As we continue through 2025, podcasts remain key sources of information and insight into government, politics, and public policy. 

The range of political topics discussed has also changed, as podcasts now deliver in-depth coverage of everything from local governance to international relations with ever greater nuance. 

The following is an in-depth guide to the standout government and politics podcasts that help listeners make sense of our complicated political world.

From expert discussion of Supreme Court decisions on Strict Scrutiny to in-depth coverage of national security by Intelligence Matters, the podcasts here show a wide difference in perspective and approach to political processes and government developments. 

This is a selected list that is bound to provide something for the policy professional or the engaged and curious citizen who wants to learn something new about government.

Best Governement and Politics shows of 2025

These are our favorite government-themed shows of 2025. Unfortunately, one is in French, but we still wanted to highlight it because it's truly interesting (and it could be a great opportunity to brush up on your French or even decide to learn it!).

Strict Scrutiny

• Hosts: Melissa Murray, Kate Shaw, Leah Litman

• Cadence: Weekly, on Monday

• Length: 60-90 minutes

Strict Scrutiny takes big Supreme Court cases and legal issues and breaks them down into understandable discussions.

Melissa Murray of NYU, Kate Shaw of Cardozo, and Leah Litman, three law professors  of the University of Michigan, combine their legal expertise with engaging commentary to enable listeners to understand the ramifications of the Court's decisions.

The feature that makes this show unique is the ability of the hosts to work out complicated legal problems yet still sound conversational.

They take apart Supreme Court decisions, oral arguments, and what's happening in the world of law into context and analysis that help non-lawyers understand why it matters.

Podcasts have excelled with very scholarly analysis on high-profile cases as well as bedrock decisions which shape American law.

The hosts are keen on having deep legal analysis and light moments, thus making constitutional law and Supreme Court cases accessible to people who are not legal experts.

The show unfolds information and details on current cases before the Supreme Court, emergency orders, cert grants, and general musings about the Court as an institution.

Lawyers and practitioners will often join to add their particular insights into a big legal issue.

Why Listen: Expert legal analysis of Supreme Court decisions and constitutional law made accessible through engaging discussion and clear explanation.

Who should listen: For anyone interested in the background to Supreme Court decisions, legal professionals seeking additional perspective, and citizens wanting to better understand the impact the Court's decisions have on everyday life.

Available on PodcastAI Chart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the official X Account.

5-4

• Hosts: Peter Shamshir, Rhiannon Hamam and Michael Liroff

• Cadence: Weekly, on Tuesday

• Length: 60-90 minutes

5-4 examines the Supreme Court, illuminating progressive commentary on all subjects. 

Through their analysis, Peter, Rhiannon, and Michael sift through the most landmark Court decisions to the nuances that will blow the lid off some attorneys and keep the rest in stitches with sharp critiques and irreverent humor.

They examine not just the legal reasoning but also its political and social implications, relating often how these decisions affect ordinary people's lives.

They bring together rigorous legal analysis and cultural commentary, creating interesting discussions that help listeners understand the technical and practical aspects of Supreme Court decisions.

Moreover, they take very complex legal issues and break them down into easily understandable terms while keeping a conversational and often humorous tone. 

They are very good at explaining how these decisions shaped American society, with particular emphasis on cases they feel were wrongly decided.

The show digs deep into historical Supreme Court cases and also analyzes current Court developments. 

Why Listen: Insightful, progressive analysis of Supreme Court decisions that combines legal expertise with sharp commentary and humor.

Who Should Listen: It is for everyone interested in a progressive perspective in understanding Supreme Court decisions, and especially those who have an appreciation for critical analysis along with humor.

Find it on PodcastAI Chart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the official Website.

The Lawfare Podcast

• Hosts: Various Lawfare Editors and Contributors

• Cadence: Daily

• Length: 40-60 minutes

The Lawfare Podcast offers in-depth analysis of cases of national security and policy issues. 

The podcast relies on Lawfare's network of experts and practitioners, and experts to dissect complex topics at the forefront of national security, law, and politics.

Original, because it provides deep, nonpartisan analysis of pressing national security challenges, with detailed coverage of cybersecurity, international relations, terrorism, surveillance, and constitutional issues, drawing from Lawfare's editorial team and distinguished guests. 

The hosts are very good at making complex legal and policy matters accessible without sacrificing analytical rigor.

Whether the news is breaking, emerging threats, or long-term policy development, the show provides context and expert insight to help listeners understand both the immediate implications and broader significance of national security events.

Interviews with top scholars, government officials, and policy experts and roundtable discussions on hot topics and recent developments in national security law round out the program. 

Hosts keep the presentations appropriately factual and analytical and avoid partisan argumentation.

Why Listen: In-depth expert analysis of national security law and policy from leading scholars and practitioners in the field.

Who Should Listen: Policy professionals, legal practitioners, and any interested in the challenging interplay of law, policy, and national security, should listen.

Find it on PodcastAI Chart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the official Website. 

Civics 101

• Hosts: Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice

• Cadence: Weekly, on Tuesday

• Length: 20-30 minutes

Civics 101 helps you learn about how American democracy works. Produced by NHPR, this show takes the most difficult topics about the U.S. government and simplifies them into engaging, bite-sized episodes.

In this podcast, hosts Hannah McCarthy and Nick Capodice are personable tour guides through the sometimes perplexing world of American civics. 

What works for this podcast is how it can take very dry subjects and turn them into engaging storytelling that makes people want to hear more, even while they're learning.

It does a great job in explaining those basic concepts of American government, from the Electoral College to the Supreme Court, from the Bill of Rights to the role of federal agencies. 

And that's just what makes this podcast perfect for both students and adults who want to improve their civics-one episode, one question about how our government works.

They usually include expert guests, like historians, political scientists, and government officials, who can give more context and a real-world view. 

The production quality is very high, which is expected of NPR: clear audio and well-researched content.

Why Listen: To get a clear, engaging explanation of how American government and democracy work in an accessible format, making complex topics easy to grasp.

Who Should Listen to This: Great for students of civics, new citizens seeking an American government crash course, teachers of all levels seeking teaching resources, and any citizen who wants to better understand their democracy.

Available on PodcastAI Chart, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and the official website.

The Young Turks (TYT)

•  Hosts: Cenk Uygur, Ana Kasparian

•  Cadence: Daily

•  Length: 120-180 minutes

For it was found in 2002, The Young Turks has been the mainstay of progressive digital media. 

As America's longest-running online news show, TYT brings together breaking news coverage with passionate political commentary and in-depth current events analysis.

It is a newscast in which the format maintains a balance of traditional news reporting with dynamic discussions between its anchors, Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian. 

Uygur, with a background in both law and commentary on politics, gives historical and political analysis, while Kasparian comes from an academic setting of journalism and political science to provide sharp critiques and detailed policy analyses.

But what really sets TYT apart is an unrelenting attitude toward the delivery of news. 

The show prides itself on independence from corporate influence, which it says allows for straight-ahead criticism of both political parties and mainstream media narratives. 

Episodes boast comprehensive coverage of political developments, social movements, and policy debates often not covered by traditional media outlets.

Their format includes main stories, deep dives into developing news, and regular segments analyzing political trends. The hosts interview progressive politicians, activists, and journalists who provide their perspectives on current events.

Why Listen: For independent, progressive political commentary and news analysis that challenges mainstream narratives and offer detailed context for complex political issues.

Target Audience: Progressive politics, critique of media, and alternative perspectives on current affairs for listeners who want to engage deeply on topics usually rushed through by regular news shows.

Available on PodcastAI Chart, YouTube, Spotify, and TYT's website.

The DSR Podcast

•  Host: David Rothkopf

•  Cadence: Daily

•  Length: 45-60 minutes

The DSR Podcast is a masterclass in investigative journalism and national security analysis.

The host is the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Rothkopf, a long-serving foreign correspondent and expert in national security who brings deep insight and historical context to every episode.

The show is unique in how it reaches into complex geopolitics through the methodical approach of Rothkopf. 

Tapping into years of conflict reporting, terrorism investigations, and national security coverage, he develops clear narratives of complicated international situations without losing their essential complexity.

That tends to be one big issue per episode, and it's an opportunity for really, really deep coverage on anything from intelligence operations to diplomatic negotiations. 

As the accomplished journalist he is, Rothkopf gets to the heart of the most critical global issues with thought-provoking questions.

Regular guests on the podcast include high-profile former intelligence officials, diplomats, policy experts, and fellow journalists who provide a wide range of perspectives on international relations, security challenges, and political developments that often go unmentioned in mainstream media coverage.

This makes it a strong show, especially on how historical events connect with the current development to help listeners understand how past decisions shape the present-day challenge. 

Rothkopf uses his life experience to earn him unique credibility in discussions involving conflict zones and international security.

Why Listen: For expert analysis of national security issues and international affairs, presented with the insight of a veteran journalist who has reported from the world's most challenging environments.

Who Should Listen: Foreign policy professionals, security experts, journalists, and anyone looking for sophisticated analysis of global affairs and national security issues from a seasoned perspective.

Available on PodcastAI Chart, Apple Podcasts, and the DSR Network website.

The Damage Report with John Iadarola

•  Host: John Iadarola

•  Cadence: Monday to Friday

•  Length: 60 minutes

Progressive newscast and politics program in format, this show covers breaking news alongside in-depth policy analysis. 

John Iadarola, its host, brings much academic weight into the way he analyzes news; hence, making daily political coverage more insightful and yet, understandable to all.

This show tries to distinguish itself through fact-based reporting with a clear progressive perspective. 

Iadarola's background in political science and media analysis molds the approach of the show, which merges academic acumen with contemporary political commentary.

Each episode does an in-depth wrap of breaking news, updates in policy, and social movements. 

It encompasses daily headlines and goes further with in-depth insight into larger political trends and systemic issues. 

Regular segments delve in-depth into the details of polling data, electoral politics, and policy proposals.

The program also often includes interviews with journalists, activists, and policy experts to lend additional context and expertise. 

A particular strong point is the show's focus on emerging progressive movements and grassroots political organizing.

Why Listen: For progressive news analysis that brings together academic rigor and accessible commentary on both breaking news and deeper underlying political trends.

Who Should Listen: Progressive viewers looking for fact-based political analysis, policy wonks who love deep dives of what's happening in the current events, and anyone who just wants to grasp political developments through a progressive analysis.

Available on PodcastAI Chart, all major podcast platforms, TYT Network, and YouTube.

The Tristan Snell Show

•  Host: Tristan Snell

•  Cadence: Daily

•  Length: 45-60 minutes

A legal and political analysis podcast hosted by former New York Assistant Attorney General Tristan Snell, offering insight into the most compelling place in the intersection of law and politics. 

Snell's background of prosecuting high-profile cases, such as the case of Trump University, lends a unique perspective on the legal proceedings that affect American democracy.

The show is unique for the way in which it translates complex legal concepts into understandable terms while maintaining analytical depth. 

Snell combines his prosecutorial experience with political analysis to examine legal cases of significant political consequence.

The episodes focus on ongoing investigations, court decisions, and legislative developments that have an impact on democratic institutions. 

The show regularly features detailed analysis of white-collar crime investigations, constitutional law issues, and regulatory enforcement actions.

A key strength is Snell's ability to predict legal developments based on his experience in complex prosecutions. 

The show includes regular segments examining procedural aspects of high-profile cases, helping listeners understand both what's happening and what might happen next.

The program also regularly hosts experts in the law, former prosecutors, and political analysts to round out complex legal issues. 

Snell's approach marries technical legal analysis with a wider political context, bringing complex legal ideas to general audiences.

Why Listen: For sophisticated legal analysis from a former prosecutor of political cases, with a clear explanation of what complex legal concepts mean and how they could affect American democracy.

Who Should Listen: Legal experts, politicians, political enthusiasts, and general citizens interested in law and politics, especially high-profile investigations and constitutional issues.

Available on PodcastAI Chart, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

Capitalisn't

• Hosts: Luigi Zingales, Bethany McLean

• Frequency: Every second week, on thursday

• Runtime: 45-60 minutes

A highbrow podcast on economics, nuanced in exploring the modern shades of capitalism by University of Chicago economist Luigi Zingales and acclaimed financial journalist Bethany McLean. 

Unique in its approach, the show challenges both the pro-market and anti-market orthodoxies to delve into the complexity of capitalist systems.

The complementary knowledge that the hosts bring in creates richness in the tone of each episode. 

Zingales brings deep, academic economic theory and research, and McLean adds in insight from investigative journalism, experienced from covering major financial scandals, including her co-authorship of "The Smartest Guys in the Room" about the Enron collapse.

Each episode has been focused on one single aspect of capitalism, from market concentration and financial regulation to economic inequality and innovation. 

Given the in-depth interviews that the show does with leading economists, business leaders, and policy experts, the show occupies a unique position in linking academic economic research to current business and policy debates.

Where it really shines, though, is in the controversial economic issues-the way it frames them from many different perspectives. 

Listeners come away with a balanced analysis, not ideological certainty. Regular topics covered include corporate governance, financial markets, competition policy, and the relationship between democracy and capitalism.

Why Listen: For some nuanced analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of capitalism from both academic and journalistic perspectives, offering insights into how economic theory applies to real-world challenges.

Who Should Listen: Students of Economics, businessmen, policy makers, and anybody who wants to understand the complexity of modern capitalism beyond ideological debates.

Listen on PodcastAI Chart, major podcast platforms and the official website.

Sekulow

•  Host: Jay Sekulow

•  Cadence: Monday to Friday

•  Length: 60 minutes

Today's legal and political commentary from a biblical worldview. Jay Sekulow is Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) and a member of President Trump's legal team. 

He brings insight and experience to constitutional law, religious liberty cases, and other current legal matters involving conservative causes.

Drawing on his years of experience arguing hundreds of cases before the Supreme Court, Sekulow examines the hottest constitutional issues, from religious freedom to executive power and government regulation. 

The show regularly features attorneys from the ACLJ and other great legal minds discussing the latest cases and strategies.

Original programs that combine breaking legal news with thoughtful, in-depth analysis of constitutional issues and their real-world impact. 

Regular segments on Supreme Court decisions, congressional happenings, and international news that affects religious liberty and other conservative legal issues.

It is unique because it brings together legal expertise and advocacy in a way that often provides listeners with insight into the behind-the-scenes context of major constitutional cases and the strategic thinking through which lawyers decide how to litigate constitutional cases.

Why Listen: For a conservative legal perspective on constitutional law and religious liberty cases, by a veteran Supreme Court advocate with heavy litigation experience.

This will be of most interest to conservative lawyers, religious liberty advocates, listeners interested in constitutional law with conservative overtones, and general religious freedom cases.

You can listen on the PodcastAI Chart, find it on the official website, or your favorite major podcast platforms.

Anne Hidalgo - Paris en Commun

•  Host: Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris

•  Cadence: Bi-Weekly

•  Length: 30-45 minutes

An extremely unique and very French-language podcast on the inside track behind the government in Paris by the host herself: Mayor Anne Hidalgo. 

It provides a singular look inside the policy that makes urban management and the environment tick, not to mention managing one of the most iconic cities in the world.

What makes the podcast unique is that it links directly to city management. As the first female mayor of Paris, Hidalgo takes advantage of this podcast to explain how complex urban policies have been put into practice in real situations. Its title "Paris en Commun" reflects the scope: common urban development and popular participation.

Episodes typically feature conversations with urban planners, environmental experts, and community leaders about major initiatives transforming Paris. 

Key topics include the ambitious "15-minute city" concept-where essential services should be accessible within a quarter-hour of walking-and Paris's aggressive climate action plans.

It was an excellent series to filter down some very complex city projects into comprehensible thought, from the future of the Champs-Élysées as a green corridor to more extensive cycling infrastructure.

 Hidalgo shows, rather than the vision of such changes, how they could really work practically.

A particular strength of the podcast is its focus on environmental initiatives and social inclusion. 

Episodes regularly cover how Paris adapts to climate change while facing issues such as affordable housing, public transportation, and community development. 

The show provides insight into how a major global city balances tradition with innovation.

Regular segments include updates on major infrastructure projects, discussions of neighborhood-level improvements, and explanations of policy decisions affecting daily life in Paris. 

The format allows for detailed exploration of how municipal policies impact different communities within the city.

Why Listen: For direct insight into urban governance and transformation from the leadership of a major global city, with particular focus on sustainable development and social equity.

Who should listen: Anne Hidalgo - Paris en Commun will be of interest to anyone interested in knowing about the urban politics of Paris, its ideas on sustainable development, and other political proposals. 

Ideal for informed citizens in Paris, for those who believe in Anne Hidalgo's vision for the city, and for smart city enthusiasts, climate protectionists, and progressive governance advocates. 

The analysis of the city's development and sustainability will also be useful for researchers, students, and practitioners in urban planning and public policy.

Find it on PodcastAI Chart, on the official website and the main podcast platforms.

Intelligence Matters: The Relaunch

•  Host: Michael Morell

•  Cadence: Weekly

•  Length: 45-60 minutes

Intelligence Matters is a premier national security podcast hosted by former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morell.

This show offers unique insight into intelligence operations, global security challenges, and foreign policy. 

Morell's long career in intelligence, including serving as Acting Director of the CIA, brings credibility and depth to each episode.

Intelligence Matters; The Relaunch differentiates itself with its high-level access to intelligence community figures and national security experts.

You will listen to in-depth interviews with former intelligence officials, policymakers, and security analysts and get unique perspectives on global challenges.

Topics range from cybersecurity and counterterrorism, geopolitics, to emerging technological threats.

 It does a great job explaining complex security issues with operational security considerations. 

Some regular segments on the show include analysis of current intelligence challenges, emerging threats, and the evolution of intelligence practices.

Morell hosts this show exceptionally well, joining the dots from historical intelligence operations and current security challenges to help listeners understand how past experiences truly inform present-day decision-making. 

The show is non-partisan on national security issues and provides frank assessment of global threats.

Why Listen: Expert analysis of national security issues from insiders in the intelligence community, offering unique insights into global security challenges and intelligence operations.

Who Should Listen: Professionals in the field of national security, policy analysts, government officials, and anyone eager to understand global security issues from the perspective of intelligence.

Available on PodcastAI Chart, , all major podcast platforms, and the Beacon Global Strategies website.

The Just Security Podcast

•  Hosts: Rotating hosts from Just Security's editorial team

•  Cadence: Weekly

•  Length: 45-60 minutes

This podcast examines critical issues in national security law, foreign policy, human rights, and democratic governance. 

The show offers a unique perspective on various topics from legal scholars, former government officials, and policy experts, to provide deep analysis of pressing national security challenges.

It is unique given the depth in which it has debated legal and policy issues impinging on national security. Its episodes feature deep discussions of constitutional questions, international law, and human rights concerns and their impact on U.S. policy and global security.

Most of the episodes take one issue at a time, with expert guests who provide theoretical framework and practical policy implications. 

The show does an excellent job of connecting legal principles with real-world security challenges, examining how law shapes national security decisions and their consequences.

Regular topics include executive power, surveillance law, armed conflict, cybersecurity, and democratic oversight of national security institutions. The rotating host format brings diverse expertise to each episode, ensuring comprehensive coverage of complex issues.

One of the strengths of the show is how it explains sophisticated legal concepts in an accessible way to non-lawyers interested in national security policy. 

The podcast often addresses emerging security challenges from legal and policy perspectives on a regular basis.

Why Listen: Sophisticated analysis of national security law and policy by leading experts, providing insight into how legal frameworks shape security decisions.

Who Should Listen: Legal professionals, policy experts, academics, national security practitioners, and those who want more granular information on the legal dimensions of national security issues.

Available on PodcastAI Chart, Just Security website, and major podcast platforms.

Conclusion

Government and Politics Podcasts 2025 are representative of the ever-changing landscape of political discourse and civic engagement. 

More than news coverage, these podcasts offer their listeners context, analysis, and expert insight that helps make sense of our rapidly changing political landscape in a bid to keep listeners informed and engaged. 

From progressive to conservative perspectives, from local governance to national security, this diverse array serves as an essential resource toward understanding the mechanism of government and the forces shaping our political future.

Looking for some Podcasts to watch?

We got you covered!

The Funniest Comedy Podcasts to Listen to in 2025

Top Educational Podcasts 2025: Learn Something New Every Day

Best News Podcasts 2025: Your Essential Guide to Keep Informed

Top 15 Music Podcasts in 2025: All The Shows You Cannot Miss!

17 Best Art Podcasts You’ll Love in 2025: Design, Culture, & More

Top Erotica Podcasts of 2025: Best Reviews!

Top Crime Podcasts of 2025: Thrills, Chills, and True Fear

40 Apple Podcasts That Talk About Books: Your Next Literary Listen

Best Tech Podcasts to Start the Year (2025)

For Podcast lovers only!

Are you a podcast enthusiast who doesn’t want to miss out on the best shows of the moment? Discover them all on PodcastAI Chart! Explore the top podcasts from around the world in a single chart, with daily ranking updates and historical data. Check them out now!

Author's note

Have you ever wanted to create a podcast but didn’t have the time or resources? PodcastAI is here to make that dream come true.

With our AI-powered software, you can easily transform your blog posts, newsletters, or favorite news articles into podcast episodes—using your own voice, with almost no effort.

PodcastAI handles every detail: it writes episodes, generates show notes, creates eye-catching cover art, and adds chapters and transcripts.

It even automatically publishes your podcast to Apple, Spotify, and other platforms, while also providing social media clips and a custom website for your show.

Whether you're a content creator, business owner, or agency, PodcastAI saves you time and helps you connect with your audience in a whole new way.