# BEST OF THE LEFT APP > Biweekly left-leaning political news and commentary compilation with music. (iPhone/iPad app by Wizzard Media.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/best-of-the-left-app/id334671649 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Wizzard Media](https://appshunter.io/developer/318848960) - Category: News, Reference - Price: Free with in-app purchases - Rating: 4.70/5 from 74 App Store ratings · 68 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 12+ - Requires: iOS 8.0 · 31 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2009-10-31 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: free with in-app purchases - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/best-of-the-left-app/id334671649/reviews.md ## What is BEST OF THE LEFT APP? This biweekly show is a beautifully executed compilation combining the absolute best in left-leaning political news and commentary with great music to glue it all together. Each edition we choose a political theme and bring you a variety of stories and perspectives from an array of sources on that theme. This application provides instant access to the entire back catalog of this award-nominated show stretching back in the archives to 2006 without taking up space on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. Sources for this compilation show include Countdown with Keith Olberman and The Rachel Maddow Show from MSNBC. NPR shows such as On the Media, Radio Lab, This American Life, Wait wait don't tell me!, Fresh Air, and All things considered. Air America Radio shows such as Break Room Live, Ring of Fire with Bobby Kennedy and The Inside Story with Ana Marie Cox. I also include The Young Turks, Thom Hartmann, Democracy NOW!, Counterspin from FAIR.org, Mother Jones Radio, Slate magazine, Alex Jones, Randi Rhodes, Radio Ecoshock, Le Show, Real Time with Bill Maher, and Green.tv. If you like any of the above programs it's almost certain that you will love Best of the Left! Even if you already listen to all of the sources above you'll still like BotL because it is a show that is truly greater than the sum of it's parts. (Please note, not all features are available for all episodes. This app is compatible with the iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone, but the call-in feature is only available on the iPhone) ## Key features - Biweekly curated political news - Left-leaning commentary - Integrated music selections - Extensive back catalog access - Thematic episode compilations - Multiple source variety ## Pricing and in-app purchases Base price: Free. **One-time purchases** | Purchase | Price | Type | | --- | --- | --- | | Push Upgrade | $0.99 | one-time | ## Recent user reviews (10 of 68) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/best-of-the-left-app/id334671649/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Simply the Best *2021-05-05* Well edit ### 1/5 — Good news, sub-par app *2020-04-14* Very unstable on new iPad. Can’t finish watching a clip before it stops, reverts to previous page. Disappointing. ### 5/5 — Great app, excellent content *2018-09-26* I love listening to the podcast on the way to work, making it carplay compatible would be awesome. ### 1/5 — “Left” *2018-09-06* Can’t really fault the app, since neo-liberal welfare capitalism is what passes as “leftist” in the US. Still, one star for perpetuating the Overton window’s inexorable slide to the right. “Ten degrees to the left of center in good times... ten degrees to the right of center if it affects them personally...” ### 5/5 — Essential listening *2017-07-12* This is a terrific way to get a lot of information on whatever topic is being covered in any given episode. I always learn something I hadn't thought of and learn better ways to discuss issues without devolving into expletives. 🙃 ### 5/5 — My favorite Podcast *2017-05-22* I love this show! It is great to hear the different perspectives of the current issues. I also love the activism portion! Thanks Jay! ### 5/5 — Real news *2016-11-22* A functioning democracy requires the participation of informed citizens. You owe it to yourself and society to listen to and support the best of the left. A true progressive beacon in a storm of disinformation and petty drivel that passes for U.S. "news". ### 5/5 — Accurate Title *2016-08-17* It lives up to its title in content as well as its utterly amazing and intuitive web page. Always has links to the information it provides, and should have far more recognition than it does. We need more rational and welcome conversation like the ones Best of the Left provides every single episode. Thanks J!. ### 5/5 — My Desert Island podcast *2016-08-08* The quality Jay puts into each episode makes this the one I'd choose if I could only listen to one podcast. I frequently recommend BOTL to folks from the right. This kind of thoughtful programming is a huge contribution to what I hope is the ventral recovery of democracy. ### 5/5 — The best podcast in both content and organization *2016-06-24* More podcasts need to follow this example by reviewing one specific thread of our society whether it be a social issue, cultural aspect, or scientific field. This podcast, and its creator, is extremely creative and keeps the listener engaged through exploring the many facets of a single topic. I really want a scientific podcast like this that reviews not just one interesting article, but all of the related articles that contributed to the incredible scientific discovery! People need to know that science and technology doesn't simply advance in steps, it advances constantly due to the efforts of thousands of researchers. ## Frequently asked questions about BEST OF THE LEFT APP ### What is this app about? This app provides access to a biweekly show that compiles the best left-leaning political news and commentary, integrated with music. Each episode focuses on a specific political theme, drawing from a wide array of reputable news sources and programs. ### What are the key features? Key features include access to a vast back catalog of episodes dating back to 2006, curated thematic compilations of political news and commentary, and integrated music. The app also sources content from many well-known news programs and outlets. ### Is this app free to use? The app is free to download and use, offering access to its content. However, it does feature in-app purchases, suggesting that some additional content or features may be available for purchase. ### What devices is this app compatible with? This application is compatible with the iPad, iPod Touch, and iPhone. Please note that the call-in feature is specifically available only on the iPhone. ### Who would enjoy this app? This app is ideal for listeners who enjoy left-leaning political news and commentary, and appreciate a curated listening experience. If you already follow sources like The Rachel Maddow Show, NPR programs, or The Young Turks, you are likely to enjoy this compilation. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.5.35 — 2019-04-10 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. Minor bug fixes and updates. ### 2.0.32 — 2016-01-23 The App has been re-designed from the ground up and it's OH SOOOO much better looking with much easier functionality and accessibility! This version also includes A LOT more shows for you to enjoy. Here are some of the super star updates! - Car mode! Rotate your phone to display larger playback controls. - The main menu and playback settings are now accessible via a slide out from the upper left corner button. - Improved access to episode sorting features and the episode Star and Download options. - Improved display of episodes, artwork, and post file type. - Show contact features can now be accessed via the main menu or the upper right corner while viewing an episode. - Its just prettier… who doesn't want pretty? Please provide any bug reports via the troubleshooting button found under contact via the main menu. We hope you love the spiffy new look and features! ### 1.20.17 — 2015-09-14 Minor bug fixes ### 1.19.3 — 2013-05-06 Minor bug fixes. ### 1.19.2 — 2013-04-10 Minor bug fixes. ## More apps by Wizzard Media - [Tii Podcast App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tii-podcast-app/id318848957) - [YOGAmazing - Yoga Video App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/yogamazing-yoga-video-app/id323302717) - [Spanish 2 Go](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spanish-2-go/id323304990) - [Gamertag Radio App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gamertag-radio-app/id333245789) - [Polyamory Weekly](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/polyamory-weekly/id335341864) All apps by Wizzard Media: https://appshunter.io/developer/318848960 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*