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Artwork for America, Actually

America, Actually with Astead Herndon

Vox Media
Donald Trump
Democratic Party
Artificial Intelligence
Immigration
Affordability
AI Regulation
Gas Prices
Data Center
Gerrymandering
Kamala Harris
2028 United States Presidential Election
Generational Change In Politics
Gen Z
United States Politics
Corruption
Israel
Economy
Michigan
Iran
Ruben Gallego

Donald Trump has defined American political discourse for more than a decade. In 2028, Americans will have a different choice. On America, Actually, host Astead Herndon is joined by people in politics, people in the news, and voters to chart the journey toward the next presidential election. Every week, they dig into the most pressing questions people across the country are asking: How will AI cha... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes26Founded5 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentNewsNews Commentary

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Artwork for America, Actually

Latest Episodes

With the 2026 midterms fast approaching, we’re asking a simple question: What actually matters to voters right now?

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, ... more

Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon overcame a 17-to-1 fundraising gap to win the state’s Democratic Senate primary. Can she score another upset in November?

This show was edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by David Tatasciore... more

What’s up with the kids these days? We asked a Gen Z researcher to explain her generation’s politics.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by ... more

Left-leaning Democratic candidates have faced a lot of scrutiny in the last year about whether they’re “electable” in a general election. Why aren’t people asking the same about Republican candidates?

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Angie Nixon
Florida State Representative, progressive Democrat
Florida State Legislature
Episode: Florida’s progressive test
Rachel Janfaza
Gen Z researcher and founder of The Up and Up
The Up and Up
Episode: The politics of Gen Z
CJ Pearson
Young conservative influencer and political commentator described as a prominent MAGA voice
Republican political figure; social media creator
Episode: Is MAGA still electable?
Hasan Piker
Unofficial mouthpiece of the left and controversial lightning rod for the center
Hasan Piker (streamer/ commentator)
Episode: Hasan Piker’s challenge to the center
Neera Tanden
Democratic Party strategist and President and CEO of the Center for American Progress
Center for American Progress
Episode: The Democratic divide
Dr. Julian Zelizer
Historian and professor
Princeton University (historian)
Episode: The gas price vote
Kara Swisher
Vox podcaster and journalist
Vox Media
Episode: Fantasy draft: 2028 presidential race
Don Lemon
Independent journalist and political commentator
Self-identified/Independent
Episode: Fantasy draft: 2028 presidential race
James Clyburn
Congressman, longtime South Carolina Democrat
U.S. House of Representatives (SC)
Episode: The Boomer politicians who won't retire

Host

Astead Herndon
Host of the show

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 181 ratings
  • My favorite journalist

    Been listening to Astead since he was at [previous news organization] and his style of getting on the ground and actually talking to regular people is my favorite thing he does. I also like that he can be contentious with any of his known guests but can still push for more in a friendly way from regular people.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Malik Scott
    United Statesa month ago
  • A true range of opinions

    I consistently find the episodes to be insightful and interesting. I love Astead Herndon, he’s a great interviewer is too, politely pushes back on centrists and usually catches them tongue tied. The only podcast who invites Hasan Piker on and treats him with respect. You have a fan in me for life. Keep up the great work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CLS8201
    United Statesa month ago
  • Great Interviewer

    Astead is a great interviewer, and seems a genuinely nice human being. I would play this to my kids as an example of how to ask tough questions without being rude.

    Five stars.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    SeanpMurray
    United Statesa month ago
  • Astonishing

    Although I feel he was trying to kind, Astead Herndon’s questions let Jim Clyburn show how out of touch he is. Listening to Clyburn try to justify himself was embarrassing and his ignorance was astounding. In 2026, he just heard of ChatGPT last week? Clyburn is a historical relic and a cranky old man who should not be in charge of anything more important than a pickleball team.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CompassDiamondBee
    United States2 months ago
  • Insightful Interviews

    Astead is a very good interviewer—persistent and always pushing the interviewees. Very much appreciated.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Devon, KingdomAnimaliaPodcasts
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners feel the show lacks novelty and wants more on-the-ground perspectives over familiar punditry.
Listeners appreciate the thoughtful, grounded questions and real-world reporting.
Fans praise the reporting depth and the host's ability to navigate complex policy discussions with nuance.
A minority find the tone overly high-energy or polarizing in certain episodes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#7
United States/Government
Apple Podcasts
#8
Canada/Government
Apple Podcasts
#65
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#22
Italy/Government
Apple Podcasts
#35
Australia/Government
Apple Podcasts
#65
Germany/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Is MAGA still electable?
Q: How does the GOP overcome the electability question for the midterms?
Pearson emphasizes locking in on costs and a narrative that contrasts “common sense” with perceived socialist policies, while suggesting a pivot away from foreign entanglements to address everyday concerns.
The Democratic divide
Q: Can the party turn the page if Vice President Harris is the nominee?
Any nominee will need to present real ideas to address the country's challenges and explain how they would reduce Trumpism, with an emphasis on affordable living, wages, and broader economic opportunity to appeal to a wide coalition.
The Democratic divide
Q: Will you offer similar support to Abdul El-Sayed and help turn out voters against his opponent?
Yes, I'll advise Abdul El-Sayed and push to defeat his opponent, Mike Rogers, while encouraging broader engagement and messaging that distances controversial figures and focuses on policy contrasts and shared goals.
The Democratic divide
Q: What is your primary read on what has happened in the last year of Democratic primaries?
There is an insurgent left gaining ground in blue areas, with several liberal-leaning incumbents losing to more left-wing challengers, while some moderates also win in other races. The dynamic reflects a broader struggle over how to redefine the party's identity and approach going into 2028.
Hasan Piker’s challenge to the center
Q: Is Wisconsin not evidence that statements about electability may hurt candidates who align with you?
No, campaigns don't see it as a clear drag; close races can be treated as upset victories, and reframing moments helps turn them into opportunities to present policy. Electability remains a contested, evolving narrative.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About America, Actually

What is America, Actually about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A hosted panel-style show analyzes current American politics through a lens of on-the-ground reporting, insider perspectives, and big-picture policy debates. Episodes frequently explore the 2028 presidential landscape, electability, internal party dynamics, and the intersection of technology, policy, and media in shaping public discourse. Guests range from political reporters and strategists to donors, academics, and activists, creating a mix of insider insight, ground-level storytelling, and provocative takes. The format often blends data-driven analysis with real-world narratives—from polling and donor dynamics to local organizing and regulatory debates around AI and affordability—delivering a thoughtful, civically engaged take on the nea... more

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1. On with Kara Swisher
2. Pivot
3. Today, Explained
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

How many episodes of America, Actually are there?

America, Actually launched 5 months ago and published 26 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on America, Actually?

Recent guests on America, Actually include:

1. Angie Nixon
2. Rachel Janfaza
3. CJ Pearson
4. Hasan Piker
5. Neera Tanden
6. Dr. Julian Zelizer
7. Kara Swisher
8. Don Lemon

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