Seven podcasts to help you win every argument
This week on Podcast Playlist, we got political.
If you need more podcasts to help you strengthen your platform, here are a few more suggestions (in no particular order) to keep you informed and give you some talking points to spark some friendly debate.
1. The Bugle
Episode Suggestion: Episode 228 – Rome's Most Eligible Bachelor
If you enjoy your political commentary served with the sort of dry wit that only a British accent can deliver, you'll love The Bugle. The show is released monthly and when he's not busy hosting Last Week Tonight John Oliver joins fellow Brit Andy Zaltzman (sometimes Andy will go it alone) for some snarky political commentary. In this memorable episode, John and Andy bring insane amounts of energy and silliness to topics like: The Pope's birthday. John Oliver may even improvise a birthday song about the Pontiff to the tune of Hot-Hot-Hot.
2. Whistlestop
Episode Suggestion: George Romney's Ghetto Tour
Slate offers a wide array of well-produced podcasts with phenomenal hosts, experts and guests. Whistlestop is no exception. This podcast offers reflections on the political history of the United States through forgotten stories of past presidential campaigns. It's well written and energetic. You'll cruise through the show's less than twenty episodes in no time.
3. The Political Party with Matt Forde
Episode Suggestion: Show 26 Neil Kinnock
The Political Party is a really fun show because it's recorded with a live audience. Host Matt Forde feeds off of their energy, and it brings this podcast to life. In this episode, he divides the audience by the applause style of the different political stripes and comedy ensues. A solid listen.
4. Slate Political Gabfest
Episode Suggestion: How Many Push-Ups Should the President Be Able to Do?
The Political Gabfest is another offering from Slate and recorded with the round-table style they're most known for. The hosts are really talented at opening up a topic of conversation and discussing the larger issues and themes. The hosts have great chemistry, and it's often laugh out loud funny.
5. Historical Blackness
Episode Suggestion: #16 Sally Hemmings
Historical Blackness is hosted by Dr. Blair Kelley and offers new perspectives on news, politics, current events and popular culture by examining history. The podcast is a part of the popular This Week in Blackness network. In this episode Kelley provides a history lesson on Sally Hemmings and the problematic behavior of Thomas Jefferson. It's a fascinating story, but what makes the episode incredible is the very candid details about Dr. Kelley's own experiences at the University of Virginia, which was founded by Jefferson. This is a can't miss episode of a consistently great podcast!
You can listen to the episode here.
6. State of the RE: Union
Episode Suggestion: Ithaca, NY: Power to the People
Each episode of State of the RE: Union takes on a specific city or town in America and looks at how they create communities within. In this episode, listeners get a tour of Ithaca, New York. It's a place where citizens, tired of waiting for politicians to make up their minds about what to do about climate change, try to create change themselves. If you like This American Life, you'll love the personal stories and interesting cast of characters in this series.
7. Left, Right, Center
Episode Suggestion: Another Mass Shooting
Left Right Center is a weekly podcast about politics and popular culture. Each episode features a round-table discussion from someone with a political perspective from the left, right and the host moderates from the centre. In this episode the recent mass shooting at a community college in Oregon is discussed. Host John Barro starts by asking his guests a tough question: How can we use mental health policy to make a difference in the likelihood of mass shootings? The debate is fascinating and offers more than the well-worn rhetoric we're used to hearing in mainstream media.
Have you listened to this week's episode yet? Here it is!
What's your favourite political podcast? Let us know in the comments below!