Stateside by The Guardian dissects American politics

🎧 Following US politics can be genuinely exhausting, but Stateside with Kai and Carter — launched by The Guardian in May — manages to make even the most complex topics engaging. Hosts Kai Wright and Carter Sherman unpack the week’s biggest stories alongside reporters, experts, and thinkers — offering rich, grounded discussions that go beyond the headlines.

What to expect: Wright and Sherman meet three times a week with a Guardian reporter or domain expert, choosing to analyze one single issue in depth rather than skim through the week’s headlines. The episodes vary widely, ranging from prominent left-wing online personality Hasan Piker and why Democrats struggle to inspire California voters to the World Cup and major blockbusters dominating the US news cycle.

Beyond the war: A recent episode moves beyond routine conflict updates to shed light on what the aftermath of war looks like for Iran. As ceasefire negotiations continue, the hosts speak with Middle East journalist Shirin Jaafari about what an Iranian government emerging stronger than before could mean for everyday citizens. The conversation explores daily life under a war-weary economy and the realities facing those who dare to resist an oppressive regime. This episode captures the podcast’s greatest strength: digging deeper into a specific narrative to highlight the human aspect of major political events.

What we liked: The duo succeeds largely because of their contrasting styles. Wright brings the patient approach of a seasoned public radio interviewer, while Sherman adds a reporter’s precision with sharp questions that unlock deeper insight. Together, they give beat reporters room to lay out their findings and perspectives. The result is a podcast driven by on-the-ground reporting rather than commentary from observers watching events unfold from behind a screen.

Our verdict: Distinctly American in its focus, this podcast is best suited for listeners already invested in US politics. It assumes an audience that is familiar with both foreign and domestic US affairs, which naturally pulls the coverage inward. Yet that is precisely what makes it such an authoritative listen for anyone looking to better understand the US’ political landscape.

WHERE TO LISTEN- You can tune in on Apple Podcasts | Anghami | Spotify | YouTube.