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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
United States Politics
Economy
Michigan
Gas Prices
Data Center
Gerrymandering
Kamala Harris
2028 United States Presidential Election
Generational Change In Politics
Electability
Gen Z
Data Centers
Media Credibility
Latino Voters

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

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes36Founded7 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentNewsNews Commentary

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Artwork for America, Actually

Latest Episodes

Between the Trump administration’s executive orders, lawsuits, and relentless rhetoric, it feels like voting systems in America are under constant threat. Is it working?

Editor’s note: Earlier in this episode, Sweren-Becker said that 26 courts had d... more

Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) makes the case for new leaders and a stronger strategy for standing up to Trump.

This show was produced by Frank Posillico, edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, video edited by Ch... more

YouTube

Republicans are entering the midterm home stretch with a staggering $1 billion campaign war chest. Will it make a difference?

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Vasilis Fotopoulos, video edited by Christo... more

YouTube

Most of the focus in this year’s midterms is naturally on Congress. But the battle to control state legislatures matters just as much, if not more.

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

YouTube

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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People also subscribe to these shows.

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Recent Guests

Shane Goldmacher
National political correspondent for The New York Times
The New York Times
Episode: Can you buy the midterms?
Francesca Hong
State Assemblywoman and former gubernatorial candidate
Wisconsin State Assembly
Episode: Can Dems flip state legislatures?
Jessica Valenti
Journalist and founder of Abortion Every Day newsletter
Abortion Every Day
Episode: Democrats’ abortion blind spot
Vivek Ramaswamy
Governor candidate in Ohio; notable Republican figure featured in the event coverage
Self – Republican candidate for Ohio governor
Episode: The GOP strategy: Ignore Trump
Sarah Longwell
Publisher of The Bulwark, host of the Focus Group Podcast, author
The Bulwark
Episode: What Democrats don’t get
Will Lawrence
Democratic candidate for Michigan's Battleground 7 Congressional District; activist-turned-politician
Campaign/Political Activism in Michigan
Episode: The AI election
Mehdi Hasan
Journalist and co-founder of Zeteo News
Zeteo News
Episode: Israel, Trump, and the media
Stephanie Valencia
Co-founder and president of Equis
Equis
Episode: Latino voters swing back
Manny Rutino
Congressional candidate in Colorado's battleground district
Manny Rutino Campaign
Episode: Latino voters swing back

Host

Astead Herndon
Host of the show

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 205 ratings
  • Eagerly look forward to episodes

    I am surprised at how much I like this podcast. There are so many out there, but Aestead manages to distinguish himself among them.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    drdyan
    United Statesa month ago
  • talk to people, who would have thought?

    Podcast Addict
    5
    bhipp
    a month ago
  • 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 States2 months 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 States2 months 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 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
#12
United States/Government
Apple Podcasts
#16
Canada/Government
Apple Podcasts
#85
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#54
Australia/Government
Apple Podcasts
#57
Germany/Government
Apple Podcasts
#61
Italy/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

What Democrats don’t get
Q: What role does AI and technology play in shaping coalitions and campaigning going forward?
AI changes energy costs, job security, and rural land use, so policies must address these concerns with concrete steps, while using technology to engage voters in genuine, non-bottled discussions rather than superficial messaging.
What Democrats don’t get
Q: How should Democrats think about offense on immigration and related issues without alienating broad segments of voters?
Democrats should articulate a clear humane policy that balances security and immigration reform, avoid demonizing immigrants, and emphasize economic fairness and safety, while being explicit about what they stand for and why.
What Democrats don’t get
Q: What was that experience like in New Hampshire, and what did it teach you about the difference between how Washington says it's listening to voters and what you've done since then?
New Hampshire revealed that voters want authentic engagement and real conversations, not Washington-style soundbites; it showed that the pundit class often misreads voter sentiment because they rely on secondhand analysis rather than direct feedback from voters.
The GOP strategy: Ignore Trump
Q: What should Republican candidates be saying to motivate people right now?
Voters suggested Republicans should emphasize concrete economic accomplishments, stress lower taxes and affordability, and frame contrasts with prior administrations while avoiding over-promising on foreign policy, especially regarding Iran and energy prices.
The AI election
Q: Were you surprised Trump won the state in 2024?
No, it unfolded in a way that made that outcome understandable, given the broader political dynamics and the coalition dynamics in the state, and the perception of how well the Biden-Harris agenda had carried through; the war context and other issues also played a role.

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. Today, Explained
3. The Ezra Klein Show
4. The Opinions
5. Radio Atlantic

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America, Actually launched 7 months ago and published 36 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. Shane Goldmacher
2. Francesca Hong
3. Jessica Valenti
4. Vivek Ramaswamy
5. Sarah Longwell
6. Will Lawrence
7. Mehdi Hasan
8. Stephanie Valencia

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