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Background Briefing with Ian Masters

Ian Masters
Donald Trump
CPAC
Russia
Gaza
Ukraine
Christian Nationalism
Supreme Court
Democracy
Fascism
Christian Theocracy
Israel
U.S. Politics
Alexei Navalny
Putin
Russian Intelligence
Gaza War
Joe Biden
Ukraine Aid
Government Shutdown
Vladimir Putin

Background Briefing goes far beyond the headlines and deep under the radar to bring forward truths unheard elsewhere in American media. Background Briefing features international and national news, expert guests, policymakers, and critics offering analysis and insight on national security, foreign and domestic policy, political, cultural, and social issues. backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.co... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes606Founded11 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

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Artwork for Background Briefing

Latest Episodes

The Leninists and Stalinist at the Head of MAGA and the Trump White House | Trump Trashes the UN Leaving China to Fill the Void After the US Withdraws From the World Body | Silicon Valley's Merging of Techno-Fascism and Christo-Fascism as Musk Merges... more

Could Our Democracy Be Over Before We Get to Vote in 2026? | Zelensky Warns the World is "in the Most Destructive Arms Race in History" | Harris' Book Reminds Us That Biden's Inner Circle Are Responsible For the Catastrophic Return of Trump backgroun... more

YouTube

September 23, 2025 - Dulcie Leimbach | Arthur Caplan | Maha Nassar Trump Trashes the Countries of the World at the UN in Front of the World's Leaders | The Deadly Consequences of Trump's Lies and Quackery As He Announces a "Cure" For Autism | At the ... more

YouTube

Does Recognizing Palestine Create an Illusion of Action to End the Agony in Gaza? | Massive Demonstrations Across Brazil Against Pardoning Bolsonaro and How We Should Have Jailed Trump After His Coup Attempt | Trump Spews Hatred at Charlie Kirk's Mem... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Dulcie Leimbach
Founder of PassBlue, covering United Nations peacekeeping operations and women's issues.
PassBlue
Episode: September 23, 2025 - Dulcie Leimbach | Arthur Caplan | Maha Nassar
Arthur Caplan
Professor of Bioethics and Director of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Langone Medical Center.
NYU Langone Medical Center
Episode: September 23, 2025 - Dulcie Leimbach | Arthur Caplan | Maha Nassar
Maha Nassar
Professor of Modern Middle Eastern History and Islamic Studies at the University of Arizona.
University of Arizona
Episode: September 23, 2025 - Dulcie Leimbach | Arthur Caplan | Maha Nassar
Andre Pagliarini
Professor of history and international studies at Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University
Episode: September 22, 2025 - Ahmed Moor | Andre Pagliarini | Will Bunch
Ahmed Moor
Writer and fellow at the Foundation for Middle East Peace
Foundation for Middle East Peace
Episode: September 22, 2025 - Ahmed Moor | Andre Pagliarini | Will Bunch
Craig Aaron
President and co-CEO of Free Press Action
Episode: September 18, 2025 - William Cohan | Craig Aaron | Aziz Huq
Ben Freeman
Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft
Episode: September 17, 2025 - Dean Baker | Ben Freeman | Jonathan Alter
Jonathan Alter
Analyst and Contributing Correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC
NBC News and MSNBC
Episode: September 17, 2025 - Dean Baker | Ben Freeman | Jonathan Alter
William Tallin
Better known as Reverend Billy, pastor of the Church of Stop Shopping, activist against consumerism
Church of Stop Shopping
Episode: September 15, 2025 - Ben Burgis | Reverend Billy | Stephen Biddle

Host

Ian Masters
Host of a news analysis series, bringing expert insights into national and international issues.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 753 ratings
  • Appreciate you and your guests

    Please can you speak to the US accepting Afrikaners

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Melissa J83
    United States4 months ago
  • Ian Masters's Background Briefing: A show that stands apart from any other.

    As essential as any other number one news and analysis resource, this program remains at the very top of my list. A part of my daily routine, I credit Mr Masters with providing us with a detailed picture of our current affairs through a, almost daily, series of wildly diverse and highly credentialed guest interviews. I could never thank the staff of Background Briefing enough for taking me through this very difficult decade. If I ever hit the jackpot, you will know it. thank you for all of your ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    The Railer
    United States4 months ago
  • Often the guests have very on point analysis and commentary. This can't be said of all guests. Some seem as clueless as the relatively uninformed may be. Many are also cagey, unwilling to state ugly realities, unlike Ian.

    This is definitely a podcast for the left leaning given Ian's tendency to insert his own left leaning opinions into discussion. So some right wingers and "centrists" may not like it. However, Ian still has excellent editorial standards (like keeping to the facts) nonetheless.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    mindful86
    6 months ago
  • Good guests, I wish Ian did more interviewing and less pushing his own thesis.

    Podcast Addict
    4
    curmudgeon
    7 months ago
  • Excellent guests and interesting takes

    One of my favorite pods…Ian brings the most intelligent guests to share their perspectives. Grateful for this during these very challenging times!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hzbshsndh
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some appreciate the blend of political critique and informative discourse, while others express concerns over perceived biases.
The host's ability to engage with guests and foster discussions on complex issues is highlighted positively by the audience.
Listeners praise the in-depth analysis and diverse array of expert guests, finding it essential for understanding current events.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

September 22, 2025 - Ahmed Moor | Andre Pagliarini | Will Bunch
Q: In terms of Trump, how do you think his actions are affecting the First Amendment?
Trump's actions indicate an attack on democratic principles, threatening free speech and individual rights.
September 22, 2025 - Ahmed Moor | Andre Pagliarini | Will Bunch
Q: What impact do you think Bolsonaro's recent legislation will have on Brazilian democracy?
It appears to put the right wing in Brazil in a difficult position as they now are associated with a party of impunity following recent protests against theirs.
September 22, 2025 - Ahmed Moor | Andre Pagliarini | Will Bunch
Q: What's the significance of the recent international recognition of a Palestinian state?
Recognition is seen as symbolic and may fail to lead to substantial action against the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
September 16, 2025 - Gil Duran | Scott Horton | Nizar Farsakh
Q: Is there any possibility that this report that just came out from a team of independent experts commissioned by the UN's Human Rights Council will lead to any significant response?
There is likely to be no serious response from the Trump administration or its right-wing supporters, who will discredit the report as biased and pro-Hamas propaganda.
September 16, 2025 - Gil Duran | Scott Horton | Nizar Farsakh
Q: What did you make of the hearing today before the Senate Judiciary Committee with Kash Patel?
Kash Patel was criticized for his incompetence during the hearing, highlighting his poor management and lack of preparation for the critical questions posed to him.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Background Briefing

What is Background Briefing about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Utilizing a robust mix of expert guests and critical analysis, the content often focuses on pressing political, social, and economic issues both domestically and internationally. Key topics frequently include the implications of the Trump administration's policies, critiques of media practices, international relations, and the intertwining of technology with modern political discourse. With an emphasis on providing thoughtful insights, the discussions aim to promote understanding of complex and often controversial subjects, presenting a range of voices from various fields such as economics, law, and political advocacy. This podcast appears to be particularly suited for listeners seeking in-depth discussions that challenge mainstream narrati... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Background Briefing?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Background Briefing:

1. Ralph Nader Radio Hour
2. Talking Feds
3. The DSR Network
4. The Al Franken Podcast
5. The Nation Podcasts

How many episodes of Background Briefing are there?

Background Briefing launched 11 years ago and published 606 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Background Briefing?

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What guests have appeared on Background Briefing?

Recent guests on Background Briefing include:

1. Dulcie Leimbach
2. Arthur Caplan
3. Maha Nassar
4. Andre Pagliarini
5. Ahmed Moor
6. Craig Aaron
7. Ben Freeman
8. Jonathan Alter

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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