14 Best Political Podcasts to Keep You Informed in 2025

TV news moves fast. A complex issue gets maybe three minutes of coverage before they jump to the weather. But political podcasts? They bring you a detailed breakdown of why that policy actually matters, who's really behind it, and what it means for you.

The tricky part is knowing where to start. There are hundreds of political podcasts out there, and quality varies wildly. 

To save your time, we handpicked the best political podcasts worth your time, whether you want hard analysis or something a bit lighter. And if you're short on time but want to understand different positions and narratives, the Headway app offers bite-sized summaries of books on politics that can complement what you're hearing in these shows – and go beyond. 

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Quick answer: Top 5 political podcasts

• 'The Daily' – 20-minute daily news from The New York Times on the biggest political stories.

• 'Pod Save America' – Former Obama aides share candid, left-leaning takes on U.S. politics twice a week.

• 'The NPR Politics Podcast' – Daily insights on political issues from NPR’s political reporters.

• 'Slow Burn' – Deep, season-long dives into major political events and scandals.

• 'In The Thick' – Honest discussions on politics, race, and culture with diverse voices.

14 best political podcasts for informed listening

Expand your knowledge and stay informed about the latest political news. These are the best political podcasts to access expert analysis and various perspectives in 2025. 

1. 'The Daily'

The New York Times political podcast is a famous show that keeps it simple to stay updated on politics. Hosted by Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise, the show reviews the main stories within a 20-minute episode. 'The Daily' is an excellent choice for regular news, as it publishes a new episode every weekday. 

Moreover, topics vary from military to human rights, so you know you’re getting a big picture of current events. It’s safe to say 'The Daily' is one of the most popular political podcasts thanks to its concise nature. It even pairs well with your morning coffee. 

Frequency: daily 

Average episode length: ~ 30 minutes

Who will like it the most: listeners who follow US politics, want political analysis on Donald Trump’s administration, Democrats, Republicans, and current affairs from The White House to Ukraine. 

2. 'The Rest Is Politics'

Hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, 'The Rest Is Politics' offers sharp political analysis on current affairs in the UK and abroad. The show blends insider perspectives, global news, and Westminster insights while maintaining a respectful, engaging debate style. Episodes range from deep dives into international politics to timely discussions on major headlines, often revealing behind-the-scenes political details.

Frequency: daily

Average episode length: ~45–55 minutes

Who will like it the most: listeners interested in British politics, Westminster insights, and global political analysis, especially fans of balanced debate between differing political ideologies.

3. 'The NPR Politics Podcast'

Daily political updates are vital to keep up with the Capitol. If you’re looking for a politics podcast for this reason, tune into 'The NPR Politics Podcast'. Every weekday, political reporters share the most important stories from Washington. More notably, the show helps listeners comprehend what’s happening and why it is taking place. It aims to add context and commentary to current affairs to keep the general public in the loop.   

Frequency: several times a week

Average episode length: ~20 minutes

Who will like it the most: listeners who want concise daily news on U.S. politics, including updates on President Trump, Democrats, Republicans, Congress, and current affairs from Washington, D.C.

4. 'The Gray Area with Sean Illing' from Vox Media Podcast Network

Hosted by Sean Illing, 'The Gray Area' takes a philosophy-minded look at culture, politics, technology, and big ideas shaping the world. Each week features a guest exploring topics like democracy, identity in the digital age, the state of U.S. politics, and major social issues. The show values nuance and honesty, encouraging deeper thinking about current events and timeless questions.

Frequency: weekly

Average episode length: ~55 minutes

Who will like it the most: listeners interested in in-depth conversations about politics and philosophy, especially those who enjoy exploring complex ideas and how they connect to current affairs and democracy.

5. 'The Political Party'

If you’re looking for a political podcast on other nations, 'The Political Party' is an informative and often amusing show on British politics. Host and political comedian Matt Forde brings you regular episodes and engaging interviews. He manages to get on with famous British politicians and encourages a more lighthearted side to them. As the show runs weekly, the topics are relevant and timely, helping listeners stay updated on current affairs. 

Frequency: weekly

Average episode length: ~ 60 minutes

Who will like it the most: listeners who enjoy behind-the-scenes political stories, witty interviews with UK politicians, and a humorous yet insightful take on current affairs.

6. 'Pod Save America'

With its expert play on words, 'Pod Save America' is a go-to show if you’re looking for a slightly more liberal podcast. The show features four former aides to Barack Obama, Jon Favreau, Daniel Pfeiffer, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor. 

You can expect a powerful lineup of the biggest political names, including Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, and, of course, Barack Obama. Although it is a more left-wing podcast, Pod Save America is quite digestible for most listeners. Furthermore, if you enjoy the style of this politics podcast but want a more global focus, tune into the spin-off, 'Pod Save the World'.

Frequency: multiple times per week

Average episode length: ~ 80 minutes

Who will like it the most: listeners who follow the latest news in US politics, want in-depth commentary on the Trump administration, and enjoy sharp analysis of political issues shaping American democracy.

7. 'The Bugle'

In 2007, comedians John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman created 'The Bugle', a global news podcast. However, the show has continued since its inception without Oliver as a regular host. Instead, it now features a collection of rotating comedic co-hosts. The team includes Hari Kondabolu, Anuvab Pal, Alice Fraser, Nish Kumar, Chris Addison, Tiff Stevenson, and Helen Zaltzman. With a global political focus, the episodes average 45 minutes to give you an easy and humorous listen.  

Frequency: weekly

Average episode length: ~45 minutes

Who will like it the most: listeners who enjoy satirical takes on the latest news and political issues with sharp commentary on the Trump administration, US politics, and global events.

8. 'Americast'

American politics is a concern for people all over the world. However, it can be hard to keep up if you don’t live there. Americast is a BBC podcast hosted by British journalists Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel. The pair began the show in 2020 for UK and worldwide listeners. Initially, it offered an analysis of the US elections. 

However, it has continued in-depth talks on the current presidency and future campaigns. Americast is one of the top political podcasts for those outside the US wanting a deeper view of the political landscape.  

Frequency: several times a week

Average episode length: ~ 30 minutes

Who will like it the most: people interested in current events, political news, and global affairs with a focus on the US.

9. 'Ways to Change the World'

We have another option from across the pond if you’re a fan of famous British politicians or presenters. Britain’s Channel 4 brings you 'Ways to Change The World'. The topics aim to be universal, with renowned news presenter ​​Krishnan Guru-Murthy as the host. The politics podcast brings guests worldwide to ensure the episodes resonate with various people. 

While the news recaps the day’s headlines, the podcast aims to go further. With expert analysis and practical answers, the host hopes to share some positive takeaways so the problems don’t remain problems. 

Frequency: Weekly, sometimes biweekly

Average episode length: ~ 40 minutes

Who will like it the most: people interested in global issues, personal stories, and thought-provoking conversations with influential guests like Stewart Lee and Misan Harriman.

10. 'My History Can Beat Up Your Politics'

It’s easy to get caught up in the news and forget where it began. That’s where the next politics podcast comes in. 'My History Can Beat Up Your Politics' is fundamentally a history show. However, it aims to use the political past to contextualize today’s issues. Host Bruce Carlson explores the events that came before today’s headlines, how they link, and what they mean for the future. 

It’s worth noting that while the show tries to be neutral in its view, it can occasionally veer on the side of controversy. That said, it has a significant audience and boasts some compelling debates. Whether you agree or not, the show offers varying opinions if you want to explore another political side.

Frequency: Weekly

Average episode length: ~50 minutes

Who will like it the most: people who enjoy detailed storytelling about major historical events and political moments, such as the Iran-Iraq War, the American Revolution, Native American history, and past U.S. elections. 

11. 'Intercepted Briefing'

The Intercept, a not-for-profit news organization, brings you 'Intercepted Briefing'. If you’re seeking the best liberal podcasts, you may enjoy the show. The reporting is thorough and confident, with hosts strong in their opinions. With a deep analysis of foreign policies, criminal justice, national security, and civil liberties, it’s no wonder the episodes regularly exceed an hour. 

Although it covers numerous topics, it’s arguably one of the best leftist podcasts. Listeners should know it doesn’t shy away from serious issues, often investigating them in-depth.

Frequency: Weekly

Average episode length: ~38 minutes

Who will like it the most: people who want sharp political analysis and investigative journalism on today’s most pressing issues.

12. 'Left, Right & Center' 

Politics can cause heated debates between people with varying opinions. Although many shows in this medium lean towards being centrist or liberal podcasts, we rarely see the three views together. This podcast, however, tackles the current issues within American politics from both sides. 

You’re almost guaranteed to disagree with something on this show, making it a suitable option if you want right-wing podcasts. Listeners shouldn’t expect to agree with every opinion, but it is an insightful way to hear an opposing view. 

Frequency: Weekly

Average episode length: ~50 minutes

Who will like it the most: listeners who enjoy balanced political debate and hearing multiple perspectives on U.S. and global issues. Recent episodes have explored topics like Trump’s disputes with the media, internal divisions within the MAGA movement, the firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief, congressional debates over military action, and political fallout from Texas floods.

13. 'In The Thick'

Many political discussions become void without discussing race. However, Maria Hinojosa and Julio Ricardo Varela aim to enhance these chats by bringing together politics, identity, race, and culture. Their podcast, 'In The Thick', brings a more diverse range of political experts to the table. 

For instance, a journalist of color joins the talk every week as they discuss the racial dimensions within major headlines. It’s a primarily US-focused podcast featuring honest chats and in-depth analysis. 'In the Thick' is one of the best political podcasts tackling issues often ignored within the media.  

Frequency: Weekly

Average episode length: ~30 minutes

Who will like it the most: Ideal for listeners who want sharp conversations on race, identity, and politics. Recent episodes have tackled everything from the legacy of Trump’s immigration policies and the fight for trans rights to personal narratives like the Elían González case and the search for meaning after incarceration.

14. 'Slow Burn'

To understand today's politics and make informed decisions, you must explore past political events. Unlike many shows that analyze an issue in one episode, Slate's 'Slow Burn' dedicates an entire season to a single topic. The early seasons covered the Watergate and Clinton-Lewinsky scandals, which made it one of the best presidential history podcasts.

Frequency: Weekly (season-based series, last 10th season was released in 2024).

Average episode length: ~1 hour

Who will like it the most: Perfect for political history buffs, media critics, and anyone curious about hip-hop politics between Tupac and Biggie, the Iraq war, the L.A. riots, and an extensive history of Roe v. Wade.

Learn about politics on the go with Headway

If you want to take your political knowledge further, learn about political figures, or get into the industry for yourself, Headway is your trusty guide. You can explore a massive catalog of nonfiction literature on the app. For example, you might listen to outlines from Joe Biden and Barack Obama if you like presidential biographies.

On the other hand, there are numerous texts about key political ideas or to build relevant skills, such as leadership and public speaking. For a convenient way to read and listen to the best political authors, download the Headway app and make the most of our seven-day free trial.