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Max Politics

Max Politics
New York City
Andrew Cuomo
Zohran Mamdani
Eric Adams
Public Safety
New York City Mayoral Race
Donald Trump
Congestion Pricing
Affordable Housing
New York City Council
Democratic Party
Housing Affordability
New York State Budget
New York Politics
Kathy Hochul
Housing Policy
Brad Lander
Zoran Mamdani
Governor Kathy Hochul
Democratic Primary

Max Politics is a New York politics podcast hosted by journalist Ben Max featuring in-depth interviews with elected and appointed officials, candidates, advocates, and others about New York City and State politics and policy. Produced at New York Law School and its Center for New York Law. Get in touch: benmax25@gmail.com -------- Intro/outro music is Live-It by Ketsa. source (Free Music Archive) ... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes519Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

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Artwork for Max Politics

Latest Episodes

Housing experts Annemarie Gray and Alex Armlovich joined the show to discuss Mayor Zohran Mamdani's new "Block by Block" housing plan to create and preserve 400,000 units of affordable housing over the next decade, while addressing broader developmen... more

This special episode features audio from the Abundance Candidate Forum in the Democratic primary for New York's 10th Congressional District, held at New York Law School on the morning of May 19, 2026. The forum was moderated by host Ben Max, and feat... more

State Senator Erik Bottcher and Assembly Member Keith Powers, two Manhattan Democrats and former City Council Members, joined the show to discuss their transition into the State Legislature (they were both elected in February special elections), thei... more

Journalists Nick Garber and Annie McDonough joined the show to discuss Mayor Zohran Mamdani's $124.7 billion Executive Budget, released on May 12, 2026, that took a very different approach than his prior budget plan, in part thanks to a lot of help f... more

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Recent Guests

Erik Bottcher
State Senator, Manhattan District (West Side)
New York State Senate
Episode: Erik Bottcher & Keith Powers on Joining the State Legislature, Budget Negotiations, & More
Keith Powers
State Assembly Member, Manhattan District (East Side)
New York State Assembly
Episode: Erik Bottcher & Keith Powers on Joining the State Legislature, Budget Negotiations, & More
Annie McDonough
Senior City Hall Reporter
City & State New York
Episode: Mayor Mamdani's $124.7 Billion Executive Budget, with Nick Garber & Annie McDonough
Nick Garber
Politics and policy reporter
New York Focus
Episode: Mayor Mamdani's $124.7 Billion Executive Budget, with Nick Garber & Annie McDonough
Darializa Avila Chevalier
Democrat running for Congress in NY-13; Democratic Socialist; community organizer and former investigator for public defenders
Campaign for NY-13; NYC DSA
Episode: Darializa Avila Chevalier on Her Campaign for Congress in NY-13
David Freedlander
Features Writer for New York Magazine covering New York and national politics
New York Magazine
Episode: A Closer Look at the Race in New York's 12th Congressional District, with David Freedlander
Michael Gianaris
State Senate Deputy Leader, Queens Democrat
New York State Senate
Episode: Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris on State Budget Negotiations, Mamdani's Agenda, & More
Micah Bergdale
Entrepreneur focused on transit, activist for underserved communities
Independent candidate, NY-12 Forum participant
Episode: Candidate Forum in New York's 12th Congressional District
George Conway
Attorney, anti-Trump advocate
Candidate in NY-12 forum
Episode: Candidate Forum in New York's 12th Congressional District

Host

Ben Max
Host of Max Politics, focused on NYC and state policy; experienced interviewer of elected officials, advocates, and experts.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 97 ratings
  • Max Politics is a good listen

    I’m aware this podcast may not be for everyone, but I appreciate the thorough analysis and inviting of different perspectives to listeners. I like being able to see what people who may be critical of a certain perspective think, and I think this can be conducive to sparking informed discussions and debates offline. I can tell Ben works very hard to produce a solid and respectable conversation, and I give my best rating because of that! I encourage people new to it to come with an open mind, I do... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JJS718
    United States5 months ago
  • (Formerly) Great NYC & NYS pod

    This is an updated review. The once great host has clearly lost his mind over the possible election of Zohran Mamdani as Mayor.

    Too many of the recent pods feature right-leaning or equally freaked out “experts” that either purposely or in bad faith exaggerate what Mamdani has proposed — and Max urges them on, rather than stay neutral or offer any critique. This last one w Manhattan Institute & Vital City reps just a festival of fear-mongering.

    So disappointing — but on par with others — Siegel,... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    CaityC
    United States7 months ago
  • Always Insightful

    Ben Max attracts great guests because he is an expert in NYC politics like almost none other. He always brings thoughtful questions and a calm and steady presence. Great podcast!! LOVING the collab with FAQ NYC. Can we keep it?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnaaaaaa
    United States8 months ago
  • Great NYC & NYS pod

    Featuring electeds, candidates, party & non-profit people across the political spectrum. Host gives folks room to explain their points of view — sometimes to the detriment of the speakers, be they rich, center or left. And our politics!

    Listening to some of these pods post 2024 election, it becomes very clear to me why it’s been so difficult for progressive ideas — most of which I support — to connect with everyday people.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CaityC
    United Statesa year ago
  • Informative NYC Podcast

    Ben Max is a knowledgeable host who starts every episode with enough background info so that you have context of the discussion. Lots of interesting and important guests joining each week. Great way to stay informed of what’s going on in NYC.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Vinman~87
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Insightful, balanced discussions with thoughtful questions.
Guests and host provide credible, well-researched analysis.
Audience appreciates deep dives into NYC budget and policy.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

NY-10 Abundance Forum with Brad Lander & Dan Goldman
Q: How would you advance large infrastructure like the Gowanus project while addressing environmental and housing concerns?
Goldman argues for strong due diligence, a robust EIS process, and phased implementation, while leveraging bipartisan support to keep momentum on big projects with protections for the vulnerable communities involved.
NY-10 Abundance Forum with Brad Lander & Dan Goldman
Q: What makes you an 'abundance Democrat' and how would you balance fast delivery with community input?
Lander emphasizes a growth-focused approach, combining flexible permitting with a clear vision of growth, insisting that speed comes from a plan with community input baked in and through reforms that shorten timelines while maintaining equity.
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris on State Budget Negotiations, Mamdani's Agenda, & More
Q: What is Gianaris' outlook on the timeline for budget passage and key policy outcomes?
He notes a very tight time frame with post-budget action likely in the following weeks, expressing cautious optimism that essential issues like school funding, housing, and immigration protections will be settled in a limited window while avoiding dramatic, last-minute changes.
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris on State Budget Negotiations, Mamdani's Agenda, & More
Q: How does he view the city's relationship with the state and the governor during negotiations?
He describes a relationship shaped by inertia and incremental progress, with the mayor pushing hard to change the dynamic and the governor's positions shaping what is possible, yet noting improvement in cooperation compared with past tensions.
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris on State Budget Negotiations, Mamdani's Agenda, & More
Q: What are the top priorities Gianaris is pushing for in this budget cycle?
Gianaris emphasizes strengthening the city's budget through additional state aid, supporting the fare-free bus pilots, and advancing policy changes like housing reforms, environmental regulations, and measures to ease mayoral control extensions, while navigating political constraints and revenue limits.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Max Politics

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

A NYC politics show that centers on in-depth conversations with elected officials, candidates, and policy advocates. Episodes frequently cover budgeting, housing, transportation, urban planning, and the mechanics of city governance, often with a focus on how policy ideas translate into tangible city outcomes. Notable for hosting a steady stream of prominent city and state figures across the political spectrum, with occasional when-it-misses-the-mark critiques balanced by detailed analysis and practical governance insight. This mix makes it helpful for listeners who want clear takes on how policy proposals would play out in New York City and beyond, and for guests who want to reach engaged, policy-minded audiences.

A standout feature is the... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Max Politics?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Max Politics:

1. FAQ NYC
2. The Hell Gate Podcast
3. The Brian Lehrer Show
4. Off Topic/On Politics
5. NYC NOW

How many episodes of Max Politics are there?

Max Politics launched 10 years ago and published 519 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 Max Politics?

Recent guests on Max Politics include:

1. Erik Bottcher
2. Keith Powers
3. Annie McDonough
4. Nick Garber
5. Darializa Avila Chevalier
6. David Freedlander
7. Michael Gianaris
8. Micah Bergdale

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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