The Great Unravelling

Ben and Mat talk to you about The Penguin, yeah Colin Farrell wobbling about in a rubbery mask - it's that. Also The Wild Robot - it's good, have you seen it? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Summer special featuring Deadpool & Wolverine, new TV show Fantasmas, Kevin Costner's marriage ending passion project Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, revisiting Tim Burton's Ed Wood and preview of the upcoming cinema releases. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben and Mat disagree on the merits of Inside Out 2, play 'Furiosa or Fake-iosa', Jim from The Office's new film, IF, tiny little dragons in the pond and why Ben might be moving to Copenhagen. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben reviews Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and smartphone biographical comedy-drama, BlackBerry. Also a controversial call-to-arms to combat the scourge of your local pub. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

John Ford's quintessential classic Western, The Searchers starring John Wayne. That's right, a stone cold classic. But in Ben's view, how well has this really old film stood the test of time? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben reviews Alex Garland's dystopian thriller Civil War and Dev Patel's revenge beat 'em up in the classic style, Monkey Man. But which is best? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben and Mat review Dune: Part two. Is it any good? What on earth is it about? Which of the starry cast are the best at acting? All of this and more. Plus Ben nearly drowns at the swimming baths This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Sorry this is a bit out of date, current affairs wise. Anyway, remember that whole thing in the House of Commons the other week? Yeah, that. Let's talk about that like it's just happened. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben and Mat discuss the prospect of tax cuts at a time when our public services are under more strain than ever. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben and Mat welcome in the new year and discuss the prospect of a new government. Ben reviews 13 years of the Tories. We also take a dive into the depths of Ben's chocolate box - which classics have survived Christmas undevoured? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben and Mat run down our favourite things of the year. Yes, things. We didn't think it was helpful to be specific. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben and Mat attempt a discussion that cannot be tied to a specific point in time. Podcasting in the void. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Guess what Ben's still angry about... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben wishes Labour would be more bold with fresh policies to capture the public imagination. Also pond update, the actors strike's unseen UK impact and listener correspondence. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben and Mat check in on summer activities including a father son bonding trip to that there London, digging a pond and the joy of summer finally ending. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben and Mat chat IRL on a range of important and engaging subjects including making fake phone calls, talking to yourself and sprint triathlons. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ian Dunt returns to the podcast to talk to Mat and Ben about his new-ish book 'How Westminster Works...And Why It Doesn't' This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Louise Calvey from campaign group Refugee Action talks to us about the reality of the government's 'Stop the boats' policy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

The government has dropped it's house building targets during a housing crisis. Meanwhile Labour have gone on the attack, pledging to prioritise house building and Ben is a bit excited. We also discuss Mat's news, mental health check-in and some jokes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben and Mat chat to writer and broadcaster Sam Delaney about his book 'Sort Your Head Out: Mental health without all the bollocks'. They discuss the value of recognising your own trauma, how to share your mental health struggles with others, the stresses of modern fatherhood and plenty more other shit.Sam Delaney on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DelaneyManThe Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben tells Mat why he should read 'Sort Your Head Out: Mental health without all the bollocks' by Sam Delaney and trails some exciting future podcast news! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Back after a break, Ben and Mat catch up for the benefit of the dear listeners. Ben's been using his gardening leave wisely and we revisit the epic saga that is Bengeons and Dragons. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

The Retained EU Law Bill is passing through its final stages in the Commons. Ben gives us the lowdown on what he thinks is "the last reckless and desperate move from the Brexit headbangers that have done so much to derail their own political project due to their own dogmatism and ignorance." He has a monologue and everything. Plus the usual other shit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com

Ben and Mat catch up after the festive period, including a truly traumatic pantomime experience for Mat and the value of setting realistic goals for the year ahead for your MENTAL HEALTH. Also some fart talk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Merry Christmas! Ben and Mat step into Christmas with an update from Ben on his son's fluctuating belief in Santa, conversing with strangers in the pub, film recommendations for this year's festive period and a Christmas quiz. Ben and Mat also exchange gifts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben and Mat discuss their Christmas trees this year before revisiting another of 2021's popular Christmas episodes, this time running down their top 5 Christmas songs whilst even more drunk than they were on the films one. Ben's frankly excellent Christmas Spotify playlist for your Christmas pleasure:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5RIBFoxICRcZqzgVo3B6ps?si=26a2c9ab6acb4933 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben and Mat check in on each other in the lead up to Christmas and listen back to last year's well loved, though a tad excitable Top 5 Christmas Films episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freddie Poser from PricedOut and particle accelerator physicist Luke Dycks join Ben and Mat to discuss the perennial political hot potato that is housing and the NIMBYism that keeps the fire burning. Also it's Ben's birthday and this is what he's chosen to do to celebrate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben and Mat discuss public information campaigns and why there should be one for the looming winter energy crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben and Mat discuss how post Brexit rules are hammering our creative industries and what needs to be done. Also flooding the bathroom and a Jurassic Park related regret. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben was recently banned from driving. This is the story of why and the consequences of his actions. DISCLAIMER: Two close friends often make light of things where others might not. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben and Mat welcome Financial Times journalist, Jemima Kelly to discuss the devaluation of truth in the modern world. What responsibilities do journalists have in a world where lies are weaponised and the truth is up for debate? How complicit are we, the general public in the lies in which our leaders deal? Jemima has the answers in this very enjoyable and lively chat with two dimwits.Recorded: 7th July 2022 Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben and Mat respond to readers letters and Ben talks us through his hatred for flies. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben wants to know where Labour's ideas are. Currently sniping from the side lines like a disapproving uncle while the Conservative party eat themselves, Keir Starmer will likely be campaigning on solutions to the same problems facing Rishi and Liz (who it turns out Ben proper loves). But what will those solutions be?Also Ben getting banned from Twitter and what luxury items is it worth spending that bit more on? Give us your wonderful opinions at thegreatunravellingpodcast@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ben and Mat discuss Bad news, Sentient AI, Dad Thrillers etc See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Or 'How we learned to stop worrying and love immigration'. Also worst jobs and witness Ben squirm in the latest instalment of Bengeons and Dragons. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ian Dunt joins Ben and Mat again for the second part of our chat, this time covering Ian's love for comic books. Ian really really loves comic books.The Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IanDuntIan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ian Dunt (columnist, author and podcast host) returns to discuss liberalism in the UK with Mat and Ben. That is if he can take Ben seriously enough to have a grown-up conversation.This is the first part of a two-parter - the second part will be out next week on the subject of Ian's other passion, comic books.Ian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IanDuntThe Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Specialist in international refugee law and Director of Stand For All, Dan Sohege joins Ben and Mat to discuss the UK's refugee policy in response to the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian refugees are being treated under different rules to other refugees - why is that? How is the response going? Mood amongst the public seems very supportive of taking people in, but does the new Nationality and Borders Bill reflect this attitude? Also usual other shit.Dan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stand_for_all See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Special bumper other shit episode featuring beaver news, Ben's review of his son's stage debut and the latest instalment of Bengeons and Dragons. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Author, journalist and Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs, Christopher Snowdon joins Ben and Mat to discuss the end(?) of the pandemic, bad covid takes, even worse Ukraine takes and the wonders of snooker.Chris on twitter: https://twitter.com/cjsnowdonThe Great Unravelling on twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Birth rates in Britain are declining and this could lead to economic and social issues down the line. Who better to hear talk about why women are not having more kids then two middle aged white blokes?

Ben gives us the rundown on how bloody expensive everything is in this country and how shit that is, especially for the young folk (boo hoo). Also out of date condiments, Mat's recommendation dump and the next instalment of Bengeons and Dragons. The Great Unravelling on Twitter

Ben talks about how Britain's approach to drugs policy and it's enforcement by authorities is muddled and confusing with no sign of improvement. Also is Ben being a bad parent? And part one of special new feature segment, 'Bengeons and Dragons'. The Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod

We list our top 5 Christmas songs. Some real corkers here too. Hopefully no nonces too. Ben's Christmas Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5RIBFoxICRcZqzgVo3B6ps?si=bacf4e1803744bff The Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod

Ben and Mat list their top 5 favourite Christmas films and in true Christmas fashion get drunk and argue over them. The Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod

Ben and Mat go for a walk up a hill, chat shit, go to some pubs. The Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod

Is our NHS being privatised (again)? No, argues our guest Kristian Niemietz, Head of Political Economy at the Institute of Economic Affairs. As the Health and Care Bill passes the House of Commons, Kristian argues that this is all scaremongering and that the impending privatisation of the NHS is a great myth that has existed since its foundation.  We also discuss beer and sausages… Because, you know, he's German. Kristian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/K_Niemietz The Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod

Ben wants to talk about how the pessimistic predictions around rising Covid-19 rates in the UK have been proven to be nothing more than doom mongering. At least for the time being anyway... Also men's health update, James Gandolfini and Bob Mortimer. https://twitter.com/UnravelPod

Global supply chain issues seem to have hit the UK harder than most. Well, why could that be? Ben and Mat discuss that, the futile drive to get people back into the office, whether to hire moving companies or not when moving house and remembering 90s TV programmes.