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Artwork for Useful Idiots

Useful Idiots with Katie Halper and Aaron Maté

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

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 weeklyEpisodes438Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNewsNews Commentary

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Artwork for Useful Idiots

Latest Episodes

Support our work and watch the Friday Free-For-All: It Doesn’t Go Well When JD Vance Tries to Define Socialism usefulidiotspodcast.com

Please watch and share this full interview with Muhammad Shehada.

Join us LIVE on Youtube every Monday at... 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.

Support Two Pro-Palestinian Activists Targeted by ICE: chuffed.org/project/200834-suppo... 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.

Support Two Pro-Palestinian Activists Targeted by ICE: chuffed.org/project/200834-suppo... 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.

Join Katie in NYC on Monday 9.28 at the SAY PALESTINE: Book Launch with Assal Rad www.e... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Momodou Taal
Ph.D. student at Cornell University
Cornell University
Episode: Cornell Bombshell: Israel's Secret Power Over University EXPOSED
Chris Goodshall
Attorney
Legal team for Momodou
Episode: Cornell Bombshell: Israel's Secret Power Over University EXPOSED
John Levine
Commentator/Guest
Media guest
Episode: Cornell Bombshell: Israel's Secret Power Over University EXPOSED
Abbas Arachi
Iranian Foreign Minister
Islamic Republic of Iran
Episode: Iran Officially REJECTS Trump Negotiators: “There is no reason we should go back to diplomacy.”
Mazoud Peshkian
Iranian presidential figure discussed in segment
Islamic Republic of Iran
Episode: Iran Officially REJECTS Trump Negotiators: “There is no reason we should go back to diplomacy.”
Julia Mendel
former press secretary for Ukrainian President Zelensky
Ukraine
Episode: Iran Officially REJECTS Trump Negotiators: “There is no reason we should go back to diplomacy.”
Leonid Ragozin
Russian journalist with BBC, Newsweek Russia, and extensive Ukraine coverage
Freelance journalist; previously BBC and Newsweek Russia
Episode: Putin Critic Exposes MAJOR Ukraine Weakness
Fareed Zakaria
Foreign policy expert; resident foreign policy analyst featured in a segment
Atlantic Council (via segment)
Episode: Bad News for Israel and the US: The Houthis Just Joined the Fight.
Dana Bash
CNN anchor; moderator in the discussed clip
CNN
Episode: Bad News for Israel and the US: The Houthis Just Joined the Fight.

Hosts

Katie Halper
Host of Useful Idiots; co-host with a focus on political commentary and interview integrity.
Aaron Maté
Co-host providing political analysis and investigative commentary, with a focus on anti-war perspectives.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 6.3k ratings
  • Idiots’ War

    Katie and Aaron gave us Trump and DOGE and ICE and Trump Meme coin scams and the Iran War. Then they blamed the democrats who they campaigned against.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    80'sVillager
    United Statesa month ago
  • Iran

    Good show !

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Germa2
    Canada3 months ago
  • Settlers attack on US official

    Good show !

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Germa2
    Canada3 months 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 States3 months ago
  • The anti establishment perspective and sharp criticism of politics as usual is both refreshing and appreciated

    Podcast Addict
    4
    RuminatingStoic
    6 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Fans note the show's emphasis on independent media and critical stance toward mainstream narratives.
Listeners praise the hosts for thoughtful, informed analysis and engaging interviews.
Listeners appreciate accessible, witty presentation coupled with substantive guest expertise.
Critiques often mention political biases or ad reads as downsides, but many still rate the content as valuable for context.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#168
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#197
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#142
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#231
Italy/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#77
Mexico/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#116
Switzerland/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Trump “Afraid” After Iran Plans New Attacks, Teams with China w/ Middle East Analyst Sharmine Narwani
Q: What is the broader political risk of the sanctions strategy against Iran according to Sharmine Narwani?
Narwani argues that while sanctions aim to pressure Iran, they can backfire by hardening Iranian resolve, pushing China and other partners to bolster alternative supply chains, and potentially widening regional instability.
House Candidate Oliver Larkin Crashes Monday Mourning with Katie and Aaron
Q: Would you vote for Medicare for All if you were in leadership positions in the House?
The guest indicated he does not currently co-sponsor Medicare for All but supports finding a path to fix healthcare that expands access and affordability, while recognizing political realities.
Iran's New RED LINE Shocks Israel, US Flailing
Q: What does the discussion say about the U.S. military position and its global standing?
The analysis argues that the U.S. war machine is revealing weaknesses, with depleted missiles and limited interceptors, and requires expensive support—undermining its image as an unchallengeable hegemon while showing that Iran can impose costs across multiple fronts.
Iran's New RED LINE Shocks Israel, US Flailing
Q: How does Oman fit into the Hormuz governance discussion, and what could a deal look like?
Negotiations with Oman aim to transform the maritime governance model so Iran gains institutional leverage over Hormuz transit. A potential deal could involve Iran retaining oversight over inbound and outbound traffic, with transit occurring under new rules that secure Iran's economic and security interests while allowing some reopening of Hormuz under conditions tied to broader sanctions relief and regional assurances.
Iran's New RED LINE Shocks Israel, US Flailing
Q: What are the main shifts in Iran's leadership signaling about its approach to Hormuz and negotiations with the U.S.?
The guest explains that Mohsen Rezaie's appointment as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council signals a harder deterrence posture and a more assertive military approach, intended to preserve leverage over Hormuz while not ruling out diplomacy. This reflects a balancing act between hard‑line signaling and pursuing a deal under favorable terms.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Interests
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Frequently Asked Questions About Useful Idiots

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

This show provides sharp political analysis focused on U.S. foreign policy, media narratives, and internal party dynamics, with a willingness to challenge hawkish orthodoxy and examine the influence of money in politics. Episodes frequently feature in-depth interviews with journalists, scholars, and policy experts, alongside spirited hosts who blend skepticism with accessible humor. The format often pairs controversial guests and timely topic threads (Israel-Palestine, Iran, U.S. policy shifts, and media framing) with clear takes on current events, aiming to educate listeners who want context beyond traditional punditry. A notable strength is the commitment to independent media perspectives and a willingness to critique both major parties, ... 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. System Update with Glenn Greenwald
5. Drop Site Livestream

How many episodes of Useful Idiots are there?

Useful Idiots launched 7 years ago and published 438 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. Momodou Taal
2. Chris Goodshall
3. John Levine
4. Abbas Arachi
5. Mazoud Peshkian
6. Julia Mendel
7. Leonid Ragozin
8. Fareed Zakaria

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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