Podcasts about New Statesman

Today, Chris is joined by Ailbhe Rea from the New Statesman and Tim Shipman from the Spectator to review the year in politics and hazard a guess at what to expect in 2026.They discuss a shaky year for Keir Starmer's leadership, the (almost) welfare rebellion and the rise of the “funky fringe”. Plus what can this year tell us about next years local elections?You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Chris Mason. It was made by Anna Harris and Miranda Slade. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Why is the world moving away from liberalism and towards conservatism?One of Britain's most provocative thinkers, John Gray is a political philosopher known for dismantling liberalism and exposing the illusions of human progress. Former Professor of European Thought at the London School of Economics, Gray has challenged orthodoxy across the political spectrum with a body of work that ranges from critiques of Enlightenment rationalism to meditations on the limits of secular humanism.He is the bestselling author of Straw Dogs, The Silence of Animals, and Seven Types of Atheism as well as a frequent contributor to The Guardian, New Statesman, and The Times Literary Supplement. Gray's sharp insights and contrarian stance continue to shape contemporary debates on ethics, politics, and the future of humanity.Don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions on the episode!To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, the Health Secretary Wes Streeting has given a very broad and far reaching interview to the New Statesman which some are seeing as an attack on Starmer's leadership.Adam, Chris, Faisal and Alex discuss this, as well as the on going pressure on the PM. Plus, the team also pick out something we should be looking out for in 2026 in politics. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscordGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Sophie McBain is an award-winning freelance writer based in Boston. She writes longform narrative nonfiction, profiles, book reviews and essays for the Guardian, the Observer, the Times, New Statesman magazine and others.Today she discusses her recent Guardian article: Are We Living in a Golden Age of Stupidity? - about the potential cognitive affects of AI overuse. Link to article: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/18/are-we-living-in-a-golden-age-of-stupidity-technologyInterviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist in-training.If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line.Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line.Check out The Thinking Mind Blog on Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-174371597Episode produced by Ellis Ballard and Alex Curmi. Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

In this live conversation at Shakespeare & Company in Paris, Adam Biles speaks with writer Ian Leslie about John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs, Leslie's acclaimed exploration of the creative and emotional bond at the heart of The Beatles. Together they trace John Lennon and Paul McCartney's relationship from their first meeting as bereaved teenagers in Liverpool, through the crucible of Hamburg, the frenzy of Beatlemania, and the artistic revolutions of the 1960s. Leslie explains why their partnership was neither simple friendship nor sibling rivalry, but a passionate, volatile, and profoundly collaborative romance—one that shaped their music as much as their music shaped them. They discuss myth-making around the band's breakup, why McCartney's reputation took decades to recover, and how John and Paul remained “entangled particles” long after going their separate ways. A rich, moving conversation about genius, chemistry, and the power of creative partnership.Buy John & Paul, A Love Story in Songs: https://www.shakespeareandcompany.com/books/john-and-paul*lan Leslie is a journalist and author of two acclaimed books on human behaviour, Born Liars, and Curious. His first career was in advertising, where he worked as a strategist for some of the world's biggest brands at ad agencies in London and New York. He now counsels business leaders on communication and writes about psychology, technology, politics and business for the New Statesman, Economist, Guardian and the Financial Times. He is the co-host of a podcast series called Polarised, on the way we do politics today. lan is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He lives in London with his wife and two young children.Adam Biles is Literary Director at Shakespeare and Company.Listen to Alex Freiman's latest EP, In The Beginning: https://open.spotify.com/album/5iZYPMCUnG7xiCtsFCBlVa?si=h5x3FK1URq6SwH9Kb_SO3w Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wes Streeting denied plotting to oust Keir Starmer.Ailbhe Rea met the Health Secretary to learn what he's really thinking.***Ailbhe writes: Labour is in danger of presenting itself as the “maintenance department for the country”, he says. “The problem with that kind of practical, technocratic approach is that if someone else comes along and says, ‘Well, I've got a maintenance company too, and mine's cheaper,' why wouldn't people go, ‘OK, well, we'll give that maintenance team a try'?” He doesn't name Starmer, but the critique of the Prime Minister's “practical, technocratic” leadership is clear.Streeting has denied plotting against the Labour leader. But when we speak, he strikes me as someone planning for what may lie ahead. I meet a cabinet minister ranging beyond his brief, thinking seriously about what his party needs to do to win the next election – and beginning to outline an alternative to that “maintenance department” approach.***Ailbhe Rea joins Anoosh Chakelian on Daily Politics from the New Statesman to discuss her interview with Wes Streeting, including the behind-the-scenes parts she couldn't reveal in her article.

Being the smartest person in the room is usually where the trouble starts. In today's episode, Ryan sits down with journalist and author Helen Lewis to talk about genius, ego, and why so many “brilliant” people eventually spin out. They discuss the myth of the lone genius, why smart people overthink themselves into bad ideas, and how ego quietly wrecks careers, reputations, and entire movements. ​​Helen Lewis is a staff writer at The Atlantic who writes about politics and culture. Her first book, Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in 11 Fights, was a Guardian, Telegraph and Financial Times book of the year. She has written for The New York Times, the Guardian, The New Statesman, and Vogue. She is the host of the BBC podcast series The New Gurus and Helen Lewis Has Left the Chat, and co-host of Radio 4's Kafka vs Orwell and Strong Message Here. She won the 2024 Kukula Award for excellence in nonfiction book reviewing.Check out Helen Lewis' book The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous IdeaFollow Helen on Instagram @HelenLewisPosts Read Helen Lewis' article: How Joe Rogan Remade Austin

If you are raped in London today, you could be waiting until 2030 for a trial. Justice secretary David Lammy has stated that 60 per cent of rape victims drop their cases whilst waiting for the trial. Rape Crisis estimates 1 in 6 women go to the police.Oli Dugmore is joined by Labour MP Natalie Fleet, who has written for the New Statesman on the fight for justice for victims of rape.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

Welcome WG listeners, to a Long Read! For this one, we head to The New Statesman for "Abolish The Monarchy" written by Will Lloyd. In this aptly titled essay, Lloyd charts the concept of Windsorism and how the supposed positives that The Royal Family bestow upon us are not built on solid foundations.Thank you for listening! If you want to contribute to the show, whether it be sending me questions or voicing your opinion in any way, peep the contact links below and I'll respond accordingly. Let me know "What's Good?"Rate & ReviewE-Mail: the5thelelmentpub@gmail.comTwitter: @The5thElementUKWebsite: https://medium.com/@the5thelementPhotography: https://www.crt.photographyIntro Music - "Sometimesoon" By TeskChillHop MusicOther Podcasts Under The 5EPN:Diggin' In The Digits5EPN RadioBlack Women Watch...In Search of SauceThe Beauty Of Independence

A recent result from pollsters Find Out Now has put Labour support at just 14%, behind Reform, the Tories and the Greens.Just how bad are these polling numbers for Labour?Oli Dugmore is joined by the New Statesman's senior data journalist and polling expert Ben Walker to discuss.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

The third part of Tony's chat with The Beatles biographer Ian Leslie, exploring the emotional and creative partnership between John Lennon and Paul McCartney. They discuss how Lennon's 1966 “more popular than Jesus” remark shook him, how the Beatles abandoned touring for studio experimentation, and how Yoko Ono and Linda Eastman became catalysts for John and Paul pulling apart. Business conflicts, especially over management, deepened divisions even as the band continued producing remarkable work, culminating in Abbey Road. Despite a turbulent breakup, Lennon and McCartney slowly rebuilt a loose friendship before Lennon's death, and the Beatles' artistic legacy continues to shape modern music.Hosted by Sir Tony Robinson | Instagram @sirtonyrobinsonProducer: Melissa FitzGerald | X @melissafitzgWithIan Leslie | www.ian-leslie.comIan Leslie is the author of acclaimed and bestselling books on human psychology and creativity which have been translated into over a dozen languages. Malcolm Gladwell describes him as “one of my favourite writers”. Ian has written for the Financial Times, the Economist, the New York Times, The Sunday Times, and the New Statesman, among others, covering everything from technology to politics to music.‘John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs' | https://ian-leslie.com/johnandpaul/The New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller Follow us on our socials:Instagram @cunningcastpod | X @cunningcastpod | YouTube @cunningcast and TikTok @cunningcast------- If you enjoy this podcast, please follow us and leave us a rating or review.Thank you, Love Tony x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the past three weeks, 12 prisoners have been accidentally released - Justice Secretary David Lammy announced this morning. This is in addition to the 91 who've also been mistakenly freed in England and Wales in the last six months. It's fair to say, the justice system is in a bad way - leaking from the sides. Trying his best to mop this up, Lammy also announced today that jury trials in England and Wales should be scrapped except for in extreme cases. Oli Dugmore is joined by Rachel Cunliffe for a New Statesman justice review.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

The second part of Tony's chat with Beatles biographer Ian Leslie, exploring how John Lennon and Paul McCartney's unique and complex relationship shaped The Beatles. When Tony first heard ‘Love Me Do' he was blown away by the new sound he was hearing, and he's been a lifelong fan of The Beatles ever since. Today Tony and Ian are discussing the band's internal dynamics, the emotional histories that shaped John and Paul, and how drugs influenced their relationship and songwriting, pushing it to new creative places. In ‘Tomorrow Never Knows', they fused John's conceptual vision with Paul's avant-garde techniques to produce something radically new: as Ian says, “John didn't want to write a song about a trip; he wanted to create something which is a trip.”Hosted by Sir Tony Robinson | Instagram @sirtonyrobinsonProducer: Melissa FitzGerald | X @melissafitzgWithIan Leslie | www.ian-leslie.comIan Leslie is the author of acclaimed and bestselling books on human psychology and creativity which have been translated into over a dozen languages. Malcolm Gladwell describes him as “one of my favourite writers”. Ian has written for the Financial Times, the Economist, the New York Times, The Sunday Times, and the New Statesman, among others, covering everything from technology to politics to music.‘John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs' | https://ian-leslie.com/johnandpaul/The New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller Follow us on our socials:Instagram @cunningcastpod | X @cunningcastpod | YouTube @cunningcast and TikTok @cunningcast------- If you enjoy this podcast, please follow us and leave us a rating or review.Thank you, Love Tony x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While many on the left were calling for a wealth tax, yesterday the Chancellor delivered a smorgasbord of stealth taxes.How will this platter of sneaky revenue streams boost the government's finances? And what does it mean in the longterm, economically, for the country?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by the New Statesman's business editor, Will Dunn, and political editor, Ailbhe Rea.SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

What does the history of Test cricket show us about identity? In this episode, Joey D'Urso speaks to award-winning author Tim Wigmore about how the players and the stories that have shaped Test cricket's evolution since 1877.  With Test cricket on the cusp of its 150th anniversary, Tim Wigmore looks back at the history of the game and its legacy. Wigmore examines the pathways into elite cricket and the inequalities – economic, racial and infrastructural – that continue to influence who reach the Test arena. From the legacy of English public schools to the barriers faced by players in the Caribbean, South Asia and Africa, he unpacks the structural forces that make Test cricket a symbol of tradition and a stage for international relations. Wigmore shows us what Test cricket reveals about empire, opportunity, and the cultures built around the world's oldest form of the game.  Tim Wigmore is the Deputy Cricket Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph. He writes cricket and a range of other sports, and is based in London. He joined The Telegraph in 2019, and previously contributed to publications including ESPNcricinfo, The New York Times, The New Statesman and The Economist. He is a previous winner of the Wisden Cricket Book of the Year award. His new book, Test Cricket: A History, a global history of the Test format, was published in April 2025. It has since been shortlisted for the 2025 William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events  ...  Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It doesn't matter whether you're in Birmingham Alabama, or Birmingham in the UK, the issues riling voters are the same - immigration, failing government and the economy. And they're all connected. People tend to be a lot more tolerant when everybody is getting richer. But a sluggish economy which doesn't serve the middle or the working class leads to resentment and to blame. A lot of that blame falls on immigrants, especially when failing leaders preside over a system which is chaotic and unsafe. With the issue now threatening to completely reshape British politics, Piers Morgan takes a look at it in detail - on both sides of the pond - alongside Konstantin Kisin, whose new documentary looks at asylum protests in the English town of Crowborough, The Young Turks founder Cenk Uygur, Brandon Tatum AKA The Officer Tatum and digital editor at the New Statesman, Oli Dugmore. Piers Morgan Uncensored is proudly independent and supported by: Oxford Natural: To watch their full stories, scan the QR code on your screen or visit https://oxfordnatural.com/piers/ to get 70% off your first order when you use code PIERS. ExpressVPN: Right now you can get an extra four months of ExpressVPN for free. Just scan the QR code on the screen, or go to https://ExpressVPN.com/PIERS and get four extra months for free. Masa Chips: Ready to give MASA or Vandy a try? Get 25% off your first order by going to http://masachips.com/PIERS and using code PIERS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chancellor has admitted that the economy feels stuck. But will tomorrow's budget, which promises to “grip the cost of living” and looks likely to freeze income tax thresholds, actually do anything to help? Oli Dugmore is joined by the New Statesman's editor Tom McTague and political editor Ailbhe Rea. SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2LISTEN AD-FREE:

What if the Grey aliens abducting humans aren't exploring our world, but desperately parasitizing our species in a failed attempt to steal the one thing their advanced technology can never replicate—an immortal soul?IN THIS EPISODE: We've all been exposed to the concept of the grey aliens – made popular in numerous TV shows and films. From Steven Spielberg's “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, to TV's “Stargate SG-1” they are seen as harmless, even friendly. But then there are the darker stories such as the true account of the abduction of Barney and Betty Hill, or the film “Fire In The Sky” telling of the true kidnapping of Travis Walton into a strange spacecraft – with both stories telling of strange and terrifying experiments being done to the abductees by the grey humanoids. But could that latter category of stories be even more sinister? Could the Greys be, in fact, harvesting our humanity… and possibly even our souls? (The Parasitic Greys) *** Over the years, hundreds of people online have shared memories of a cheesy Nineties movie called “Shazaam”. There is no evidence that such a film was ever made. What does this tell us about the quirks of collective memory? (The Non-Existent Film The Internet Insists Is Real) *** While the Loch Ness Monster, or “Nessie” is a worldwide celebrity, she has a distant cousin in America that doesn't get the same kind of press – although she probably should. Have you heard of Lake Erie's “Bessie”? (The Legendary Leviathan of Lake Erie)CHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = The Abduction of Travis Walton00:03:30.325 = Show Open00:05:48.594 = The Parasitic Greys00:36:24.119 = ***The Non-Existent Film The Internet Insists Is Real00:51:26.241 = ***The Legendary Leviathan of Lake Erie00:57:03.719 = Show Close*** = Begins immediately after inserted ad breakSOURCES and RESOURCES:“The Abduction of Travis Walton” by Lee Speigel for the Huffington Post: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/vd7v6xp3“The Parasitic Greys” from New Dawn Magazine: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/3auj26fa (© Copyright New Dawn Magazine, www.newdawnmagazine.com. Permission granted to freely distribute this article for non-commercial purposes if unedited and copied in full, including this notice.)“The Non-Existent Film The Internet Insists Is Real” by Amelia Tait for New Statesman: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/phpf3tcz“The Legendary Leviathan of Lake Erie” by Molly Fosco for Ozy: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/bu7bj4e8=====(Over time links may become invalid, disappear, or have different content. I always make sure to give authors credit for the material I use whenever possible. If I somehow overlooked doing so for a story, or if a credit is incorrect, please let me know and I will rectify it in these show notes immediately. Some links included above may benefit me financially through qualifying purchases.)= = = = ="I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." — John 12:46= = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.=====Originally aired: March 27, 2021EPISODE PAGE (includes sources): https://weirddarkness.com/GreyAlienAgendaABOUT WEIRD DARKNESS: Weird Darkness is a true crime and paranormal podcast narrated by professional award-winning voice actor, Darren Marlar. Seven days per week, Weird Darkness focuses on all thing strange and macabre such as haunted locations, unsolved mysteries, true ghost stories, supernatural manifestations, urban legends, unsolved or cold case murders, conspiracy theories, and more. On Thursdays, this scary stories podcast features horror fiction along with the occasional creepypasta. Weird Darkness has been named one of the “Best 20 Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal. Listeners have described the show as a cross between “Coast to Coast” with Art Bell, “The Twilight Zone” with Rod Serling, “Unsolved Mysteries” with Robert Stack, and “In Search Of” with Leonard Nimoy.DISCLAIMER: Ads heard during the podcast that are not in my voice are placed by third party agencies outside of my control and should not imply an endorsement by Weird Darkness or myself. *** Stories and content in Weird Darkness can be disturbing for some listeners and intended for mature audiences only. Parental discretion is strongly advised.#WeirdDarkness #TravisWalton #AlienAbduction #GreyAliens #UFOEncounters #AlienConspiracy #ParanormalPodcast #FireInTheSky #UnexplainedMysteries #AlienExperiments

After Friday's meeting between Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani, everyone is asking: who is Zohran Mamdani really? What motivates him: is it progressive cultural issues, or economic populism? Is he woke, or a pragmatist? He won the mayor's seat in New York City with just over fifty percent of the vote, when even the leaders of his own party refused to endorse him. What makes this guy tick?Today's guest is one of the best people, apart from Mamdani himself, to answer these questions. Ross Barkan is a political commentator and novelist who, in a previous life, ran for office in New York City. His campaign was run by none other than Zohran Mamdani. So he has a first-hand knowledge about Mamdani's thinking about politics and governance. He is also a dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker who has lived in the city his entire life, and has intimate acquaintances with the nuances of local politics and the different ethnic communities which make up New York City. Shadi Hamid asks Ross about how Mamdani came to have such a mass appeal, even though he calls himself a democratic socialist and openly supports Palestine. Ross agrees that Mamdani's positions on several hot-button issues herald a big transformation in the Democratic Party.Damir Marusic takes a more skeptical position. Do the foreign policy positions of a New York City mayor really matter, or is it all symbolic politics? What Damir is impressed by is Mamdani's talent for politics: his visit to the White House shows that he is a pragmatist, and that he just might have what it takes to do to the Dems what Trump did to the GOP.Since interest in Mamdani is peaking right now, we are making this conversation free for all subscribers. The conversation covers a lot of the nitty-gritty of practical politics. Is it true that keeping Jessica Tisch as Police Commissioner is Mamdani's way of offering an olive branch to the Democratic establishment? What does the appointment of populist anti-monopolist Lina Khan into Mamdani's transition team mean on a political level? And was it a good idea for Mamdani to visit Trump? Finally, Ross makes a case for Mamdani: “Even if you're not a socialist or progressive, he is a young mayor who is willing to take risks and who is willing to hire young people into his administration who think outside the box.”Required Reading:* Ross Barkan's interview with Zohran Mamdani (New Statesman). * Eric Adams' “New York City is the X of America” supercut (YouTube). * Ross' political commentary in New York magazine. * Ross' columns in the New Statesman.* Ross Barkan, Fascism or Genocide: How a Decade of Political Disorder Broke American Politics (Amazon). * Ross Barkan, Glass Century: A Novel (Amazon). * “Lina Khan's populist plan for New York: Cheaper hot dogs (and other things)” (Semafor). * “Defund the police no more: Zohran Mamdani seals coup with deal to keep Jessica Tisch as NYPD Commissioner” (Fortune). * “Mamdani issues broad public apology to NYPD” (Politico). Full video:Wisdom of Crowds is a platform challenging premises and understanding first principles on politics and culture. Join us! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wisdomofcrowds.live/subscribe

For so long a fixture of public debate in the US, the software company Palantir is now increasingly being talked about here in Britain.In September the UK government announced a £1.5bn investment by Palantir in the military. It already has contracts with the police and the NHS. So, should we be worried?Tanjil Rashid is joined by journalist James Vincent.LISTEN AD-FREE:

With just days to go to Rachel Reeves' Budget, George Parker speaks to her Conservative predecessor at the Treasury, Sir Jeremy Hunt MP. They discuss what it's like for Chancellors in the run-up to a fiscal event and the intense speculation around this Budget.Following the publication of the Covid Inquiry's second report George interviews former minister, Lord Frost, who resigned from the then Conservative government over pandemic policy, and Prof Stephen Reicher, who advised both the UK and Scottish governments during the pandemic.To discuss the Home Secretary's overhaul of the asylum system, and the divisions within her party, George speaks to Labour MPs Olivia Blake and Gareth Snell.And, as the London Aquarium responds to concerns raised by a number of MPs over the welfare of its penguins, George speaks to one of those MPs, Danny Chambers, and New Statesman journalist, Rachel Cunliffe.

Whilst Your Party and the Green Party attempt to occupy the space on the left of British politics that they feel Labour has abandoned, our listener asks, what about the British communist parties?Oli Dugmore is joined by Tom McTague to discuss this, along with other listener questions on political briefings to the press and whether Labour can make a comeback.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/the-sketch/2025/11/britains-young-communists-are-ready-for-revolutionLISTEN AD-FREE:

This is only a preview of the delights contained herein.  Phil McDuff is back for some Labour Catharsis and (mostly) coherent yelling as we efficientise the cast, look back on the Schrodinger's Coup, and the New Statesman does some Noticing. . How on earth are we ruled by people this mediocre? Subscribe for two whole bonus episodes a month: https://www.patreon.com/praxiscast  Watch streams: https://www.twitch.tv/praxiscast Buy shirts: https://praxiscast.teemill.com/ Follow Phil: https://bsky.app/profile/mcduff.bsky.social Cast: David - https://bsky.app/profile/sanitarynaptime.bsky.social Rob - https://bsky.app/profile/trufflehog.bsky.social  

This year, alongside writing his own book, Tony was gripped by that of another writer - Ian Leslie's ‘John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs'. Tony, who is a lifelong Beatles fan, has invited Ian onto Cunningcast to chat all about The Beatles. In Part 1 of this 3 Part series, Ian and Tony explore how a shared adolescent intensity, mutual trauma, and obsessive love of music forged the unique and complex relationship between John and Paul that fuelled the Beatles's extraordinary innovation. This is audible in songs such as We Can Work It Out and If I Fell, where harmonic complexity reflects their intertwined identities. They trace how the band's early experiences, especially in Hamburg, were transformative, exposing them to avant-garde influences, encouraging them to see themselves as artists, and blending silliness and Dada-like humour, which ultimately helped them discover who they were as a band. Hosted by Sir Tony Robinson | Instagram @sirtonyrobinsonProducer: Melissa FitzGerald | X @melissafitzgWithIan Leslie | www.ian-leslie.comIan Leslie is the author of acclaimed and bestselling books on human psychology and creativity which have been translated into over a dozen languages. Malcolm Gladwell describes him as “one of my favourite writers”. Ian has written for the Financial Times, the Economist, the New York Times, The Sunday Times, and the New Statesman, among others, covering everything from technology to politics to music.‘John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs' | https://ian-leslie.com/johnandpaul/ | The New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller Follow us on our socials:Instagram @cunningcastpod | X @cunningcastpod | YouTube @cunningcast | TikTok @cunningcast-------If you enjoy this podcast, please follow us and leave us a rating or review.Thank you, Love Tony x Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shabana Mahmood was back in the Commons today outlining her controversial immigration plans.Meanwhile, Clive Lewis said he'd give up his seat for Andy Burnham and a Labour MP defects to the Greens.In the second half of the podcast, Calum Weir from Labour Together tells us what really matters to Britain. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe and Ailbhe Rea.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Meet the money men with Britain's future in their hands.*Next week Rachel Reeves will deliver her budget and, for all the talk of fiscal rules, headroom and tax rises, there is a higher power she must contend with. When the Chancellor goes for meetings in the City, she is rarely introduced to the people whose job it is to press the button on buying or selling several hundred million pounds' worth of gilts. It is to these people that we have been speaking in the run-up to the Budget. You would not guess that they wield political power, but for them politics is not personal. They approach it with blunt, professional interest, seeing opportunity in chaos. And if Reeves thinks she can rely on their support, she's wrong: the bond vigilantes.Read: Meet the bond market vigilanteshttps://www.newstatesman.com/business/economics/2025/11/meet-the-bond-market-vigilantesLISTEN AD-FREE:

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has set out her plans for the biggest shake up of asylum laws in 40 years. It divided the Labour party, impressed some Conservatives and even earned the home sec an invite to join Reform.But what will it mean in the long term for Britain, and for the families affected?Oli Dugmore is joined by Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe. LISTEN AD-FREE:

Before Shakespeare became a literary icon, he was a working writer trying to earn a living in an emerging and often precarious new industry. In The Dream Factory: London's First Playhouse and the Making of William Shakespeare, Daniel Swift explores the dream of making money from creating art, a dream shared by James Burbage, who built The Theatre, the first purpose-built commercial playhouse in London, and a young Shakespeare. Nobody had ever really done that before, with playwrights at the time notoriously poor. Swift shows that Shakespeare's creativity unfolded in a rapidly changing London where commercial theater was just beginning to take shape. The Theatre offered Shakespeare the stability, a close team of actors and cowriters, and the professional home that he needed to develop his craft. Swift reveals a playwright who was learning on the job and becoming the Shakespeare we know today. From the Shakespeare Unlimited podcast. Published November 18, 2025. © Folger Shakespeare Library. All rights reserved. This episode was produced by Matt Frassica. Garland Scott is the executive producer. It was edited by Gail Kern Paster. We had help with web production from Paola García Acuña. Leonor Fernandez edits our transcripts. We had technical help from Hamish Brown in Stirling, Scotland, and Voice Trax West in Studio City, California. Final mixing services are provided by Clean Cuts at Three Seas, Inc. Daniel Swift is an associate professor of English at Northeastern University, London. He is the author of books on Ezra Pound, William Shakespeare, and the poetry of the Second World War, and editor of John Berryman's The Heart Is Strange: New Selected Poems. His essays and reviews have appeared in the New York Times, New Statesman, and Harper's.

Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, has unveiled a series of changes to the migration and asylum system. The plans, which have been trailed over the weekend, have been met with scorn from within the Labour party.“This approach isn't just morally wrong” the MP Richard Burgeon tweeted earlier today, “it's politically disastrous.”Oli Dugmore is joined by Ethan Croft.LISTEN AD-FREE:

"If he feels talking about his favourite novel is politically disadvantageous, that's a sad state of affairs" - David Szalay on Keir Starmer's reading habits.--David Szalay is the winner of the 2025 Booker Prize for Fiction.He disputes claims that his novel, Flesh, is a tale of modern masculinity as reviewers have claimed. Though it certainly explores the male expression of emotion. In Flesh, Szalay's protagonist, István, navigates sexual grooming, violence and prison before rising to the ranks of the super-rich - narrating his story in economical, tightly packed sentences.Nicholas Harris met Szalay in London shortly after his win. They discuss the role of the novel, Szalay's "post-brexit" identity as a "European author", and why the Prime Minister should be reading more.LISTEN AD-FREE:

We share our strategy advice for the Labour rebels allegedly trying to oust Keir Starmer.Ailbhe Rea and Luke O'Reilly join Rachel Cunliffe to answer listener questions. In this episode:What's the best strategy for Labour rebels hoping to dethrone Starmer?How much power does a party chair wield?Can any politicians affect positive change?LISTEN AD-FREE:

Adam is joined by Chris, Faisal and Ailbhe Rae, Political Editor of The New Statesman to wrap up the week. This episode of Newscast was recorded as part of our 25-hour Podcast-a-thon for Children in Need.Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Joe Wilkinson. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

After weeks of preparing to break their manifesto pledge, Starmer and Reeves have ditched their plans to raise income tax. They're scared it would have angered their MPs and voters, amid a dire performance in the polls.How will Reeves plug the £30 billion gap in public finances if she doesn't raise income tax?Oli Dugmore is joined by Ailbhe Rea and Will Dunn to discuss.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/morning-call/2025/11/whats-behind-labours-income-tax-u-turnLISTEN AD-FREE:

The BBC is still reeling from the dramatic resignation announcement of its director general Tim Davie on Sunday.Rachel Cunliffe gets Lewis Goodall's insider perspective, drawing on his time working on BBC's Newsnight programme.Lewis also shares his thoughts on the leadership threats surrounding Keir Starmer.READ: https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/media/2025/11/trumps-attack-can-rescue-the-bbcLISTEN AD-FREE:

Labour hit its lowest-ever poll rating last week, coming fourth at just 17 per cent. Westminster is full of chatter about a leadership coup at the hands of Wes Streeting. And Labour MPs and government aides alike are dismayed by Keir Starmer's leadership and the state of No 10. Has the Prime Minister reached the point of no return?Anoosh Chakelian is joined by our new political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss her cover story.Read: Does Keir Starmer realise how much trouble he's in?LISTEN AD-FREE:

Ken Worpole, ‘a literary original, a social and architectural historian whose books combine the Orwellian ideal of common decency with understated erudition' (New Statesman), has written on many subjects during his long career, from cemeteries to hospices to the novels of Alexander Baron, but has often returned to the subject of his beloved Essex. His latest essay collection Brightening from the East (Little Toller) focuses on the natural and built landscapes of the ‘region of the mind' that is the estuarine marshlands of the Thames and the East Anglian coast, bringing us stories of radical communities and arcadian dreams of new ways of living. Worpole is in conversation with writer and journalist Melissa Benn; the evening will be hosted by writer and producer Gareth Evans.

It's now "impossible" to limit climate change to 1.5 degrees. Can COP30 achieve anything material at all?--Keir Starmer has been in Brazil ahead of COP30 - the world's largest annual climate meeting - where world leaders were told it's now “virtually impossible” to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. That's according to the UN's chief meteorologist.Brazil wants money to protect the rainforests, but Starmer doesn't want to give it.Meanwhile China, India and the US – three of the biggest emitters – can't be bothered to turn up.So what, exactly, is the point of these climate talks?Oli Dugmore meets Rachel Kyte, the UK's climate envoy, and Christiana Figueres, the diplomat who led the Paris Agreement, to ask if there's any hope at all for global climate plans.--Hear Christiana Figueres grill Ed Miliband on the Outrage and Optimism podcast: https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/episodes/inside-cop-ed-miliband-on-multilateralism-leadership-and-the-uks-climate-dilemma?hsLang=enLISTEN AD-FREE:

Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are the Spiked Online editor Tom Slater, the New Statesman's associate political editor Rachel Cunliffe, Labour MP Natasha Irons and the Conservative MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke.

Would you support the two-child benefit cap being scrapped?Joining Iain Dale on Cross Question are the Spiked Online editor Tom Slater, the New Statesman's associate political editor Rachel Cunliffe, Labour MP Natasha Irons and the Conservative MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke.

Yesterday evening, BBC director general Tim Davie resigned, as first reported in the New Statesman by our new political editor Ailbhe Rea, along with his head of news, Deborah Turness.In the end, it came down to a Panorama documentary accused of featuring a misleadingly edited speech by Donald Trump.But, having weathered years of BBC scandals, could Davie's departure be described as death by a thousand cuts?Oli Dugmore is joined by Hannah Barnes to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Has Labour let down Millennials? Are tax hikes on the horizon? And what would happen to the commonwealth if Britain dumped our King? Rachel Cunliffe joins Anoosh Chakelian to answer listener questions.Treat yourself or someone special to big ideas, bold politics and proper journalism from just £2 this Christmas when you subscribe to the New Statesman. Subscribe today at newstatesman.com/xmaspod25Ask us a questionLISTEN AD-FREE:

“The dream of home ownership is closed off to younger people today” - Steve Reed, Housing SecretarySteve Reed exclusively tells the New Statesman about the seven billion pounds Labour are giving to the six mayoral combined authorities for social and affordable housing.In an interview with Oli Dugmore, Labour's housing secretary outlines the plan, and discusses young people's housing woes, abolishing landlords and his history with Morgan McSweeney.Treat yourself or someone special to big ideas, bold politics and proper journalism from just £2 this Christmas when you subscribe to the New Statesman. Subscribe today at newstatesman.com/xmaspod25Ask us a questionLISTEN AD-FREE:

Voters in New York City have elected a socialist, Muslim, 34-year old Mayor. Here's what Labour need to learn from Zohran Mamdani's campaign.--Zohran Mamdani calls himself "Donald Trump's worst nightmare". In the UK, senior Labour figures including Wes Streeting have praised the young Democrat Mayor-Elect's campaign. But should Labour be celebrating a win in America's Democrat stronghold, when they can't win their own seat in Wales?George Eaton and Megan Kenyon join Anoosh Chakelian to discuss what the Left in Britain must learn from the Mamdani campaign - and whether, in fact, this spells better news for Zack Polanski's Greens than Keir Starmer's Labour government.LISTEN AD-FREE:

A four-month investigation with Channel 4 News reveals harrowing failings at one of Britain's most prestigious hospitals.Oli Dugmore speaks to the New Statesman's Investigations Editor, Hannah Barnes.Read: Britain's next maternity scandalLISTEN AD-FREE:

Is Britain becoming a country of mass violence?On Saturday evening, a Doncaster to London train was forced to stop in Huntingdon after eleven people were injured in a stabbing spree. Anthony Williams, a 32 year-old British national, was charged on Monday with multiple counts of attempted murder.Oli Dugmore is joined by Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe.Read: Knife crime is creeping into Middle EnglandLISTEN AD-FREE:

World Health Organisation figures say one in six people are affected by infertility. Fertility Matters at Work, who provide training for fertility support in the workplace, have published a cost analysis. They have explored the economic impact of not providing time off for fertility treatment - not only on those people directly involved in seeking help, but on businesses and the economy more widely. To discuss further, Nuala McGovern is joined by Alice Macdonald, MP for Norwich North, who will be asking MPs if they agree that a legal right should be given to people to take paid time off work to attend medical appointments for fertility treatment, and Natalie Silverman, co-founder of Fertility Matters at Work.Bella Culley was freed by the Tbilisi City Court today. The 19-year-old, who is eight months pregnant, is from Billingham in Teesside. She was arrested at Tbilisi airport after police found drugs in her luggage and had been held in Georgia on drug trafficking charges since May. Before news of her release, Nuala spoke to Rayhan Demytrie, BBC News Caucasus correspondent, outside the court.The case of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing US health insurance CEO Brian Thompson, is one of the most closely followed legal cases of recent years. The 26-year old-was arrested in December and accused of shooting Mr Thompson, a father of two, outside a Manhattan hotel. He faces the charges of murder and stalking, charges which Mangione denies. While the case continues, something else has been happening. Mangione has attracted an intense, mostly female online following: people sharing pictures of him, writing letters, posting fan edits and memes, and debating his appearance and behaviour in forensic detail. So why does a man accused of violence become the object of fascination and even desire to some women? And what does that say about the digital age we're living in? Nuala talks to Professor David Wilson, criminologist and former prison governor, and Faye Curran, journalist at The New Statesman, who has immersed herself in Mangione's online fandom.Anyone watching Celebrity Traitors at the moment, or indeed the previous Traitors series, has probably noted Claudia Winkleman's iconic looks that seem to sum up both chilly Scottish castle chic and punk power dressing with a smidge of sinister gothic Victorian melodrama thrown into the mix. Claudia's stylist, Sinead McKeefry, has a huge following online by people keen to pick up tips. The power of social media is such that when items are worn by Claudia and flagged online, it can have quite an impact, as small-business owner Lauren Aston found when one of her designs appeared on the show. She joins Nuala to explain what has happened, as does Alison Lynch, head of content at Good Housekeeping Magazine, who has not only written about the Claudia fashion phenomenon, but has even dressed as Claudia in the Traitors herself for a week.Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Andrea Kidd

Today, Nigel Farage set out his updated vision for the UK economy.At a speech and press conference in London, The Reform UK leader talked tax, immigration, welfare, Brexit and his days working in the City.The New Statesman's Ethan Croft was at the event.Ethan joins Oli Dugmore to discuss.LISTEN AD-FREE:

Is Build Baby Build doomed? Is Katie Lam running for leader? Where is Priti Patel? Can the UK really support 5 large leftist parties?Luke O'Reilly joins Anoosh Chakelian to answer listener questions.Ask us a questionLISTEN AD-FREE:

The Deputy PM believes that Labour can beat the threat of the populist right, Nigel Farage and Reform. Lammy says that Labour can achieve this by tackling the cost of living crisis, uniting the centre and left of British politics and putting security first.Oli Dugmore sat down with David Lammy to discuss his plan.Read: Nigel Farage can be stoppedLISTEN AD-FREE:

In the fifth episode of our series on trade, journalist and author Luke Savage joins Pitchfork Economics Producer Freddy Doss to unpack how decades of “free trade” between the U.S. and Canada have reshaped both economies—entrenching corporate power, hollowing out manufacturing, and weakening democratic control over economic policy. Savage traces how policies sold as mutually beneficial instead fueled inequality and deindustrialization—eroding the livelihoods of working people. He argues for a new kind of trade built to serve the interests of workers and communities, not multinational corporations.  Luke Savage is a Canadian journalist, author, and political commentator whose work examines the failures of liberalism and the possibilities of democracy. A staff writer at Jacobin and co-host of the podcast Michael and Us, Savage has written for The Atlantic, The Guardian, The Washington Post, and The New Statesman. He is the author of The Dead Center: Reflections on Liberalism and Democracy After the End of History and co-author of Seeking Social Democracy with the late Ed Broadbent.  Social Media: @lukewsavage.bsky.social @LukewSavage Lukewsavage Further reading:  Luke Savage | Substack The Dead Center: Reflections on Liberalism and Democracy After the End of History Seeking Social Democracy: Seven Decades in the Fight for Equality Website: http://pitchforkeconomics.com Instagram: @pitchforkeconomics Threads: pitchforkeconomics Bluesky: @pitchforkeconomics.bsky.social TikTok: @pitchfork_econ Twitter: @PitchforkEcon, @NickHanauer, @civicaction YouTube: @pitchforkeconomics LinkedIn: Pitchfork Economics Substack: ⁠The Pitch⁠