Best Charlie Sykes Podcasts (2025)

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Is Donald Trump the Real Speaker of the House? 47:56

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1h ago47:56

47:56

In this episode, Charlie speaks with Charlie Dent, former Congressman from Pennsylvania and National Co-Chair of Our Republican Legacy. Together, they're trying to figure out whether Speaker Mike Johnson has a problem with women, what’s next for health care legislation, and just how much weaker Congress can get. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva…

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Series 5: Case 7: The Magnet 28:32

1h ago28:32

28:32

Solicitor Kate upends her rural life in Yorkshire to move into her new partner’s house in London, but before long her new metropolitan existence is blighted by disturbing, seemingly inexplicable phenomena. Seeking escape, she goes on holiday - but the strange occurrences just seem to follow her. Is it the house, or Kate herself, who is haunted? Wri…

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The Fog of Spin 52:25

1h ago52:25

52:25

In this solo episode, Charlie answers readers' questions about RFK Jr., the murderous boat strikes, the ranking of stupidity among cabinet members, and how it's all connected to our children's education. As a bonus, he also talks about his dogs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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[PREVIEW] 095: Opposition Media versus Complicit Media (w/ Adam Gurri) 7:26

4d ago7:26

7:26

Regimes falter when opposition media is strong. But America's legacy media has failed to live up to the dangers of the political environment and the authoritarianism of Trump's administration. We need stronger opposition media, making full-throated defenses of liberalism. But what does that look like? I'm joined today by Adam Gurri, founder and edi…

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Ed Luce: Xenophobia, Murder on the High Seas, and Europe's Moment of Truth 46:15

3d ago46:15

46:15

In this episode, Charlie speaks with Ed Luce, US national editor and a columnist for the Financial Times. They discuss Trump's latest racist comments, the US military murderous boat strikes, and the decision that Europe has to make soon on whether to seize Russian assets and turn them over to Ukraine. Also, are we finally starting to imagine a post…

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Wag the Dog 1:00:12

3d ago1:00:12

1:00:12

The Hacks are back! All three Hackeroos convened this week to discuss the Tennessee Special election, retiring members of congress and upcoming filing deadlines, Hegseth's latest, the tragic national guard shooting, the ongoing Russia/Ukraine negotiations, their shared love of corgis, and so much more. Photo by Win McNamee via Getty Images Learn mo…

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Series 5: Case 6: Impossible Encounters 28:31

7d ago28:31

28:31

Danny brings you the creme de la creepy creme of audience stories from the Uncanny live tour. Written and presented by Danny RobinsExperts: Evelyn Hollow and Dr Ciaran O'KeeffeEditing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-KingMusic: Evelyn SykesTheme music by Lanterns on the LakeCommissioning executive: Paula McDonnellCommissioning editor: Rhian Robert…

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Paul Rieckhoff: Trump, War Crimes, and the Afghan Betrayal 47:49

3d ago47:49

47:49

Charlie Sykes sits down with veteran advocate and Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff for a conversation about the escalating crises surrounding Donald Trump’s cabinet, the alleged “kill them all” order, and the looming threat of war with Venezuela. Rieckhoff breaks down the moral and national-security fallout of Trump’s shutdown of Afghan vi…

1
Tom Nichols: Black Friday Blues 56:02

7d ago56:02

56:02

Charlie Sykes and Tom Nichols unpack a chaotic stretch in American politics that includes Trump’s fixation on loyalty, his escalating rhetoric, and his increasingly erratic behavior. They discuss the fallout from Trump’s attack on Sen. Mark Kelly, the strain inside the Pentagon, and the surreal spectacle of a president intervening in Hollywood sequ…

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Series 5: Case 5: The Goth Poltergeist 29:30

14d ago29:30

29:30

1997, and a group of disaffected teenage goths move into a shared house in Newcastle, embracing the macabre and melancholic goth lifestyle. But when you look into the darkness, sometimes it looks back… Written and presented by Danny RobinsExperts: Alasdair Beckett-King and Evelyn HollowEditing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-KingMusic: Evelyn Syk…

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Michael Scherer: Inside RFK Jr.’s Rise 45:50

14d ago45:50

45:50

Charlie Sykes speaks with The Atlantic’s Michael Scherer about his in-depth cover story on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now one of the most influential—and divisive—figures shaping American science policy. Scherer discusses Kennedy’s complicated personal history, his fraught relationship with scientific institutions, and his unexpected alliance with Dona…

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Terry Moran: Patriotism, Power, and a Perilous Moment 50:01

12d ago50:01

50:01

Charlie Sykes and journalist Terry Moran examine a week that showcased two starkly different Americas—from Dick Cheney’s solemn, apolitical funeral to the president’s public calls for executing political opponents. They discuss the escalating authoritarian rhetoric, the Ukraine “surrender plan,” the White House’s embrace of MBS, and the alarming si…

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Susan Glasser: Lame-Duck is Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose 44:28

20d ago44:28

44:28

Charlie Sykes and Susan Glasser break down a stunning Oval Office moment in which Donald Trump defended Mohammed bin Salman and derided a reporter for asking about Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. They explore Trump’s escalating attacks on the press, the gold-plated symbolism of his Oval Office, and the deepening corruption and impunity shaping his presid…

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Irrational exuberance (with Steve Israel) 1:06:48

17d ago1:06:48

1:06:48

In our final episode of the month, Axe and Heilemann were joined by frequent Hack, former congressman, and author Steve Israel. The Hacks dig into the vote to release the Epstein files, MTG’s latest pivot and what’s driving it, primary filing deadlines, winning issues, the midterms landscape, redistricting, and so much more. Plus, we get a sneak pe…

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Series 5: Case 4: Road Ghosts 34:17

17d ago34:17

34:17

Hitch a ride with Danny Robins as he explores supernatural sightings on Britain's roads. Vivid, deeply strange and often terrifying, roadside apparitions and phantom hitchhikers are some of the most frequently reported paranormal phenomena. But can they be explained? Written and presented by Danny RobinsExperts: Ian Simmons and Ciaran O'KeeffeEditi…

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Matt Bennett: Lessons Democrats Can’t Ignore 44:32

21d ago44:32

44:32

Charlie Sykes sits down with Third Way’s Matt Bennett to break down why Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s New York City victory is not a roadmap for Democrats in swing states. Bennett argues that national Democrats must prioritize persuasion over ideological purity—and avoid language and policies that alienate working-class voters. Centrists like Mikey Sherril…

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The Streisand Effect Cover-Up 48:17

19d ago48:17

48:17

Charlie Sykes breaks down why Donald Trump appears increasingly panicked over the Epstein files—and why the attempted cover-up is only making the story bigger. In a solo Q&A episode, he tackles subscriber questions on everything from GOP fractures to the role of the military, free speech, pardons, and the future of accountability. Hosted on Acast. …

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094: A New American Reconstruction (w/ Andy Craig and Shikha Dalmia) 57:20

25d ago57:20

57:20

Welcome to ReImagining Liberty, a show about the emancipatory and cosmopolitan case for radical liberalism. I'm Aaron Ross Powell. It's still possible Trump succeeds in his project of authoritarian consolidation, but between the dramatic losses the GOP suffered in the elections on November 4th, the infighting in the conservative coalition, and the …

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Harry Litman: The Epstein Files Fallout 47:09

26d ago47:09

47:09

Charlie Sykes and legal analyst Harry Litman break down why the newly released Epstein files have Donald Trump and his allies unusually on edge. They discuss the political stakes behind the looming House vote on releasing the full Epstein cache, as well as Trump's sweeping pardons and efforts to rewrite the narrative of January 6th. The conversatio…

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Trumplated Age (with Astead Herndon) 1:09:03

24d ago1:09:03

1:09:03

This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by their new Vox Media colleague and veteran political reporter Astead Herndon. The Hacks dive into the potential end of the government shutdown, the future of Democratic leadership, coalition-building, Border Patrol’s trip to The Bean, Gavin-mania, and so much more! Special thanks to our veteran Hacks on Tap l…

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Series 5: Case 3: The Devil's Den UFO 28:19

24d ago28:19

28:19

1977. Terry and his friend Toby are serving at a United States Air Force base in Missouri. One weekend Toby suggests they go camping just across the Arkansas border, at Devil's Den State Park. What happens that night will change Terry and Toby’s lives forever. Danny Robins attempts to make sense of a bizarre encounter and a secret that stayed burie…

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Nicholas Grossman: No, The Dems Did Not Win The Shutdown 48:34

24d ago48:34

48:34

Charlie Sykes talks with political scientist Nicholas Grossman about the Democrats’ sudden surrender after weeks of holding the line against Trump’s budget demands. They break down why the timing baffled strategists, what the fold reveals about the party’s “normal democracy mindset,” and how it may reshape Democratic leadership. The conversation al…

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Adam Kinzinger: The Last Republican 42:22

26d ago42:22

42:22

Charlie Sykes sits down with former Congressman Adam Kinzinger to discuss his new documentary The Last Republican and the personal and political fallout from his stand against Donald Trump. Kinzinger reflects on January 6th, his deep contempt for Kevin McCarthy’s capitulation, and how small acts of cowardice reshaped the GOP. The conversation also …

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Jonathan Rauch: SCOTUS, the Blue Wave and the Future of Democracy 47:19

29d ago47:19

47:19

Charlie Sykes and Jonathan Rauch dissect a surprising Supreme Court challenge to Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff powers and what it could mean for the limits of presidential authority. They also break down the recent “blue wave” election results, the shifting loyalties of younger and minority voters, and the growing ideological fractures inside the …

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Post-Election Hack-a-Thon (with Jonathan Martin) 54:17

1M ago54:17

54:17

The results are in! Last night Axe and Murphy were joined by the indefatigable chronicler of American politics, Jonathan Martin of Politico. The bleary-eyed Hacks stayed up to unpack the election results, the story the margins told, voter turnout, indicators for the midterms, redistricting, Dick Cheney’s legacy, and so much more! Photo by CHARLY TR…

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Series 5: Case 2: Old Jim 28:24

1M ago28:24

28:24

12-year-old Louise lives with her mum in a remote house on the Yorkshire moors. They’re plagued by terrifying and seemingly inexplicable phenomena, but Louise’s mum resolutely refuses talk about it, and warns her not to tell anyone else. Events escalate, until even her mother can’t ignore what's happening. Who, or what, is living in the house with …

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Daniel Drezner: Baseball, Billionaires and the Breakdown of the GOP 44:18

1M ago44:18

44:18

Charlie Sykes is joined by political scientist Daniel Drezner for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with baseball’s most thrilling World Series in years and ends with America’s political curveballs. They unpack Trump’s Great Gatsby–style party amid a government shutdown, the pardoning of a crypto billionaire, and the GOP’s flirtation with ext…

1
Simon Bazelon: Deciding to Win 46:04

1M ago46:04

46:04

Charlie Sykes talks with Simon Bazelon, lead author of Deciding to Win, a new report urging Democrats to refocus on economic and public safety issues. Bazelon argues that since 2012, highly educated donors and advocacy groups have pushed the party away from the bread-and-butter concerns of working-class voters. The conversation explores how Democra…

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Series 5: Case 1: The Haunted Street (Halloween Special) 1:08:08

1M ago1:08:08

1:08:08

A special hour-long live investigation recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre for Halloween. Virginia moves to a quiet street in the city of Bath with her young family. A series of strange events cause her to doubt her own sanity, until an exchange with a neighbour reveals that she's not the only one experiencing scary occurrences... Written and present…

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Halloween Countdown 2025: Case 31: A Shock on the Back Seat 1:44

1M ago1:44

1:44

Our final short tale of terror for Halloween. Written and presented by Danny RobinsResearcher: Nancy BottomleyEditing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-KingMusic: Evelyn SykesTheme music by Lanterns on the LakeHead of Production: Kerry LuterCommissioning executive: Paula McDonnellCommissioning editor: Rhian RobertsProduced by Danny Robins and Simon…

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Halloween Countdown 2025: Case 30: The Old Man of Blorenge 1:34

1M ago1:34

1:34

Danny Robins bite-size tales of terror countdown to Halloween. Written and presented by Danny RobinsResearcher: Nancy BottomleyEditing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-KingMusic: Evelyn SykesTheme music by Lanterns on the LakeHead of Production: Kerry LuterCommissioning executive: Paula McDonnellCommissioning editor: Rhian RobertsProduced by Danny…

1
Ben Wittes: Who Is The Administrator of DOGE? 52:36

1M ago52:36

52:36

Charlie Sykes talks with Lawfare’s Ben Wittes about the erosion of congressional power, Donald Trump’s attempts to reshape the civil service, and the growing danger of a one-man government. They unpack Trump’s $230 million claim against U.S. taxpayers, the ethical chaos inside the Justice Department, and how judges are grappling with lies from the …

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Halloween Countdown 2025: Case 29: Granny in the Sky 1:25

1M ago1:25

1:25

What fresh terrors await behind the doors of Danny's Halloween Advent Calendar?By BBC Radio 4

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The Wreckening (with Paul Begala) 1:09:34

1M ago1:09:34

1:09:34

This week, Murphy and Heilemann were joined by the great and effervescent Hack, Paul Begala — veteran strategist and former counselor to President Clinton. The Hacks dive into Ballroomageddon, Trump’s not-so-subtle flirting with a third term, his military moves against Venezuela, Canada’s tariff tit-for-tat, early vote numbers out of New York, the …

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Halloween Countdown 2025: Case 28: Evan’s Friend 1:40

1M ago1:40

1:40

A spooky scare every day in October. Written and presented by Danny RobinsResearcher: Nancy BottomleyEditing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-KingMusic: Evelyn SykesTheme music by Lanterns on the LakeHead of Production: Kerry LuterCommissioning executive: Paula McDonnellCommissioning editor: Rhian RobertsProduced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard …

1
Anne Applebaum: Americans Are Not Angry Enough Yet 44:58

1M ago44:58

44:58

Charlie Sykes is joined by historian and journalist Anne Applebaum to discuss the accelerating erosion of democratic norms in the United States. They explore how corruption, institutional fragility, and authoritarian habits are reshaping American politics, and why complacency is our greatest danger. Applebaum warns that the midterms may determine w…

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093: The State of the Constitution (w/ Evan Bernick) 56:32

1M ago56:32

56:32

Today's episode is about the Constitution. It's a clear-eyed assessment of the assaults on it by the Trump administration, and a deep discussion of how we should think about constitutional interpretation and constitutional defense. Things aren't good. There's no denying that. But things also perhaps aren't as bad, at least not yet, as the most shri…

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Halloween Countdown 2025: Case 27: The Pom Pom Hedgehog 1:34

1M ago1:34

1:34

Weird tales for Halloween from the Uncanny inbox. Written and presented by Danny RobinsResearcher: Nancy BottomleyEditing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-KingMusic: Evelyn SykesTheme music by Lanterns on the LakeHead of Production: Kerry LuterCommissioning executive: Paula McDonnellCommissioning editor: Rhian RobertsProduced by Danny Robins and S…

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Halloween Countdown 2025: Case 26: The Eleven O’clock Lady 1:33

1M ago1:33

1:33

Halloween horrors from Danny Robins. Written and presented by Danny RobinsResearcher: Nancy BottomleyEditing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-KingMusic: Evelyn SykesTheme music by Lanterns on the LakeHead of Production: Kerry LuterCommissioning executive: Paula McDonnellCommissioning editor: Rhian RobertsProduced by Danny Robins and Simon Barnard …

1
Justin Wolfers: The Erosion of Democratic Institutions 43:14

1M ago43:14

43:14

Economist Justin Wolfers joins Charlie Sykes to unpack the puzzling disconnect between Wall Street’s optimism and Main Street’s uncertainty, and what that says about America’s economic direction. They dive into Trump’s tariffs, Argentina’s bailout, and how “crony capitalism” tilts the playing field toward big corporations. Wolfers also reflects on …

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Halloween Countdown 2025: Case 25: The Goat-Faced Man 1:38

2M ago1:38

1:38

A bite-sized tale of terror for Halloween. Written and presented by Danny RobinsResearcher: Nancy BottomleyEditing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-KingMusic: Evelyn SykesTheme music by Lanterns on the LakeHead of Production: Kerry LuterCommissioning executive: Paula McDonnellCommissioning editor: Rhian RobertsProduced by Danny Robins and Simon Ba…

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092: Liberalism's Common Ground (w/ Matt Zwolinski and Matthew McManus) 58:22

2M ago58:22

58:22

The future of liberalism depends upon the coalitions liberals can build, both to defend institutions now and to reform them when the time comes. As my friend, and past ReImagining Liberty guest, Jason Kuznicki says, "The future is a conversation." So today I've brought on two smart liberals, with very different ideas about what liberalism means in …

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Halloween Countdown 2025: Case 24: Fire Foretold 1:36

2M ago1:36

1:36

Daily Halloween horrors from Danny Robins. Written and presented by Danny RobinsResearcher: Nancy BottomleyEditing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-KingMusic: Evelyn SykesTheme music by Lanterns on the LakeHead of Production: Kerry LuterCommissioning executive: Paula McDonnellCommissioning editor: Rhian RobertsProduced by Danny Robins and Simon Ba…

1
Halloween Countdown 2025: Case 23: The Shop Assistant’s Partner 1:26

1M ago1:26

1:26

We count down to Halloween with a daily tale of terror. Written and presented by Danny RobinsResearcher: Nancy BottomleyEditing and sound design: Charlie Brandon-KingMusic: Evelyn SykesTheme music by Lanterns on the LakeHead of Production: Kerry LuterCommissioning executive: Paula McDonnellCommissioning editor: Rhian RobertsProduced by Danny Robins…

1
Adam Kinzinger: Trump Tales a Wrecking Ball to the White House 43:48

1M ago43:48

43:48

Charlie Sykes and Adam Kinzinger take stock of another chaotic week in American politics, from Donald Trump’s demand for $230 million in taxpayer money and his controversial White House renovations, to Speaker Mike Johnson’s embrace of Trump’s culture-war theatrics. They also discuss the rise of the “No Kings” movement, the corporate backlash over …