Planet Normal

By The Telegraph

What's Planet Normal about?

The podcast that speaks your language. News and views from beyond the bubble with Telegraph columnists, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan, every Thursday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Planet Normal episodes:

05.08.2024
A Tory hammering
With the local elections across England and Wales all over, who were the real winners and losers? And did the Tories really get hammered? Only your co-pilots have the answers. Liam ponders whether the Tory Party can hold it together...
05.01.2024
Wormholes of Woke
Election fever has reached the rocket this week as the co-pilots await the results from local polling stations up and down the country. And there’s nothing short of a tsunami of politics in Scotland. Allison thinks the progressive Left are finally being confronted by...
04.24.2024
A protest too far
Strapping into the rocket this week and calling for the resignation of Met Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, is former Home Secretary and Conservative MP Suella Braverman. She also explains why she thinks it’s time we left the European Convention...
04.17.2024
The Battle of Brussels
The Battle of Brussels With co-pilot Pearson making a triumphant return to the rocket this week there’s much madness to discuss including the Cass report, what the Office of Budget Responsibility is really about and some drama from Brussels… Joining your co-pilots...
04.10.2024
The case of the Cass Report
Baroness Claire Fox straps into the cockpit this week to take the helm and tackle the madness alongside co-pilot Halligan. And there's no shortage of febrile pre-election news on the horizon. In light of the publication of the highly anticipated Cass...
04.03.2024
Not a first class health service
There’s a lot of madness orbiting the rocket this week as your co-pilots tackle the latest ghastly news from the NHS and author JK Rowling's reaction to the latest SNP legislation, not to mention the redesign of our Union Jack...
03.28.2024
Tory MPs for hire
New immigration figures will be causing another headache for Rishi Sunak and strapping into the cockpit this week is Former Minister for Immigration Robert Jenrick, who reveals the events in the lead up to his resignation and how the PM...
03.21.2024
Four Prime Ministers, 1 Parliament
With potential Conservative Party mutiny still bubbling away, there’s a rare moment of disagreement in the Planet Normal cockpit this week over a potential Tory leadership change Liam is convinced that a leadership will make an inevitable election loss much worse, whilst...
03.14.2024
More political tremors
There is no rest in the political news cycle this week, but are recent events enough to trigger a political earthquake or just another tremor? In light of Lee Anderson jumping ship from the Tory Party to Reform UK, Allison thinks the Conservatives won't...
03.07.2024
A Spring Budget haunted by the OBR
The Chancellor has revealed his Budget but the rocket of right-thinking has spotted a shadowy figure on the horizon heading towards Mr Hunt - the Office for Budget Responsibility. Strapping into the rocket to help navigate the nuances is Helen Thomas...
02.29.2024
The Army up in arms over housing
As co-pilot Pearson is away this week Liam is joined by special guest Telegraph Defence Editor Danielle Sheridan, to discuss the issue of the military housing plan that has barracks up and down the country up in arms, and how Allison...
02.22.2024
Don't Panic!
This episode was recorded before the evening's events in the House of Commons. You can read more here on the Telegraph's live blog: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/02/21/rishi-sunak-latest-news-atkins-labour-snp-gaza/#comment It was a double by-election blow for the Conservative Party as Labour claimed victory in Wellingborough and...
02.15.2024
Stick to the plan
Give children brick phones, not smartphones, says this week's guest on the rocket of right thinking, Sophie Winkleman. The Peep Show star gives an insight into her plea to promote screen free learning for children and finds time to share...
02.08.2024
The rise of Reform and 'Pop Con'
As inflation drops, anger on the rocket rises, at the issue of illegal immigration and asylum seekers in light of the shocking chemical attack in London. Plus, where do your co-pilots stand on Liz Truss' ‘Pop Con’? Liam thinks that immigration...
02.01.2024
The Business of Brexit
This week your co-pilots are busy celebrating the anniversary of Brexit and the subsequent birth of Planet Normal. But aside from a hit podcast, what does the country really have to show from the referendum? Liam thinks that the people...
01.25.2024
Talk of a Tory regicide
Just when the UK has finished surviving a battering from storm Isha Talk of Tory regicide is blowing its way in with storm Jocelyn. It’s safe to say your co-pilots are in for a turbulent week on the rocket. Allison is still in favour...
01.17.2024
Exclusive Interview with Fujitsu insider
This episode was recorded before The Rwanda Bill cleared the Commons Strapping into the rocket alongside your co-pilots this week is former Fujitsu employee ‘Robin’ who gives an exclusive inside take on what really went on to cause such a...
01.11.2024
New Year, Old Scandals
It’s business as usual this week as the rocket launches back into action after its Christmas hiatus. And your co-pilots are not short of opinions on the latest scandal. The political and media class are finally waking up to the Post...
01.04.2024
Best voyages from the festive Rocket 2023: Part 2
In this the second of a two part series, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan dig into the data files for some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking, from 2023. The rocket featured many unique interviews from...
12.28.2023
Best voyages from the festive Rocket 2023: Part 1
In this the first of a two part series, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan dig into the data files for some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking, from 2023. The rocket featured many guest appearances from big...
12.21.2023
Jingle Bell Rocket
The bells are ringing, the Christmas spirit has well and truly hit the rocket. Joining your co-pilots in looking back at the highs and lows of 2023 as well as giving their predictions for 2024 is Telegraph columnists Con Coughlin and...
12.14.2023
When Tory Tribes Go To War
The Tory tribes are at war over the Rwanda Bill, but who will emerge victorious? One thing is for sure, these party politics aren’t very festive at all… Co-pilot Pearson has polished her crystal ball and is ready to predict which way...
12.07.2023
Ineptitude masking as progress
This episode was recorded before the resignation of Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick. The lettuce has returned, could PM Rishi Sunak be heading for a similar demise as his predecessor Liz Truss? And would the Conservative party be mad enough to change...
11.30.2023
Busy getting on with ‘just delivering’
It's been a calamitous week for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, at least that’s what our co-pilots think with the latest immigration figures hitting a record high. So is he really ‘busy delivering’ as he claims? In light of the shocking riots...
11.22.2023
Autumn Statement Special
It’s budget week on the rocket and the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has some sizeable tax cuts to pull out of his fiscal stocking. But what do your co-pilots make of the Country’s pre-christmas giveaway? Joining us to navigate this autumn budget...
11.16.2023
A controversial Cabinet reshuffle
It’s been a busy week at No10 with Suella being shown the door and the surprise recycling of David Cameron returning as Foreign Secretary. Could this be the most controversial of all recent cabinet reshuffles to date? Both co-pilots question Prime Minister...
11.09.2023
The Power and Pain of the Protest
To protest or not to protest? The question on everyone's mind this week as the conflicts between Remembrance weekend commemorations and pro- Palestine marches reach a heated conclusion. Your co-pilots weigh in on the power and the pain of both arguments. Liam...
11.02.2023
The Inquiry
With the Covid Inquiry reaching boiling point, your co-pilots dissect the political finger pointing and blame shifting amongst the witnesses. Allison is feeling infuriated and disgusted at the events unfolding, whilst Liam feels it’s simply 'political theatre' and a show trial...
10.25.2023
365 days on Planet Rishi
It's a whole year since Rishi Sunak took the reins at No10 but has it been more annus horribilis or steady as she goes for Planet Sunak's Premiership? In light of the historic by-election in Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire, Allison thinks the government...
10.18.2023
Turmoil continues in Israel
N.B This episode contains content that some listeners may find distressing As the shocking events in the Middle East continue, the rocket reflects on the impact of Israel’s declaration of War on Hamas, and how that can affect the UK and the...
10.11.2023
A Glittering Labour Conference
It’s an 'alright' from Liverpool this week as the rocket orbits the Labour Party Conference. So, as the glitter settles around Keir Starmer’s speech, and jacket, what do your co-pilots make of the opposing Party’s speeches? Liam thinks the Labour Party...
10.04.2023
Plans for a Post Rishi World
The rocket beams in live from the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester this week, at the last conference before the next election. And with strikes, and policy gloom on the horizon the mood is surprisingly upbeat. The unexpected jovial mood at...
09.27.2023
Pre party conference fever
As the Conservative Party conference fever grows, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appears to be changing his tune with some big amendments in the Party's manifestos. But will it change the state of play in the polls? Staring down the barrel of...
09.20.2023
Liz Truss on her ‘pro-growth’ economy and traditional Conservative policies
There’s a sweet taste of retribution on the rocket this week as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak rows back on the green policies that have been intensely scrutinised on the rocket. However, with the smell of burning tyres still fresh in...
09.13.2023
Should we be picking on pensioners?
It’s official the interparty name calling has began, a sure sign that a general election is in the offing. And what’s all this about the triple lock and picking on pensioners? Only your co-pilots have the answers. Allison thinks we should...
09.06.2023
Back to school, back to politics
The heatwave is on, the sun is hot but Westminster is hotter as the politicians return, and there’s no shortage of issues on the new term agenda. Allison thinks the Conservatives are making their own concrete boots, and Liam is on hand...
08.31.2023
And they're back...
There’s a chill in the air and the schools are back, which means Planet Normal is ready to blast off again, and there’s been no shortage of madness to contend with. Both our co-pilots are digesting the conviction of neonatal nurse,...
08.23.2023
Best bits from the rocket: Part 4
In this the final of the four part best of the rocket series, our co-pilots take a look back at some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking from the year so far. In May, we heard...
08.16.2023
Best bits from the rocket: Part 3
In this the third of the four part best of the rocket series, our co-pilots take a look back at some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking from the year so far. Back in March, co-pilot...
08.09.2023
Best bits from the rocket: Part 2
In this the second of the four part best of the rocket series, our co-pilots take a look back at some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking from the year so far. Back in February, co-pilots...
08.02.2023
Best bits from the rocket: Part 1
In this the first of a four part series, co-pilots Pearson and Halligan dig into the data files for some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking, from the year so far. The rocket blasted into...
07.26.2023
A tale of two Allisons
In the latest episode, before the rocket blasts off for a brief summer break, it’s Allison vs Alison as co-pilot Pearson takes on Dame Alison Rose in the still brewing Coutts Bank versus Nigel Farage war. But who will emerge...
07.19.2023
A heat storm in a teacup
There’s something in the air this week, but what is causing the temperature to rise in the rocket of right thinking this week? Is it the woke banks telling you how to think before depositing your money or is it...
07.12.2023
The BBC, the Bank of England and "bonus holes"
Note: this episode was recorded before Huw Edwards was named by his wife as the presenter at the centre of the BBC scandal. There are no shortage of crises on the rocket this week, in-between the economic and immigration rows and...
07.06.2023
National Health Service or National disaster?
It’s the 75th birthday of our National Health Service but your co-pilots are feeling far from ready to celebrate… Allison thinks it’s less of a national health service and more of a national disaster, and Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak is too busy...
06.28.2023
It's just not cricket
Following the Bank of England increasing interest rates, a mortgage crisis is looming. A week on, at Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir Starmer is appealing to the traditional "red wall" seats, saying Labour is now the party of homeownership. Liam...
06.21.2023
The economy, stupid
With the ‘media froth’ surrounding the economy building, bond yields spiking and interest rates set to soar, can our economy keep defying gravity? Special guest co-pilot Nick Timothy is on hand to explain why interest rates are set to feel...
06.14.2023
Mad night at the circus
The summer silly season isn’t yet upon us but already things have descended into circus mode, with Boris Johnson’s resignation as MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip. But did he jump or was he pushed? And will he go down...
06.07.2023
"I told you so" doesn't quite say it
There’s a lot to discuss this week; the latest lockdown report, Sir Keir Starmer taking on the Unions and some High Court action. Your co-pilots are strapped in ready to give their take. It's a big week for the covid misinformation...
05.31.2023
Through the looking glass
Where are all the grown ups? This is the burning question our co-pilots are asking today. Amongst the latest drama at Westminster not to mention the This Morning sofa, our co-pilots feel as if they’re now living through the looking glass. Labour leader...

What's Planet Normal about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Planet Normal episodes:

A Tory hammering

Wormholes of Woke

A protest too far

The Battle of Brussels

The case of the Cass Report

Not a first class health service

Tory MPs for hire

Four Prime Ministers, 1 Parliament

More political tremors

A Spring Budget haunted by the OBR

The Army up in arms over housing

Don't Panic!

Stick to the plan

The rise of Reform and 'Pop Con'

The Business of Brexit

Talk of a Tory regicide

Exclusive Interview with Fujitsu insider

New Year, Old Scandals

Best voyages from the festive Rocket 2023: Part 2

Best voyages from the festive Rocket 2023: Part 1

Jingle Bell Rocket

When Tory Tribes Go To War

Ineptitude masking as progress

Busy getting on with ‘just delivering’

Autumn Statement Special

A controversial Cabinet reshuffle

The Power and Pain of the Protest

The Inquiry

365 days on Planet Rishi

Turmoil continues in Israel

A Glittering Labour Conference

Plans for a Post Rishi World

Pre party conference fever

Liz Truss on her ‘pro-growth’ economy and traditional Conservative policies

Should we be picking on pensioners?

Back to school, back to politics

And they're back...

Best bits from the rocket: Part 4

Best bits from the rocket: Part 3

Best bits from the rocket: Part 2

Best bits from the rocket: Part 1

A tale of two Allisons

A heat storm in a teacup

The BBC, the Bank of England and "bonus holes"

National Health Service or National disaster?

It's just not cricket

The economy, stupid

Mad night at the circus

"I told you so" doesn't quite say it

Through the looking glass