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Oh God, What Now?

543 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★★ - 70 ratings

Making sense of our political hell every Tuesday and Friday! Oh God, What Now? is the no-bulls**t politics podcast, making the unbearable bearable with top quality guests and analysis, plus poor quality jokes. 
Regulars include: Dorian Lynskey, author of The Ministry Of Truth: A Biography of Orwell’s 1984 and host of Origin Story • Alex Andreou, writer, commentator, cook, actor, secret agent • Writer and commentator Ros Taylor • Rachel Cunliffe of the New Statesman • Writer and host of This Is Not A Drill Gavin Esler • Hannah Fearn of the i paper • Comedian Matt Green • New Statesman policy and politics corresponent Zoë Grünewald • Group Editor Andrew Harrison • Journalist Marie Le Conte • Podmasters Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis
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Oh God, What Now? is a Podmasters production

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Episodes

Election ’24: What’s the story? Mourning Tories

June 04, 2024 03:00 - 1 hour

Come to the OGWN Election Night LIVE special at The Tabernacle, London W11. Tickets here.  Genny Lex 2024 is heating up as Starmer and Sunak hit the campaign trail. The Labour leader has been talking nukes whilst Sunak focuses on culture wars (no surprise there then). And, [sighs] Nigel Farage is back in politics. What does his return mean for the Tories and the impending election? Plus, is anyone actually looking forward to the TV debates? Or are they just a massive waste of time? We’re on Y...

Is Rishi No-Mates the Tories’ human shield?

May 31, 2024 03:00 - 1 hour

Rishi Sunak is clearly terrible at politics, as the Election campaign is showing. Will his lack of ability give the Tory Party a smokescreen for their awful record? Plus, Diane Abbott and Jeremy Corbyn were once Labour stalwarts – but now the left wingers are clashing heavily with Starmer. Could Corbyn win as an independent? Plus, in the Extra Bit for subscribers, why is Britain so obsessed with private schools? We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodw...

Bothers in Arms – the national service fiasco

May 29, 2024 07:48 - 1 hour

Rishi Sunak says he’ll bring back national service for all you IDLE YOUTH in his latest raft of randomly selected policies. Will putting teenagers in the military turn it around for the Tories come July? Doubtful. Plus, international trade! As yet more Brexit turkeys come home to roost we welcome back global commerce megabrain Dmitry Grozoubinski – author of Why Politicians Lie About Trade... and What You Need to Know About It – to update us on matters of import. And export. Buy Why Politicia...

Election ’24 Update: Sunak and Starmer Square Up

May 24, 2024 14:17 - 27 minutes

It seems like a lifetime ago that Rishi Sunak called the General Election – even though it’s only been a couple of days. So, how has it gone in the aftermath of that rainy day in Downing Street? Ros Taylor joins Jacob Jarvis to talk about the state of the race so far in the first of what we’re sure will be many bonus podcast updates.     We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow     Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more. ...

Election 2024: Things Can Only Get Wetter

May 23, 2024 05:29 - 55 minutes

Rishi Sunak has only gone and done it – a General Election will finally happen on July 4. Why now? In a super speed podcast put together in the aftermath of the rainiest Number 10 announcement on record, we discuss the new hottest date on the British political calendar. Plus we talk about the colossal scandals where justice has either been delayed or denied. And in the extra bit – it’s the end of Newsnight as we know it, what does the panel think to the BBC’s cost cutting? We’re on YouTube!: ...

Live in London Part 2: Who was the worst PM of the last 14 years?

May 22, 2024 13:16 - 1 hour

And here’s Part 2 of our live show in London. Strap in as the panel discuss the thorniest question in politics – who was REALLY the worst PM of the modern Tory era? – and then take some of your questions. It’s live entertainment at its best! Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more.  Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, Alex Andreou and Jan Ravens. Live audio by Simon Williams, production by Robin Leeburn. Zoom livestream by Chri...

Live in London Part 1 with special guest Jan Ravens

May 21, 2024 13:31 - 56 minutes

Join the regulars plus our special guest, doyenne of impressionists Jan Ravens, for OGWN: It’s Grim Up North London at the King’s Head Theatre in Woke Islington. In part one: After the last election we thought there wouldn’t be another Labour government for decades. How can things change so fast in five years? And Jan reads from great political works by Liz Truss and Nadine Dorries. Part Two coming tomorrow…  Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shir...

Cleaning up the Commons, driving out the loons

May 17, 2024 03:00 - 57 minutes

Is Parliament’s vote to ban alleged sex pest MPs the first step towards restoring some respect to the Commons? Plus the Tories are spouting conspiracies again – this time it’s Maria Caulfield and 15-minute cities. What is she on about and what even are 15-minute cities? And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, Apple destroys the tools of creativity in its new iPad advert and no-one is impressed. Do our panel hate it too? Want more from the House of Podmasters? Origin Story Season 5 is out now! ...

“Vote for me or it’s World War 3”

May 14, 2024 03:00 - 59 minutes

Rishi Sunak’s speech on Monday was one step short of giving the British public a very dreary ultimatum – vote Tory or else. But with Natalie Elphicke defecting, Nadhim Zahawi stepping down, and Dominic Cummings and Matt Goodwin wanting to create their own parties - can any message Sunak sends to the public give him a chance at the next election? Plus, Keir Starmer announced his plan to tackle immigration last week – what’s in it, and ultimately how does the UK feel about immigration right now...

Starmer vs. The Green Machine

May 10, 2024 03:00 - 1 hour

Tory failure at the locals was obvious – but the rise of Greens and independents was less clear in advance. What does this mean for Labour and the general election? Plus, it’s 30 years since John Smith died, is he the best Prime Minister Britain never had? Historian and editor of the Tides of History project, Anthony Broxton, joins the panel to discuss. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, the panel discusses the controversy around Baby Reindeer.  • “To what extent are the people moving ove...

The Wrath of Khan

May 08, 2024 03:00 - 46 minutes

The Tories got trounced at the locals – we unpack the winners and losers. Plus, we question how the media covered the races, including those who said Susan Hall might do better in London than she did… And with Monty Panesar standing for George Galloway’s party – didn’t have that on our 2024 bingo card – we ask about celebs and sports people going into politics. What are the dos and don’ts?  • “Susan Hall basically stood there spitting fire about why she lost and how it wasn’t fair.” – Jonn E...

Extra: A taster of American Friction

May 05, 2024 03:00 - 8 minutes

The brand new podcast from the makers of The Bunker. Bewildered by the US Presidential Election? Don’t worry, American Friction has got you. Every Friday Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez of Rolling Stone join expert special guests to count down to America’s most rancorous election in generations.  Get the full episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major platforms.  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, ...

Emergency Localcast – How bad was it for Sunak?

May 03, 2024 13:40 - 20 minutes

As Labour takes Conservative seats across the UK and in the Blackpool South constituency, Ros Taylor joins Jacob Jarvis to work out what it all means. Is it really the Tories’ worst local elections performance in 40 years? Are there any scraps of comfort for Sunak – or is he doomed?    Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more.     Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music by Cornershop...

Scorn in the USA – The Biden-Trump countdown begins

May 02, 2024 13:25 - 1 hour

The US Election is just six months away. How come snoozy Trump still leads in several states, even though he’s in court every day? We’re launching a brand-new US election podcast American Friction and its regular panelist Nikki McCann Ramírez joins OGWN to scope out American’s Final Countdown. Plus, last-minute speculation on the local elections. Are our devolved local institutions really “a hot mess”? And in the Extra Bit for Patreon people: Following the fall of Too Nice Guy Humza Yousaf, w...

Who’ll stop the Rayner?

April 30, 2024 03:00 - 1 hour

The right wing press’s feverish attempts to take down Angela Rayner seem to be failing. What’s the secret of Rayner’s appeal and what does the future hold for Labour’s combative Deputy Leader? Plus, the SNP in turmoil as Humza Yousaf’s powerplay against the Greens goes badly wrong, forcing him to quit as Scotland’s First Minister. Scottish writer Gerry Hassan unpacks it for us. And how misty-eyed nostalgia accounts sneak hardline culture war dogwhistles into your mum’s Facebook feed. Final ti...

Rwanda endgame, Local Elections: The Tory collapse is here

April 26, 2024 03:00 - 1 hour

Sunak is still adamant his Rwanda plan will ‘stop the boats’. Will it? We unpack the latest in Tory failure and cruelty. Plus, the local elections are just around the corner and some Tory councillors are literally begging Sunak to stay clear of their constituencies. What should we be looking out for come May 2nd? Then in the Extra Bit for backers, are we heading for a future where all our politicians are weird and wealthy, as Tony Blair puts it? Or are we already there? • “It will cost more ...

Sunak Pulls a Sickie

April 23, 2024 03:00 - 1 hour

Rishi Sunak has found a new target to pick on – the sick. He claims Britain needs to get rid of its ‘sick note culture’ and he wants work and health professionals to issue the fit notes instead of GPs – what could possibly go wrong? And Starmer might be popular now, but if he’s elected as PM his popularity will likely dwindle and fast. How will he and his party handle that?  • “There is a lazy ignorance here born out of not hanging out of hanging out with anyone who has used the benefits sys...

Liz Truss: Tip of the Iceberg

April 19, 2024 03:00 - 1 hour

• Join us for OGWN: It’s Grim Up North London live in Islington on Mon 20 May. Tickets onsale now. Liz Truss’ new book 10 Years To Save the West certainly isn’t a boring read but neither is it a good one. Actor and impressionist Jan Ravens joins the panel to pick through how Truss thought her 45 days of office went compared to reality and all her other ludicrous claims in between. Plus: Sunak’s cigs ban. Is it fair to create two tiers of adult, one blissfully smoke-free and one battering the...

Iran/Israel – What can Britain do?

April 16, 2024 03:00 - 1 hour

The Middle East is on the verge of all-out war after Iran fired missiles and drones into Israel. Where does Britain stand on this latest escalation – and would we be ready if things get worse? Labour has outlined its hopes to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP – but is that enough? CEO of Chatham House and host of the Independent Thinking podcast Bronwen Maddox talks to Ros Taylor. And it’s a But Your Emails special! Are there any good right-wing podcasts? And what would you replace the...

Reform UK – Inside the fear factory

April 12, 2024 03:00 - 1 hour

Reform UK’s candidates have proven to be controversial, to say the least. But, unfortunately, the party seems to be doing ok in the polls. What does Tice’s group actually stand for and what are Reform’s policies? And in the second part, why are we so obsessed with the end of the world? Dorian Lynskey’s new book Everything Must Go: The Stories We Tell about the End of the World explores that very idea – and the panel quizzes him over his latest work. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, Netfl...

Sunak: The Errors Tour

April 09, 2024 03:00 - 57 minutes

Britain is the second most powerful country in the world… according to Sunak’s latest desperate brag anyway. You probably saw the weird collage the Tories posted on Twitter — but is there any truth to the party's claims? Or is this just another bizarre fantasy? Plus, Brexit is about to rear its ugly head even higher with new food import charges. What are they and why could they damage consumers and small businesses alike? • “A chair would be a much more impressive communicator than Sunak.” –...

A Federation of Ungovernable Cults

April 05, 2024 03:00 - 52 minutes

What have fourteen years of Conservative rule done to Britain?, asks Sam Knight in that mega-piece by the New Yorker’s baffled readers. You might well ask, say our panel, who discuss what the world thinks of Britain’s weird experiment on itself. Plus, our special guest the political economist Will Hutton is here to talk about Labour’s options on the economy and his new book This Time No Mistakes: How to Remake Britain. And in the Extra Bit: Which books shaped our panelists’ politics? • “It f...

Turn That Crown Upside Down

April 03, 2024 03:00 - 1 hour

The Royal Family are experiencing their worst year in decades. Is it time we wound down the Monarchy not just for our sake but for their sake too? Or are things best left the way they are? Plus, Boomers (not all of them we’ll add) are “used to having everything its own way”, says the Economist, but times are changing. Has the time of the Millennials finally come? • “The Monarchy doesn’t provide a service like the BBC or the NHS but I think it’s rational, because it’s been there for such a lo...

Taster: Best of Paper Cuts!

April 01, 2024 03:00 - 31 minutes

While you wait for the next episode of Oh God, What Now? Why don't you give our sister podcast PAPER CUTS a try? PAPER CUTS is the modern press review. We're out Monday to Friday, Miranda Sawyer and guests look at what’s behind the biggest stories, and bring you the weirdest headlines, the biggest scoops and the most astonishing manifestations of mass newspaper neurosis. Guests include Marcus Brigstocke, Rosie Holt, Jon Ellege, Scottee, Jason Hazeley, Daniel Foxx and the BAFTA nominated Grái...

They're mad as hell and we don't want to take it anymore

March 28, 2024 17:00 - 56 minutes

What on earth were they thinking? The Conservative Party’s weird, dystopian, GOP-style attack ad on Sadiq Khan shows just how much the party has lost its mind. The panel unpack what was wrong with it and why the Tories might have thought this was a good idea at all. And Jeremy Hunt says £100k a year “doesn’t go far” – is he right? Or is he just massively out of touch? Plus, in the extra bit for subscribers what could replace the Labour Party’s ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ ring-walk tune for t...

Here comes The Sun, Little Starmer

March 26, 2024 04:00 - 48 minutes

Is The Sun newspaper starting to pivot towards supporting Keir Starmer? Will any of the rest of the Tory press follow suit? And does political endorsement from a newspaper even matter any more? Plus, double outrage as shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledges that Margaret Thatcher was, you know, quite a big deal. Was she right to do so and why can't we stay level-headed around the Iron Lady? • “I think there’s an acknowledgment from the papers that you can’t ignore Labour anymore.” – Rac...

Failure to Relaunch

March 22, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour

Rishi Sunak is going for yet another relaunch. Will it work? (Probably not…) Plus, plucky newcomer Vladimir Putin has won the Russian presidential election with a massive landslide of 87% which is DEFINITELY legitimate. What have we learned from this sham election and what does it mean for Russia? Dr Ben Noble is an associate professor of Russian politics at UCL and chats with Alex Andreou. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, will Aaron Taylor-Johnson kick ass as the new James Bond, or will...

Banging Your Head Against a Red Wall

March 19, 2024 04:00 - 55 minutes

Why are we so obsessed with ‘The Red Wall’? What does it mean and are the Tories about to lose all of those seats in the North? Plus, new research shows the government’s levelling-up project has not worked… at all. Only 10% of the approved fund has been spent by councils. Why? And were the government’s missions ever achievable?  • “The red wall are actually voters who should’ve been Tory for quite a long time.” – Marie Le Conte • “It was more of an F YOU to the whole system.” – Hannah Fearn ...

The End of the Tories as We Know Them (and I Feel Fine?)

March 15, 2024 04:00 - 52 minutes

As the Tories face another racism row, we imagine a world where the Conservative Party simply didn’t exist. Would that be for the best for everyone? Plus, according to new research, only Uzbekistan is more miserable than the UK. What does this tell us about the British psyche? And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, is Kate Middleton just bad at Photoshop or is there a darker conspiracy at play? (PS. It’s definitely the first one.) • “There are certain trends that are making Conservative MPs r...

30p Lee: You Can’t Fire Me, I Quit!

March 12, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour

Lee Anderson has thrown a strop and joined Reform UK. What is this political journeyman trying to do – other than seek a load of attention? And, the budget hasn’t managed to win hearts and minds for the Tories. In fact, it made the dial creep in the wrong direction. What will they try next? • “If the Tories choose to radicalise, then I’m sure Lee Anderson could find a home back within the party.” – Hannah Fearn  • “Talking up the numbers of defectors is just a way of spooking the Tories.” – ...

Kicking the Budget

March 08, 2024 04:00 - 55 minutes

Jeremy Hunt’s budget has arrived. We unpack the good, bad and ugly – and ask: “Are we all going to be much richer now?” Short answer: No. Also, the BBC’s first-ever disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring joins the panel to discuss her new book Among the Trolls: My Journey Through Conspiracyland, how she wards off online hate – and why social media is so rife with conspiracy theorists.  Buy Among the Trolls: My Journey Through Conspiracyland through our affiliate booksh...

Is Galloway the game-changer he thinks he is?

March 05, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour

Is Galloway’s victory in Rochdale quite the seismic event that Gorgeous George claims it is? With even Mail readers more likely to vote Labour than Tory, do the papers still have the power they used to? And there’s a debate brewing on assisted dying. What do our panel think? Plus, Budget tips, the Supreme Court on whether Trump gets on the ballot, and why Marie le Conte considers herself a Space Arab.     • “Literally nobody wants tax cuts. If your ceiling is leaking, the upstairs neighbour g...

Sunak, Bigotry and 30p Lee

March 01, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour

After Lee Anderson and Suella Braverman’s recent outbursts, why are the Tories so scared of the word Islamophobia? And how deep does this issue run in the party? Plus, it’s a But Your Emails special! In the second half the panel answers as many of our listeners burning political questions as possible. Then in the Extra Bit for subscribers, what are political marches good for? The panel discusses their own experiences.  We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com...

Man Behaving Bad Lee

February 27, 2024 04:00 - 59 minutes

30p Lee has shown his real worth by claiming that Islamists have “got control” of Sadiq Khan. Suella Braverman, however, says they’re already in charge. Why hasn’t she lost the whip but Lee Anderson has? The panel discusses whether we have an intimidation issue in politics. Plus, as the Tories head for oblivion, why do political parties fail to learn from their mistakes before it’s too late? • “The Tories are Anderson’s enablers and for a reason – because it’s useful to them to have someone ...

David Cameron – Best of the Worst of the Worst?

February 23, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour

We can’t believe we’re asking this, but is David Cameron showing some competence in his role as foreign secretary? Or is he just the best of a terrible Cabinet? The panel discusses how he’s performed so far – and whether we can ever really forgive him. The answer is no, we can’t, by the way. Plus, Our Ros Taylor’s written a book! The Future of Trust is out now! She discusses her work with the panel.  Buy The Future of Trust through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund Oh God, What Now...

Stop Talking Britain Down, Brexiteers!

February 20, 2024 04:00 - 59 minutes

Why do the right-wing intelligentsia keep talking Britain down? Didn’t they get all they ever wanted when we left the EU? And who are the worst culprits? Plus: Remember when Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister and promised to fix the economy? Yes, well last week it emerged that Britain had entered a recession – nailed it. Has he completely failed on all his other goals too? That’s Oh God, What Now? with our special guest, political comedian Alistair Barrie. “The blame game is the only game in ...

EmergencyCast: You Only Lose Twice

February 16, 2024 16:24 - 24 minutes

The Tories have been trounced in the latest by-elections – who’d have guessed that would happen?! Sunak’s colleagues blamed a low turnout for the results in Kingswood and Wellingborough – is that fair? Or is the Tory electorate collapsing? What can we learn from these by-elections and what does this indicate, if anything, for the upcoming general election? Andrew Harrison is joined by Ros Taylor in an emergency edition.  “There was a feeling people might turn a little against Labour, but tha...

New Labour Derangement Syndrome

February 15, 2024 14:07 - 1 hour

Labour has disowned its candidate for the upcoming Rochdale byelection – how has Keir Starmer handled this? And has this turmoil over Azhar Ali’s comments damaged the Labour Party’s hopes of beating the Tories at the next election? Plus, we discuss New Labour Derangement Syndrome which we’ve DEFINITELY NOT made up. How influential is New Labour still? And in the Extra bit for subscribers – is platforming still a thing? We unpack the interview between Tucker Carlson and Vladimir ‘The Historian...

Backtrack to the Future?

February 13, 2024 04:00 - 53 minutes

It’s been called “the mother of all U-turns”, but is Labour’s backtracking on its £28bn green policy pledge justified? And should we stop moaning and learn to love U-turns anyway? Plus, the UK’s education system isn’t in brilliant shape. What needs solving, and does Labour have a plan? Special guest Charlotte Santry, news editor for TES Magazine, FKA the Times Education Supplement, marks our report card. • “The £28b figure? I'm not bothered about it, it was just a pointless round number.” – ...

Episode 500! The Brexit Bunch – These We Have Loved To Hate

February 09, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour

It’s the 500th episode since we started as Remainiacs! To mark the occasion we’ve highlighted 10 of the worst Brexit bad guys we love to hate… because you can’t spell “schadenfreude” without E.U. Plus, immigration under the microscope with migration expert Zoe Gardner. Are we in the crisis the Tories claim? And how will the next government handle it? And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, why are our MPs swearing so much and do we really give a shit? • “It still amazes me that Farage did not ...

Can We Fix It? We're Not Sure!

February 06, 2024 11:02 - 58 minutes

Yes, we know the Tory party has made an absolute mess of the country – but can Labour do anything to fix it? And if it can, in which areas will it focus? Plus, according to new research, Gen Z boys and men are getting increasingly angry at feminism. Why? What’s behind the political rift between men and women? And is it all Andrew Tate’s fault?  •”Labour thinks the Tories will fight the next election on wedge issues… that is NOT the strategy.” – Alex Andreou. •”I cover this for a living and ev...

Jumping on the ban wagon

February 02, 2024 04:00 - 54 minutes

Disposable vapes, XL bullies, and nitrous oxide – this government loves banning things. Has that always been the case? Do we secretly love living in a nanny state? And the housing crisis keeps getting worse, will a Labour government be able to fix the problem? We’ve got two of the UK’s leading housing journalists with us, including award-winning journalist and author of Show Me The Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen, Peter Apps.  • “We shouldn’t have a nerd PM, he doesn’t understand the appea...

Brexit: New ways for it to ruin everything!

January 30, 2024 04:00 - 51 minutes

Brexit Fourth Birthday Special! As new import regulations come in to make meat, cheese and flowers more expensive, why can’t we face up to the Dumbest Thing Britain Ever Did? Tory fratricide latest: the beleaguered Rishi Sunak’s masterplan is… banning disposable vapes? Is Viktor Orbán’s Hungary about to get kicked out of the EU? And will we see Mar-a-Lago on Zoopla soon?  (Due to illness it’s an all-male “manel” today. Normal service resumed ASAP.) • “The Government has effectively beta-tes...

Is Britain fundamentally conservative?

January 29, 2024 14:00 - 1 hour

Is Britain a conservative nation at its core – or is it time to dispel that myth? And the Tories haven’t been too good at picking party leaders of late, could Kemi Badenoch be next up? The panel discusses who she is and what she stands for? Plus, in the extra bit for subscribers, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer wants to give Ofcom more powers to stop what she believes is BBC bias – does she have a point? • “I think the cost of living crisis is making more institutions left wing.” – Marie Le Con...

Attack of the ‘Will of the People’!

January 23, 2024 04:00 - 46 minutes

Get the political cliché klaxon ready – Rishi Sunak has invoked the so-called “will of the people” as he boosts his Rwanda rhetoric. Does he have any idea what the public actually wants? And why is he so desperately upping his populist-but-not-very-popular messaging? Plus, as attacks on Starmer get increasingly desperate – should anyone care about mud-slinging from the tabloids? Ros Taylor is joined by Hannah Fearn and Times columnist Hugo Rifkind.  • “When he has seen the will of the people ...

Rebels without a clue

January 18, 2024 16:53 - 1 hour

Lee Anderson and his pals have thrown their toys out of the pram – we unpack the latest Tory fallout. Plus, Houthi rebel strikes across Red Sea shipping lanes have led to counterstrikes from the UK and the US militaries. How has that action been justified and what’s the danger of escalation? And, leading transport commentator Simon Calder joins the panel to give his thoughts on the UK’s travel networks – the good, the bad and the ugly.  • “It felt like ‘we’ve bombed this and this is why we d...

🔊 BONUS 🔊 Secrets of Podmasters’ ‘Audio Island’

January 17, 2024 16:44 - 39 minutes

‘Oh God, What Else?’ is our Monday morning extra edition for Patreon backers. This week’s episode is a bit special so we thought we’d make it available to the wider OGWN-verse too. This time: After 1,875 days, Oh God, What Now? producer extraordinaire Alex Rees is leaving Podmasters. He joins the rest of our audio team, Jade Bailey, Simon Williams and Robin Leeburn to take you behind the scenes of Podmasters to discuss how the company, podcasts and people have changed over the years. • “In my...

The Tory mob turns on Sunak

January 17, 2024 15:58 - 1 hour

It’s another tough week for Rishi Sunak as a new poll suggests the Tories are set for 1997-style obliteration. But, are the results all they seem? And are certain Tory factions turning further against him? Then, inspired by Ian Hislop Vs Jake Berry on Peston last week – the panel discusses how you win a meaningful argument in the world of politics. Is it even possible? • ”We always talk about the red wall going down, but this poll shows it's being rebuilt?” – Matt Green • “Voters care if he ...

Hate Mail: Post Office scandal boils over

January 12, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour

An ITV drama throws the Post Office scandal back into the public eye. Why was it ignored – and what other scandals should we be discussing more? Plus, hands up if you had net zero goals as Sunak’s first blow of 2024. Chris Skidmore’s resignation over the Offshore Petroleum Bill has put the Tories in a spin. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers the most depressing day of the year (apparently) is on the horizon, what do our panel do to cheer themselves up in January?  • “We really mustn't obscu...

Are you ready for the Tories’ alternative reality?

January 09, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour

When is a vote not a vote? Billions of people will go to the polls around the world this year but in Britain and the US, will the elections cover up deep democratic decay? Plus, the Conservative’s long goodbye to power is creating its own alternative universe of TV, comment and counterfactual reality. What happens when the Tory infosphere loses its mind?  • “The country that’s worrying me at the moment is Germany.” – Marie Le Conte. • “Some people want Fox News for Britain and the more contro...

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