Episodes

  • Unfriending America

    Unfriending America
    Oct 22 2026
    Is it time for the UK, Europe, Canada and others to stop trying to keep up with the latest irrational policy change from the White House? If the US is an unreliable ally, is it time to make other arrangements? Or is Washington still too dominant economically, technologically and militarily to walk away from? Phil and Roger ask Paul Whiteley, Professor of Government at the university of Essex.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Social Media Fading

    Social Media Fading
    Oct 15 2026
    Is social media on the way out? Are interactions with AI replacing the connections with friends and followers through Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok? New data suggests passive use of platforms - being shown ‘For You’ recommendations - is changing the way we engage, and the social part of social media is fading away. Could this be a good thing, if the bullying and angry intimidation also fades? Or is there a risk we will just end up talking to machines that tell us what we want to hear? Richard Rogers, Professor of New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam, tells Phil and Roger how the landscape is changing.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Zionism

    Zionism
    Oct 8 2026
    The Greens have caused outrage by voting that Zionism is racism. Three years after the October 7 attacks in Israel, opinion is sharply polarised, and antisemitism is on the rise, while there seems to be no relief for Palestinians in Gaza or in the West Bank. So what IS Zionism? Has its meaning changed since it began in the late nineteenth century? Does it still make sense to have a state defined by one people? Or is that the only way Jews can feel safe in a hostile world? Dr Matthew Bolton, of the School of Law, Queen Mary University of London tells Phil and Roger

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Burnham Still Bouncing?

    Burnham Still Bouncing?
    Oct 1 2026
    Andy Burnham can deliver speeches, and TikToks - but can he deliver on his promises? Will people outside Labour's conference still find hope, after what looks likely to be a hard budget at the end of October? The prime minister is facing huge challenges, and Matthew Flinders, Professor of Politics and Public Policy at the University of Birmingham, walks Roger and Phil through the prospects of Andy Burnham succeeding

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • More War, No Oil

    More War, No Oil
    Sep 24 2026
    The conflict in the Gulf is now extending to the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia is being attacked by the Houthi rebels from Yemen, and risks losing its other main oil shipping route. Meanwhile President Trump seems undecided whether to escalate his fight with Iran, or make concessions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. And global oil prices surge again. After almost nine months, is there any off-ramp for any of those involved? Phil and Roger ask Simon Mabon, Professor of International Politics at Lancaster University.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Deep In the Red

    Deep In the Red
    Sep 17 2026
    Government debt around the world is at unprecedented levels - and so is the cost of borrowing, which means there's less to spend on hospitals, school and defence. So why is the debt so big, and the cost so high? And is it up to central banks to try to rebalance the system? Muhammad Ali Nasir, Professor Economics at Leeds University, tells Phil and Roger where the crisis came from, and what could help

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • What’s In A Name?

    What’s In A Name?
    Sep 9 2026
    Lake America - Donald Trump has decided to rename Lake Ontario, and the Gulf of Mexico, and even the state of New Mexico. It seems a ridiculous distraction from more pressing problems, but can the US president just change the names of places as he pleases? Who decides? And why does it matter what we call mountains, lakes and cities? Phil and Roger talk names with Rhys Jones, Professor of Human Geography at the University of Aberystwyth

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • A Right Mess?

    A Right Mess?
    Sep 2 2026
    As Reform UK hold their party conference, their polling numbers are dropping and the party leadership is beset by financial scandals and leadership arguments. Meanwhile Restore Britain is snapping at their heels, and the Conservatives seem to be back from the dead. So what is the future of the right in the UK? And what do they have to offer, beyond being tough on migration? Roger and Phil get the picture from Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins