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Artwork for America, Actually

America, Actually with Astead Herndon

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

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes23Founded5 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentNewsNews Commentary

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Artwork for America, Actually

Latest Episodes

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

Democrats have been duking it out all summer. He’s at the center of it all.

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

Hasan Pik... more

Progressives are racking up primary wins. Is the Democratic establishment getting the message?

This show was edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by David Tatasciore, video edited by Frank Posillico, and hosted by Astead He... more

Will high gas prices actually change how people vote? We went to Pennsylvania to find out.

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

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

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
Abdul El-Sayed
Democratic candidate for Michigan Senate, public health physician
Campaign of Abdul El-Sayed (Michigan)
Episode: Progressives take on the Rust Belt
Jamal Simmons
Former communications director for Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris campaign
Episode: Kamala, 2028
John Morgan
Influential donor in Democratic politics
Private donor / California donor network
Episode: Kamala, 2028

Host

Astead Herndon
Host of the show

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 163 ratings
  • nasal

    love astead’s work but his voice is so distracting - sounds like he cannot breathe through his nose and I apologize deeply if this is a serious issue, I just can’t get around it

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Almonduh
    United States3 months ago
  • Low Brow

    Facile commentary intended for consumption by the malleable masses

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    D’Aedae Singh Patel IV
    United States3 months ago
  • Not loving it yet

    I’m a huge fan of Astead and The Run-Up was my favorite podcast during the election. I loved that Astead actually traveled around and talked to people on the ground. I was so looking forward to his new podcast because I was hoping it would be more of the same or similar.

    As much as I’m happy to have Astead in my feed again, this podcast sounds like every other political commentary podcast so far. He’s interviewing politicians, pundits, and thinkers that I’ve heard a dozen times on a dozen other... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    marspowr
    United States3 months ago
  • Love hearing your reporting again!!

    I diligently listened to your reporting during the last election and was very impressed by your honest questioning, interesting topics, and ability to engage communities across all political parties. Your reporting always leaves me with wanting to learn and know more. It’s also helped me understand all points of views beyond what I grew up with. I cannot wait to continue to hear your voice as the midterms come up and hopefully even more of it during the next presidential elections. Again thank y... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    1 star customer service
    United States3 months ago
  • Smart, funny, thoughtful

    So excited to have Astead back in my feed! This podcast is smart and funny while remaining thoughtful. Astead is examining the moment we’re in from the perspectives of real people. The pod looks at how we got here and what’s next. Love it!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Liz E 66
    United States4 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
#5
United States/Government
Apple Podcasts
#8
Canada/Government
Apple Podcasts
#13
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#28
France/Government
Apple Podcasts
#98
Italy/Government
Apple Podcasts
#115
Germany/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
The young candidates shaking up the Dem Party
Q: How do you see the governance of AI affecting workers and the economy long-term?
We should prepare for disruption with policies like retraining investment, job guarantees, and potential AI dividends to share gains and protect workers as technology scales.

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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These podcasts share a similar audience with America, Actually:

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 23 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. Hasan Piker
2. Neera Tanden
3. Dr. Julian Zelizer
4. Kara Swisher
5. Don Lemon
6. James Clyburn
7. Abdul El-Sayed
8. Jamal Simmons

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