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Background Briefing with Ian Masters

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

Today's Launch ofDEFIANCE.ORG to Help Americans Push Back Against Trump's Revenge | As Putin Behaves Like A Nazi Killing Ukrainian Civilians, Hitler's Murderousness Mobilized the Russians, 26 Million of Whom Died Defeating Nazism backgroundbriefing.o... more

As Trump Rewards Billionaires and Mike Johnson Protects Pedophiles, Americans and Their Children Are About to Go Hungry | The CEO to Worker Pay Ratio Has Gone From 20 to 1 to 360 to 1 But Now Musk Expects a $1 Trillion Paycheck | Trump's Theatrical W... more

Reality Versus Fiction in Trump's Asia Tour of Japan Then on to South Korea To Meet Xi | An assessment of Trump's Claim of a "New Golden Age of the U.S. Japan Alliance" backgroundbriefing.org/donate x.com/ianmastersmedia bsky.app/profile/ianmastersme... more

YouTube

The Unbound Grandiosity of Trump's Ego and Its Frailty as the Most Powerful Man in the World Craves and Demands Praise and Flattery | Trump's Declaration of Economic War on Canada Over a Reagan TV Ad | An Assessment of What Was Achieved and What Was ... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Michael Hudson
President of the Institute for the Study of Long-Term Economic Trends, a Wall Street financial analyst, and distinguished research professor of economics at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.
Institute for the Study of Long-Term Economic Trends
Episode: October 28, 2025 - Michael Hudson | Kent Harrington
Bandy Lee
Medical doctor and forensic psychiatrist, president of the World Mental Health Coalition, and author of The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump.
Episode: October 27, 2025 - Dr. Bandy Lee | Stephen Marche | Sarang Shidore
Stephen Marche
Novelist and culture writer, author of books such as The Next Civil War and The Last Election.
Episode: October 27, 2025 - Dr. Bandy Lee | Stephen Marche | Sarang Shidore
Richard Briffault
Professor of Legislation at Columbia Law School, Expert on campaign finance reform
Columbia Law School
Episode: October 23, 2025 - David Faris | Richard Briffault | Tamar Jacoby
Robert McElvaine
Professor of History and Chair of Arts and Letters at Millsaps College, leading historian of the Great Depression
Millsaps College
Episode: October 22, 2025 - Jared Abbott | Robert McElvaine | Priya Jain
Priya Jain
Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at Texas A&M University, expert in architectural history
Texas A&M University
Episode: October 22, 2025 - Jared Abbott | Robert McElvaine | Priya Jain
William LeoGrande
Professor of government and former dean of the American University School of Public Affairs, specializing in Latin American politics.
American University
Episode: October 21, 2025 - David Cay Johnston | James Zirin | William LeoGrande
Van Gosse
Professor of History Emeritus at Franklin and Marshall College and co-chair of Historians for Peace and Democracy
Franklin and Marshall College
Episode: October 20, 2025 - Van Gosse | Dr. Annelle Sheline | Kim Lane Scheppele
Joe Feagin
Distinguished Professor of Sociology at Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University
Episode: October 19, 2025 - John Nichols | Joe Feagin | Stephen Kinzer

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 States6 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 States6 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
    7 months ago
  • Good guests, I wish Ian did more interviewing and less pushing his own thesis.

    Podcast Addict
    4
    curmudgeon
    8 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 States9 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.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#198
Ukraine/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

October 27, 2025 - Dr. Bandy Lee | Stephen Marche | Sarang Shidore
Q: What are the implications of the economic sanctions imposed on Canada?
Stephen Marche explains the significant economic impacts Canada will face due to Trump's tariffs and the broader implications of distancing itself from American influence.
October 27, 2025 - Dr. Bandy Lee | Stephen Marche | Sarang Shidore
Q: What can happen when a disordered person like Trump is given power?
Dr. Lee discusses how giving power to such individuals can lead to self-destructive behavior and that their influence often surpasses mere propaganda, affecting larger societal dynamics.
October 22, 2025 - Jared Abbott | Robert McElvaine | Priya Jain
Q: What are the implications of the renovations to the East Wing?
Priya Jain emphasizes that any changes should involve public consultation and comply with preservation best practices due to the historical significance of the White House.
October 23, 2025 - David Faris | Richard Briffault | Tamar Jacoby
Q: So what can be done then to overcome the enormous rigging of this next election coming up in next November?
We need to unify people across sectors, across economic classes, across the states.
October 23, 2025 - David Faris | Richard Briffault | Tamar Jacoby
Q: So what's your expectation on how the Supreme Court will rule on this shadow docket?
I have a pretty high expectation that the Supreme Court will defer to Trump under their ridiculous unitary executive theory.

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. The Nation Podcasts
3. The Hartmann Report
4. Talking Feds
5. The Intercept Briefing

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. Michael Hudson
2. Bandy Lee
3. Stephen Marche
4. Richard Briffault
5. Robert McElvaine
6. Priya Jain
7. William LeoGrande
8. Van Gosse

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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