The Matts are joined by New European political editor James Ball to step back and reflect on why Keir Starmer’s government is conspicuously failing to excite and unite a British public desperate for change after so many years of Tory rule. They have their theories. Is there an easy(-ish) answer? And who should they really be worried about if it’s not Reform? In the second half, the Matts take a look at the new documentary into the life of Leni Riefenstahl, filmmaker to the Nazis, and ask what her post-war rehabilitation tells us about the intersection of culture and politics.

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The Matts are joined by acclaimed author and FT journalist Edward Luce to talk about his new book Zbig— the definitive biography of Zbigniew Brzezinski, Cold War strategist and key architect of U.S. foreign policy. More than just a biography, Zbig offers sharp insights into the nature of power and America’s role in the world. If you want to understand how global strategy is shaped, this episode is essential listening.

Zbig: The Life of Zbigniew Brzezinski, America's Cold War Prophet is out on May the 13th. Preorder here.

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The Matts consider life without electricity, are staggered by the sugar in kids’ milkshakes, wonder who will hold Farage to account, celebrate VE Day and ask why Tony Blair feels the need to undermine net zero. Oh, and they also continue their quest for evidence of Neil Oliver’s past life as a Lindisfarne roadie. Enjoy!

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The success of Reform in this week’s local elections and at the Runcorn by-election is not so much a wake up call as a fire alarm that should be clanging loud and clear at Labour HQ. But are they listening? If so, do they understand what they hear? The Matts believe a dramatic change is required. Clarity in strategy, excellence in communications. and a new occupant at Number 11. But above all, a focus on Labour’s core support. The Matts have specific ideas on how this can be achieved, but are clear about the alternative; either find a way to beat him, or prepare for Prime Minister Farage.

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The Matts discuss the tragedy of Virginia Giuffre and what her story tells us about the impunity of the wealthy and famous. Also - 100 days of Donald Trump. On a scale of 1-10, how’s he doing so far? The Matts fill in their scorecards

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What does Keir Starmer’s flip-flop on the definition of a woman tell you about him? Should MPs be getting a £60k pay rise? Have we had enough TV specials on British injustices? What’s the next big crisis to engulf mankind? And what the actual f*** was that person in a bunny suit doing next to Trump?

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What kind of Pope was Francis? Is it chaos and division he leaves in his wake… or a pathway for a more liberal, hopeful Roman Catholic Church? The Matts discuss his legacy. Also this week - the Matts’ inbox was bursting at the seams with reaction to their recent pod on trans rights and the Supreme Court’s definition of what a woman is. They take you through a representative selection - with some fascinating points of view. Enjoy!

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The Matts are joined by Dutch popular historian and author Rutger Bregman to discuss his new book, Moral Ambition. How does the world change for the better? Why do so many talented people do bullsh*t jobs? And what’s wrong with a life spent worrying about reducing your carbon footprint to zero? Rutger’s a man with strong opinions on all the above and more. It’s a fascinating in-depth interview on what you - yes, YOU! - need to do to fix the planet. Enjoy!

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.