It was so popular last year that we decided to do it again! Join us this holiday season as we introduce you to twelve of our favourite podcasts in the 12 Days of Podmas.
In a time after a post-election attempt at insurrection in the United States, and with countries all over the world dealing with a political polarisation that is only exacerbated by the absolutes of social media, there is a risk of any in-depth analysis being lost forever. Attention spans are not necessarily any shorter than historically, but they do have a lot of competition for their time today. Thus, it is easy to go for sensationalism.
Fortunately, a number of political podcasts out there that, whilst still partisan, are able to mix insight and entertainment. One of the best example in the US sphere is Pod Save America. Running since 2017, the entertainment aspect comes chiefly from all contributors – Jon Favreau (this one, not this one), Dan Pfeiffer, Tommy Vietor, and Jon Lovett – all being genuinely funny, intelligent guys, who can find the humour in most of the dark political situations enveloping that country. The insight comes from the fact that they are all former staffers to the Obama White House, augmented by the fact that they know everyone, and can call on an impressive roster of past and present politicians and media figures as they record and tour this show.
There is no attempt at ‘both sides’ arguments here, this is an unashamedly progressive podcast, that is openly dismayed at the state of the modern Republican Party (particularly its MAGA elements), but they know how the system works, and can draw upon vast experience of campaigning, speech-writing and marketing of their messages, as well as being in-situ for the financial crisis of the late-2000s, to explain not only what is happening in given situations, but to give insight into what ‘the message’ should be: a useful source of information and debate as we approach their primary season as the 2024 Presidential campaign is truly underway.
Pod Save America is not shooting for balance and, as such, this will appeal only to those of a progressive nature, but for those in the target audience it is probably the most fun you could have while listening to something that really takes its politics this seriously. Entertaining and engaging, this show will really suit those of the appropriate political bent.
Pod Save America is available wherever you get your podcasts.