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Useful Idiots with Katie Halper and Aaron Maté

Useful Idiots, LLC
Gaza
Israel
Iran
Palestine
United States
Donald Trump
Ukraine
Trump Administration
Hamas
U.S. Foreign Policy
Hezbollah
Venezuela
Joe Biden
Kamala Harris
Biden Administration
Palestinians
Syria
Middle East
Palestinian Rights
Russia

Useful Idiots is an informative and irreverent politics podcast with journalist Aaron Maté and podcaster/writer Katie Halper. Episodes feature analysis of the political news of the week and exclusive interviews, with humor, commentary and dissection of why both Republicans and Democrats suck. Join Aaron and Katie as they examine important stories that have slipped through the cracks and what the m... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes415Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
News CommentaryPoliticsNews

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Latest Episodes

Go to groundnews.com/useful to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock world-wide perspectives on the stories shaping our world.

Pre-order Aaron's new book on the Ukraine war "Their Blood, Our Bullets":

orbooks.com/... more

Go to groundnews.com/useful to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock world-wide perspectives on the stories shaping our world.

Pre-order Aaron's new book on the Ukraine war "Their Blood, Our Bullets":

orbooks.com/... more

Pre-order Aaron's new book on the Ukraine war "Their Blood, Our Bullets":

orbooks.com/catalog/their-blood-our-bullets/

Go to groundnews.com/useful to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock world-wide perspectives o... more

Pre-order Aaron's new book on the Ukraine war "Their Blood, Our Bullets":

orbooks.com/catalog/their-blood-our-bullets/

Go to groundnews.com/useful to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock world-wide perspectives o... more

Key Facts

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Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
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Recent Guests

Rahm Emanuel
Former top aide to President Obama, discussed in debates
Former Mayor of Chicago / Former White House Chief of Staff
Episode: The guy who wanted to nuke Gaza and fight Russia to the last Ukrainian is no longer alive
Jeremy Scahill
Investigative reporter, author and co-founder of Dropsite News
Dropsite News
Episode: Iran Strikes US Bases & Israel’s Secret Nuclear Plot w/ Jeremy Scahill & Sami al-Arian
Abby Martin
Filmmaker and journalist
Empire Files
Episode: Abby Martin Exposes Palantir CEO and US Military’s “Disturbing” Secret
Robert Wright
Journalist and author of The God Test, Artificial Intelligence and Our Coming Cosmic Reckoning
The God Test (book)
Episode: "The chance of AI World War is now 50% in the next 30 years"
Liza Featherstone
Columnist and journalist
Jacobin
Episode: AIPAC Panics After Zohran Mamdani’s Election Sweep
Adam Johnson
Author and media critic, interviewee
Citations Needed / The Intercept contributor
Episode: Rep. Ro Khanna Exposes Israel's Secret PANIC
Michael Young
Beirut-based analyst, senior editor of the Carnegie Middle East Center, author
Carnegie Middle East Center
Episode: Israel CAN’T BEAT Iran in Lebanon War
Lev Golinkin
Ukrainian-American journalist
Author of A Backpack, A Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka
Episode: Ukrainian Journalist DESTROYS Zelensky for Nazi Support
Cat Graham
Irish activist
Global Samud flotilla participant
Episode: Ukrainian Journalist DESTROYS Zelensky for Nazi Support

Hosts

Katie Halper
Host of the show, known for humorous, provocative political commentary and interviews; frequently engages in media critique and can sponsor guests with strong viewpoints.
Aaron Maté
Co-host with a background in journalism and critique of foreign policy; known for rigorous analysis and willingness to challenge prevailing narratives.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 6.3k ratings
  • Settlers attack on US official

    Good show !

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Germa2
    Canada8 days ago
  • Controlled Op

    Maybe Katie and Aaron are the useful idiots here. Ever since this contrived Iran

    war, they seem to ignore Israel’s continued slaughter of its neighbors. There used to be such good reportage and insightful guests on this topic, unfortunately, our hosts are treating the whole Trump Theatre, as if it were real.

    All that is left now are two leftist podcasters pretending they are politically neutral and telling us how bad both Republicans and Democrats suck. Duh!

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    johnmoore4
    United States25 days ago
  • The anti establishment perspective and sharp criticism of politics as usual is both refreshing and appreciated

    Podcast Addict
    4
    RuminatingStoic
    3 months ago
  • Such a fan-boi

    Honestly - you guys are saving my brain. I’m thankful. A very helpful - extremely informed show !!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lola Britawater
    Canada4 months ago
  • Like brietbart for the left

    Too much rhetoric and spin, a lot of junk info. Poorly produced. Good guests though.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    m0risan54
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners wish for stricter guest vetting and more diverse viewpoints.
Fans appreciate the hosts' humor and willingness to challenge mainstream narratives.
Listeners praise informed, critical analysis and engaging guests.
Critics note strong bias and occasional ad-heavy episodes.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#151
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#119
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#132
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#43
United Arab Emirates/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#84
South Africa/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#93
Philippines/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Iran Strikes US Bases & Israel’s Secret Nuclear Plot w/ Jeremy Scahill & Sami al-Arian
Q: What is the current state of the Iran-US confrontation and what are the potential escalatory paths?
The guests outline that while direct large-scale war is not inevitable, the risk of escalation remains high due to political signaling, allied dynamics, and miscalculation, with Iran capable of asymmetric responses and the possibility of targeted strikes that could widen conflict.
Journalist REVEALS Israelis Behind Secret Doxxing War on Americans
Q: What is Canary Mission and how has it evolved over the years?
Jacqueline Sweet explains Canary Mission started as a doxxing site targeting pro-Palestine activists, with later revelations showing government usage and a more formal, corporate-like operation.
Pepe Escobar & Aaron Maté on Israel, America & Iran War: BRICS vs The West
Q: What is the role of China and Russia in supporting Iran currently, and how visible is their involvement compared with what is publicly acknowledged?
China and Russia are actively supporting Iran beyond public declarations, including military-technical collaboration, missile and Beidou-based intelligence support, and high-level coordination that involves the presidents and defense ministries, though some aspects remain discreet and not publicly disclosed.
Pepe Escobar & Aaron Maté on Israel, America & Iran War: BRICS vs The West
Q: Do you see a fundamental shift in how the global financial system operates with BRICS and Petro-Yuan taking a more active role, and what could that mean for sanctions regimes?
Yes, a de facto new operating system is already in play, allowing parallel payments and settlement channels that bypass SWIFT and the petrodollar, which could erode Western financial dominance and force a reevaluation of sanctions as more countries participate in BRICS-led financial architecture.
Pepe Escobar & Aaron Maté on Israel, America & Iran War: BRICS vs The West
Q: Inside the Strait of Hormuz, what has changed in terms of movement and access for ships now that Iran is asserting new payment and routing mechanisms?
The new mechanisms, centered on Petro-Yuan and tied to Chinese influence, have introduced a governance layer that makes crossing more selective and contingent on Iranian terms, with brokers and IRGC involvement becoming more prominent, and restrictions tightening even for previously approved routes.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Useful Idiots

What is Useful Idiots about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Two sharp, opinionated hosts unpack global politics with a skeptical eye toward both major parties and mainstream media. Across episodes, they dissect foreign policy debates, media framing, and the moral costs of hawkish rhetoric, often featuring guests who illuminate the Israel–Palestine conflict, U.S. diplomacy, and Middle East dynamics. Noteworthy is a willingness to challenge conventional narratives through clips, interviews, and provocatively humorous commentary, which can appeal to listeners who crave contrarian analysis and accessible policy critique.

A standout aspect is the consistent emphasis on free speech, media accountability, and the human impact of abroad policies, making it a potentially valuable platform for sponsors and g... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Useful Idiots?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Useful Idiots:

1. The Katie Halper Show
2. The Chris Hedges Report
3. Bad Faith
4. Drop Site News
5. Bad Hasbara - The World's Most Moral Podcast

How many episodes of Useful Idiots are there?

Useful Idiots launched 7 years ago and published 415 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 Useful Idiots?

Recent guests on Useful Idiots include:

1. Rahm Emanuel
2. Jeremy Scahill
3. Abby Martin
4. Robert Wright
5. Liza Featherstone
6. Adam Johnson
7. Michael Young
8. Lev Golinkin

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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