Your Guide to Progressive Audio Enlightenment
Let’s talk about the wonderful world of liberal podcasts, where the coffee is always fair-trade, the outrage is righteously indignant, and someone is perpetually explaining why everything would be better if we just listened to more NPR, that is if it exists for much longer.
Whether you’re looking to have your existing beliefs validated with the fervor of a thousand fact-checkers or need ammunition for your next family dinner debate, I’ve pulled together finest collection of progressive podcasts that will have you nodding along so vigorously you might strain something. From policy wonks who can make tax reform sound thrilling to comedians who somehow make climate change hilarious, these shows will keep you informed, entertained, and ready to correct people at parties with the confidence of someone who definitely read the article.
So grab your reusable water bottle, adjust your “Nevertheless, She Persisted” tote bag, and let’s dive into some of the top liberal, leftie, and left-leaning podcasts.
The Ezra Klein Show
Ezra Klein extends an invitation to listeners to join him in discussions about significant contemporary issues. The show explores how society might tackle climate change when political institutions prove inadequate. Klein examines whether market-driven thinking has penetrated too deeply into areas of human experience where it doesn’t belong. The program investigates what lies ahead for the Republican Party and delves into the insights psychedelics might offer about the nature of consciousness..
The Daily Beans
The Daily Beans represents a female-owned and managed liberal news program designed for listeners during their early travel to work, presented by Allison Gill, the Webby-recognized presenter of Mueller, She Wrote, alongside Dana Goldberg, who works as an entertainer, fundraiser, and advocate. Audiences receive their civil rights and governmental updates delivered with an appropriate dose of wit and irreverence.
Pod Save America
Pod Save America presents a straightforward political discussion led by former Obama administration staff members Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor. The program pierces through media clutter to analyze weekly developments and assists audiences in understanding significant events and ways they can contribute.
The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
On Mondays, Jon Stewart presents The Daily Show, but Thursdays find him returning to audio format with The Weekly Show — a podcast that delivers comprehensive discussions with diverse invited participants. Ranging from specialists and campaigners to influential figures and intellectual voices, the program explores the obstacles, transformations, and concepts that are molding contemporary society.
No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen
No Lie examines the most significant and developing political events of the week, presented by progressive analyst Brian Tyler Cohen. Cohen conducts interviews with key figures from the political sphere, placing listeners directly at the center of unfolding developments. The show features no misleading arguments, no false information, and no deception.
The MeidasTouch Podcast
Ben, Brett and Jordy Meiselas are three siblings with distinct professional histories. Ben practices law and partners with Colin Kaepernick in business ventures. Brett has won two Emmy awards for video editing in entertainment media. Jordy previously worked as a successful advertising executive in New York. Their distinctive news coverage style, blending humorous sibling exchanges with unwavering democratic support, has attracted millions of followers worldwide and established them as digital media personalities.
The Necessary Conversation
Family therapy through politics. A brother and sister try their very hardest to deprogram their MAGA parents. To mixed results.
5-4
5-4 is a podcast about the Supreme Court’s failures. Presented by Peter Shamshiri, Rhiannon Hamam, and Michael Liroff, it offers a progressive and sometimes vulgar perspective on the ideological conflicts central to the Court’s most significant landmark cases and provides an irreverent examination of how politics influences law.
Political Gabfest
Stephen Colbert declares “Everyone ought to tune into the Slate Political Gabfest.” The Gabfest, starring Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz, offers the type of casual and playful conversation that Washington reporters engage in during off-duty moments while socializing.
The Al Franken Podcast
A five-time Emmy-winning SNL comedy writer and producer collaborates with a four-time New York Times bestselling author, a three-time top-rated national progressive radio presenter, a two-time Grammy-winning musician, and a former United States Senator. The recording space becomes quite packed when Al discusses public policy and occasional political humor with prominent guests. The format resembles “The Daily” but operates without the financial backing of the New York Times.
Gaslit Nation
Gaslit Nation offers comprehensive examination of current events, bypassing sensationalism to present analysis, historical background, context, and keen observations on international matters. The program is presented by journalist and filmmaker Andrea Chalupa, a specialist in authoritarian regimes who alerted America to Russian threats and electoral interference prior to the 2016 election.
Countdown with Keith Olbermann
“Countdown With Keith Olbermann,” the influential news program that transformed cable television, returns as a daily podcast. Olbermann delivers his signature “Special Comment” analysis, the satirical “Worst Persons In The World” feature, and classic James Thurber readings.
Weekly Skews
Weekly Skews, presented by Trae Crowder and Mark Agee, is a fresh comedy podcast that delivers a rural and blue-collar viewpoint from the Left on weekly news, politics, and cultural events.
What A Day
What a Day skips manufactured drama and echo chambers to guide listeners through essential daily news and entertainment in just 20 minutes. Host Jane Coaston delivers thorough reporting and meaningful analysis on major current stories and emerging trends, consulting experts when needed for deeper insights.
Chapo Trap House
Chapo Trap House is an American socialist political comedy podcast hosted by Will Menaker, Felix Biederman, Matt Christman, and Amber A’Lee Frost, produced by Chris Wade. The show provides commentary from a democratic-socialist perspective, and its co-hosts are affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
The Young Turks
The Young Turks serves as the hub for progressive voices. Cenk Uygur, Ana Kasparian and various liberal commentators present current events and challenging analysis. Whether listeners want comprehensive coverage of recent developments, governmental affairs and corporate media or simply some humor, the TYT daily podcast consistently provides both information and entertainment.
Best of the Left
Thoughtfully-selected liberal politics, current events, and cultural content created by leftist people, not machines or artificial intelligence. This acclaimed podcast explores diverse domestic and global challenges confronting communities and leadership. The show compiles material from numerous progressive news outlets and analysts. Established 2006. Listeners efficiently access multiple viewpoints on specific subjects per episode while discovering fresh sources they wouldn’t find independently.
Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast
Each week Chris Hayes poses the significant questions that disturb his sleep. How can society comprehend this unparalleled period in global history? What causes these events to unfold? This podcast begins to address these inquiries. Authors, specialists, and intellectuals who are similarly seeking answers join Chris to analyze these issues and assist him in achieving more peaceful nights.
The Bob Cesca Show
Presented by Bob Cesca, who contributes to the Stephanie Miller Show and writes for The Banter newsletter, the Bob Cesca Show delivers humorous progressive political discussion from podcasters immersed in the depths of American political discourse.
The Damage Report with John Iadarola
Welcome to The Damage Report with John Iadarola, providing daily analysis of genuine dangers and obstacles confronting the nation and the globe. John Iadarola presents an uncompromising, unrestricted examination of the harm inflicted by the Establishment, dishonest lobbying organizations, the Republican Party and multinational companies.
Lovett or Leave It
Former Obama speechwriter, comedian and Pod Save America co-host Jon Lovett returns for another season of the popular program that challenged guests ranging from Danny DeVito to Amy Klobuchar to wonder “What is this?” and “Where am I?” Weekly, Jon dissects the most significant and absurd political stories to help audiences stay informed while finding humor in current events. This season features notable guests and unexpected discussions unavailable elsewhere.
Democracy in Question
Currently, liberal democracies face extraordinary pressure from internal and external forces. In every episode, distinguished social anthropologist Shalini Randeria welcomes a prominent academic to examine the obstacles and predicaments confronting democracies globally. They analyze what actions are necessary to secure the continued health of democratic institutions and customs.
Mea Culpa
Donald J. Trump’s former lawyer and personal “fixer,” previously pledged complete loyalty to the President until the nation suffered under Trump’s deceptions and instability. After losing his freedom, reputation, and career, Michael Cohen embarked on a mission to correct the wrongs he committed for his ex-boss. Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen delivers unfiltered commentary exposing dark aspects of contemporary American politics, with twice-weekly interviews and frank discussions.
Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov
Elections are commonly decided by moderate voters, yet politicians often fail to deliver what the public desires. Bestselling author, professor and entrepreneur Scott Galloway and political strategist and The Five co-host Jessica Tarlov provide analysis for those positioned between center-left and center-right viewpoints, offering their perspectives on current politics through a centrist framework.
The Majority Report with Sam Seder
Engaging daily political coverage, prize-winning extended conversations and playful commentary.
Pod Save the World
“Pod Save America” cohost Tommy Vietor considered international relations tedious and complex before receiving invaluable experience serving on President Obama’s National Security Council. Through “Pod Save the World,” he and former deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes analyze current worldwide events and provide insider perspectives from individuals who witnessed these developments firsthand.
PoliticsGirl Podcast
American Democracy requires active protection, and preserving it demands more effort than most expect. The Politics Girl Podcast motivates listeners to care and engage by inspiring understanding of America’s potential under proper leadership and the consequences of inaction.
The Bulwark Podcast
Tim Miller and guests analyze current political developments for the primary podcast of the Never Trump movement and the fact-based community. Each weekday they offer thoughtful commentary, political perspectives, a forthright defense of liberal democracy and extended interviews that bypass “both-sides” nonsense. The show also includes humor to help digest the absurdity.
What Now? With Trevor Noah
Trevor currently presents a weekly podcast called What Now? with Trevor Noah. In this fresh program, audiences experience Trevor in an unprecedented way. Each episode features Trevor alongside celebrities, intellectual leaders, athletes, and companions discussing current topics that occupy public attention. He illuminates the types of discussions that typically occur privately – filled with direct honesty, genuine exchanges, and sincere responses.
Election Profit Makers
A podcast focused on election forecasting markets, but not really. Hosted by Jon Kimball and David Rees.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Each weekday, NPR’s top political correspondents explain major developments from Washington and campaign activities. They don’t simply report events but clarify their significance. Every afternoon.
The Rachel Maddow Show
The Rachel Maddow Show broadcasts Mondays at 9pm ET on MSNBC, and appears in this feed soon after.
Stephanie Miller’s Happy Hour Podcast
Do Republicans drive you to drink and curse? America’s original Sexy Liberal and nationally syndicated Stephanie Miller Show host brings you her Happy Hour Podcast! Stephanie Miller and her celebrity and comedian guests take listeners on a spirited journey through politics and pop culture. Pour a drink and enjoy the uncensored ride – pants optional.
Strict Scrutiny
Strict Scrutiny is a podcast about the United States Supreme Court and surrounding legal culture. Hosted by three formidable constitutional law professors: Leah Litman, Kate Shaw, and Melissa Murray, the show delivers thorough, understandable, and witty analysis of the Court’s cases, culture, and figures. Weekly, Leah, Kate, and Melissa examine current headlines and major legal issues, highlighting their impact on everyday life.
Unf*cking The Republic
Audio essays on the American experiment, curated by an anonymous political writer. Each essay examines topics that are commonly misunderstood or deliberately obscured by those in power. Since history is written by victors and can be manipulated to support harmful ideologies, these distorted perspectives become embedded in public thinking and corrupt policy decisions, often with devastating consequences.
The New Liberal Podcast
The New Liberal Podcast explores comprehensive policy, politics and identity issues while featuring economists, academics, industry leaders, intellectuals and politicians whose concepts are influencing society.
Legal AF by MeidasTouch
Presented by MeidasTouch founder and civil rights attorney, Ben Meiselas, national litigation lawyer strategist, Michael Popok, and former Chief Assistant District Attorney of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Legal AF (Legal Analysis Friends) delivers an incisive, stimulating examination of the week’s most significant developments where law and politics converge.
Knowledge Fight
In every episode, Dan and Jordan examine segments from that day’s Alex Jones Show and attempt to understand what they discover. Discover the best episodes of Knowledge Fight.
Do you know of another liberal, left-leaning or progressive podcast that you think should be on this list? Let me know.
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