What The F Is Going On? with Mark Steel

Last week we had some technical difficulties in the studio so we apologise for the lack of episodes over these couple of weeks.

To help bridge the gap between episodes please enjoy this conversation between Mark and Zack Polanski that was recorded just a few weeks before he was elected leader of the Green Party.

It's an excellent interview and we are giving you the full episode all in one so no need to wait for part 2. It is one of our favourites so please enjoy and we will be back with a brand new episode next Monday!

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In the second half of our conversation with Paul Holden, we dive into Keir Starmer's downfall, his unprecedented acceptance of freebies, and the dark money that funded his rise to Prime Minister. Paul brings his 20 years of experience investigating grand corruption—which famously included exposing South Africa's Jacob Zuma and facing death threats—to unpack the Labour Party's secret slush funds. 

We discuss Starmer's fragile political project, his approach to politics as a barrister defending a daily brief, and the absurd smear campaign that attempted to frame Paul as a Russian spy to kill his reporting. Grab your copy of Paul’s book here: https://orbooks.com/catalog/the-fraud/.

For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to:

⁠www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠

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

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

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel  

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This week, investigative journalist Paul Holden joins the show to discuss his explosive book, The Fraud, detailing the ruthless internal campaign to capture the Labour Party. Paul has spent 20 years investigating grand corruption worldwide, including exposing former South African President Jacob Zuma, which forced him to leave the country due to death threats.

In part one, we explore how a right-wing faction led by Morgan McSweeney worked with the media to undermine Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. We discuss the cynical weaponization of antisemitism, the creation of fake online identities to target Jewish activists, and the fabricated story of a brick thrown through Angela Eagle's window. Pick up Paul’s book here: https://orbooks.com/catalog/the-fraud/.

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 Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod 

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel  

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In the second half of our conversation with Russell Warfield, we look at the future of the Green Party as a mass political movement and what it actually takes to challenge entrenched wealth. Russell draws on his extensive background—having worked for the Greens for five years, run the comms for the London 2021 elections where Zack became an AM, and played a central role in Zack's 2025 leadership campaign—to answer listener questions. 

We dive into Keir Starmer's resignation, whether Zack Polanski should run in the upcoming by-election, and the tension between local community action and electoral discipline. We also debunk the myth of Green NIMBYism and take a quick detour into the muddy, bizarre reality of "Faragefest." Grab your copy of Russell's book here: https://www.plutobooks.com/product/the-green-socialist/

For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to:

⁠www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠

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

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

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel  

Follow Russell @Rmwarfield 

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This week, communications strategist Russell Warfield joins the show to discuss the shifting landscape of UK politics and the dramatic rise of the Green Party. Russell worked for the Greens for five years, ran the comms for the London 2021 elections where Zack Polanski became an Assembly Member, and played a central role in his 2025 leadership campaign.

In part one, we explore how the Green Party's enduring anti-capitalist principles and recent surge in membership directly influenced the Labour Party, arguably paving the way for Andy Burnham’s premiership. We also unpack the intense, coordinated media backlash the Greens faced and what it signals about their growing threat to the political establishment. Pick up Russell’s new book here: https://www.plutobooks.com/product/the-green-socialist/

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 Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod 

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel  

Follow Russell @Rmwarfield 

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We're taking a small break this week as Mark recovers from the Edinburgh Fringe and we transition into our exciting new format starting next week.

In the mean time please enjoy this classic episode with the fantastic Adam Rutherford.

Mark is joined by scientist, writer, and broadcaster Adam Rutherford in this special extended episode. Together, they discuss eugenics, Charles Darwin, Francis Galton, nature versus nurture, how right wing Americans influenced Hitler and many other fascinating topics. 

If you enjoyed this interview then please buy a copy of Adam’s book “Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics”, It would make an excellent Christmas gift and can be ordered on amazon right now using this link: ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Control-History-Troubling-Present-Eugenics-ebook/dp/B08WC6493L⁠ 

Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod

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

Follow Adam @AdamRutherford

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In this special episode, Mark sets out to answer some questions from his patreon supporters and rant about the state of the world. From harrowing festival flashbacks to the sheer madness of modern politics, Mark covers it all before his laptop battery inevitably gives out.

For your chance to ask Mark questions in his next Ask Me Anything session PLUS Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to:

⁠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  

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The hilarity and hard truths continue in Part 2 as Mark Steel and Rosie Jones dissect everything from music legends to British political absurdity. Mark recounts the agonizing heartbreak of missing Dolly Parton at Glastonbury to perform for 30 people, while Rosie shares her love for Carry On films and pitches a modern, queer reboot featuring Hannah Waddingham.

Things take a serious yet furious-turned-hilarious turn as Rosie recalls her encounter on Question Time with Matt Hancock, who tried to equate his dyslexia with physical disability. To wrap up, Rosie gives an eye-opening, jaw-dropping account of her real-life disability benefits assessment that inspired her Channel 4 sitcom Disability Benefits.

For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to:

⁠www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠

For tickets to Rosie’s Edinburgh show go to : https://rosiejonescomedy.com

Support Rosie’s charity here: https://www.rosiejonesfoundation.com/take-action

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

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

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel  

Follow Rosie @josieRones

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In Part 1 of this episode of What The F Is Going On?*, Mark Steel sits down with the brilliant comedian, author, and force of nature Rosie Jones. Ahead of their respective Edinburgh Fringe shows, the pair dive into early-afternoon gigging schedules, surviving Bridlington seaside life, and the absurd fallout from Rosie’s infamous Greta Thunberg joke on The Last Leg.

Rosie reflects on her ten-year evolution in stand-up—from tackling the "disabled elephant in the room" on stage to navigating the heavy burden of disability representation in media. Plus, a sharp look at societal attitudes, daily microaggressions, and why people need to start listening to disabled people when they offer help.

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 tickets to Mark’s Edinburgh Fringe shows go to: https://marksteelinfo.com

For tickets to Rosie’s Edinburgh show go to : https://rosiejonescomedy.com

Support Rosie’s charity here: https://www.rosiejonesfoundation.com/take-action

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

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

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel  

Follow Rosie @josieRones

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In this special Live episode of What The F Is Going On?, Mark is joined by BAFTA-winning writer, comedian and creator of Alma's Not Normal, Sophie Willan.

From growing up in Bolton to breaking into television, Sophie tells the extraordinary story of how Alma's Not Normalfinally made it to the BBC, why working-class voices are still fighting to be heard, and how comedy can reveal more truth than drama ever could.

Along the way, Mark and Sophie discuss community, class, mental health, social mobility, Margaret Thatcher's legacy, Andy Burnham, and why understanding people's lives is impossible without understanding the communities they come from. There are also brilliant stories about eccentric locals, unforgettable family members, comedy, swearing, Taskmaster, and why Paul Hollywood's bread shows make Sophie irrationally angry.

A funny, thoughtful and passionate conversation about class, compassion and the stories we choose to tell.

For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to:

⁠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 Sophie @Sophiewillan 

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