These Political Podcasts Will Keep You Informed When It’s Time to Vote

Are you a political junkie who constantly has CNN on in the background? Do you stand in the polling booth every election cycle and feel totally lost when it comes to how you should vote? Either way, we’ve got you covered. Check out these political podcasts that’ll keep you informed when it comes time to snag your shiny new “I Voted!” sticker.

Pod Save America

Episode length: 60 minutes
Episode cadence: Tuesdays and Tuesdays

A Shorty Award winner for Best Podcast and one of the most popular and famous political podcasts around, Pod Save America is a one-stop shop for all of your political news. Hosts Jon Lovett, Tommy Vietor, and Jon Favreau (no, not that one) worked together as aides for President Barack Obama, and their sharp takes and political knowledge is nearly unmatched.

Hysteria

Episode length: 45-60 minutes
Episode cadence: Thursdays

Named for an infamous term once used to describe “women’s troubles,” Hysteria is hosted by television writer and comedian Erin Ryan (who’s worked on shows like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and former White House Deputy Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama Alyssa Mastromonaco. The two host guests every week to talk about the latest political news, focusing on issues pertaining to women, and even have semi-regular features like the “Sanity Corner” and “I Feel Petty.” 

Lovett or Leave It

Episode length: 60-90 minutes
Episode cadence: Sundays

Yes, Jon Lovett is on this list twice — but he deserves it, considering the fact that he pulls double duty and hosts his own podcast. Lovett or Leave It is a weekly panel show perfect for closing out your busy week on Sundays, hosting diverse guests every week to play games and weigh in on that week’s wildest political news.

The Problem with Jon Stewart

Episode length: 60 minutes
Episode cadence: Wednesdays

At this point, the name “Jon Stewart” is essentially synonymous with modern political commentary. The former Daily Show host now leads an AppleTV+ original talk show, and while it’s airing, there’s a complementary podcast that features everything that airs on the actual show… plus extra stuff that didn’t make the original cut about everything from Trump’s indictment to the rights of transgender kids.

The Daily

Episode length: 20 minutes
Episode cadence: Daily

One of the most famous political podcasts, The Daily airs a new episode every single day — it’s right there in the name, after all — to bring you the latest news in a bite-sized package. Hosts Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise tackle everything from new COVID boosters to huge tech news, and it’s short enough for even the easiest of commutes.

United States of Anxiety

Episode length: 20-30 minutes
Episode cadence: Mondays and Thursdays

Are you anxious about the fraught political landscape? So are the people behind United States of Anxiety. Host Kai Wright unpacks all sorts of issues, like Chicago schools closing en masse or the 2023 Republican debates, and how America’s history informs its sometimes uncertain future.

It’s Been a Minute

Episode length: 15-40 minutes
Episode cadence: Tuesdays and Fridays

Sam Sanders kicked off the NPR podcast It’s Been a Minute, and these days, Brittany Luse is here to break down a mix of cultural news and political headlines. Alongside explanations about what RICO is, you can also hear about things like the history of the pumpkin spice latte.

Code Switch

Episode length: 35-40 minutes 
Episode cadence: Wednesdays

Named Apple Podcasts’ first-ever Show of the Year in 2020, Code Switch refers to the moment where people of color have to adjust to exist in primarily white landscapes — and the podcast itself is hosted by a revolving door of journalists of color, all of whom bring a unique perspective. Like other entries on this list, Code Switch is a mix of culture and politics, but it covers everything from how hip-hop became a tool for U.S. diplomacy to the team’s current beach reads.

Queer News

Episode length: 10-50 minutes
Episode cadence: Mondays

News about the LGBTQ+ community is more important than ever in 2023, as its members find themselves frequently under attack by various politicians — which is why Queer News is a must-listen. Host Anna DeShawn brings you a new episode every Monday talking about what’s going on in LGBTQ+ legislature and politics, and in the summer of 2023, she started a new interview series featuring prominent queer voices.