In 2015, then-President Barack Obama made waves by appearing on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast. At the time, this was an unusual move, marking an unprecedented foray of a major political figure into an independent podcast. Fast forward nearly a decade, and the media landscape has shifted so dramatically that podcasters with minimal or no journalism experience now often land exclusive interviews with presidential candidates, sometimes bypassing major news outlets altogether.
The allure of these independent platforms is undeniable. Speculation recently emerged of a possible Kamala Harris interview with Joe Rogan, the so-called godfather of “apolitical” politicized podcasting. While unconfirmed, the rumor highlights the shift toward independent voices: Rogan's confirmed interview with Donald Trump only amplified this trend. Similarly, Harris’s planned appearance on Club Shay Shay with NFL icon Shannon Sharpe exemplifies how political figures are embracing these non-traditional media voices.
But why are these seemingly "apolitical" podcasts drawing so much attention? In addition to Rogan, Trump has made campaign stops on shows like Impaulsive and Bussin’ With the Boys, while Harris appeared on Call Her Daddy, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visited SmartLess. These podcasters share a unique quality: they present themselves as relatable, unpretentious figures who often avoid political labels, despite discussing political issues. By presenting themselves as regular people, they’ve found a place in the middle of America’s increasingly polarized media landscape.
Why Politicians Are Flocking to Podcasts
These independent voices offer something traditional media can’t: access to deeply loyal listeners, whose attention can be incredibly influential. While mainstream outlets like 60 Minutes still reach larger audiences, these podcast audiences are notable for their consistency and engagement. Although numbers vary, many podcasters are drawing millions of listeners or viewers, rivaling traditional news platforms.
Adin Ross, Streamer and Podcaster
With 1.5 million subscribers on Kick and 2.6 million YouTube views, Ross’s influence extends into the “manosphere.” Known for his connections with controversial figures and opinions that align with toxic masculinity, his platform is popular among younger, more internet-savvy audiences. Trump’s appearance on Ross’s platform brought him directly to this demographic, showcasing how strategic podcast appearances can be for reaching specific voter segments.
Logan Paul’s Impaulsive
Boasting over 6.6 million views on YouTube, Impaulsive has propelled Logan Paul from a notorious YouTube vlogger to a mainstream conversationalist. In his interview with Trump, topics ranged from aliens to artificial intelligence, with minimal political depth — yet the discussion still resonated with Paul’s substantial audience, marking yet another foray into non-traditional media for political figures.
Theo Von’s This Past Weekend
Theo Von, another former reality star turned top podcaster, has interviewed everyone from Donald Trump to Bernie Sanders. His unique approach and vast reach (14 million views on YouTube) make him an ideal candidate for politicians looking to appeal to everyday listeners in a low-pressure environment. The casual atmosphere allows politicians to engage on lighter topics while still reaching a broad, engaged audience.
Charlamagne tha God on The Breakfast Club
Charlamagne tha God’s influence spans traditional radio and newer media formats, making him a bridge between legacy platforms and modern streaming. With millions of listeners, The Breakfast Club offers a platform that is both expansive and trusted. Harris’s recent town hall on the show gave her an opportunity to connect with a diverse, engaged demographic and discuss topics openly — far from the polished soundbites typical in traditional interviews.
The Rise of the “Apodcastical” Influence
In today’s post-pandemic world, podcasting is more intimate than ever. Audiences forge strong parasocial relationships with hosts, often trusting their perspectives over traditional news sources. This trust is largely rooted in the medium’s format: podcasts deliver content directly to listeners’ ears, fostering a sense of connection. According to recent statistics, nearly 42% of Americans over age 12 have listened to a podcast in the past month, signaling a growing audience that skews younger, listens longer, and frequently tunes in.
On the other hand, public trust in traditional media continues to erode, with only about a third of Americans expressing confidence in mainstream news accuracy. Podcasters, unconstrained by journalistic norms or editorial oversight, attract listeners disillusioned by traditional outlets, even as they blur the lines between fact and opinion. This melding of creator economy and digital media has fostered a new type of influencer, where every TikTok hot take and YouTube clip contributes to the discourse.
Prominent journalists, like Taylor Lorenz and Matt Yglesias, have left established newsrooms to create independent followings, often launching podcasts or Substacks. This shift further underscores the decentralization of news, as audiences increasingly look to figures they feel they “know” rather than to traditional reporters.
The Double-Edged Sword of Podcast Accessibility
While podcast accessibility offers a unique opportunity for candidates, it also exposes them to less critical questioning. Podcasters often prioritize personality and audience engagement over rigorous journalism, meaning that hard-hitting questions and fact-checking are rare. Few podcasters, including those with millions of followers, have backgrounds in journalism, and many are under no obligation to challenge their guests’ claims.
Nevertheless, politicians continue to flock to this format. For Harris and Trump alike, a podcast appearance offers a chance to connect with specific groups while bypassing the editorial scrutiny of traditional media. Candidates avoid complex issues, opting instead for relatable discussions that resonate with listeners. This shift reflects a growing preference among political figures to be seen as approachable personalities rather than as serious policymakers.
Traditional Media’s Role in a Podcast-Driven Landscape
Despite this trend, traditional media hasn’t been entirely sidelined. Both Harris and Trump continue to engage with outlets like NBC News, Bloomberg, and The New York Times. But while a 60 Minutes appearance may reach millions of viewers, those who tune in are not necessarily the same people following podcast hosts like Alex Cooper or Theo Von. As Vulture’s Nick Quah noted, polarized Americans increasingly consume news that aligns with their existing ideologies — or, in many cases, forgo news entirely in favor of entertainment.
This division suggests that these podcast interviews may not serve as substitutes for journalistic rigor. Without fact-checking and accountability, these conversations are less likely to address tough questions. By choosing “easier” interviews on accessible platforms, candidates sidestep the traditional scrutiny that might otherwise reveal their stances on challenging issues. And while they reach broad audiences, these interviews may ultimately do a disservice to democracy, replacing the informed discourse of traditional media with unfiltered opinions.
The Future of Politics and Podcasting
As the 2024 campaign trail demonstrates, podcasting isn’t just a passing trend but a powerful new force in political media. While this format lacks the structure and editorial rigor of traditional outlets, it offers a more personal, direct way to connect with audiences. In an era of increasing media mistrust, politicians are embracing this approach, seeking the endorsement — implicit or explicit — of personalities who can sway public opinion without the “burden” of journalistic standards.
Yet this intimacy may come at a price. While podcasts serve as a platform for easygoing dialogue, they also diminish the role of in-depth reporting and critical questioning. As candidates continue to appear on popular podcasts, the line between news and entertainment will likely grow blurrier. The impact on public understanding of complex issues remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: in the realm of 2024 politics, podcasters have claimed the throne as the new influencers of public opinion.