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Artwork for The Politics Bar

The Politics Bar

From The Bunker
Donald Trump
ICE
Epstein Files
Democratic Party
Thanksgiving
Iran
Accountability
Republican Party
Democrats
Minnesota
Trump Administration
United States Politics
Supreme Court
Congress
Democracy
Immigration
Health Care
Trump
Healthcare
Gerrymandering

In communities across the U.S., from small towns to big cities, there used to be a lot more places like the ol’ neighborhood bar. It was a place you could come after work, to talk with your friends & neighbors about the news of the day, to have a few laughs, and maybe a few drinks.

In those days, you could even talk about politics a little bit without causing a bar brawl. These days, the people in... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes489Founded12 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsComedyImprovNews

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Artwork for The Politics Bar

Latest Episodes

Today’s “News On Tap” is filled with wars, chaos, halfascism, & stupidity. it helps to have friends with experience steady your mind. Conveniently, in the midst of today’s news mess, Charlie Pierce is supposed to stop by the bar! Grab a drink & join ... more

Shawn and Jody chatted with the wonderful Brooklyn Dad Defiant!

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From marches in the streets, to battles at the courts & the ballot box, it was a full week of news, including today’s ‘News On Tap.’ But we’ve got some great friends to talk about politics with: Carolyn Fiddler from This Week In StateHouse Action, an... more

From Elections, to the War on Democracy, to the Data Center Wars, to Trump's Many Stupid Wars, there was a lot in today’s ‘News On Tap’ - & there’s been a lot of news the past two weeks too, when John Fugelsang was away working on his new book. But h... more

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

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Recent Guests

Dr. Annie Andrews
South Carolina Senate candidate, pediatrician
Policy discussion on health care
Episode: Great Minds Think Alike August 13, 2026
Tara Devlin
Guest, comedian and political commentator
The Politics Bar
Episode: We Won't Make You Decoys August 11, 2026
Laura Bassett
Journalist invited to discuss elections and media framing
The Politics Bar (guest)
Episode: Gotta Be Prepared August 10, 2026
Anita (from Tru Blu Politics)
Co-host from Tru Blu Politics, introduced as a guest for the recap
Tru Blu Politics
Episode: Stay On Target August 7, 2026
Karen (from Tru Blu Politics)
Co-host from Tru Blu Politics, introduced as a guest for the recap
Tru Blu Politics
Episode: Stay On Target August 7, 2026
Kurt Hurner
Political activist and amateur historian from Ohio
Ohio political circles
Episode: F'norkels and Shpadoinkles August 6, 2026
Ashley Bell
House candidate for North Carolina's 10th district
North Carolina political campaign
Episode: Details Matter, Labels Don't August 3, 2026
Karen from TruBlu Politics
Co-host of TruBlu Politics podcast
TruBlu Politics
Episode: Labels are Stupid July 31, 2026
Anita from TruBlu Politics
Co-host of TruBlu Politics podcast
TruBlu Politics
Episode: Labels are Stupid July 31, 2026

Hosts

Jody Hamilton
Co-host and lead host; long-form political analysis and guest introduction
Shawn Smith-Pearse
Host; known for lively banter and panel moderation with occasional interruptions
Sean Smith-Pierse
Co-host; provides context, questions, and personal experience
John Fugelsang
Guest/regular; comedian and political commentator; media-insider perspective

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 507 ratings
  • The Shawn Show

    Without Jody, it’s just the Shawn Show. He needs to learn how to let other people have a turn to talk. He acts like he’s the only one with an opinion.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    AG🥰
    United States4 months ago
  • Less Shawn

    Man! Does Shawn ever shut up? This guy loves to hear himself talk. Jodi and the guests have the patience of saints as Shawn continually interrupts and talks over them. Shawn could use a case of laryngitis and the show would instantly improve.

    There also appears to be a lack of respect for women, can tell you that much. If a man isn’t willing to hold space for others to talk, and champion women by letting their voices be heard, that sure sounds like another dud we all know. Honestly just as sel... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    ArtemisRunner
    United States5 months ago
  • More Jodi please

    I started listening to this podcast because of Jodi. I’m sorry to say this but the guy talks too much. He talks over Jodi and the women. They have to fight just to get a sentence in. And then when he talks he just goes on and on and expects everyone to listen to him and give him more time than anyone. Maybe if he could pull back some and give others more room to contribute.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Bunnynamedbanjo
    United States5 months ago
  • Listen Everyday!

    Future people (person?) here! I love and look forward to listening to the show every day! Would love to hear Shawn let the guests talk a bit more and hear Jody take on more of the hosting duties once in a while like Jared did when he was filling in. Keep up the great work making sense of what’s happening and providing some levity to this upside down timeline!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CalDad79
    United States7 months ago
  • Love Politics Bar!

    I love listening when doing chores around the house. It feels like Shawn and Jody are in my living room with me!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SaH750
    United States7 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the blend of serious analysis with humor and pop culture banter.
Praise for a strong cast of guest commentators and entertaining yet informative format.
Many hear value in the civics education angles and calls for local civic participation.
Some listeners critique pacing and talk-over dynamics but still follow for guests and insights.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#231
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#46
Colombia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#202
Colombia/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

You & Your Friends July 22, 2026
Q: What is the current assessment of Iran's military capabilities according to the guests?
They argue that Iran's military has not been destroyed and remains capable, with the assertion that certain statements about complete destruction were inaccurate and politically motivated.
Let Them Eat Steak July 1, 2026
Q: What is the main strategic difference discussed between fighters and centrists within the Democratic Party?
The hosts argue that voters respond more to candidates who project a combative, fighting stance and who are willing to take on opponents, rather than those who are merely moderate or centrist; this fighter mentality is seen as essential to energizing base voters and winning races.
Happy Birthday to Us! May 19, 2026
Q: What is the significance of the birthday for the show and its audience engagement strategy?
The hosts frame the anniversary as a celebration of audience support, with live guests (Paula Poundstone) and calls to action for subscriptions and listening across various stations, reinforcing community around political humor.
The Real News May 13, 2026
Q: How is the media handling coverage of democracy-related issues, and what's the critique?
There's a concern that mainstream media underreports the scope of 'the war over democracy,' and there's a call for clearer labeling of misinformation and greater journalist integrity.
The Real News May 13, 2026
Q: What's driving the recent wave of gerrymandering and voting-rights changes in southern states?
Participants attribute it to partisan power grabs aimed at reducing Democratic influence, with external commentary on how court decisions and state legislatures are shaping maps in ways that could suppress minority votes.

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 The Politics Bar

What is The Politics Bar about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A bar-style political talk show that blends sharp political analysis with pop culture, current events, and civics education. Episodes feature a rotating panel of political commentators, journalists, and activists who unpack elections, media coverage, and governance with humor and friction—often anchored by a recurring “drink of the day” bit and audience engagement. The format prioritizes civically engaged discussion, accountability, and practical calls to action at local levels, while weaving in entertainment and cultural references to keep complex topics approachable. Noteworthy is the consistent emphasis on democratic processes, media literacy, and grassroots outreach, plus a willingness to explore controversial or underreported angles wi... more

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How many listeners does The Politics Bar get?

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What are the audience demographics for The Politics Bar?

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To see how many followers or subscribers The Politics Bar has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

How many episodes of The Politics Bar are there?

The Politics Bar launched 12 years ago and published 489 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 The Politics Bar?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Politics Bar?

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What guests have appeared on The Politics Bar?

Recent guests on The Politics Bar include:

1. Dr. Annie Andrews
2. Tara Devlin
3. Laura Bassett
4. Anita (from Tru Blu Politics)
5. Karen (from Tru Blu Politics)
6. Kurt Hurner
7. Ashley Bell
8. Karen from TruBlu Politics

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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