 14th amendment and what could happen next.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GUEST: • Kermit Roosevelt III, author and constit...

In a week dominated by legal cases, the team takes you into the virtual Americast courtroom to dissect the various trials involving Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani.

Sarah’s back from her trip to the US/Mexico border and tells us how it relates to a funding deadlock in Congress for support to Ukraine.

One person who lives on that border is former presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke. He dials in to chat about how the deadlock can be broken and enters his own predictions into the Americast time capsule…

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North Am...

The shadow looming over the fourth Republican debate was the party’s most recent president, Donald Trump.

But while the other candidates traded blows at one another, Trump was conspicuously absent, instead taking part in a town hall event on Tuesday evening.

He raised eyebrows when saying he would only be a dictator on ‘day one’ if elected president.

The Americast team chew over Trump’s comments – and the Republican debate – before speaking to GOP candidate Asa Hutchinson, the former governor of Arkansas who’s still in the race for the White House.

And, a cl...

Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger has died at the age of 100.

The team take a world tour of the polarising statesman’s legacy with his biographer.

MSNBC host Rachel Maddow talks about Trump, misinformation and charting the rise of fascism in the US in her new book.

And, what does New York Congressman George Santos have to say about efforts to expel him from the US House of Representatives?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GUESTS: • Rachel Mad...

Happy Thanksgiving Americasters! OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman is returning as boss just days after he was fired by the board. The team talk about the whole story: who he is, and who’s winning the AI arms race, with New York Times tech journalist Mike Isaac. And – the lives of two turkeys, ‘Liberty and ‘Bell’, have been saved after they received a pardoning from Joe Biden in time for Thanksgiving. A former White House chef reveals the favourite foods of past presidents. HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, N...

Sarah didn’t quite make it to dinner with Xi Jinping at the APEC Summit, but we spoke to someone who did, an old friend he met in 1985 at a potluck in Muscatine, Iowa.

Back in the present, the Chinese president has held talks with Joe Biden for the first time in over a year. What came from the meeting and where has it landed US/China relations? And, Gen Z and Millennials will make up half of the electorate when it comes to the 2024 presidential election. The Americast team looks at the political power of social me...

As votes from Election Day 2023 were tallied up this week, wins for Democrats may have given a preview into next year’s presidential election. But new polls seem to point towards a rocky road to re-election for President Joe Biden.

It’s not all good news for Trump, though. He and his children took the stand in New York, giving evidence in the civil fraud case brought against him.

How might these problems play out as the 2024 presidential elections near? Expert pollster and political analyst Amy Walter joins the team to make sense of it all...

Twelve months until the US election, Americasters join us on the recording to ask some of the big questions about an era-defining presidential poll and help the team put some predictions in the Americast time capsule.

Will it be Biden v Trump again? What issues will define the race? Could we see a first female president sooner than it seems? And will Justin have a change of heart about Americast's Discord community? Listen back to our live episode.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent

G...

The aide to Donald Trump’s White House Chief of Staff opens up to Americast about her mistakes and why she believes that the former president should never be allowed near the Oval Office again.

Cassidy Hutchinson explains why she wrote her candid memoir, which Trump’s team tells us “either belongs in the discount bin of the fiction section of a bookstore or should be repurposed as toilet paper.”

There’s finally a new Speaker of the House of Representatives. But who is Mike Johnson?

And Arnold Schwarzenegger tells Justin why he thinks Tru...

President Biden wanted to show America’s global strength during his flying visit to Israel this week, but does the United States still call the shots internationally? The Americast team reviews Biden’s high-stakes 30 hours in the region, talks about the misinformation swirling around the internet, and weighs in on America’s place in the world.

Back in DC, House Republicans are still struggling to elect a Speaker after two rounds of voting. Anthony gavels the gang in for a crash course on the latest congressional chaos.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America ed...

President Biden has promised to support Israel with whatever it needs and forcefully condemned the attacks by Hamas on civilians. But what do Americans think about the unfolding conflict in the Middle East?

The Americast team also hears from 2020 presidential candidate and co-founder of the Forward Party, Andrew Yang, on why third parties are important to US politics and what it’s like running for the Oval Office.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GUEST: • Andrew Yang, 2020 Democratic p...

For the first time in US history, a speaker has been kicked out. A group of Trump-supporting Republicans carried out a coup to remove him from the chair of the House of Representatives.

How did it come about? What does it say about the Republican Party? Put simply, what the hell happens now? Americast is called to order to shed light on the situation in Congress.

And on the theme of political division, Naomi Klein explains her theory behind what’s making America hard to govern and why not everyone on the left wants to ge...

Why did Donald Trump skip another Republican debate? Sarah is sent to Michigan instead of California as Trump and Joe Biden race to show their solidarity with striking car factory workers.

Marc Lotter, who ran the comms on Trump's last campaign and was press secretary for Vice-President Mike Pence, tells the Americast team about the ex-president's re-election strategy.

He gives his take on why Trump doesn't need to debate his Republican rivals, which vice-presidential pick could help put him back into the Oval Office, and the only thing that could stop Trump from winning the...

Some US politicians are growing impatient over supporting the war effort – and a lot could change if Donald Trump wins back the White House.

Our very own Anthony was in the Oval Office to see President Zelensky meet its current occupant, Joe Biden, while Sarah watched them address the UN. We talk about how Washington views America’s role in the conflict.

And Marianna chats to award-winning true crime podcasters, Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire, about the harmful effects of social media’s obsession with crime cases and whether that could extend to US politics.

H...

Is Joe Biden too old to win another go in the White House? And could his son derail his campaign? The Americast team talks through the challenges the president is facing in the run-up to the next election.

Barack Obama's former spokesperson and podcaster Tommy Vietor gives us his thoughts on Biden's achievements and viral moments, as well as his 2024 chances, with some critics obsessed by his age and sceptical about Vice President Kamala Harris.

And the gang tries to guess the Republican presidential candidate from the songs that supposedly "stir their souls".

...

How do we cover a headline-grabbing former president who falsely claims he never lost the election?

Two of our bosses step into the worldwide HQ of Americast for the kind of conversation we normally have in our morning meetings: what past mistakes can we learn from and what’s the BBC’s strategy for reporting on Donald Trump’s campaign and his court cases?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent

GUESTS: • Paul Danahar, BBC News Foreign Editor • Adam Levy, BBC News Channel Executive Produc...

Charting music's part in US politics, from 1970s disco to 'Rich Men North of Richmond', which has become a surprise No.1 hit. What does this country song, claimed by conservatives, tell us about American society? The Americast team talk to the BBC's 'Professor of Pop', Paul Gambaccini, about protest music in the States.

And what happens when musicians refuse to be used by politicians? Karen Willis, manager of The Village People and the wife of its lead singer, tells us about the YMCA group's cease and desist letter against Donald Trump.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 pr...

While his challengers clashed in Milwaukee, Donald Trump skipped the first Republican debate of the campaign for the relative comfort of an interview with ex-Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson.

Did any of the other presidential candidates surprise? It’s an Americast Wisconsin special as the team try cheese curds and sip beer at a bar near the venue and link up with Sarah, who’s in Atlanta waiting for Trump’s latest arrest, to break down the showdown and the no-show.

And Marianna chats to local voters about how the politics has been playing out on the...

As the last Republican presidential hopefuls try to qualify for the opening debate of the primary in Milwaukee next week, Donald Trump is deciding whether to turn up or to surrender to a court in Georgia. Jake Tapper, who has moderated election debates for CNN, joins the Americast team to explain what they are like behind the scenes and how this one could play out.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GUEST: • Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and author

GET IN T...

Donald Trump has been criminally charged for the fourth time in a frenzied five months. Now he’s accused of trying to interfere with the result of the 2020 election in Georgia.

The Americast team stays up late into the Atlanta and Washington nights (while Justin mans the Radio 4 studio) to talk through what’s in the indictment – and why this one could be the most challenging yet for Trump.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GUEST: • Josh McKoon, Georgia Republican Party chairman

GET IN TOUCH: ...

As Donald Trump prepares for a possible fourth indictment, Americast wonders if the word “unprecedented” has lost all meaning. To find out, we gather together four BBC Washington reporters past and present to talk about how US politics has changed since their tenures, swap stories of presidential interviews, and share American memories through the medium of show and tell.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent

GUESTS: • Matt Frei, Channel 4 News presenter • Nick Bryant, ex-BBC New York correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: • Join our online community...

As Donald Trump pleads not guilty over the Capitol riot, will his third criminal indictment impact his election chances?

Is the ex-president allowed to use campaign money to fund his legal battles? Could he really be president from jail? And is there no-one in the Democratic Party who will challenge Joe Biden?

We’re back (and Justin has woken up!) to answer questions from Americasters with the help of political correspondent Liz Landers, who's standing in for Anthony (but doesn’t have his pink suit).

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America...

Donald Trump has been charged with a third set of crimes. This time he's accused of plotting to overturn his election defeat after an inquiry into the storming of the Capitol two years ago on January 6th.

Former FBI director James Comey, who was fired by Trump, joins this emergency Americast, as we look at what happens next and what it could mean for the ex-president's attempt to return to the White House.

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent

GUEST: • James Comey, former FBI director

GET...

Viral memes and alien themes: the Americast News Feed returns as we scroll through the biggest stories trending on social media.

Twitter X and Threads fight for online attention while Congress hears unworldly claims about the existence of UFOs.

Hunter Biden’s legal troubles continue, and 81-year-old Senator Mitch McConnell freezes during a press conference.

These topics and much more are unpacked on Americast’s podcast equivalent of a social network.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America corr...

Could global warming make some states uninhabitable? With parts of the US sweltering in record-breaking heatwaves, the Americast team wonders whether cities like Phoenix in Arizona can continue to survive by the end of the century.

Meanwhile, Sarah enjoys cooler temperatures in Colorado and catches up with the UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly at the Aspen Security Forum.

And Hollywood strikes have held up the Barbie film's press tour, but could politicians learn a thing or two from its internet-breaking marketing campaign?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring...

Joe sets his sights on Nato but is being criticised at home.

The Americast team reconvene early from their holidays to react to Joe Biden’s brief visit to the UK. Justin is joined by Katty Kay and Anthony is pulled out of bed in Washington DC at 4:30am to join the new Americast Breakfast Club.

BBC political editor Chris Mason is on hand too.

And there’s one more question to answer: is the Commander in Chief actually a nice guy? He’s faced criticism for not publicly acknowledging his granddaughter. Is his fa...

Rainbow flags symbolising LGBT freedoms are being flown in many parts of the world this Pride month, but in some parts of America they are being lowered due to state bans. Why have these kinds of issues become so political?

Bobby Berk, star of hit makeover show Queer Eye, joins the Americast team, along with a Republican activist, to tell us how LGBT people are feeling across the US political divide.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GUESTS: ...

Hunter Biden will plead guilty to tax and gun offences to avoid prison. The Americast team looks at whether the sins of his son could knock Joe Biden’s re-election hopes.

Talking of being in trouble with the law, has Donald Trump implicated himself in a recent interview with Fox News?

And it’s a tale of two Anthonys, as our very own host travels with the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on a historic trip to China and then the UK, and reports back on how he was received by President Xi.

HO...

On the eve of his 77th birthday, Donald Trump has appeared in court to face charges of mishandling classified documents. He even found time to stop by a bakery – though not for a cake to celebrate.

Sarah has made it through the media scrum in a humid Miami and the Americast team has assembled early this week to talk through another day of firsts in US political history.

We also hear from Miles Taylor, former chief of staff of the United States Department of Homeland Security under President Trump, about why he believes that the ma...

The Republican race for the White House is getting crowded. With eight candidates all gathering in Iowa to campaign, eat roast pork and ride motorbikes, the Americast team looks at who came out on top and whether any of them could beat Donald Trump, who is facing fresh criminal charges over his handling of classified documents.

Harvard professor Steven Pinker, who sees himself as a liberal, tells us why he thinks academic freedom is under threat on US college campuses.

And first, Sarah wanders through the White House with the BBC’s political editor, Chris Ma...

Journalists and podcast hosts Jon Ronson and Gabriel Gatehouse join Marianna for a special episode of Americast delving deep down the rabbit hole of conspiracies.

The trio talk about why America is a breeding ground for conspiracies, how to spot them, and what happens if they’re true.

We also look at whether conspiracies and misinformation might affect the outcome of the 2024 presidential election and what role artificial intelligence could play in their spread.

HOST: • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent

GUESTS: • Jon Ronson, host of 'Things Fell Apart' • Gabriel Gatehous...

It’s Elon Musk’s latest launch… not a rocket this time, but Ron DeSantis’ campaign for president, live on Twitter! But after some technical hiccups, is it a failed lift-off? The Americast team reviews how it went and tries to answer whether Florida's governor can win the White House.

And after dining with Sarah and Anthony in DC, J Smith-Cameron, who plays Gerri in Succession, meets Marianna in London ahead of the show’s finale, and turns the tables by asking her what reporters can learn from how the show portrays the media.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb...

Crime is a growing worry in many American cities and has divided Democrats. New Orleans had the unenviable title of the US murder capital in 2022 – what went wrong in a city better known for its smooth music than the sound of gunfire?

The Mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell, tells us what she's doing to address the poverty and lack of opportunity which have plagued her city, and why she thinks she's being unfairly targeted over her track record.

And after Prince Harry and Meghan's "near catastrophic" New York car chase, the Americast team asks ho...

Has Donald Trump’s sexual assault verdict damaged his reputation? The Americast team explains why a top Texas Republican thinks he’s toast, even though Trump is fighting the ruling.

Sarah is on the US border with Mexico in El Paso, where a controversial Trump immigration policy known as Title 42 is about to expire and a state of emergency has been declared. A Texas Congressman and Democrat, Joaquin Castro, tells us why he blames President Biden as well as Trump.

And Santos Watch is back after the under-fire congressman George Santos was charged with fraud, mone...

Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis has escalated his feud with Disney, launching a lawsuit against one of the country’s biggest companies. The Americast team updates us with the latest details from the battle and how it might impact his presidential campaign. And Americast's own reporting royalty/fairy queen, Katty Kay, rejoins the team from outside Westminster Abbey, where the finishing touches are being made ahead of King Charles' coronation. She analyses America's obsession with the British monarchy and whether recent events have changed anything.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America...

Joe Biden is officially running again! The 80-year-old president has posted a video promising “freedom” for Americans and to “finish the job”.

Jim Messina, who masterminded Barack Obama’s re-election campaign, tells the Americast team that Democrats should be praying every night for Donald Trump to be their opponent, why he thinks it makes sense for Kamala Harris to stay on as vice president, and how Biden’s team can make sure his age isn’t the elephant in the room.

Sarah visits a college baseball park in North Carolina to see which way voters are swinging...

Scrolling through the biggest stories in America right now. With Fox News forced to defend its editorial standards, Donald Trump attacking “pudding fingers” Ron DeSantis and a conservative beer boycott spilling over, the Americast team take a few of this week’s most talked about topics and explain the context behind the clickbait.

What’s been happening? Why does it matter? And why are we seeing so much of it all on social media?

We also talk about the spate of shootings of people for tragically turning up in the wrong place and the effect of “stan...

President Biden has been travelling up and down the island of Ireland, where he’s promised to “keep the peace” but has also cracked some jokes down the pub with his distant cousins. Sarah’s been following him and trying to find out why he’s actually there.

And a ruling from a Texas judge seeking to ban an abortion pill across America is being batted between various courts. Joyce Vance, who was a US attorney under Barack Obama, explains what can happen when the legal system gets personal and why it could go as far as the Suprem...

The multi-billionaire defended his ownership of Twitter in a last-minute interview live from the company’s Silicon Valley HQ.

This extra episode of Americast features his rollercoaster conversation with the BBC’s James Clayton in full.

It came out of an email exchange over the BBC’s labelling on Twitter as "government-funded media" – Musk replied himself and agreed to an interview "tonight".

Asked about the mass layoffs of Twitter staff, misinformation on the platform and his unusual work habits, Musk at times tries to do the interviewing himself and admits that owning Twitter has been...

Donald Trump pleads not guilty to criminal charges.

The former (and aspiring future) president has been accused of falsifying business records after an investigation into hush money paid to a porn star.

Sarah is back, dialling in from the middle of the media circus in Manhattan, as the team talk through Trump’s historic day in court and answer Americaster questions about what comes next.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America editor • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: • Send us a message...

Donald Trump might be dominating the news again, but Nashville is still grieving after six people were murdered in the latest school shooting. The Tennessee tragedy was one of 130 mass shootings this year alone in America.

For this extra episode, we return to the question we planned to bring you earlier this week: where does gun control go from here? We explore what would and wouldn’t make a difference.

And celebrity lawyer Ben Chew, who was Johnny Depp’s lead attorney last year in a defamation case against his ex-wife Amber Heard, gives us his...

Donald Trump becomes the first ex-president to be charged with a crime. It comes after an investigation into hush money payments to a porn star.

What did he do? What could this mean for US politics? And how are Americans reacting to the breaking news?

The Americast team fire up their phones for an emergency episode as Trump shakes up politics – again.

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Katty Kay, US special correspondent • Marianna Spring, disinformation and social media correspondent • Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent

GET IN TOUCH: • Send us a message or voice not...

America waits to find out if a former president will find himself in handcuffs.

A close ally of Donald Trump joins the Americast team to explain why it could be a case of all publicity is good publicity.

We go through the potted history of the Stormy Daniels scandal, break down how it’s playing out on social media, and look at what it means for Trump’s campaign to win back the White House.

And TikTok is on trial as its CEO testifies to Congress, where the app’s security is being scruti...

Sarah is on holiday so the BBC's US Special Correspondent Katty Kay steps into her breach on Americast, equipped with stories of Dr Anthony Fauci saving a guest at the prestigious Gridiron dinner.

The team speak to Marianne Williamson, who found fame as Oprah Winfrey's 'spiritual advisor', and who now wants to usurp Joe Biden to become the Democratic nominee for President, despite newly-emerged allegations of bullying her staffers.

There are other challenges for Biden this week, though - Marianna Spring talks us through how the president's controversial plans to approve oil drilling in Alaska...

Twitter insiders have told the BBC that the company is now much less able to protect users from trolling, state-co-ordinated disinformation and child sexual exploitation. Marianna takes the rest of the Americast team though her BBC Panorama investigation into how one of the world’s most influential social media platforms is being transformed by Elon Musk. And she describes how the Twitter CEO has responded to her online.

Tech journalist and host of the ON podcast, Kara Swisher, also joins Americast to talk about how social media companies could be regulated in the future.

And in...

America's conservative cable TV channel is being sued for airing false 2020 election fraud claims. And court documents suggest that Fox News anchors reported allegations that the vote was “stolen” from Donald Trump even though they knew they were false. The Washington Post’s media critic Erik Wemple joins the team to talk through what's been happening in the case and a bombshell deposition from Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch.

When Coronavirus first spread around the world, everyone wanted to know where it came from. Did it jump from animals to humans in a wet market in the Chines...

A busy week for President Biden! On the first anniversary of the Russian invasion, he made a surprise trip to Kyiv to meet President Zelensky, pledging to support Ukraine for "as long as it takes". Biden then gave a speech in Poland to reaffirm America's commitment to Nato. Sarah was on the trip and shares her impressions, and the Americast team also talk to Assistant US Secretary of State Karen Donfried.

In Kentucky, a Christian university campus went viral on TikTok after one of its church services turned into a continuous worship session lasting two weeks. We...

As a growing number of flying objects are shot down in US airspace, the Biden administration is still trying to explain just what’s going on...and even fielding the odd question about aliens. Why are Americans so obsessed with extra-terrestrials?

Meanwhile, on ground level, many are asking why national media took so long to start covering a major train derailment in Ohio that released hazardous chemicals into the air of a nearby village.

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has been talking up his move to ban an advanced high school African-American studies course, possibly la...

What clues were there in President Joe Biden’s State of the Union speech that suggest he's considering a run for a second presidential term? The Americast team take a look at what was in it and how his performance has gone down.

The US president is already back on the road, but not all Democrats are keen for him to run again. The activist Norman Solomon explains why some on the left of the party would rather Biden stepped aside.

And ahead of Super Bowl Sunday we find out what it takes to put to...

After shocking video footage was released of the 29-year-old African-American being beaten to death by five black police officers in Memphis, we ask what might stop police brutality in the US.

Sarah and her BBC colleague Chelsea Bailey share insights from their reporting trips to Memphis. And we also ask retired African-American LAPD Sergeant Cheryl Dorsey what should be done differently.

With Donald Trump revving up his presidential campaign in South Carolina, the Americast team discusses the two other Republicans who are set to challenge him: Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley.

Americast is...

Lies, lies and more lies.

We chat to Republican and newspaper publisher Grant Lally who's known George Santos for years. Why were the concerns he raised about the freshman congressman ignored?

And what's behind America’s long-term weight issues? Public health policy advocate, Rhea Farberman, talks obesity.

Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's social media and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher.

Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or vo...

As America approaches 50 years since the Supreme Court made abortion access a constitutional right, the Americast team investigates how the country has changed since that ruling was overturned last June.

As many states make abortion illegal, other “sanctuary states” are encouraging women to cross state-lines for abortions. Dr Anne Udall, CEO and president of Planned Parenthood in Oregon, tells us how her state and organisation are doing that.

From one anniversary to another as America celebrated the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr this week; but alongside the usual commemorations, the unveiling of a new memo...

A special counsel has been appointed to investigate President Joe Biden after aides found classified documents at his private office and home. The Americast team explains what we know so far, why this spells trouble for the president, and the comparisons between this story and the discovery of hundreds of classified documents at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.

President Biden has also been trying to get his immigration policy in order as his administration's approach faces criticism from both Republicans and Democrats. Cecilia Muñoz, a former political adviser to President Obama on immigration, helps the team get i...

The House of Representatives tries (and so far fails) to elect a Speaker.

The US House of Representatives has been in deadlock for days after the new Republican majority failed to elect their leading contender Kevin McCarthy as the new Speaker. Americast chats to one of the Republicans voting against him, Representative Ralph Norman, about why they think McCarthy isn’t the man for the job.

And the team goes over the key findings from the conclusion of the Jan 6 committee’s inquiry with one of the panel members, Democrat Representative Jamie Raskin.

Amer...

The online discussion continues...

Since Americast spoke to Dr Anthony Fauci, he has been the subject of Elon Musk tweets. And that’s not all Musk has been up to! The team speaks to a former member of Twitter’s now disbanded Trust and Safety Council about what Musk is doing to online safety.

And, as basketball star Brittney Griner is exchanged for notorious arms dealer Viktor Bout, a former White House insider takes us through the growing phenomenon of "hostage diplomacy".

Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Just...

Americast speaks to the doctor who has served seven US presidents about the US coronavirus response, clashes with Donald Trump and his family being targeted by trolls.

And the team discusses the president's troubled, son Hunter Biden. Just what is on THAT laptop?

Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation Correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher.

Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374.

Email Americast@bbc.co.uk...

As more states legalise marijuana, the team explore how America's relationship with the drug has changed. They interview a drug historian and a former adviser to Clinton, Bush Jnr and Obama on drug policy.

Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation Correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher.

Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374

Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or...

The blue tick, Silicon Valley sackings and Donald Trump. What impact is all this having on America? A former content moderator at the company, who was fired by Musk, helps us answer that question.

And while many say Twitter is going off-the-rails, we talk through the US railroads. What’s working for them and what isn’t?

Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation Correspondent Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher.

Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: http...

The former US President says he will "save" the US by once again running for the White House. One of his advisers, Jason Miller, takes us through his plans.

Americast is presented by North America editor, Sarah Smith, Today host, Justin Webb, the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation Correspondent, Marianna Spring, and North America correspondent, Anthony Zurcher.

Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-63530374

Email Americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions and comments and send us a message or voice note via WhatsApp, to +443301239480. <...

As the midterm results continue to come in, the Americast team are back together in Washington DC taking a closer look at the rivalry between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump.

And long-time Republican donor for the Trump campaign Dan K Eberhart tells the team why he thinks the party should move in a different direction following the midterms.

Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today presenter Justin Webb, the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation Correspondent Marianna Spring and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher.

Find out more...

The Americast team are together in the studio in Washington DC for the first time as results in the midterms continue to come in.

In their second episode of the night the team look at where the wins are for both the Republicans and the Democrats. They also explore where it leaves Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump as they look ahead to the elections in 2024.

Americast is hosted by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher and the BBC's Social Media and Disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring.

...

The Republicans look set to take control of the House of Representatives, but the battle for control of the Senate is on a knife-edge. Sarah, Anthony and Marianna get together in Washington to talk through what's been happening so far in the midterms and why it all matters.

Americast is hosted by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today host Justin Webb, North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher and disinformation correspondent Marianna Spring.

Find out more about our "undercover voters" here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-62742687.

Email americast@bbc.co.uk with your questions...

President Biden says there is no place for "political violence in America". His warning follows an attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, last week. Within hours of that attack a series of unsubstantiated claims began circulating on social media contradicting official accounts of what had happened. Those misleading claims then went viral after being amplified by new Twitter chief Elon Musk.

The Americast team look at how the attack has led to the sharing of disinformation on social media and Justin and Sarah speak to author Josh Zeitz about...

There are less than two weeks to go to the midterms. The Americast team look at why Republicans have seized upon the issue of crime and what the Democrats are trying to do to counter that.

Professor of Criminology Charis Kubrin, talks the team through the perceived and real threat of crime in the US and the BBC’s Disinformation and Social Media Correspondent Marianna Spring, looks at how our ‘undercover voters’ are being targeted ahead of election day.

Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today presenter Justin Webb and North America corres...

The Americast team look at the threat that election deniers could pose to democracy if they are elected to office in the upcoming US midterms.

The team chat to Alabama Secretary of State and Republican John Merrill and the BBC’s Disinformation and Social Media correspondent Marianna Spring examines whether election deniers are reaching voters through their social media accounts.

Americast is presented by North America editor Sarah Smith, Today presenter Justin Webb and North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher.

Find out more about our Americast ‘undercover voters’ here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/w...

After claiming the 2012 shooting in Sandy Hook was a hoax, it’s a moment of reckoning for America’s conspiracy-theorist-in-chief Alex Jones as he is ordered to pay nearly $1bn in damages to the victim’s family members.

Americast explores the huge cultural and social stories that define the increasingly polarised political debate. The team report on a changing country with on-the-ground insights from right across America.

Today presenter Justin Webb and North America editor Sarah Smith join North America correspondent Anthony ‘The Zurch’ Zurcher. Each week on Americast, BBC’s disinformation and social media corresponden...

The Americast team delve into how conspiracy theories evolve online and how misinformation is affecting US politics, with the help of our Undercover Voters and Barack Obama’s former deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes.

US Special Correspondent Katty Kay is back from her trip on Route 66 meeting voters ahead of the midterms.

President Joe Biden and Florida’s Republican governor Ron DeSantis have put their political clashes on hold to show a united front over Hurricane Ian. The pair shook hands on the president’s visit to see the devastation left by the storm.

T...

We’re racing towards the US midterms but don’t worry, the full Americast team is back together to get stuck into the key issues, characters and races, and which party might come out on top. With a little help from Cliff Young, pollster and President of US Public Affairs at Ipsos.

And Marianna updates us on what our Undercover Voters are being targeted with.

This episode is made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director is Emma Crowe. The assistant editor is Louisa Lewis. The senior news editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

Em...

There is growing political tension in America over immigration.

States such as Florida, Texas and Arizona have sent thousands of migrants to cities like New York, Washington DC and the wealthy Massachusetts island of Martha's Vineyard. Sarah, Justin and Marianna look at how the row is playing out amongst voters and on social media.

Americast also profiles Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis who has been a key figure in the controversial tactic.

This episode is made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director is Emma Crowe. The assistant editor is Louisa Le...

How is the US reacting?

From Truman to Biden, the Queen met thirteen of the fourteen US presidents who held office during her reign and left a lasting impression on the United States. Justin, Sarah and Marianna look at the reaction to her death and catch up with the BBC’s Chelsea Bailey in Washington DC, who has been speaking to some of the Queen’s biggest fans.

And after a five-year legal fight, an Ohio college will pay nearly $37 million to a local bakery that sued the school for libel following a 2016 shoplifting incident invo...

Legendary environmental activist talks America’s contaminated water supply.

The entire population of Jackson, Mississippi lost access to safe running water after excessive rainfall and flooding. But it’s not the first time there’s been issues with the city’s water supply, or the first case of contaminated drinking water in the US.

Justin and Sarah speak to environmental activist Erin Brockovich, who won a case over safe drinking water in California, before being portrayed on film by Julia Roberts. They’re also joined by Corey Stern, the lawyer representing 1,600 Jackson residents in their lawsuits a...

Donald Trump, some top secret documents and the FBI.

Welcome to episode one of the new-look Americast!

Classified documents stored at former President's Florida home were likely concealed as part of an effort to obstruct an FBI investigation, says the US Department of Justice officials. Justin, Sarah and the Zurch chat to former FBI special agent Asha Rangappa, about how attempts to retrieve the documents went down and what could happen next.

And Marianna introduces our undercover voters…

Americast is made by Phil Marzouk and Alix Pickles. The studio director is Em...

We're back! With Justin Webb, Sarah Smith, Marianna Spring and (of course) the Zurch. Join us every Wednesday for all the latest news and gossip from America.

A message to Americasters from the Zurch.

Biden imposes sanctions on Russia over “beginning of invasion”… Former U.S. ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul joins Emily, Jon and Anthony to discuss whether President Biden could have done anything differently. And… former homeland security aide to Donald Trump, Miles Taylor explains why he isn’t surprised classified information was found at the former president's home in Mar-a-Lago. He also addresses the claims that Trump clogged up the White House toilets with flushed paper… Americast is made by Estelle Doyle and Phil Marzouk. The editor is Jonathan Aspinwall. The studio director is Emma Crowe

Prince Andrew has settled the civil sex assault case brought against him in the US by Virginia Giuffre. He’s agreed to make a substantial donation to her charity in support of victims’ rights.

Randy Zelin, a New York attorney, joins Emily, Jon and Anthony to discuss what we know and what we will probably never know about the deal.

Americast was made by Alison Gee and Phil Marzouk. The technical director is Emma Crowe and the editor is Jonathan Aspinwall.

The American media’s been full of stories about Boris Johnson – so why is the US fascinated with the British prime minister? Mark Landler from the New York Times says there are plenty of similarities with Donald Trump, but also some significant differences.

Mike Pence has made it very clear he disagrees with his former boss: “President Trump is wrong,” he said. “I had no right to overturn the election.” Olivia Troye, who was the vice-president’s homeland security adviser, thinks he’s paving the way to run for president in 2024.

With thanks to Opinion Video at The New...

As Canadian truckers protest over vaccine regulations, Emily, Jon and Anthony take a look at what it means for the US and whether demonstrations could spread there too.

Also, CNN journalists Marshall Cohen and Zachary Cohen talk us through their investigation into the “fake electors” scheme that tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election result. The January 6 committee has now subpoenaed 14 people in connection with it.

And now that Supreme Court Judge Stephen Breyer has announced he’s retiring, President Biden is expected to nominate the first black woman to the court. The Americast team hear why Se...

As the Ukraine crisis escalates, we hear why Kyiv is so important to Moscow.

Retired Lt Col Alexander Vindman, who testified before Congress about the Trump-Ukraine scandal, explains why he thinks Biden has a much better understanding of Putin than Trump ever had.

Also, the hot mic moment that caught Biden off guard, Anthony tries to take over the podcast with a filibuster, and we answer an A-level student’s question about Mike Pence and a steaming pile of horse poo.

Americast is made by Estelle Doyle and Phil Marzouk. The assistant editor is...

Joe Biden defends his first year of presidency in a rare press conference, but his comment about a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine is what gets Emily and Jon scratching their heads.

They speak to Elaine Kamarck, a former staffer to Vice-President Al Gore and President Bill Clinton, now with the Brookings Institution. She thinks Biden said more than he should have.

Meanwhile, Anthony is travelling with Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to Ukraine, as the US makes a last ditch attempt at finding a diplomatic solution. He explains why there is no way there...

A New York judge has ruled the civil sex assault case against the Duke of York can go ahead.

Emily, Jon and Anthony explain why Prince Andrew’s lawyers argued it should be dismissed and why the court disagreed.

The team also listen back to key moments from Emily’s interview with the prince in 2019.

And Randy Zelin – a professor and attorney in New York - explains why there’s no good option left for the prince.

Americast is made by Estelle Doyle and Phil Marzouk. The assistant editor is Alison Gee and...

A year after the Capitol riot, the people who were there tell us it’s still dividing America today.

US Democratic Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett calls it “an attempted coup” and says the country is “in an ideological civil war”.

Fiona Hill – a former advisor to Donald Trump – says the way many Republicans have responded reminds her of Soviet disinformation campaigns.

And Gabriel Montalvo, from the New York Young Republican Club, explains most people who went to the rally in Washington that day were peaceful.

Americast is made by Estelle Doyle and Phil Marzouk...

The committee investigating the assault on the Capitol have seen text messages urging White House staff to get the president to stop the riot. Donald Trump Jr and Fox News hosts were among those who messaged Mark Meadows, Trump’s then chief of staff. Emily, Jon and Anthony pick over who said what, and when.

Governor Gavin Newsom says he plans to copy Texas’s tactics on abortion laws to stop the sale and manufacturing of assault weapons in his state of California. But can his plan actually work? Professor of law Khiara Bridges tells us why she...

“Don’t do it.” The parents of the suspect in a school shooting in Michigan have been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Former NRA lobbyist Richard Feldman tells us why he thinks the Democrats should ditch the anti-gun rhetoric if they genuinely want gun reform.

As Republican Congressman Devin Nunes resigns to become CEO of Trump’s new social media firm, journalist Dan Alexander explains why he feels that same company is a frightening proposition for many investors.

Will Biden succeed in implementing his federal vaccine mandate? Professor Roger Field tells us whether the president has the law...

The case that could radically change abortion laws in the US

Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss who Brandon is and why Americans are chanting his name.

Also, three white men have been found guilty of murdering a black jogger, Ahmaud Arbery, in Georgia. We hear testimony from the trial and reaction from his family.

And after another high-profile trial, politicians have been offering internships to Kyle Rittenhouse - the young man acquitted of murdering two white men during a protest in 2020. For some, he’s become an icon for the right to armed self-defence.

Americast is produced by Estelle Doyle and Phil Marzouk. The st...

A judge’s “God Bless the USA” ringtone raised eyebrows when it went off in the Rittenhouse murder trial. And as the jury deliberates its verdict, Washington Post reporter Kim Bellware describes how this court case is the most acrimonious she has ever covered.

Also, as a defiant Steve Bannon surrenders himself to the FBI, former Republican Congressman Doug Collins tells us why he thinks the Department of Justice has become Biden’s political arm. And Emily shares her memories of an evening with Trump’s former strategist – and a bottle of wine.

Americast is made by Este...

Big Bird’s been tweeting about his Covid jab but Senator Cruz isn’t impressed, calling the post “government propaganda for your 5-year-old”.

Also, it’s officially infrastructure week… again. Congressman Andy Levin tells us why he changed his mind and voted for the bill on Friday.

And journalist Dan Alexander joins us for a SPAC-tacular explanation of how Donald Trump plans to finance his new social media platform. Today’s Americast was made by Estelle Doyle and Phil Marzouk. The studio director is Emma Crowe, the assistant editor is Alison Gee and the editor is Jonathan As

As Virginia elects a new governor, Emily, Jon and Anthony get back together to ask why things went so wrong for the Democrats and so right for the Republicans.

They’re joined by J. Miles Coleman of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, and former Republican congresswoman for Virginia, Barbara Comstock.

There are anecdotes from President Biden’s European trip and candy from Air Force One too.

Today’s Americast was made by Estelle Doyle and Phil Marzouk. The studio director was Emma Crowe. The assistant editor was Alison Gee and the editor...

Maitlis and Sopes return for an emergency episode to mark the end of America's decades long 'forever war'. We talk to US Airforce veteran Veronica Hoyer to ask if it was all for nothing? And the former US Ambassador to Afghanistan, P. Michael McKinley tells us he is being contacted by former friends and colleagues appealing for rescue as Taliban forces enter Kabul.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Caitlin Hanrahan and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

We're signing off for a while, Americasters. Thanks for your company and your support. We'll be back next year to bring you all the build up to the midterm elections.

So here's our last episode for now. As someone once said, "Have a good life. We will see you soon".

While you're here, please could you vote for Americast at the British Podcast Awards! www.britishpodcastawards.com/vote

This episode was made by our wonderful producers, Caitlin Hanrahan and Natalie Ktena. It was mixed beautifully by Emma Crowe. The Editor is Dino Sofos.<...

The truth is out there... or at least it's about to be. Former Blink 182 frontman and UFO hunter Tom DeLonge speaks to Emily, Jon and Anthony ahead of the highly anticipated unclassified Pentagon report on UFOs. And with the Democrats' Voting Rights bill blocked, we discuss how the fight is far from over for Biden. Also, Slate Editor and Americast favourite Dahlia Lithwick tells us everything we need to know about Supreme Court Season and that conservative supermajority.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Caitlin Hanrahan and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

We're behind the scenes at the Swiss Chateau where Biden and Putin meet for their first talks – but did they see eye to eye? Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss if the US-Russia relationship can go from rock bottom to recovery. Also, following a testing week for Vice President Harris, we ask her former Communications Director Gil Duran whether we're witnessing a President in the making. And he doesn’t want to go on about it but Sopes had to give up his seat at the pub for a VERY special guest...

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Caitlin Hanr...

As Joe Biden touches down in the UK for his first foreign trip, the G7 summit of world leaders in Carbis Bay, Jon speaks exclusively to the president’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, about how the US will protect the Good Friday agreement and its interests around the world, as well as its rivalry with China and Russia.

Back in Washington DC, we hear how one Democratic senator from West Virginia, Joe Manchin, is causing a political impasse that’s paralysing his own party.

Studio Director: Nick Jones Producers: Caitlin Hanrahan, Daniel Wittenberg and Nata...

Ben Rhodes, the ex-White House deputy national security adviser and confidante to President Obama, comes on to talk about the global rise of authoritarianism and how American foreign policy helped shape what he calls the “the 9/11 generation.”

And there’s a sensational comeback for one of the most influential men in Washington. Not Jon Sopel, another beauty (he’s still in London.) But Donald Trump, is preparing to hold the first post-presidential rally. We hear from POLITICO’s White House insider Anita Kumar about how Trump plans to stay relevant and why he’s always the elephant in the room...

It’s been a year since the world watched as the life of a black man was extinguished under the knee of a white police officer, sparking months of protests nationally and internationally. It was a moment that demanded change. So has law enforcement learned any lessons?

Nick Bryant rejoins Emily and Anthony from Minneapolis as we ask former White House special advisor and Americast regular, Ron Christie, whether issues of race are uniting or dividing the United States. And we talk through the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act with Lynda Williams, the country’s most seni...

The BBC’s legendary New York correspondent Nick Bryant swaps in for Sopes. He comes carrying a cocktail of stories, including how some states are using boozy incentives to boost their vaccination campaign. And as the President hardens his position on the Israel-Palestine conflict, we ask veteran pollster John Zogby why it puts Biden in a bind with his party.

And hold on to your sequins! The Eurovision Song Contest is coming to the United States… and it’s going to get Political. We talk to one of its producers and America’s most fanatical Eurovision lover.

Stu...

Following a long and bitter public spat, House Republicans have voted to remove their number three, Liz Cheney, from leadership - Emily, Jon and Anthony reflect on the massive moment. We go inside the room where it happened with Congressman Chris Stewart who explains why he decided to vote to remove Cheney. And, while the GOP is taking aim at itself, President Biden met with leaders of the House and Senate to discuss his trillion dollar legislative agenda.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Caitlin Hanrahan and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Facebook's Trump ban is upheld for six more months. Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss the decision and what Nick Clegg has to do with it.

And it's war for the Republicans as establishment figures face off against loyal Trump supporters in a battle for who controls the party - former Republican congressman Denver Riggleman joins us to discuss why Trump adversaries like him, Liz Cheney and Mitt Romney are being turned on by their own.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Caitlin Hanrahan and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

What has President Biden achieved in 100 days?

Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss President Biden’s first 100 days in office and historic first address in Congress. Jim Messina who was Deputy Chief of Staff to Obama joins the team to mull over what the President has achieved, whether he’s bitten off more than he can chew and whether the Biden he knows will be running for re-election.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

After just ten hours of deliberation, a jury finds Derek Chauvin guilty of the murder of George Floyd. Emily and Jon reflect on what this huge moment means.

Correspondent Larry Madowo joins us from the crowded street where George Floyd was murdered and Ron Christie replaces his political hat with his legal hat to tackle your emergency Americanswers.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

As the Chauvin trial enters its third week in Minneapolis, the city’s streets saw the tragic death of Daunte Wright at the hands of the police. Jon speaks to BBC correspondent Larry Madowo for the latest from the city the world is watching. And we go into the Americast archives and take you back to the week which changed America - when George Floyd lost his life and protests broke out around the world.

Studio Manager: Russell Newlove Producer: Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Trump finally breaks his silence over the alleged sex crimes of Congressman Gaetz. Emily, Jon and Anthony get the inside track on Gaetz-Gate from one of the journalists who broke the story, New York Times correspondent Nicholas Fandos. Coca Cola and other companies have taken a stand against Georgia's new voting law and North America correspondent Larry Madowo explains how the so-called blue wall of silence is breaking at the George Floyd trial.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Biden builds bridges and Trump crashes weddings.

As the trial of Derek Chauvin is finally underway, Americast regular, Ron Christie, shares his thoughts on what the outcome could mean for the future of America. Congressman Garamendi joins us from his Californian ranch to explain why Biden’s big bill on infrastructure matters. America puts aside partisanship for March Madness - Englishman in New York Roger Bennett explains why the sporting tournament is like the World Cup meets Eurovision.

And ever wondered what a Donald Trump wedding speech would sound like?

Studio Manager: Emma Cr...

Two familiar issues are already threatening to cause a major political headache for President Biden’s administration: gun laws and the southern border. We speak to gun control lobbyist Robyn Thomas from the Gifford Law Centre, and Florence Chamberlin, an El Paso based immigration attorney with the Kids in Need of Defense programme.

And Joe Biden holds his first press conference as President, so how did he do? Jon, Emily and Anthony look at how the new President differed tonally from his predecessor, if not in content. And

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Natalie Ktena, Fr...

Happy St Patrick’s Day! We Americanswer just how much of an influence the Irish have on American politics. And as Biden embarks on his stimulus victory tour, the team are joined by Obama’s National Economic Council director Larry Summers to discuss why the American Rescue Plan may have gone too far. Also, the Cuomo crisis continues and the Governor’s former employee Stephanie Stark shares her research on how voters respond to allegations of sexual assault at the polls. And why are Trump supporters sceptical about taking the vaccine?

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi a...

The U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, has landed in London – and makes a podcast pitstop to Americanswer your questions.

And as the George Floyd murder trial begins, Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss America’s reckoning with race. Joined by Black Votes Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown and Editor-at-large of The 19th, Errin Haines, they discuss how the Meghan and Harry interview proves the monarchy is not immune from that reckoning and why the black vote is being targeted by a new bill in Georgia.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi and Nata...

Trump’s back – but did his CPAC appearance hit the right notes? Emily, Jon and Anthony talk to Ron Christie about whether the former president’s speech shows he is on his way to 2024 candidacy. Also, we go inside the Orlando convention to hear from Trump’s most conservative supporters. And finally, has Biden been tough enough on Saudi Arabia for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi?

Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

Political big beast Andrew Cuomo has landed himself in hot water with a nursing home scandal. As the NY Governor faces calls for his impeachment, Emily, Jon and Anthony speak to New York Assemblyman Ron Kim who alleges Cuomo threatened him for publicly criticising him. And as the US reaches a sobering pandemic milestone, how is President Biden faring in his aim to become the healer-in-chief? And remember former President Trump? He is finally ordered to hand over those long-awaited tax returns...

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Editor: Dino Sofos

While Texas battles devastating winter weather, Ted Cruz’s badly timed trip to Mexico leaves him at the centre of a political storm – Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss the power blackouts and the political fallout. Also, Americast’s favourite Texan Ryan returns to tell us how the sub-freezing temperatures have affected locals like him. And State House Representative Tony Tinderholt on what needs to be done to safeguard Texas in future.

Studio Director: Michael Regaard Producers: Frankie Tobi and Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

The Senate acquits Trump... again.

Emily, Jon and Anthony love nothing more than spending a cold Saturday night recording an Emergency Americast about the end of the Donald Trump impeachment trial. The 57-43 tally falls short of the two-thirds vote needed to convict the former President on a charge of inciting the Capitol riot. But will this be the last time Trump is put on trial?

Studio Director: Holly Palmer Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The impeachment trial heats up.

The Democrats have finished laying out their arguments against Donald Trump in the impeachment trial by looking at the insurrectionists themselves. So did Trump’s language incite them to violence? We speak to the man who warned against the former President’s use of threats following the election: Gabriel Sterling. The Georgia elections official speaks to Emily and Jon about his now viral intervention. And while the TV cameras have focused on the impeachment trial, President Biden has been addressing the pandemic, working up the country’s vaccination programme.

Studio Direct...

From the viral court-zoom cat, to day two of Trump’s impeachment trial – it’s been a day of high legal drama in the USA.

Emily, Jon and Anthony talk us through the biggest moments in the Senate so far – including never-before-seen footage of the Capitol riots. Why is Donald Trump angry at his own legal team? And can Republicans be convinced to convict the former president?

Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

Trump may have quit the Screen Actors Guild, but his presence in the GOP looms large as ally Marjorie Taylor Greene gets party support. Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss the Congresswoman, conspiracy theories and what we can make of her apology to Congress.

Also, Republican Representative Robert Aderholt explains why he voted not to certify President Biden’s victory.

And we bring you the Americast half-time show, a performance to rival this weekend’s Super Bowl!

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Natalie Ktena, Frankie Tobi Editor: Dino Sofos

Is the House GOP leader back to backing Trump? Emily, Jon and Anthony discuss why Kevin McCarthy took a trip to Mar-a-Lago to visit the former president. Meanwhile, the Republican party divide deepens as Congressman Matt Gaetz rallies against his GOP colleague in Wyoming. And we bring you a bumper Americanswer with an A-Level politics class takeover.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

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: Natalie Ktena Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

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

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 Sofos

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

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 - but our reporter, Hilary Andersson, also tells us about the awful crime she...

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

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

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

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

americast@bbc.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emily, Jon and Anthony describe the scene as Donald Trump leaves hospital in a helicopter, takes off his mask and returns to the White House.

Studio Director: Matt Howells Producer: Harriet Noble Editor: Dino Sofos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joe Biden closed the Democratic National Convention calling for unity, telling voters ‘character and decency’ would be on the ballot come November. Jon, Anthony and Producer Morgan talk us through the key moments from the Dems this week - from Kamala Harris’ historic nomination, to Barack Obama’s unprecedented attack on Donald Trump.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Harriet Noble Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Anthony and Jon discuss the unconventional Democratic National Convention with the Reverend Leah Daughtry, CEO of the DNC in 2008 and 2016. And as the US Postal Service boss suspends new policies that were decried as an attempt to sabotage the election, we try to get to the bottom of what is actually going on.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Harriet Noble Assistant Editor: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

After months of speculation, Joe Biden has chosen California Senator Kamala Harris as his pick for VP. The Americast team assembles for an emergency episode, and Mayor of San Francisco and friend of Harris, London Breed, tells us why she thinks Biden made the right pick.

Studio director: Emma Crowe Producers: Harriet Noble and Morgan Gisholt Minard Editor: Dino Sofos

With 90 days to go until the election, how will Americans cast their ballots in the middle of a pandemic? We hear from ProPublica’s Jessica Huseman on why postal-voting is proving to be a controversial topic. And Jon and Anthony speak to Cassie Smedile, Deputy Communications Director for the Republican National Committee, about what message Donald Trump does want to send.

Studio Manager: Emma Crowe Producers: Frankie Tobi, Natalie Ktena, Harriet Noble Editor: Dino Sofos

President Trump is again backing hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug with no proven effectiveness against Covid-19, but with the backing of a quack doctor who believes that women have sex with demons in their dreams. We also discuss why the Senate race is so fascinating this year, and how baseball is a microcosm of America.

Studio director: Emma Crowe Producer: Harriet Noble Editor: Dino Sofos

Why did the president "wish her well"?

President Trump restarted his coronavirus briefings and almost stuck to the script, apart from a rather surprising comment about Ghislaine Maxwell. And why federal agents are on the streets of Portland, and could soon be in Chicago. Also, why does the health of Ruth Bader Ginsburg matter to the election?

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Harriet Noble Editor: Dino Sofos

It’s Joe Biden’s most important decision of the campaign: who will he pick as his potential vice president? We know it’s going to be a woman, we know he’ll announce soon, and we know some of the names in the frame. Emily, Jon and Anthony assess the people who could soon be a heartbeat away from the vice presidency, and talk to former Health Secretary and VP contender Kathleen Sebelius about the arduous vetting process.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Harriet Noble Editor: Dino Sofos

Trailing in the polls and with coronavirus cases topping three million, Donald Trump’s chances of re-election don’t look great at the moment. But with four months to go, we're joined by Steve Cortes from America First, a key figure in his re-election campaign. Plus could it be a case of “Yes We Kanye” in 2020?

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Harriet Noble Editor: Dino Sofos

Four months until the election and lots to discuss. Trump’s poll numbers are falling, and coronavirus cases are rising. Americast is back.

Studio Director: Emma Crowe Producer: Harriet Noble Editor: Dino Sofos

On the night of the memorial service for George Floyd, Emily, Jon and Anthony are back to discuss the implications for America and the presidential race.

Producers: Harriet Noble, Morgan Gisholt Minard, Nathalie Ktena and Seren Jones Assistant Editor: Emma Close Studio Director: Emma Crowe Editor: Dino Sofos

President Trump suggests scientists try researching the efficacy of putting disinfectant into the body to fight the virus. Emily, Jon and Adam are joined by Dr. Carlos Del Rio, an infectious disease expert at Emory University.

Producer: Harriet Noble Assistant Editors: Emma Close and Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

The presidency in a pandemic. Emily, Jon and Anthony join the host of The Coronavirus Newscast, Adam Fleming, to discuss how the United States is dealing with the Covid-19 crisis. They're also joined by the longest serving Health Secretary in US history, Congresswoman Donna Shalala.

Producers: Nick Rotherham, Frankie Tobi and Alicia Burrell Assistant Editor: Sam Bonham Editor: Dino Sofos

All roads lead to coronavirus… but there is still some politics to talk about before we take break for a while. For more from Emily, Jon and Anthony, tune in to The Coronavirus Newscast on BBC Sounds, where they’ll be popping up.

Editor: Dino Sofos

A week after Joe Biden surged into the front-runner position, the former vice-president wins big on Mini Super Tuesday, the day six states held primary contests. Maitlis, Sopes and The Zurch chew over the significance of the result and the impact Coronavirus is having on the presidential race.

Editor: Dino Sofos Producer: Emma Close

In an emergency Americast, Maitlis and Sopes get together with Michelle Fleury, the BBC's New York Business Correspondent to talk about the fall in the stock market and what it could mean for the election.

Producer: Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

In our first emergency Americast, Maitlis, Sopes and The Zurch mull over what Elizabeth Warren dropping out means for the Democratic presidential race.

Editor: Dino Sofos

Maitlis, Sopes and The Zurch discuss Biden’s comeback and other highlights of the biggest night of primaries, Super Tuesday. With special guests Amy Dacey, former CEO of the Democratic National Committee, and the man who wrote speeches for George W. Bush, David Frum.

Who is Bernie Sanders? Maitlis, Sopes and The Zurch are joined by Congressman Peter Welch and Lord Wood to discuss the Democrat frontrunner. Plus our first Americast quiz: Who said it, Bernie or Jeremy Corbyn?

Producers: Ione Wells, Cristina Criddle and Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Sopes, Maitlis and The Zurch explain all that election terminology you've heard but probably don’t quite understand. It’s basically Duolingo for American politics.

Producer: Emma Close and Ione Wells Editor: Dino Sofos

It’s time to talk about Michael… Maitlis and Sopes are joined by Anthony ‘The Mooch’ Scaramucci, Margaret Talev from Axios and Huw Van Steenis, one of Bloomberg's business associates.

Producers: Emma Close & Ione Wells Editor: Dino Sofos

The Dems thrash it out at their New Hampshire primary, with Bernie Sanders coming out top, on a terrible night for former vice-president Joe Biden. Sopes and ‘the Zurch’ join the pod from their hotel room in New Hampshire and Maitlis is in a treehouse… don’t ask.

Producers: Ione Wells and Emma Close Editor: Dino Sofos

Spoiler alert… President Trump has been acquitted in his impeachment trial. Who’d have thunk it? But there’s still a lot to talk about, including Mitt Romney crossing the aisle to convict his fellow Republican on the first charge of abuse of power. And Maitlis has an exclusive interview with one of the men who testified against the President, former US special envoy to Ukraine, Kurt Volker.

Producers: Emma Close and Haley Thomas Editor: Dino Sofos

Long: 2000 miles, 24 hours, two cities and one podcast - and there are still no final results from the Iowa Caucuses. Good start…

Producers: Ione Wells, Emma Close and Haley Thomas Editor: Dino Sofos

Your guide to the latest American news and politics.