Culture & ArtsDonald TrumpU.S. NewsPolitics

How Political Podcasts Can Help Cut Through The Noise Of The News

Can Donald Trump be impeached? Figure it out while at the gym or on your commute.
Jillian Capewell
By 

News Editor, HuffPost

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With the seemingly relentless barrage of leaks and scandals during President Donald Trump’s relatively short time in office, it might seem a wonder to some how he hasn’t been impeached already.

While it’s a sentiment you might hear thrown around water-cooler conversations or happy hours, the actual process of impeachment is, in so few words, more complicated than you might think. As HuffPost’s Jonathan Cohn explains, impeachment isn’t about punishing an individual for a crime, but rather, is a means of protecting any threats to democracy.

Still, if you want to probe further and brush up on your U.S. governmental knowledge, podcasts have proven to be an excellent resource for covering the basics of relevant political issues and beyond. When the news feels overwhelming or difficult to parse through, political podcasts can serve as a guidepost through the swamp that we keep hearing will be drained one day.

Acast compiled a list of 10 shows that help to explain politics for the layperson, the news junkie, and the individual just trying to get the lowdown on what’s actually happening in Congress.

"We the People"
National Constitution Center
What it is: Created by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, this podcast uses the Constitution as a framework for insightful, nonpartisan discussions about major contemporary issues with politicians, historians, journalists, authors and more.

Try this episode: "Presidential succession and the 25th Amendment at 50"
"Civics 101"
NHPR
What it is:This podcast started in the wake of the Trump administration, banking on the fact that people who had little interest in civics before would now care to understand the logistics of how government works.

Try this episode: "Congressional Investigations"
"Decode DC"
The Scripps Washington Bureau
What it is: Decode DC ought to be your go-to place for any explanation of D.C., whether you want to find out why certain things work the way they do or how policies affect real people. It is honest and trustworthy but also entertaining, and never didactic.

Try this episode: "Trump is at odds with the courts. Has a president ever defied them?"
"Can He Do That?"
Washington Post
What it is: The Washington Post takes the question heard around America and tries to tackle it from a different angle every week. Focused exclusively on Donald Trump’s unique and historic presidency, this podcast seeks to break down and explain the legality and moral implications of Trump’s most controversial moves.

Try this episode: "Is Trump in violation of his contract with the American people?"
"Waking Up"
Sam Harris
What it is: Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, philosopher, and best-selling author, and his podcast reflects his background; your own ideas and assumptions will be tested as Harris open your mind to new ways of considering current events and societal issues.

Try this episode: "The Path to Impeachment"
"Pod Save America"
Crooked Media
What it is: "Pod Save America" is the hilarious, informal, overtly Democratic Four space that four former aides to President Obama have created for themselves to have uncensored yet intelligent discussions about the political world; expect plenty of Trump criticism, but in a leveled and constructive manner, as well as lots of (often silly) jokes.

Try this episode: "Literally farcical"
"Congressional Dish"
Jennifer Briney
What it is: Thanks to "Schoolhouse Rock," you know how a bill turns into law, but the nitty gritty details of how bills mutate through the halls of Washington on their way through Congress is a more sophisticated ordeal. Host Jennifer Briney always has very detailed information on the often unknown details of the inception of several bills.

Try this episode: "Trump’s First Laws"
"Slate's Political Gabfest"
Slate/Panoply
What it is: Subscribe to this podcast to get the chance to listen to a group of outspoken and intelligent politics journalists let their hair down and just talk.

Try this episode: "The 'Tuesday Night Massacre' Edition"
"Left, Right & Center"
KCRW
What it is: If you’re interested in challenging your own political beliefs, whatever they may be, then tune into this witty weekly podcast that pits three highly intelligent people from the left, the center and the right against each other in a productive chat about politics and pop culture.

Try this episode: "No one knew governing could be so hard"
"So That Happened"
HuffPost
What it is: From the HuffPost politics team, "So That Happened" aims to explain what’s happening in politics in a detailed, “insider” way to everyone who is an admitted “outsider."

Try this episode: "Donald Trump Is Lighting His Presidency On Fire"

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Donald TrumpU.S. NewsPoliticspodcastJonathan Cohn

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