Looking for more unapologetic political commentary to fill your earbuds? If you’re a devotee of “Chapo Trap House” and its brand of acerbic leftist humor, you’re in luck. The success of Chapo has inspired a wave of like-minded podcasts that blend political analysis, cultural critique, and biting satire.
These shows share Chapo’s penchant for skewering both the right and the liberal establishment, often with a healthy dose of irony and inside jokes. While each has its own unique flavor, they all cater to listeners seeking alternatives to mainstream political discourse. Here’s my list of Chapo-adjacent podcasts, each of which has something for every disaffected leftist.
The Nostalgia Trap
“The Nostalgia Trap” is a podcast hosted by historian and writer David Parsons. The show explores various aspects of modern culture, politics, and intellectual history through in-depth conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds. Parsons, who has a PhD in History from the City University of New York, brings a critical and often left-leaning perspective to discussions on topics ranging from current events to pop culture phenomena.
This is Hell!
This podcast is a long-running weekly show based in Chicago, hosted by Chuck Mertz. The program features in-depth interviews with journalists, authors, and activists, focusing on critical analyses of current events, politics, and social issues from a left-leaning perspective.
Delete Your Account Podcast
Listen to Delete Your Account Podcast
“Delete Your Account” is a fresh audio series helmed by media professional Roqayah Chamseddine and her spirited collaborator Kumars Salehi. On a weekly basis, they discuss significant narratives from the realms of governance and popular culture, encompassing both digital and analog spaces, in an engaging manner guaranteed to maintain your interest.
Citations Needed
This show is media criticism podcast hosted by journalists Adam Johnson and Nima Shirazi. “Citations Needed” aims to analyze and deconstruct prevalent media narratives, political talking points, and the rhetoric of corporate news outlets. Each episode typically focuses on a specific theme or issue, examining how it’s framed in mainstream discourse and offering alternative perspectives.
The Michael Brooks Show
Listen to The Michael Brooks Show
“The Michael Brooks Show” was a political commentary podcast hosted by Michael Brooks, a progressive journalist, author, and political analyst. The show featured in-depth discussions on international affairs, domestic politics, philosophy, and culture, often from a left-wing perspective.
The Fifth Column
A recurring verbal challenge to the current events narrative, its architects, and at times, our own perspectives. Kmele Foster of Freethink, Michael Moynihan from Vice, and Matt Welch representing Reason engage in dialogue, share laughter, and indulge in libations as they strive for a semblance of rationality amidst societal chaos.
The Majority Report with Sam Seder
Listen to The Majority Report with Sam Seder
Engaging day-to-day political discourse, critically acclaimed extended conversations, and unconventional commentary.
Hysteria
Media pundit and humor scribe Erin Ryan teams up with ex-presidential aide Alyssa Mastromonaco, accompanied by a coast-spanning ensemble of witty, outspoken females. Together, they dissect a range of subjects, from legislation on family planning to romantic comedies.
The Weeds
Governance is the means by which individuals acquire influence. Legislation reflects how they wield it. In “The Weeds,” presenter Jonquilyn Hill and her guests dissect the legal frameworks that mold our existence, covering topics from reproductive rights to economic oversight, equal opportunity initiatives to residential planning.
Bad Faith
“Bad Faith” is a political commentary podcast co-hosted by Briahna Joy Gray, a former national press secretary for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, and Virgil Texas, a writer and political commentator. The show aims to provide left-wing analysis of current events, politics, and culture from a perspective that is often critical of both mainstream Democratic and Republican positions.
The Katie Halper Show
“The Katie Halper Show” is a political commentary podcast hosted by Katie Halper, a writer, comedian, and filmmaker known for her progressive viewpoints. The show features a mix of interviews, monologues, and discussions covering a wide range of political and social issues.
Trillbilly Worker’s Party
Listen to Trillbilly Worker’s Party
This political comedy podcast is hosted by three friends from eastern Kentucky: Tarence Ray, Tom Sexton, and Tanya Turner. The show offers a unique perspective on politics, culture, and social issues from a rural, working-class, and leftist point of view.
Srsly Wrong
“Srsly Wrong” is a comedy podcast that blends political commentary, philosophical discussions, and satirical sketches. Hosted by Canadian duo Aaron Moritz and Shawn Vulliez, the show explores various social, economic, and political issues from a left-leaning perspective, often advocating for utopian ideals and radical social change.
Jacobin Radio
Current events, governance, historical analysis, societal trends, and additional topics from a left-wing perspective, as presented by Jacobin.
Left Anchor
“Left Anchor” is a political commentary podcast hosted by Ryan Cooper and Alexi the Greek (a pseudonym). The show focuses on analyzing current events, political theory, and policy issues from a left-wing perspective.
The Antifada
Marxist audio series examining socioeconomic dynamics, historical events, and proletarian conflicts, featuring discussions led by AP Andy, Sean KB, and invited speakers.
TrashFuture
“TrashFuture” is a satirical and political comedy podcast based in the United Kingdom. Hosted by Riley Quinn, Alice Caldwell-Kelly, Hussein Kesvani, and Milo Edwards, the show offers a leftist perspective on current events, technology, culture, and politics. Known for its irreverent humor and sharp critique of capitalism and neoliberal policies.
Revolutionary Left Radio
Listen to Revolutionary Left Radio
Exploring ideological frameworks, contemporary happenings, grassroots mobilization, and the anticipated collapse of free-market economics through a radical progressive lens.
On the Media
The critically acclaimed On the Media audio series serves as your companion in dissecting the inner workings of news production. Presenter Brooke Gladstone investigates challenges to open discourse and governmental clarity, casts a discerning gaze on news outlets’ treatment of major weekly events, and deconstructs veiled political themes embedded within our diverse media consumption.
The Dig
The Dig, an audio series produced by Jacobin magazine, features conversations on governance, law enforcement, migration, and socioeconomic tensions with knowledgeable guests.
The David Pakman Show
Listen to The David Pakman Show
“The David Pakman Show” is a progressive political talk podcast hosted by, yup, you guessed it, David Pakman, a political commentator and media personality. The show covers a wide range of current events, political issues, and social topics from a left-leaning perspective.
The Professional Left Podcast
Listen to The Professional Left Podcast
Boldly and unapologetically progressive, and certainly not safe for work, “The Professional Left” showcases the talents of award-winning bloggers Driftglass and Blue Gal. They expertly dissect right-wing nonsense and mainstream media timidity with sharp wit and no holds barred. From ruthlessly mocking partisan hacks to highlighting overlooked stories, this is the raw, unfiltered political commentary you never knew you needed.
Current Affairs
The “Current Affairs” podcast offers a refreshing blend of insightful analysis, wit, and progressive perspectives on contemporary issues. Hosted by the editorial team of the acclaimed magazine, the podcast focuses on politics, culture, and social justice with a critical eye and a sharp sense of humor.
TrueAnon
TrueAnon is a podcast created by your friends, dedicated to exposing your adversaries. Join the unlicensed private investigators Liz Franczak, Brace Belden, and Yung Chomsky for a show that will push your sanity to its limits.
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