THE ADAM BUXTON PODCAST

EP.239 - ROB BURLEY

Jan 25, 2025

Rob Burley, a writer and TV producer known for his work on political interviews, dives into the way our parents shape our political beliefs. He shares fascinating anecdotes, including Brian Walden's famous interviews with Margaret Thatcher. The conversation shifts to the significance of Britpop and its cultural impact, paired with amusing reflections on live performances. Burley also touches on political scandals and the intricate dynamics of power, adding depth to the nostalgic exploration of British culture and media.

01:05:23

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Episode guests

Rob Burley

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Rob Burley emphasizes the decline of in-depth political interviews, which hinders public understanding of politicians in a polarized media landscape.

The conversation highlights a significant shift in political interviews exemplified by the intense confrontation between Margaret Thatcher and Brian Walden in 1989.

Burley and the host reflect on how familial political influences shape personal ideologies and the importance of empathy in discussing differing beliefs.

Deep dives

Adventures on a Windy Farm Track

The host shares an experience of braving strong winds while walking with his dog on a farm track in East Anglia. He notes the contrast of weather conditions in different regions, particularly worse in Ireland and Scotland due to Storm Eowyn. This moment of reflection leads to a conversation about his hopes for listeners starting the new year positively. The setting serves as a light-hearted prelude to the episode's deeper discussion on political media.

Intro

3min

Politics and Personal Narratives

16min

Childhood Reflections and Political Connections

20min

Unpacking Political Scandals and Power Dynamics

13min

Reflections on Musical Journeys

4min

Nostalgia and Controversy in British Pop Music

2min

Reflections on Artistry and Loss

3min

Reflections on a Filmmaker's Transcendent Life

4min

Adam talks with writer, TV producer, and editor of political interview programmes, Rob Burley, about the way we absorb politics from our parents, the story of Thatcher's undoing at the hands of political interviewer Brian Walden, Rob's fascination with scandals and why we loved Britpop.

Conversation recorded face-to-face in London on October 3rd, 2024.

Thanks to Séamus Murphy-Mitchell for production support and conversation editing.

Podcast illustration by Helen Green

PRE-ORDER 'I LOVE YOU, BYEEE' by Adam Buxton - 2025

RELATED LINKS

WHY IS THIS LYING BASTARD LYING TO ME? by Rob Burley - 2023

THE HIGH KIND (ROB'S BAND) CHANGE - 1995 (YOUTUBE)

BRIAN AND MAGGIE (TRAILER) - 2025 (YOUTUBE)

EMILY MAITLIS INTERVIEW WITH STEVE COOGAN - 2025 (RADIO TIMES)

BRIAN WALDEN INTERVIEWS MARGARET THATCHER - 1989 (YOUTUBE)

EDDIE MAIR VS BORIS JOHNSON (FULL INTERVIEW) - 2013 (YOUTUBE)

"You're a nasty piece of work, aren't you, Boris?" A spicy interview that nevertheless did not keep Boris from becoming PM.