Decent politics podcasts, blogs and round-ups?

[boatyardblues]

After 18+ months of avoiding heavy political discourse to survive the pandemic feeling chipper I need to get up to speed on UK politics, Westminster and devolved administrations. With so many work-life commitments, I’m finding podcasts useful as well as blogs. Can you recommend decent ones? I like long interview format podcasts, but magazine-style ones are also useful. I want to see issues discussed from a range of perspectives and enjoy critical thinking hosts/good probing questioning by the hosts. Which podcasts/bloggers would you recommend and which way do they skew politically?

I like Westminster insider but it's not always about current affairs as such, more an individual topic each episode.

That sounds ideal George.

Has there been any good discussion recently about ‘levelling up’? It seems such a nebulous, loosely defined concept I’m struggling to get my head around it.

Don't think so sorry! Have you listened to any of the guardian politics podcasts? Sometimes focuses on America but still interesting for it.

My own view is that levelling up is just a phrase that has no real agenda behind it, so perhaps I'm the wrong person to comment!!!

That’s what I suspect too, but I’m willing to be proved wrong.

Unashamedly left but there's enough bias to the right in UK media that someone has to do it:

novaramedia.com/category/audio/

I listen to the spectator and the guardian podcasts to try and get some opposing views. The institute for government one is good. Then the times red box and the new statesman. So a lot but it’s headphones on and go housework a go go.

Thanks all.

Payne's Politics
Week in Westminster
Brexit Republic
NPR Politics (USA)
Checks & Balances (Economist)
Politico Westminster Insider
I'd say all of those try to be balanced in their coverage

If you really want a leftie rant: Oh God What Now
There are several excellent podcasts on the limits of legal powers of US presidency...

Also folllowing for tips

Steve Richards Rock N Roll politics podcasts are very good.

Meant to add Steve Richards is left leaning but measured.

I don’t know if you want think tank discussion but I like reading Institute for government blogs and explainers: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/blog

Seconding Novaramedia

@boatyardblues
Paynes Politics last Saturday (1 Oct) has a long section all about Leveling Up (WTF is it, etc). White paper out soon, I guess.

I like Spiked Podcast for a weekly round up.

Thanks to more recent contributors for your suggestions, especially lljkk for the levelling up discussion.