9 Podcasts to Listen to Before the Next Election

Hosted by Nick Capodice and Hannah McCarthy, authors of A User’s Guide to Democracy: How America Works, the Civics 101 podcast is the perfect way to learn all about American democracy — including those things you probably learned in school but no longer remember.

Hosted by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, Pantsuit Politics brings thoughtful conversation to the often polarizing world of American politics. The show is known for its commitment to respectful, nuanced discussions that explore issues from opposing viewpoints without sacrificing empathy or curiosity. Blending personal reflection with policy talk, it’s a go-to listen for anyone seeking a calmer, more constructive approach to political dialogue.

The Pew Charitable Trust is all about non-partisan, data-driven insights. And so, it should be no surprise that their political podcast, After the Fact, adopts their trademark straightforward, evidence-based approach to discussing issues affecting today’s society. Though not strictly political, this podcast is essential for staying up-to-date with current news in health, technology, and other vital arenas.

The Left, Right & Center podcast does exactly what it sounds like — it presents the listener with three positions on a topic: one from the left, one from the right, and one from the center. This is a must-listen for anyone looking for a bi-partisan take on politics and policy.

The man behind FiveThirtyEight (the website and its associated podcasts) is Nate Silver, a world-renowned statistician and award-winning political analyst. That alone makes the site’s politics podcast a necessity for anyone looking to get educated on the electoral map and the state of the race.

National Public Radio (NPR) podcast are known for being high quality, engaging, and straightforward, and all of these words describe the organization’s politics podcast, which is published every week day. You won’t just get the boots-on-the-ground news straight out of Washington,  you will also be left with an understanding of why it matters and what it all means.

Hosted by political scientists from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, Not Another Politics Podcast cuts through the noise of the 24/7 news cycle with a rigorously academic lens. Rather than relying on punditry or opinion, the show uses data, research, and political theory to unpack the biggest stories shaping today’s political landscape. The result is a refreshingly nonpartisan, evidence-driven podcast that helps listeners understand the political science behind the headlines.

Hosted by lawyer Jordan Berman, UNBIASED Politics delivers clear, fact-driven breakdowns of the day’s biggest political stories without partisan spin. Each episode recaps current events while unpacking complex legal and policy issues—like breaking down major Supreme Court decisions or clarifying what executive actions mean in practice—in a way that’s accessible and easy to follow. With Berman's emphasis on impartiality and “just the facts,” it’s a go-to listen for anyone looking to stay informed without the noise of partisan commentary.

Hosted by UK political insiders Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell, The Rest Is Politics offers American listeners a sharp, globally minded take on today’s political landscape at home and abroad. At a time when countries and policies are increasingly interconnected, the show explores how international forces shape what voters hear on the U.S. campaign trail. Blending opposing viewpoints with deep government experience, Campbell and Stewart model how to disagree agreeably. They offer thoughtful debate and a refreshing alternative to the nonstop churn of the American 24/7 news cycle.