Wright on the Nail

In this week's ‘News Roundtable’ episode, Chris is joined by broadcast journalist Georgina Godwin, writer and broadcaster Gavin Hewitt, and journalist and home affairs editor Matt Dathan.

The conversation begins with guests discussing changes to travel restrictions for fully vaccinated people in the US and EU, and Chris tries to nail down a small bugbear -  why France was placed on the amber-plus list. 

The discussion moves on to talk about the images of migrants crossing the Channel which are dominating the front pages. They debate how significant this issue really is, Priti Patel’s role in controlling the situation and rules around criminalising those who are seeking to secure their futures.

Together they also share views on the impact of the furlough scheme coming to an end, and Belarus sprinter Kristina Timanovskaya, who was almost forced to return to her home after she criticized her coaches.

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week's ‘Deep Dive’ episode, Chris is joined by tennis journalist and editor Hannah Wilks; senior lecturer in Psychology, Dr Peter Olusoga; BBC Scotland’s ‘The Nine’ journalist and former Olympic sports reporter, David McDaid; and news features writer for The Daily Mirror, Alex Bellotti.

The conversation begins with guests discussing the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 being held in Japan during the Covid-19 pandemic - with athletes forced to social distance in the Olympic Village, and their families and fans cheering them on from their living rooms at home.

The discussion moves on to US gymnast Simone Biles and her decision to pull out of the all-around gymnastics final to prioritise her mental health. They consider the huge pressures placed on athletes after winning medals, and whether we are likely to see more competitors making a similar decision in competitions to come.

Together they highlight some of Great Britain's triumphs so far including Tom Daley’s victory alongside Matty Lee in the men’s diving finals, and what they’re looking forward to most in the run-up to the track and field events. 

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week's ‘News Roundtable’ episode, Chris is joined by Iain Dale, LBC radio host and political pundit; Robert Shrimsley, chief political commentator and UK editor-at-large at the Financial Times; and Georgina Bailey, policy editor at The House Magazine.

The conversation begins by discussing the public’s attitude toward social distancing and the option of wearing face masks since ‘Freedom Day’. They consider the practicality of Covid passports, and plans to make coronavirus vaccinations compulsory for nightclubs and crowded venues.  

The discussion moves on to quarantine-free travel in the UK, which has resumed for  passengers returning from amber list countries, they consider why France has been excluded and the addition of a new category dubbed “amber-plus”.

Guests also reflect on Dominic Cummings’ interview, debate whether his statements are vengeful or “doing the country a great service”; consider solutions to the Northern Ireland protocol; and share thoughts on the scandals surrounding the Tokyo Olympic Games. 

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week's ‘Deep Dive’ episode, Chris is joined by Nick Blackburn, director at Cheltenham Town Football Club; Rachel Wearmouth, senior political correspondent at the Daily Mirror; and Alison Bender, broadcast journalist and football presenter.

The conversation begins with guests sharing their personal experiences of watching the Euro 2020 final at Wembley Stadium. They describe the tension, heartbreak and unlawful behaviour of fans - throwing bottles, climbing buildings, bribing stewards, and breaking into the stadium.

The discussion moves on to debate who is responsible for the chaos which unfolded, and a lack of enforcement from police and authorities in the run up to the game. Guests highlight the shocking racial abuse which players have received on social media since, and how England fans booed during the Italian national anthem.

Together they also consider how Boris Johnson vocalised his backing of the team; his failure to support players taking the knee, and whether it was inevitable that politics would enter the pitch.

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week's ‘News Roundtable’ episode, Chris is joined by writer and broadcaster Christina Patterson; political commentator and marketing campaigner Marina Purkiss; and political advisor and pollster James Johnson.

The conversation begins by celebrating England’s 2-1 victory over Denmark in the Euros, and disputing claims that Brexit impacted the team’s ability to reach their first major final since 1966.

The discussion then moves on to talk about the easing of the UK’s lockdown restrictions, to debate if England is lifting social distancing rules too early - and whether the public should be making their own informed decisions about the virus.

Together they also discuss whether private education is a pathway of privilege - to access prestigious Universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, and consider Winston Marshall’s decision to quit Mumford and Sons to avoid ‘self censorship’.

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week’s ‘Deep Dive’ episode, host Chris Wright and guests discuss Brexit. As we mark the five-year anniversary of the UK voting to leave the European Union, guests evaluate where we are in the process and debate whether Brexit has been, or is yet to be a success.

In this episode, Chris is joined by Anand Menon, director of ‘The UK in a Changing Europe’, Isabel Oakeshott, political journalist and commentator, Adam Payne, Westminster and Brexit reporter for PoliticsHome, and Jemma Forte, broadcaster, journalist and novelist.

The conversation begins by assessing Brexit’s political impact, discussing why a degree of tension between political parties can be “good for politics,” and how the results of the referendum continue to divide social circles, and the nation as a whole.

The discussion then moves on to talk about the pandemic, and whether it has masked some of the difficulties of businesses adapting, such as an increase in staff shortages. They consider the implications post-Brexit on different industries including fishing, healthcare, music, hospitality and farming.

Together they also discuss the row over “chilled meats”, an element of the Northern Ireland Protocol, and whether a United Ireland is not a question of 'if’ but ‘when’.

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week’s ‘News Roundtable’ episode, host Chris Wright and guests discuss the impact of delays to England’s ‘freedom day’; protecting jobs for NHS workers; new laws to regulate international streaming services; and a funding row over a new royal yacht! 

In this episode, Chris is joined by Joe Mayes, UK politics and Brexit reporter, Vicky Pryce, economist and business consultant and Sam Bright, politics and investigations journalist.

The conversation begins with guests’ reactions to Dido Harding entering the race  to become head of the NHS, and her vow to end England’s reliance on foreign doctors and nurses. They dive into her chequered past presiding over the Test and Trace debacle.

The discussion moves on to debate if there is political motivation behind proposals being considered under Boris Johnson’s government to regulate streaming giants including Netflix, Amazon and Disney+, and whether this is a sign of the future of the media industry. 

They also debate the Conservatives' defeat in the Chesham and Amersham by-election; the launch of GB News, and who is going to fund a new royal yacht?

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

This week is our ‘Special Guest’ episode, where host Chris Wright brings you intimate one-to-one interviews with key people in media, business, politics and beyond. In this episode, Chris is joined by award-winning lyricist and author, Sir Tim Rice.

Tim is the winner of three Oscars, four Tony Awards, five Grammys, and an Emmy. He has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music.

Beginning with his early career, Tim describes how he worked as a lawyer's clerk whilst writing music, and how this curiously led to his meeting with a “very sophisticated young man” named Andrew Lloyd Webber, who soon became his writing partner.

The conversation moves on to his experience at EMI Records working under the supervision of Norrie Paramor, before writing the lyrics for musicals which have become a global phenomenon including ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ and ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’.

Together they discuss Tim’s collaboration with Webber on Evita, which began as a rock opera concept album, as well as his working relationship with Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson from ABBA on the musical, Chess.

They also discuss Tim’s request to work with singer-songwriter Sir Elton John on Disney’s ‘The Lion King’, podcasting, what’s happening in the world of cricket, and what’s next for Tim? 

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week’s ‘News Roundtable’ episode, host Chris Wright and guests discuss Lord Cruddas’ £500,000 donation to the Conservative Party; a reduction in foreign aid; and post-covid staff shortages hitting the hospitality sector.

In this episode, Chris is joined by Jo Maugham, director at the ‘Good Law Project’; James O’Malley, freelance technology and political journalist; Penny Richards, managing director of The Aspen Institute UK, and David Ellis, editor of the Evening Standard’s, ‘The Reveller’. 

The conversation begins by delving into the story surrounding Lord Cruddas, and his largest ever cash contribution to the Conservative Party. The panel discusses what this tells us about the integrity of our government, and how our interest in politicians has evolved from being concerned about the facts, and towards “how they make us feel”. 

The discussion moves on to talk about cuts to foreign aid, from 0.7% of gross national income to 0.5%. The panel highlights contradictions around the government's foreign policy, with Britain being considered a “global leader”, whilst choosing to lower its assistance during a pandemic. 

Guests also discuss the reopening of hospitality, and how Brexit has contributed towards staff shortages - leaving questions around the proposed smooth reopening of the country on 21st June. 

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com

In this week’s ‘News Roundtable’ episode, host Chris Wright and guests discuss Dominic Cummings’ explosive evidence on the government's handling of the pandemic; the impact Martin Bashir’s interview scandal could have on the future of the BBC; and the actions of President Alexander Lukashenko, following the Belarus plane incident. 

In this episode, Chris is joined by David Banks, media law consultant; Simon Fellowes, writer and producer; Joy Lo Dico, journalist and writer; and Joe Mayes, UK politics and Brexit reporter for Bloomberg

The conversation begins by unraveling accusations made by Cummings during his seven-hour testimony to MPs, to discuss the public’s reaction to the government's questionable conduct and lack of strategy around Covid, as well as Cummings own complicity for his lockdown Barnard Castle trip.

The discussion moves to talk about methods of deception used by Bashir to secure his bombshell panorama interview with Princess Diana, to debate whether this was a case of “one rogue reporter”, and how reform could impact the BBC forever by weakening its finances andreach.

Guests also discuss western outrage and threats of economic sanctions following Lukashenko’s decision to divert a EU commercial plane, and “embarrassment” around the UK’s last place result in the Eurovision Song Contest. 

Created & produced by Podcast Partners: www.podcastpartners.com

Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.wrightonthenail.fm

'I Hit The Nail Right On The Head' by Billy Bremner. 

© Fridens liljor/Micke Finell.

Rock around the clock productions AB.

www.rockaroundtheclock.co 

This episode was produced by Sound Sapien

Soundsapien.com