What are the top political podcasts to listen to on Spotify?

[jack]

If you want to dive deep into U.S. politics, you’ve got to check out Pod Save America—it’s insightful, witty, and keeps you up-to-date on everything from policy to current events. Also, The Daily by The New York Times gives you a solid 20-minute briefing on the top political stories every weekday. For something a little more long-form and investigative, Slow Burn is excellent, particularly its season on Watergate. And if you’re into debates and hard-hitting interviews, Intercepted is a must-listen!

[James]

Top Political Podcasts to Listen to on Spotify

Looking to stay updated on U.S. politics while on the go? Here are some of the best political podcasts to tune into on Spotify, each offering unique insights, discussions, and perspectives on the ever-changing political landscape.

1. Pod Save America

• Host(s): Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor

• What to Expect: A progressive perspective on politics, with a mix of insightful analysis and humor. Hosted by former Obama staffers, this podcast breaks down the biggest political stories in the U.S. and features interviews with prominent figures. It’s engaging and often provides a “behind the scenes” view of political life.

2. The Daily

• Host(s): Michael Barbaro

• What to Expect: A brief (usually 20-minute) overview of the day’s most important political news. Produced by The New York Times, this podcast is perfect for listeners who want a quick yet thorough rundown of political events, delivered in a concise and accessible way.

3. Slow Burn

• Host(s): Various hosts, with seasons focusing on different topics

• What to Expect: Deep dives into pivotal moments in U.S. political history. Whether it’s Watergate or the Clinton impeachment, Slow Burn explores major political scandals and events, breaking them down with engaging storytelling and thorough research. Perfect for listeners who enjoy historical context and analysis.

4. Up First

• Host(s): NPR

• What to Expect: A quick 10-15 minute podcast summarizing the day’s top political news. It’s great for busy mornings when you need a fast, reliable update on what’s happening in politics, without getting bogged down in too many details.

5. What A Day

• Host(s): Crooked Media

• What to Expect: A lighter, more comedic take on current political events. This podcast breaks down the day’s major stories while keeping the mood light and injecting humor into serious topics. It’s perfect for those who want to stay informed but need a little levity in the process.

6. Crooked Media’s Pod Save the People

• Host(s): DeRay Mckesson, Sam Sinyangwe, and Brittany Packnett Cunningham

• What to Expect: A social justice-driven political podcast that covers politics with a focus on race, activism, and the impact of policies on marginalized communities. It blends in-depth discussions of current events with calls to action for listeners interested in social change.

7. The Joe Rogan Experience

• Host(s): Joe Rogan

• What to Expect: While not exclusively a political podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience often features political figures, commentators, and experts. Rogan’s long-form interview style allows for in-depth discussions on politics, culture, and current events, and the podcast has a massive following, making it a great option for those who like longer, conversational content.

8. The Takeaway

• Host(s): Tanzina Vega

• What to Expect: This podcast covers politics from a broad, inclusive perspective, often focusing on how political events impact different communities. It combines news with thoughtful commentary on how policies affect real people, particularly marginalized groups.

9. Intercepted

• Host(s): Jeremy Scahill

• What to Expect: Investigative reporting and in-depth political analysis. This podcast focuses on political corruption, war, and corporate influence, with episodes often featuring interviews with whistleblowers and activists who challenge the status quo.

10. Left, Right & Center

• Host(s): Various hosts

• What to Expect: A political debate podcast featuring voices from across the political spectrum. It’s an excellent way to hear different perspectives on major political issues and get a well-rounded understanding of the debates shaping U.S. politics.

These podcasts offer a wide range of perspectives on politics, from hard-hitting news to lighter commentary, providing something for every listener interested in staying informed. Whether you’re looking for a quick daily briefing or a deep dive into political history, these podcasts are sure to keep you engaged and knowledgeable about the ever-evolving political landscape.