Every aspect of our lives as American citizens—from education to law and justice, from health care to financial stability—is directly impacted by the systems that rule us and the leaders who guide us. No matter where you lie on the political spectrum, getting engaged and exercising your civic duty begins with listening.
Get engaged with political nonfiction
Dive deep into politics and government with these informative listens.
Journalist Alissa Quart turns her lens to the mythos of American individualism, positing a collective-minded alternative free from the idea that we weather every struggle alone.
Ongoing conversations surround the challenges and applications of artificial intelligence. This listen tackles opportunities and moral dilemmas, offering a roadmap for ethical AI usage.
Though the Cold War officially ended decades ago, the old rivalries continue to hold sway. Award-winning narrator Robertson Dean reads New Cold Wars with author David E. Sanger.
Pulitzer Prize finalist Annie Jacobsen crafts a terrifying cautionary tale on the tremendous risk of nuclear warfare in this urgent investigation into logistics, safeguards, and chilling outcomes.
Writer and podcaster Coleman Hughes argues for a new approach to equality that centers the ideal of a racially just society led by colorblind policy and culture.
Reflecting on the reversal of a landmark ruling on reproductive health, this listen uncovers the history of Roe v. Wade and how that milestone precedent was overturned.
Political scientist Tom Schaller and journalist Paul Waldman collaborate on this work that considers the danger of rural anger and what must be done to offer a better, more stable future for all.
Heather Cox Richardson reads her history book Democracy Awakening, about the challenges US democracy has faced in the past and what that teaches us about current crises.
During World War II, a group of Americans started an influential pro-Axis campaign right here in America. Rachel Maddow narrates this frightening, consequential story.
MSNBC analyst Steve Kornacki authors and co-narrates this exploration of how the rivalry between Bill Clinton and Newt Gingrich created the political turmoil we still struggle with today.
Read by an all-Black cast, More Than a Vote reminds us of the importance of voting and how easily that right can be taken away from people who are already underrepresented.
Leadership traits are highly valued—but what exactly are those qualities? Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin explores that question by examining the legacies of four presidents.
Politics is undoubtedly an important topic, but it is also intimidating and complex. Through award-winning narrator Teri Schnaubelt, Jessamyn Conrad provides the breakdown we all need.
Politicians advertise themselves as servants of the people, but this compelling listen argues that they are just like people in any other business: willing to compete ruthlessly for their own gain.
Listen for yourself as award-winning narrator James Anderson Foster reads The Federalist Papers, among the most important of America's founding documents, written by three Founding Fathers.
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright authors and narrates Fascism, a book about how fascism flourished across Europe in the last century and its troubling resurgence today.
In this Great Courses installment, you'll learn about the ins and outs of America's three branches of government directly from an associate professor specializing in politics.
David Sadzin narrates Daniel Q. Gillion's data- and history-based analysis of why protests matter and what effect they have on politics and culture.
In American Nations, narrated by award-winner Walter Dixon, author Colin Woodard divides the US and Canada into unofficial regions based on settler identity and beliefs.
Journalist John Dickerson relates the dirty yet fascinating history of American political campaigns in Whistlestop, which he also deftly narrates.
John B. Judis's The Populist Explosion, effectively narrated by Coleen Marlo, explains what populism is and why it's experiencing a revival across two continents right now.
Perspective from former presidents
Full of hope and inspiration, these memoirs offer tales of integrity and determination, as well as firsthand accounts of political life before, during, and after inauguration.
Barack Obama's multipart presidential memoirs start here with A Promised Land. Narrated by the former president, it relates the challenges and high points of his historic first term.
Written and read by George W. Bush, Decision Points focuses on the toughest, most consequential moments of the 43rd president's two terms in office.
My Life is the complete autobiography of Bill Clinton, describing his rise from Arkansas politician to the most powerful man in the world. Actor Michael Beck narrates.
In this unique biography, George and Barbara Bush read a series of personal and professional documents that shed light on every phase of the former president's life and career.
Ronald Reagan reads An American Life, a brief yet illuminating autobiography about how this moderately successful actor entered politics and, ultimately, the White House.
A Grammy-winning autobiography, read by Jimmy Carter himself. From his rural childhood to his single term in office to his philanthropic work, A Full Life sheds light on an American great.
Among our most infamous presidents, Richard Nixon tells his own side of a complicated moment in American history in In the Arena, which he also narrates.
John F. Kennedy's classic, Pulitzer-winning work highlights the great deeds of senators during difficult times. The audiobook is read by the late president's son.
Before he became the 34th president, Eisenhower was a military leader central to victory in WWII. AudioFile award-winning actor David Colacci brings Eisenhower's words to life.
Don’t miss a beat with these political podcasts
Routinely updated with incisive takes on what’s making headlines, these news and culture podcasts make the biggest stories all the more accessible.
In his Audible Original podcast, journalist Peter Bergen covers national and international news stories that everyone should know about.
Get every morning started with three trending news stories you have to hear, analyzed and reported by the trusted team at NPR News—all in 10 minutes.
Learn the context of each day's most-talked-about news stories with Vox's Today, Explained podcast, hosted by Sean Rameswaram and Noel King.
Too busy to sit down and watch the evening news? Get every day's edition of NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt in podcast form instead.
The longest-running network radio newscast in the US, at more than 75 years. Listen each weekday morning for a complete look at national and international news.
Brought to you by The Economist, this podcast dives into the topics on everyone's minds, from the latest AI developments to international politics.
Post Reports, a news podcast produced by The Washington Post, does more than report the news: It explains the wider implications of both popular and less-reported stories.
Host A'shanti F. Gholar puts the spotlight (or the microphone) on women of color and their contributions to the political sphere in The Brown Girls Guide to Politics.
For in-depth, unvarnished conversations about contentious topics, turn to This American Life, a Pulitzer-winning podcast hosted by Ira Glass.
For listeners sick of sources that reduce everything to black and white, Sean Illing has the antidote, with nuanced discussions on pertinent subjects.
Listen to Rachel Maddow's eponymous MSNBC show in podcast form and stay up to date on the latest news stories in the car, at work, or while doing housework.
The radio host's most memorable moments are preserved in Rush Limbaugh: Timeless Wisdom, a series of short segments from his original program.
Relive the lead-up to the 2020 election and consider parallels between that election and the upcoming one in 2024 with CNN's Election 101.
Civics 101: New Hampshire explores the political workings and history of the state, getting down to brass tacks on how local democracy works.
Viewers of FOX News can take must-hear stories on the road with this podcast, airing twice daily to keep listeners in the know.
Stay up to date with the latest in listening
Keep yourself informed on the latest hot-button issues and tell-all memoirs with these recent releases.
Now available for preorder and releasing in November 2024, Bill Clinton's Citizen shows what a president does and thinks about after his political career ends.
In this moving memoir, Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman ever appointed to the Supreme Court, explores how she's honored her family legacy through her life and career.
Civics teacher Sharon McMahon paints a vivid portrait of 12 everyday Americans who made a remarkable impact on the heart and character of the nation.
Nancy Pelosi made history when she was named the first woman Speaker of the House in 2007. In this memoir, she details every moment that led to her ascent.
No one expected Volodymyr Zelensky, a comedian, to become president of Ukraine, let alone a stalwart leader during a time of war. The Showman relays his remarkable career.
When his young son disappeared after a bus crash in Jerusalem, Abed Salama, a Palestinian, embarked on a desperate quest to find out what happened to him.
Dr. Anthony Fauci recalls everything from his Brooklyn childhood to his work on the forefront of global AIDS relief, anthrax scares, the COVID-19 pandemic, and more.
Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin uses personal documents to tell the story of the 1960s from a new perspective. Goodwin co-narrates with Hollywood icon Bryan Cranston.
Liz Cheney was one of very few Republicans to break with her party and take a stand on the discord following the 2020 election. Here, she narrates her own story.
Audible Original Deputy Mayor Putin traces the Russian president's rise to power and all that came after. Actors Fiona Shaw and Gwilym Lee narrate.
George Stephanopoulos brings listeners inside the White House Situation Room, shedding light on crises confronted there over the past 60 years.
Sociologist Matthew Desmond analyzes why our nation, one of wealth and prosperity, maintains sky-high rates of poverty and hardship, and how we can go about turning the tide.
Former aide Cassidy Hutchinson explains why she chose to work for former President Trump—and why she chose to testify against him—in her self-narrated memoir.
Read by a full cast, this epistolary listen paints a portrait of resistance, resilience, and the triumph of the creative spirit—all set amid one of the most notorious military prisons.
This MSNBC podcast details POTUS hopeful Kamala Harris's political career and discusses the implications of her history-making vice presidency.
Author and narrator Ben Rhodes examines authoritarianism worldwide to better understand its appeal to some Americans in After the Fall.
In his memoir On the House, former Speaker of the House John Boehner relates his own job experiences and thoughts on current politics.
Written and read by activist Tamika D. Mallory, State of Emergency establishes the moral necessity of in-person social justice activism.
Evan Osnos's comprehensive bio of the 46th president of the United States traces the ups and downs of Biden's long political career.
Tammy Duckworth tells her own story about how she survived two wars—one of which left her with catastrophic injuries—to become a US senator.
Senator Klobuchar reviews the history of monopolies and antitrust laws in America, recounting her own crusade against modern-day monopolies.
Greta Thunberg’s climate strike stirred a whole world to action. Here, she gathered more than 100 experts to craft an essential primer on climate.
Award-winning narrator Kate Reading animates this biography about one of the 20th century's most influential First Ladies.
Senator Warren is never afraid to stir the pot in the name of worthy causes, as Persist, the autobiography she also narrates, makes clear.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a national disaster, but the outcome was far worse than it had to be. Actor Bradley Whitford of The West Wing enlivens this infuriating exposé.
Award-winning narrator Timothy Andrés Pabon performs Senator Cruz's book about how every Supreme Court justice holds incalculable power over the lives of Americans.
Read by Shakespearean actor Robert Petkoff, Disloyal is the explosive memoir of Donald Trump's former lawyer and personal advisor, Michael Cohen.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders recalls her experiences working in the Trump White House as the official press secretary.
Desmond Meade is committed to restoring voting rights to formerly incarcerated citizens. Now he shares that journey in his self-narrated book.
His Very Best argues that the much-maligned presidency of Jimmy Carter deserves a second look; Spin City actor Michael Boatman narrates.
This biography of civil rights activist and politician John Lewis is read by award-winning narrator JD Jackson and written by Pulitzer winner Jon Meacham.
This memoir read by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden shines with love, reflecting on how she and her husband became a family after tragedy and loss
Trump's former national security advisor, H. R. McMaster, offers his perspective on how America can improve its foreign policy.
The US Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, but as The Presidents vs. The Press explains, many presidents have failed to respect that right.
Award-winning narrator Kevin R. Free reads this account of how corporations are impacting America—and what we can do to stop them.
Thinkers Chomsky and Pollin propose a plan to keep climate change from getting worse in an audiobook narrated by actor James Patrick Cronin.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan shares his life story, secrets to success, and fight with cancer in his memoir, which he also narrates.
Divided We Fall argues that Americans must relearn how to cope with their political differences or risk destroying themselves and the entire globe.
From renowned journalist Bob Woodward comes this insightful, intimate look at Trump's leadership slips from the pandemic onward.
More perennial favorite political audiobooks
These listens span the depths of political thought, excavating civil and ethical questions that feel ever-timely. Diligently researched and expertly performed, these must-listens have the capacity to expose, galvanize, devastate, and astonish.