From Australia to the Arctic, we’ve collected a long list of political podcasts from around the world. Don’t worry Southern Hemisphere friends. These will do just as well accompanied by a hot tea and a blanket as they will by sunshine. Share with your friends and sign up for our weekly briefing to get future lists before anyone else.
This list was put together by Communications Manager Rebekah Ison. Follow her on Twitter at @isonbek or on Linkedin. Email her via rebekah@apolitical.foundation.
Global
Talking Politics
Cambridge professors David Runciman and Helen Thompson talk to the most interesting people around about the ideas and events that shape our world.
Outrage + Optimism
Faces the climate crisis head on but with the belief that we have the power to solve it.
Deep Dish on Global Affairs
Brings together experts in foreign policy, national security, economics, and other topics to talk through what's happening, why, and why it matters.
Foreign Policy Playlist
Amy Mackinnon recommends one podcast from around the world, interviews the host, and plays an excerpt.
The Foreign Affairs Interview
Foreign Affairs editor Daniel Kurtz-Phelan talks to influential thinkers and policymakers about the forces shaping the world.
Middle East
Mal Amal
Documents the daily struggles of migrant and local workers. Available in English and Arabic.
The Parliament
A political news podcast diving into local Jordanian issues. Available only in Arabic.
Deen Wa Dawla
Discusses citizenship under religious and civil legislations. In Arabic.
Middle East Focus
A weekly podcast featuring discussion and analysis on U.S. foreign policy and contemporary political and social issues in the Middle East.
Conflicted
An ex-Al Qaeda jihadi turned MI6 spy and a former monk turned filmmaker break down the complexities of history, religion and politics of the Middle East.
Libya Matters
About truth, justice, and human rights in Libya with hosts Elham Saudi and Marwa Mohamed. By Lawyers for Justice Libya.
Beyond the Headlines
Goes deep into the week's biggest stories from the Middle East and around the world with The National's foreign desk.
The New Arab Voice
From The New Arab, a leading English-language website based in London covering the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Arab and Muslim affairs around the world.
Nowhere to Hide
Pieces together one of the worst crimes in modern history: the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian war.
Africa
In The Ring With Eusebius McKaiser
Eusebius McKaiser tackles the uncomfortable topics that dominate public debate.
Kenya’s Blueprint
Investigates Kenya's parastatals (or state-owned entities), explores the reason for their formation and what went wrong.
Foresight Africa
Aloysius Uche Ordu interviews policy experts and leaders on key trends affecting people and nations on the continent.
The SMWX Podcast
A journey into the heart of South Africa politics, through interviews and analysis, with Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh.
Nigeria Politics Weekly
A weekly review of political developments in Nigeria.
Into Africa
Mvemba Phezo Dizolele sits down with policymakers, journalists, academics and other trailblazers in African affairs.
Podcasts from the Edge
Veteran South African newspaper editor Peter Bruce interviews the country's social and political leaders and experts in a weekly effort to explain what is actually going on in the complicated country.
Think African
Examines the questions that define the world from an unapologetically African point of view.
Sunday Times Politics Weekly
Top journalists from South Africa’s Sunday Times discuss the week's biggest stories and toughest topics in a tight and guided conversation.
Latin America
Contrapoder
Journalist Jorge Ramos presents in-depth interviews with people at the center of the most controversial and relevant topics of the moment. In Spanish.
Unpacking Latin America
Prof. Vicky Murillo features research produced by Columbia scholars about Latin American history, culture and politics.
Americas Quarterly Podcast
Politics, business and culture in Latin America, in a conversation hosted by Brian Winter, editor-in-chief of Americas Quarterly.
El hilo
A weekly podcast to put in context the most relevant events in Latin America. In Spanish.
El Café Diario
Delves into the issues that are marking the agenda of Chile and the world. In Spanish.
Latin America in Focus
Goes in depth on the latest trends in Latin American politics, economics, and culture in this podcast series by the Americas Society/Council of the Americas.
La Encerrona
Daily News on Peruvian Politics in around 15 minutes.
Explaining Brazil
A production from The Brazilian Report: an independent media outlet uniquely positioned to offer an insider’s view on current affairs in Brazil.
Asia and the Pacific
Ideas of India
Through conversations with top thinkers in the social sciences and beyond, economist Shruti Rajagopalan explores the ideas that will propel India forward.
Sattadheesh
Takes you to the world of politics and will give you a close insight into the lives of iconic politicians from India and all across the globe. In Hindi.
Puliyabaazi Hindi Podcast
Brings you in-depth conversations on politics, public policy, technology, philosophy and pretty much everything that is interesting. In Hindi.
Grand Tamasha
Milan Vaishnav and guests from around the world break down the latest developments in Indian politics, economics, foreign policy, society, and culture for a global audience.
The Seen and the Unseen
The Seen and the Unseen started off looking at the unintended consequences of public policies, and then evolved into a deep-dive interview podcast.
The Diplomat’s Asia Geopolitical Podcast
A weekly discussion on the geopolitical implications of current events in the Asia-Pacific, hosted by Ankit Panda from The Diplomat.
China Geopolitics
The South China Morning Post’s political economy team analyzes the latest economic data from China, delves deep into the ongoing US-China trade and tech war, and examines China's changing economic relationship with Europe, Africa and the Indo-Pacific.
Nothing but the Truth
India Today Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa dissects and simplifies one important news story.
Left Right Out
For anyone who wants to understand Australian politics but doesn’t know where to start. Elfy and Justine answer listener questions, because no one should be left out of the conversation.
Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny
Mark Kenny takes a weekly look at Australian politics and public affairs with expert analysis and discussion from researchers at The Australian National University and beyond.
Gone by Lunchtime
A New Zealand politics podcast with Annabelle Lee Mather, Ben Thomas and The Spinoff editor-at-large Toby Manhire.
Pacific Beat
Features interviews with leaders, newsmakers, and people who make the Pacific beat. From the Australian Broadcasting Company.
Southeast Asia Radio
Greg Poling, Elina Noor, and Simon Tran Hudes highlight important news from Southeast Asia and dive into candid conversations with leading voices on the region and US foreign policy.
Australia, if you’re listening
Tells the story of Australia’s turbulent history with climate change and what that means for the future. From the Australian Broadcasting Company.
The Little Red Podcast
Interviews and chat discussing China beyond the Beijing beltway. Hosted by Graeme Smith, China studies academic at the Australian National University.
Spotlight on Central Asia
Fortnightly analysis focusing on Central Asia and its place in the world, with news and experts from the region. Brought to you by The Oxus Society.
Antarctica and the Arctic
Polar Geopolitics
Analyzes the local and global implications of rapid climate change and rising international interest in the Arctic and Antarctica.
Europe
We Belong
Yasmine Ouirhrane, appointed expert by the European Union and the African Union, talks to young women representing the diversity of Europe.
Politics on the Couch
Looks at the way our minds respond to politics and the way politicians mess with our minds.
The Europeans
A semi-serious show from a reporter in Paris and an opera singer in Amsterdam that will make you seem clever to friends.
Reasons to be Cheerful
British Politician Ed Miliband and Broadcaster Geoff Lloyd explore the ideas, people and movements solving the biggest challenges facing society.
LSE IQ Podcast
A monthly podcast from the London School of Economics and Political Science that asks some of the smartest social scientists to answer intelligent questions about economics, politics or society.
Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes
Features top-level speakers from across the EU and beyond to debate and discuss Europe’s role in the world. Curated by Mark Leonard, Director of the European Council on Foreign Relations.
North America and Puerto Rico
Left, Right and Center
KCRW’s "civilized yet provocative antidote to self-contained opinion bubbles''. It first aired as a radio show in 1996.
La Brega: Histories of the Puerto Rican Experience
A seven-part podcast series that uses narrative storytelling and investigative journalism to reflect and reveal how the concept of “la brega” has defined so many aspects of life in Puerto Rico. Available in English and Spanish.
The Weeds
Dylan Matthews, Dara Lind, and other voices dig into the weeds on important national issues, including healthcare immigration, and housing.
Pantsuits Politics
Authors and sought-after speakers Sarah and Beth prioritize curiosity over the conflict that often drives political conversations.
Democracy Decoded
Discusses innovative ideas that could lead to a stronger, more transparent, accountable and inclusive democracy.
The Science of Politics
Up-and-coming researchers deliver fresh insights on the big trends driving American politics today.
The Intelligence
Provides a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world. Published every weekday by Economist Radio.
The Axe Files
David Axelrod, the founder and director of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, brings you revealing interviews with key figures in the political world.
Politically Asian! Podcast
Hosted by two comedians in Brooklyn who talk about politics and the Asian American community, in hopes of getting more Asians to talk about politics.
The President’s Inbox
Examines the foreign policy challenges facing the United States.
Our Body Politic
Unapologetically centered on not just how women of color experience the major political events of today, but how they're impacting those very issues. Created and hosted by award-winning journalist Farai Chideya.