6 Political Podcasts You’ll Actually Look Forward To Listening To

If you’ve been keeping up with past seasons of Next Question, you know that in her incredible podcast, Katie addresses every topic under the sun (with help from a roster of experts): from discussing body image with Jonathan Van Ness to chatting all things menopause with her very own OBGYN, Dr. Rebecca Brightman. But this season, Katie’s joining in on the national election elation (and trepidation), and her newest episodes pack a real political punch. You’ll hear about each element of this tight political race from some of the smartest people in their fields, like Mark Cuban’s take on the economy or Samantha Bee’s thoughts on the candidates’ funniest quotes. So sit back, relax, and listen, and let Katie ask — and answer — the tough questions.

It’s a cutthroat world where people are vying for power, and it takes strategy, manipulation, and a little bit of luck to come out on top. Yes we’re talking about politics … and poker. In Risky Business, journalists Maria Konnikova and Nate Silver — both of whom moonlight as high-stakes poker players IRL, in case you didn’t know — use their unique knowledge in both areas to help us understand some of the riskiest questions surrounding the election: Can we trust polls? Are female politicians at an automatic disadvantage? How might certain political decisions impact the market? And for all you aspiring card sharks out there, the pair peppers their conversation with some hot tips on playing poker like a pro. And as with poker, Maria and Nate view politics as a game … one with very high stakes.

Bloomberg has established itself as the media destination for business and market news, and when it comes to explaining the world economy, its reporters are second to none. On Big Take Daily, experts offer the context you need to understand the market-moving stories of the moment. And since the United States election is looming large over the entire world, the podcast gives you the most up-to-date info on how the outcome might impact the economy on a global scale.

Considering our nation’s checkered colonialist past, it’s unwise to look at this election outside the context of history. In Native Land, hosts Angela Rye, Tiffany Cross, and Andrew Gillum discuss what this election means for Black Americans, and how the rhetoric from both sides of the aisle impacts communities of color. They draw from history to contextualize just how monumental it is to see a Black woman run for the country’s highest office, and their excitement and passion for this political moment will uplift even the most jaded voter. The hosts’ conversations and insight might even have you reconsidering your own definition of what it means to be an American.

Did you ever think you’d hear the names Gavin Newsom and Marshawn Lynch in the same sentence, let alone on the same podcast? Although we didn’t have that combo on our 2024 bingo cards, this podcast has quickly become the unexpected friend mashup of our dreams. Turns out the California governor and former Seahawks running back have been friends for years, and have formed a bestie threesome with mutual friend sports agent Doug Hendrickson. The men started their podcast, Politickin’, with the goal of sharing their diverse perspectives on current events in an attempt to find common ground and understanding. And knowing Lynch, there are sure to be a lot of laughs along the way.

If you’ve ever wished someone would interview politicians with a bit less, well, diplomacy, then meet Molly Jong-Fast. The journalist and political commentator’s irreverent humor helps cut through the political tension that’s been stifling us all this year, and she’s also not afraid to ask her guests tough questions. In a political landscape that’s never felt so polarized, Jong-Fast interviews luminaries like former presidential hopeful Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Harris VP shortlister Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker about the issues tearing the country apart — and if there’s any chance it can be put back together.