Best C Span Podcasts (2024)

1
BN+: Harvey Mansfield on Presidential Immunity 1:14:59

1d ago1:14:59

1:14:59

Harvey Mansfield has been a professor of political philosophy at Harvard for over 6 decades. He retired from the classroom in 2023 at age 91. However, he's not finished thinking and writing about his favorite subject: democracy and how it works. In the Wall Street Journal of September 7, 2024, Professor Mansfield wrote an essay with this opening: "…

1
Al Smith Dinner: Funniest Jokes Told by Presidential Candidates 22:39

1h ago22:39

22:39

It’s time for the big event with presidential candidates held every four years. The presidential election? Nope. The Al Smith dinner. - “This evening does have a special meaning. The story of Al Smith's historic run for the presidency is truly inspiring. It gives me hope that in America it's still not possible for a fellow named Al to be the comman…

1
Q&A: Francis Collins, "The Road to Wisdom" 1:06:07

2d ago1:06:07

1:06:07

Former National Institutes of Health director Dr. Francis Collins, author of "The Road to Wisdom," talks about the milestones in his career, including his work on the Human Genome Project and the COVID-19 vaccine. He also talks about his Christian faith, the importance of engaging with those we disagree with, and the current distrust of science and…

1
AW: Timothy Snyder, "On Freedom" 1:04:24

4d ago1:04:24

1:04:24

Yale University professor Timothy Snyder argued that freedom is often misinterpreted and offered his thoughts on what freedom is and isn't. He was interviewed by George Washington University political science professor and author Elisabeth Anker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
One Year In Congress Prayers Since Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas Attack on Israel 21:28

9d ago21:28

21:28

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. Three days later, House chaplain Margaret Grun Kibben gave the opening prayer in Congress … It was the first meeting of Congress – either the House or Senate -- following the Hamas attack "This morning, O God, keenly aware of the violence and turmoil in Israel and throughout the Middle…

1
BN+: Megan Gorman, "All the Presidents' Money" 1:07:35

8d ago1:07:35

1:07:35

The book is titled "All the Presidents' Money." It's about how the men who governed America governed their own money. The author, Megan Gorman, is the founding partner of Chequers Financial Management, a San Francisco-based firm specializing in tax and financial planning for high-net-worth individuals. Megan Gorman writes: "The American presidents …

1
Q&A: Michael & Robert Meeropol, Sons of Julius & Ethel Rosenberg on the Rosenberg Spy Case 1:05:08

10d ago1:05:08

1:05:08

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed in 1953 after being convicted of conspiracy to commit espionage for the Soviet Union. Their sons Michael and Robert Meeropol, nee Rosenberg, were 10 and 6 at the time. They are our guests this week. The sons talk about their parents' executions, their lives before and after, the anti-communist climate in the…

1
AW: Paola Ramos, "Defectors -The Rise of the Latino Far Right and What It Means for America" 1:01:36

10d ago1:01:36

1:01:36

Journalist Paola Ramos looked at the rise of far-right Latino voters and what it means for America. She was interviewed by New York Times political reporter Jennifer Medina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

1
AB: Fall Book Preview 2024 28:31

13d ago28:31

28:31

Associated Press books and publishing reporter Hillel Italie previews some of the non-fiction books being released in Fall 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

1
James Carville Turns 80 – It's the Podcast, Stupid 23:45

13d ago23:45

23:45

In October 2024, James Carville turns 80 years old. Also in October: a new documentary debuts on CNN – “Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid.” The longtime Democratic strategist has been involved in national politics since the early days of the Clinton campaign – and even before. So, in the latest C-SPAN podcast "The Weekly," we mark both events…

1
BN+: Lindsay Chervinsky, "Making the Presidency" 1:08:31

15d ago1:08:31

1:08:31

Lindsay Chervinsky is the brand-new executive director of the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. Simultaneously, her new book on John Adams has just been published. The book's title is "Making the Presidency." In her introduction, Chervinsky writes that Adams was "guaranteed to fall short in comparison to George Washington." Sh…

1
Q&A: James Allen, Jr., "Not My Chair" 56:26

17d ago56:26

56:26

James Allen, Jr., murdered Tony Sylvester in Las Vegas during a 1980 home burglary, a crime for which he was found guilty and sentenced to death. Mr. Allen, who was a teenager at the time, spent 26 years in prison, including almost 4 years on death row, before being paroled by the state of Nevada in 2008. Since being released, he has spent his time…

1
AW: Brooke Harrington, "Offshore - Stealth Wealth and the New Colonialism" 1:03:09

17d ago1:03:09

1:03:09

Dartmouth College professor Brooke Harrington examined the world of offshore finance, how it works and its impact on the U.S. and globally. She was interviewed by Wall Street Journal U.S. tax policy reporter Richard Rubin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

1
Vice Presidential Debates: Best-of, Legendary, and Funniest Moments, Phrases, and Zingers Since 1976 28:52

20d ago28:52

28:52

Gearing up for the Vice-Presidential debate – Tim Walz versus JD Vance? Then you might want to remember the first time running mates debated in a formal, nationally televised setting: Good evening, I'm James Hoge, editor of the Chicago Sun Times, and moderator of this third of the historic debates of the 1976 campaign. Tonight we have the vice-pres…

1
BN+: Dr. Marty Makary, "Blind Spots" 1:07:45

22d ago1:07:45

1:07:45

Dr. Marty Makary is a Johns Hopkins School of Medicine professor. He has published more than 300 scientific research articles. His book is called "Blind Spots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong, and What It Means for Our Health." In his preface, Dr. Makary says he realizes that much of what the public is told about health is medical dogma, an idea or pra…

1
Q&A: Peter Osnos, "LBJ and McNamara" 1:05:34

24d ago1:05:34

1:05:34

Author and publisher Peter Osnos talks about "LBJ and McNamara," a book-length Substack serial and soon to be book about President Johnson and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara's handling of the Vietnam War. Mr. Osnos, Saigon correspondent for the Washington Post during the war, also talks about publishing Robert McNamara's memoir "In Retrospect…

1
AW: Kim Wehle, "Pardon Power - How the Pardon System Works - and Why" 1:02:45

26d ago1:02:45

1:02:45

Former assistant U.S. attorney and law professor Kim Wehle looked at how the pardon system works in the United States. She was interviewed by University of Michigan emeritus professor of law and sociology Richard Lempert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

1
AB: Patrick Oliver, founder and CEO of Say It Loud! Readers & Writers 18:39

27d ago18:39

18:39

Patrick Oliver, founder and CEO of Say It Loud! Readers & Writers, discusses the need for literary arts programs and his efforts to promote reading among children and young adults. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

1
Oprah Winfrey … and Trump, Harris, Obamas, Biden, Clinton, Congress, and Politics …since 1991 22:33

27d ago22:33

22:33

You might have heard Oprah Winfrey speak on behalf of Kamala Harris at the 2024 Democratic Convention in Chicago. You may also remember Oprah Winfrey endorsing Barack Obama in his 2008 presidential campaign. "I have found the answer. It is the same question that our nation is asking. Are you the one? Are you the one? I’m here to tell you, Iowa: he …

1
BN+: Ken Khachigian, "Behind Closed Doors" 1:05:44

1M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

The book is called "Behind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan & Nixon." It's the title of a memoir by a man who worked closely with both. Ken Khachigian, the author, was a speechwriter and a confidant to former Presidents Nixon and Reagan back in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Near the end of his book, Khachigian, a lawyer based in California, writes: …

1
Q&A: Steven Ford on Gerald Ford's Presidency 1:03:58

1M ago1:03:58

1:03:58

Fifty years ago, on August 8, 1974, President Nixon, who was under threat of impeachment, announced that he would resign from office. The following day, Vice President Gerald Ford was sworn in as the 38th president of the United States. Gerald and Betty Ford's son, Steven Ford, provides a behind-the-scenes look at that tumultuous period in American…

1
AW: Joel Pollak, "The Agenda - What Trump Should Do in His First 100 Days" 59:38

1M ago59:38

59:38

Breitbart News' Joel Pollak discussed what he thinks a potential second presidential term for Donald Trump should focus on in its first 100 days. He was interviewed by Reason Magazine editor at large Matt Welch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

1
Presidential debates – and the national debt 16:32

1M ago16:32

16:32

Getting ready for the next presidential debate – Donald Trump versus Kamala Harris – on September 10? Here's a type of question which, is history is any guide, probably won't be asked "How can you or any president, whoever is elected next time, keep that pledge without running this country deeper into debt and passing on more of the bills that we'r…

1
BN+: David Roll, "Ascent to Power" – Part 2 1:06:52

1M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

This is the second in a 2-part series with David Roll, a Washington-based attorney, who has written books on Harry Hopkins, George Marshall, and Louis Johnson. Now comes his fourth book, "Ascent to Power," which focuses on Franklin Roosevelt's final days through the sudden transition to the presidency of Harry Truman. Spanning the years 1944-1948, …

1
Q&A: Patrick Kennedy, "Profiles in Mental Health Courage" 1:06:50

1M ago1:06:50

1:06:50

Former congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) talks about Americans who have struggled with mental illness and the stigma and silence that he says still surrounds it. He shares the stories of the people profiled in his book, "Profiles in Mental Health Courage," including himself and members of his own family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg…

1
AI: History for Congress – and A New Voice for Jennifer Wexton 29:30

1M ago29:30

29:30

History was recently made in Congress. For the first time, a member addressed colleagues on the floor – using Artificial Intelligence. From July 25, 2024, here’s Democrat from Virginia – Jennifer Wexton: I hope I can be a voice, even an AI voice, for Americans facing accessibility challenges and other disabilities because, too often, people only se…

1
BN+: David Roll, "Ascent to Power" – Part 1 1:09:20

1M ago1:09:20

1:09:20

David Roll, a Washington-based attorney, has written books on Harry Hopkins, George Marshall, and Louis Johnson. Now comes his fourth book, "Ascent to Power," which focuses on Franklin Roosevelt's final days through the sudden transition to the presidency of Harry Truman. Spanning the years 1944-1948, David Roll's newest book looks at the struggles…

1
Q&A: Virginia Ali & Bernard Demczuk, "Breaking Barriers with Chili" 1:06:10

2M ago1:06:10

1:06:10

We sat down with Ben's Chili Bowl owner Virginia Ali and Ben's Chili Bowl official historian Bernard Demczuk to talk about the history of the Washington, DC, landmark. Opened in 1958 by Ben and Virginia Ali, Ben's Chili Bowl has been a hangout for civil rights activists, politicians, and celebrities for over 65 years. Recently, Bernard Demczuk publ…

1
A Big August for Vice Presidents – Gerald Ford, 1974 – Kamala Harris 2024 19:29

2M ago19:29

19:29

For political history lovers, this August has been something special. What happened in the 2024 presidential campaign this month won’t soon be forgotten. But we also remember what happened in August 50 years ago. Richard Nixon’s resignation as president – and Gerald Ford becoming president. This week’s episode of C-SPAN’s podcast “The Weekly” is al…

1
BN+: Tevi Troy, "The Power and the Money" 1:08:30

2M ago1:08:30

1:08:30

Presidential historian Tevi Troy has called his latest book "The Power and the Money: The Epic Clashes Between Commanders in Chief and Titans of Industry." Mr. Troy has spent most of his professional life in and around Washington-based government and politics. He is currently a senior fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center. In the introduction to t…

1
Q&A: George Takei, "My Lost Freedom" 58:16

2M ago58:16

58:16

Author and actor George Takei talks about growing up in internment camps in the U.S. during World War II, following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Mr. Takei and his family were four of the 120,000 Japanese Americans to be forcibly removed from their homes and relocated to military-run camps during the war on the orders of …

1
Running Mates and the National Guard: Tim Walz? Nope. Dan Quayle 26:02

2M ago26:02

26:02

Vice presidential candidates and the National Guard That’s the topic of this week’s C-SPAN podcast “The Weekly.” So, we’re talking about Tim Walz, right? Nope. Dan Quayle. "Since 1980, I've been a United States Senator from Indiana - and very proud of it. Before that, I was a member of the United States House of Representatives -- and proud of it. …

1
BN+: Maureen Callahan, "Ask Not" 1:16:11

2M ago1:16:11

1:16:11

Maureen Callahan's book "Ask Not: The Kennedy's and the Women They Destroyed" has been near the top of the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list since its publication in early July. In a review of the Callahan book by Nina Burleigh in the Washington Post, Burleigh writes: "She identifies the wellspring of misogyny in Irish Catholic patriarch Jo…

1
Q&A: World War II Veterans Steven Ellis & Rolf Slen 1:03:50

2M ago1:03:50

1:03:50

We sat down with two World War II veterans – former U.S. Navy gunnery officer Steven Ellis and former U.S. Army Air Force B-24 navigator Rolf Slen – to talk about their experiences during the war. Mr. Ellis, age 99, and Mr. Slen, age 100, both served in the Pacific Theater. Of the 16.4 million Americans who served in uniform in World War II, 119,55…

1
Jimmy Carter's Unique Relationship with Democratic Conventions 23:51

2M ago23:51

23:51

We’re in the midst of convention season! C-SPAN recently brought you live gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Republican convention. Soon we’ll do the same for the Democratic convention. Which means it’s the perfect time to think about – Jimmy Carter. "My name is Jimmy Carter, and I'm running for President. It's been a long time since I said those words…

1
BN+: Richard Brookhiser, "Glorious Lessons" 1:14:28

2M ago1:14:28

1:14:28

Richard Brookhiser has written and edited for National Review magazine for over 50 years. He has also written books about George Washington, James Madison, John Marshall, Alexander Hamilton, and "gentleman revolutionary" Gouverneur Morris. Now comes his latest, "Glorious Lessons: John Trumbull, Painter of the American Revolution." Trumbull, who liv…

1
Q&A: Steven Conn, "The Lies of the Land" 1:04:37

2M ago1:04:37

1:04:37

In "The Lies of the Land," Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) history professor Steven Conn argues that the reality of rural America today is vastly different from the way it is often portrayed by politicians and the media. He says rural Americans have not been left behind or been overlooked and are just as connected to the forces of American modernit…

1
The Negro Leagues and Presidents and Politicians 31:41

2M ago31:41

31:41

Something seismic just happened in professional baseball. For over half a century, records from the Negro Leagues had been kept separate from Major League Baseball. In May 2024, MLB announced that statistics from the Negro Leagues would now be incorporated into the record books. Inspired by the long overdue correction, C-SPAN's "The Weekly" is inco…

1
BN+: Former Washington Post Reporter & Professor Leon Dash 1:09:56

2M ago1:09:56

1:09:56

Leon Dash spent over 30 years with the Washington Post from 1966 to 1998. In 1995 series on poverty and survival in urban America. Leon Dash spent 4 years following the life of Rosa Lee Cunningham and her 8 children and 5 grandchildren. He appeared on C-SPAN's Booknotes program in November 1996 to discuss his published book, which focused on the un…

1
Q&A: Tammy Bruce, "Fear Itself" 1:04:59

2M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

Columnist and Fox News contributor Tammy Bruce, author of "Fear Itself," argues that progressive Democrats have weaponized fear to increase government control over American citizens. She also argues that the mainstream media helps stoke fear through its biased coverage of topics like COVID-19, climate change, and racism. Learn more about your ad ch…

1
AW: Peter Goodman, "How the World Ran Out of Everything" 1:02:59

3M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

New York Times reporter Peter Goodman looked at how the global supply chain works and what happens when it doesn't. He was interviewed by Northeastern University professor and author Nada Sanders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

1
Ronald Reagan’s Funniest Jokes About His Age 18:12

3M ago18:12

18:12

During the 2024 presidential campaign, we’ve heard a lot about how old the candidates are. How did the last famously “old” president -- Ronald Reagan -- handle the age issue? With jokes! Like this: I remember when George Bush and I took office, January 1981 -- or as another Republican President might have put it: 4 months and 7 years ago. You know,…

1
BN+: Ronald Feinman, "Assassinations, Threats, and the American Presidency" 1:04:04

3M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

This Booknotes+ podcast is a repeat of a Q&A program from November 4, 2015. The featured guest, Ronald Feinman, is the author of the book "Assassinations, Threats, and the American Presidency," in which he examines attempts on the lives of presidents and presidential candidates throughout history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f…

1
Q&A: J.D. Vance, "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis" 1:05:51

3M ago1:05:51

1:05:51

Prior to becoming Donald Trump's VP pick or a U.S. Senator representing Ohio, J.D. Vance was a bestselling author. Over 1.6. million copies of his book "Hillbilly Elegy," a memoir about growing up in a poor, white family that has its roots in Appalachia, have sold to date. After the VP announcement, the book once again shot to the top of the Amazon…

1
AW: Jonathan Turley, "The Indispensable Right" 1:04:04

3M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Law professor Jonathan Turley highlights individuals who've fought to exercise & defend the right to free speech throughout U.S. history. Author and American Civil Liberties Union former president Nadine Strossen interviews him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

1
AB: The 2024 Kukula Book Review Awards 23:13

3M ago23:13

23:13

Yangyang Cheng and Helen Lewis discussed book reviewing and winning the 2024 Kukula Award, the only journalism prize dedicated recognizing non-fiction book reviews and public affairs book criticism. About Books also reported on new releases and the current books featured on BookTV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Presidential Acceptance Speeches: Top Lines and Phrases from Conventions Since 1960 25:52

3M ago25:52

25:52

This summer, C-SPAN is bringing you live, gavel-to-gavel coverage of both the Republican and Democratic party conventions … featuring the presidential nomination acceptance speeches of Joe Biden and Donald Trump … If history is any guide, there will be at least one memorable line or phrase from each speech. Like in 1964: "So let us here tonight, ea…

1
BN+: Nigel West, "Operation Garbo" 1:12:08

3M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Rupert William Simon Allason was a Conservative member of the British House of Commons from 1987 and 1997. However, he's best known around the world as Nigel West, military historian and journalist specializing in security and intelligence matters. During the recent commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, Nigel West's name s…

1
Q&A: Riley Gaines, "Swimming Against the Current" 1:04:33

3M ago1:04:33

1:04:33

In 2022, collegiate swimmer Riley Gaines tied for 5th place in the 200m freestyle final at the NCAA Women's Championships. The swimmer she tied with was transgender athlete Lia Thomas. Since then, Riley Gaines has become an outspoken critic of transgender women competing in women's sports and has even testified on the issue before Congress. In this…

1
AW: Soraya Chemaly, "The Resilience Myth" 1:01:53

3M ago1:01:53

1:01:53

Writer and activist Soraya Chemaly offered an alternative view of grit and resilience today in a world of overlapping crises. She was interviewed by University of Pennsylvania Positive Psychology Center Instructor Judith Saltzberg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy C-SPAN

Podcasts Worth a Listen

C Span Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide