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The Politics Lab

The Politics Lab
Donald Trump
Democracy
Trump Administration
Iran
Supreme Court
Kamala Harris
Israel
Ukraine
United States
Joe Biden
Tariffs
Political Violence
2024 Presidential Election
Democratic Party
Middle East
American Democracy
China
Republican Party
Vladimir Putin
Immigration

Politics isn’t always black and white. Dr. Bill Muck and Dr. Phil Barker, professors of political science and longtime friends, talk through the week’s news and discuss how political science might help make sense of things. In The Politics Lab, we put politics under the microscope.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes264Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsPoliticsGovernment

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Artwork for The Politics Lab

Latest Episodes

This week, Bill and Phil discuss the war in Iran, revisit the legacy of Brexit ten years later, and ask one very important question: What's more stupid—the reflecting pool conspiracy, an all you can eat Greenland shrimp strategy, or a cabinet obsesse... more

This week, Bill and Phil examine the proposed U.S.–Iran Memorandum of Understanding and explore what a UFC fight on the White House lawn might tell us about the changing norms of American democracy.

This week, Bill and Phil discuss the latest developments in the Iran war and the prospects for peace. They then explore whether Democrats have a viable path back to electoral success before closing with a look at Trump’s controversial new compensatio... more

This week, Bill and Phil take on Donald Trump’s escalating clash with the Pope—from social media provocations and questionable theology to a broader question about faith, power, and political messaging. They then turn to Hungary’s elections as a test... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Steven Levitsky
Professor of government at Harvard University and co-author of books on democracy.
Harvard University
Episode: Discussing Democracy with Steven Levitsky
Barbara McQuade
Former federal prosecutor and legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC
NBC News and MSNBC
Episode: Trump’s Court
Ezra Levin
Co-founder and co-executive director of Indivisible
Indivisible
Episode: Moving Forward
Jake Lahut
Campaign reporter for the Columbia Journalism Review
Columbia Journalism Review
Episode: Bonus Episode: Bill on WCPT Radio
Dr. Suzanne Chod
Professor of political science specializing in American political institutions, parties, campaigns, and elections.
North Central College
Episode: Bonus Episode: Bill on WCPT Radio

Hosts

Bill Muck
Host with a scholarly background in political science; affiliated with North Central College; frequently presents through academic frameworks and classroom-informed perspectives.
Phil Barker
Co-host and professor of political science; frequently contributes theoretical and policy-oriented discussions; often referenced as Keene State College faculty.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 97 ratings
  • My favorite podcast

    It’s informative, creative, and entertaining. I had learned about the podcast in a class of Dr. Mucks. It’s refreshing to hear current events from the standpoint of political academia, including when domestic news is alarming.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Spencer'01
    United States10 months ago
  • the goat political podcast

    honestly one of the only political podcasts i can listen to without feeling super stressed out at the end. absolutely delightful.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    fingscientist
    United Statesa year ago
  • My favorite politics podcast

    I look forward to this podcast every week. There’s something about it that’s just so much more enjoyable than my other political run down podcasts. The hosts are charming and fun to listen too. It almost makes me wish I could take one of their classes!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Momanda beep
    United States3 years ago
  • Woderful podcast

    From stat to finish I enjoy each eposode. Listen and learn.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Steve Breeze
    United States5 years ago
  • Love you guys

    I’m not sure what happened to barstool politics, but this new show is just as good. Thanks for keeping it going

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Utah Ty
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Two political science professors offer a thoughtful, non-pundit approach to current events.
Engaging, rigorous, and accessible—scholarly chops with practical takeaways.
Charming hosts with a strong academic lens; discussions are insightful and well-grounded.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

2025 Year in Review
Q: So what do you think? In 2026, do we see the United States drifting into some sort of conflict?
While there might be continued low-level conflict, we are likely to avoid a major war unless circumstances escalate dramatically.
2025 Year in Review
Q: What do you see as either the most significant ones or do you see, like, I don't know, themes or trends?
The biggest story is the collapse of American democracy, transitioning into competitive authoritarianism.
Discussing Democracy with Steven Levitsky
Q: How do political institutions hold up during the current democratic challenges?
While the U.S. has robust institutions, they are weakening rapidly, with Congress abdicating its role in oversight.
Discussing Democracy with Steven Levitsky
Q: How do authoritarians use the tools of democracy to undermine democracy?
Authoritarians exploit democratic institutions through means like constitutional reforms, packing the courts, and weaponizing the law.
Piety or Profanity
Q: What is the significance of the protest votes against Biden in the Democratic Party?
These protest votes highlight the discontent of young voters and minority groups with Biden's policies, potentially threatening his re-election.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Politics Lab

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

Two political science professors discuss current events through academic lenses, applying theories and frameworks to real-world politics. Episodes cover topics like religion in politics, populism, international propaganda, and shifts in global power, with frequent references to normative analysis, state conduct, and institutional norms. The format blends rigorous scholarly perspective with accessible debate, making complex topics approachable for listeners such as policy professionals, graduate students, and educated generalists who want deeper context behind week-to-week news.

Noteworthy is the explicit use of scholarly methods to critique rhetoric and policy, the blend of domestic and international case studies, and the consistent emphas... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Politics Lab?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Politics Lab:

1. The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
2. This American Life
3. The NPR Politics Podcast
4. Strict Scrutiny
5. 99% Invisible

How many episodes of The Politics Lab are there?

The Politics Lab launched 6 years ago and published 264 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 The Politics Lab?

Recent guests on The Politics Lab include:

1. Steven Levitsky
2. Barbara McQuade
3. Ezra Levin
4. Jake Lahut
5. Dr. Suzanne Chod

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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