Katie Nelmes

Keeping up to date with the news can be overwhelming, even at the best of times. Whether you’re studying politics, or just want to understand more about what’s going on, this is an essential list of podcasts from all sides of the political spectrum to explain what is happening in the world of politics in a more manageable and entertaining way. It may even help you find your new favourite podcast!

The Rest Is Politics

The Rest Is Politics is hosted by Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell. Stewart is an author, former Conservative MP (2010-19), former Conservative leadership contestant (2019), and candidate for London Mayor (2020). Campbell is an author, journalist and the former Labour strategist and director of communications for Tony Blair.

The podcast aims for the hosts to “disagree agreeably”: to promote rational debate and discussion between men from two opposing political parties. With their vast experience, Campbell and Stewart speak eloquently about political issues from across the globe that often miss the main headlines. Not only do the hosts draw on their wide-ranging knowledge, but they also tell stories and personal anecdotes from their years working alongside influential politicians.

Every Wednesday they post an episode discussing important events in the news, and every Thursday they answer questions submitted by listeners. The podcast has also featured numerous guest episodes, where Campbell and Stewart interview politicians such as Tony Blair, Keir Starmer, and William Hague.

The News Agents

The News Agents is the new podcast by Global, hosted by Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall. The podcast has been much anticipated since the end of Maitlis and Sopel’s hit BBC podcast, Americast, now hosted by Justin Webb, Sarah Smith, Marianna Spring, and Anthony Zurcher. With so much anticipation, it is unsurprising that The News Agents has already reached the top of the UK podcast charts.

After all three hosts left their roles at the BBC, their new venture sees them releasing new podcast episodes every weekday. Episodes include interviews with influential guests, such as discussions about the energy crisis with former Conservative Chancellor George Osborne, and conversations concerning the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II with royal author Andrew Marr. The podcast’s social media platforms post even more concise and engaging content explaining the day’s most pressing issues.

Pod Save the World

For a podcast covering a wide range of foreign policy issues, I’d recommend Pod Save the World, hosted by Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes. Vietor was spokesperson to President Barack Obama and the US National Security Council (2011-2012). He is also the founder of Crooked Media. Rhodes is a writer and was previously Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications and Speechwriting for President Barack Obama.

The podcast aims to simply explain foreign policy developments in a way that “doesn’t feel like homework.” With episodes usually lasting over an hour, this podcast is perfect for those eager to listen to in-depth foreign policy analysis.

The Guardian Podcasts

For a weekly roundup of the big stories in politics, give The Guardian‘s Politics Weekly UK—hosted by John Harris—and Politics Weekly America—hosted by Jonathan Freedland—a try. Both podcast series upload weekly episodes, around 30 minutes long, rounding up the weekly news in both countries.

The Guardian also has a series called Today In Focus, which provides more in-depth daily coverage of news events from the UK, the US and across the globe. Recent episodes include analyses of the floods in Pakistan, referendums in Chile, and anti-LGBTQ+ laws in Ghana.

Coffee House Shots

The Spectator’s Coffee House Shots podcast episodes are released every weekday. The show is hosted by leading journalists at The Spectator, including Fraser Nelson, James Forsyth, Isabel Hardman, and Katy Balls.

The episodes are short (usually no more than 10-15 minutes long), so they are great to get a snapshot of the day’s events. This podcast is the perfect companion for anyone looking for a brief overview of the news, whilst still gaining insightful explanations and analysis.

Chopper’s Politics

Christopher Hope (‘Chopper’) of The Telegraph hosts Chopper’s Politics, released every Friday. Hope takes listeners with him to his favourite seat in the Red Lion pub, located in the heart of Westminster, where he interviews Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum.

Interesting interviews include the episode featuring Rosie Duffield, the only Labour MP in Kent and often known for her controversial views on transgender issues. Other topical interviews include those featuring Conservative MPs during the Conservative leadership contest, and with former Conservative MP Neil Parish.

Politics on the Couch

Hosted by award-winning journalist Rafael Behr, Politics on the Couch is the perfect podcast for anyone interested in both politics and psychology. While it doesn’t cover current affairs in the same way as other podcasts on this list, it gives an essential insight into political and psychological theories.

Behr interviews experts in politics, psychology and philosophy about issues such as dissonance theory and the authoritarian personality. The aim of the podcast is to explain “the way our minds respond to politics and the way politicians mess with our minds.”

Featured image courtesy of Vika Strawberrika via Unsplash. Image licence found here. No changes were made to this image.

Katie is a final year Politics university student and an aspiring political journalist, currently working as a Twitter Editor for Empoword Journalism!

1 Comment

  1. I would add Rock & Roll Politics (Steve Richards), The New Statesman podcasts, The Bunker, Oh God What Now?, the FT’s Rachman Review.

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