Top Government & Public Policy Podcasts

The world of government and public policy is complex and ever-changing, making it crucial to stay informed on the latest developments, debates, and decisions that impact society. Whether you’re a policymaker, political enthusiast, or someone looking to understand the intricacies of governance, these podcasts provide valuable insights into the workings of government and the implications of public policies.

This list of the Top Government & Public Policy Podcasts covers a wide range of topics, including government operations, political theory, policy analysis, and public administration. Whether you’re interested in domestic politics, international relations, or legislative processes, these podcasts will keep you updated on the latest issues and offer expert perspectives on pressing policy matters.

Explore the top 20 podcasts below and deepen your understanding of the key issues shaping government and public policy.

🎧 Top 20 Government & Public Policy Podcasts

1. The Weeds

  • URL: https://www.vox.com/the-weeds
  • Host: Jonquilyn Hill & Dylan Matthews
  • Show Details: Weekly episodes offering in-depth discussions of U.S. policy issues, government programs, and political decisions.
  • Description: Jonquilyn and Dylan dive into the details of policy issues affecting the U.S., exploring the implications of government programs and decisions on everyday life.
  • Since: 2015
  • Additional Info: Ideal for policy wonks and political enthusiasts who want a detailed analysis of American public policy.

2. The Daily

  • URL: https://www.nytimes.com/column/the-daily
  • Host: Michael Barbaro
  • Show Details: Daily episodes covering top news stories, including discussions on government decisions, public policy, and political developments.
  • Description: Michael and his team break down the biggest news stories of the day, providing insightful commentary on how public policy decisions are shaping current events.
  • Since: 2017
  • Additional Info: Great for those looking to stay up-to-date on major policy and government news.

3. The Lawfare Podcast

  • URL: https://www.lawfareblog.com/lawfare-podcast
  • Host: Benjamin Wittes
  • Show Details: Weekly episodes focusing on national security law, policy, and governance, with expert interviews and in-depth discussions.
  • Description: Benjamin and his guests explore the intersection of national security and law, providing insights into how policies affect global and domestic security issues.
  • Since: 2010
  • Additional Info: Perfect for those interested in national security, governance, and the rule of law.

4. The Ezra Klein Show

  • URL: https://www.nytimes.com/column/ezra-klein-podcast
  • Host: Ezra Klein
  • Show Details: Weekly episodes featuring conversations with policy experts, politicians, and scholars about key issues affecting government and society.
  • Description: Ezra engages in thoughtful conversations with leaders in politics and policy, exploring the ideas and decisions shaping the future of governance.
  • Since: 2021
  • Additional Info: Ideal for those seeking deep, intellectual discussions on public policy and political theory.

5. Pod Save America

  • URL: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/
  • Host: Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Tommy Vietor & Dan Pfeiffer
  • Show Details: Bi-weekly episodes offering a progressive take on U.S. politics, policy, and current events, with humor and sharp analysis.
  • Description: The hosts provide candid commentary on U.S. political developments and policy issues, blending humor with insightful analysis of government actions.
  • Since: 2017
  • Additional Info: Great for those interested in progressive perspectives on politics and policy.

6. The Indicator from Planet Money

  • URL: https://www.npr.org/sections/the-indicator/
  • Host: Darian Woods & Wailin Wong
  • Show Details: Daily episodes offering quick, data-driven insights into economic policies, government programs, and financial trends.
  • Description: Darian and Wailin explore the economic impact of public policy decisions, breaking down complex issues into short, accessible episodes.
  • Since: 2018
  • Additional Info: Ideal for those looking for bite-sized analysis of policy and economic issues.

7. The Politics Guys

  • URL: https://www.politicsguys.com/
  • Host: Mike Baranowski & Jay Carson
  • Show Details: Weekly episodes offering balanced political discussions on government policies, decisions, and controversies from both liberal and conservative perspectives.
  • Description: Mike and Jay provide thoughtful discussions on U.S. politics and policy, offering a balanced analysis of key issues from different political angles.
  • Since: 2015
  • Additional Info: Great for those seeking a balanced and non-partisan discussion of political and policy issues.

8. The Brookings Cafeteria

  • URL: https://www.brookings.edu/podcast-episode/
  • Host: Fred Dews
  • Show Details: Weekly episodes featuring experts from the Brookings Institution discussing research and insights on domestic and global public policy issues.
  • Description: Fred interviews Brookings scholars about their research, providing expert perspectives on pressing public policy challenges and solutions.
  • Since: 2013
  • Additional Info: Perfect for policy professionals looking for in-depth analysis from leading scholars.

9. The Axe Files

  • URL: https://www.cnn.com/audio/podcasts/axe-files
  • Host: David Axelrod
  • Show Details: Weekly episodes featuring interviews with political leaders, journalists, and policymakers about their careers, decisions, and policy impacts.
  • Description: David delves into the personal stories of political figures and public servants, offering insights into the policies that have shaped their careers and the country.
  • Since: 2015
  • Additional Info: Ideal for those interested in the personal stories behind political careers and policy decisions.

10. The NPR Politics Podcast

  • URL: https://www.npr.org/sections/politics-podcast/
  • Host: NPR Political Reporters
  • Show Details: Daily episodes covering the latest in U.S. politics, government decisions, and policy debates with NPR’s political team.
  • Description: NPR’s political reporters break down the day’s top political stories and provide analysis on government actions and public policy.
  • Since: 2015
  • Additional Info: Great for listeners seeking timely updates on political events and government decisions.

11. The Intelligence

  • URL: https://www.economist.com/podcasts/the-intelligence
  • Host: Jason Palmer
  • Show Details: Daily episodes featuring global news analysis, with a focus on how government decisions and public policy shape international events.
  • Description: Jason provides a global perspective on political and policy issues, discussing how government decisions influence both domestic and international events.
  • Since: 2019
  • Additional Info: Ideal for those interested in the intersection of global politics and policy.

12. Civics 101

  • URL: https://www.civics101podcast.org/
  • Host: Nick Capodice & Hannah McCarthy
  • Show Details: Weekly episodes providing a refresher on how government works, with explanations of political processes, institutions, and policy-making.
  • Description: Nick and Hannah explain the inner workings of U.S. government, offering a primer on everything from elections to the legislative process.
  • Since: 2017
  • Additional Info: Perfect for listeners wanting to understand the fundamentals of how government operates.

13. Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick

  • URL: https://slate.com/podcasts/amicus
  • Host: Dahlia Lithwick
  • Show Details: Weekly episodes focused on U.S. legal issues, Supreme Court cases, and the role of law in public policy.
  • Description: Dahlia discusses major legal battles, court decisions, and their impact on public policy, providing in-depth analysis of how the law shapes governance.
  • Since: 2014
  • Additional Info: Ideal for listeners interested in the legal aspects of policy and government.

14. PolicyCast

  • URL: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/more/policycast
  • Host: Thoko Moyo
  • Show Details: Weekly episodes from the Harvard Kennedy School discussing cutting-edge research and ideas in public policy, governance, and public administration.
  • Description: Thoko interviews Harvard faculty and public policy experts about their research and insights into how policies affect governance and society.
  • Since: 2012
  • Additional Info: Great for policy professionals and students looking for academic perspectives on governance.

15. FiveThirtyEight Politics

  • URL: https://fivethirtyeight.com/podcasts/
  • Host: Nate Silver & Team
  • Show Details: Weekly episodes offering data-driven analysis of U.S. politics, elections, and policy issues, with a focus on polling and public opinion.
  • Description: Nate and his team provide statistical insights into political developments and public policy decisions, using data to explain trends and outcomes.
  • Since: 2016
  • Additional Info: Perfect for data enthusiasts and political junkies looking for evidence-based policy discussions.

16. What A Day

  • URL: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/what-a-day/
  • Host: Tre’vell Anderson & Priyanka Aribindi
  • Show Details: Daily episodes offering a quick rundown of the day’s top news stories, including government actions and policy decisions.
  • Description: Tre’vell and Priyanka break down the day’s most important news stories, offering analysis of how public policy impacts current events.
  • Since: 2019
  • Additional Info: Great for listeners looking for a concise update on political and policy developments.

17. Inside the Hive

  • URL: https://www.vanityfair.com/topic/inside-the-hive
  • Host: Joe Hagan
  • Show Details: Weekly episodes featuring interviews with political insiders, journalists, and policymakers about the biggest issues in government and public policy.
  • Description: Joe talks to key figures in politics and media, offering insights into how public policy decisions are made and the people behind them.
  • Since: 2017
  • Additional Info: Ideal for listeners interested in behind-the-scenes discussions on political decisions and public policy.

18. Trade Talks

  • URL: https://www.tradetalkspodcast.com/
  • Host: Soumaya Keynes & Chad Bown
  • Show Details: Weekly episodes focused on international trade, economic policy, and the impact of trade agreements on global governance.
  • Description: Soumaya and Chad discuss trade policy, offering insights into how international agreements and economic policies affect global relations and governance.
  • Since: 2017
  • Additional Info: Perfect for listeners interested in global trade and its implications for public policy.

19. Political Gabfest

  • URL: https://slate.com/podcasts/political-gabfest
  • Host: Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson & David Plotz
  • Show Details: Weekly episodes offering lively discussions on U.S. politics, policy, and government decisions, with expert analysis from Slate’s political team.
  • Description: Emily, John, and David debate the week’s top political and policy issues, providing thoughtful analysis and entertaining commentary on government decisions.
  • Since: 2005
  • Additional Info: Great for those looking for insightful, yet entertaining discussions on politics and policy.

20. The Global Politico

  • URL: https://www.politico.com/podcasts/global-politico
  • Host: Susan Glasser
  • Show Details: Bi-weekly episodes exploring international politics and global governance, with insights from diplomats, journalists, and foreign policy experts.
  • Description: Susan interviews global leaders about foreign policy decisions, offering insights into how global politics shapes public policy and governance.
  • Since: 2017
  • Additional Info: Ideal for listeners interested in international relations and global policy.

Join the Conversation

Government and public policy shape every aspect of our lives, and these podcasts offer valuable insights into how decisions are made and their impacts on society. Whether you’re interested in national security, economic policy, or political theory, these podcasts provide a wide range of perspectives on the key issues shaping governance today. We encourage you to subscribe to these podcasts, share your favorite episodes, and leave reviews to help others discover great content.

If you have recommendations for other government or public policy podcasts that should be included in this list, or if you’re looking for personalized suggestions, feel free to reach out. Be sure to check back as we continue to update and expand our list of the Top Government & Public Policy Podcasts.

Thank you for visiting our podcast directory—let’s stay informed and engaged with the policies shaping our world!