What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel

Mark is joined by journalist and columnist Matthew Norman as they discuss the rise and influence of Peter Mandelson, New Labour’s ruthless relationship with the media, how political standards have collapsed over the past 30 years, Mandelson’s reputation for power, spin and survival, the blurred lines between journalism and politics, and why modern British politics now feels closer to oligarchy than democracy. They also get into the psychology of political operators, media manipulation, Reform’s growing influence, and why things may still get worse before they get better.

Also we are pleased to announce the return of George Galloway, Nigel Boulevard and the phone in woman. 

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Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod 

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This week Mark continues his conversation with Mothin Ali. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.

Want to get access to the full video interview before anyone else? why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ 

For media, press & guest enquiries please email [email protected]

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod 

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel  

Follow Mothin @mothin.ali
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Mark is joined by Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali as they discuss the Greens’ breakthrough in Gorton and Denton, Labour’s increasingly desperate attacks, anti-war politics, media smears, why Reform voters aren’t the enemy, the case for rent caps and public ownership, and whether the Green Party can genuinely replace Labour as Britain’s main opposition. They also get into Mothin’s political roots, community organising, and why politics only works when people feel hope again.

You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away.

www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod

For media, press & guest enquiries please email [email protected]

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod 

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel  

Follow Mothin @mothin.ali
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This week Mark continues his conversation with Emma Warren. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.

Want to get access to the full video interview before anyone else? why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ 

For media, press & guest enquiries please email [email protected]

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod 

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel  

Follow Emma @_emmalwarren_ 
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Mark is joined by writer and youth worker Emma Warren as they discuss the importance of youth clubs in shaping communities, growing up around grassroots music and culture, how youth services have been systematically dismantled, what happens to young people when those spaces disappear, and why rebuilding youth infrastructure is essential to fixing deeper social problems – and you can buy Emma’s book Up The Youth Club online here: https://amzn.eu/d/0i1SmgQ9

You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away.

www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod

For media, press & guest enquiries please email [email protected]

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod 

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel  

Follow Emma @_emmalwarren_ 
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices