Kate Mossman

Gordon Brown, former Labour prime minister and advocate for child poverty reduction, emphasizes the urgent need to address the rising child poverty rates in the UK. He critiques the government's two-child benefit cap for exacerbating financial hardships for families. Joined by Kate Mossman, who recently profiled him, they discuss the emotional and financial struggles faced by families caring for sick or disabled children. Brown proposes setting annual targets to combat child poverty and stresses investing in children's welfare for long-term societal benefits.

Kate Mossman, a senior writer at the New Statesman known for her deep dives into music, joins to discuss Lady Gaga's evolution as a pop icon. They explore Gaga's latest album, Mayhem, highlighting its industrial sound and her growth as an artist. The conversation also touches on Gaga's role in reshaping female stardom, the shift from analogue to digital media, and the authenticity versus persona debate in pop culture. Mossman reflects on how Gaga maintains emotional engagement in an enigmatic landscape, marking her as a defining figure in music.

Kate Mossman, a journalist and author for the New Statesman, shares gripping details about the near-catastrophe of British Airways Flight 2069. Months before 9/11, a passenger seized control, leading to a dramatic nosedive, yet everyone survived. The conversation touches on cockpit security norms of the time, including notable passengers aboard, like Brian Ferry. Mossman reflects on her reporting, the pilots' contrasting memories, and the survivors' psychological aftermath, revealing how fear and trauma have shaped their lives since.

Kate Mossman, a writer for the New Statesman and author of "Men of a Certain Age," shares her fascinating encounters with legendary rock stars like KISS and Bon Jovi. She reflects on the nostalgia and complexity of hero worship, revealing surprising insights from her interviews. Mossman dives into the cultural significance of aging rock icons and their journeys through fame, as well as the contrasting realities behind their public personas. She also touches on Terence Trent D'Arby’s rise and fall, showcasing the ever-evolving landscape of music and celebrity.

In this engaging discussion, Kate Mossman, a senior writer at the New Statesman, and Dorian Lynskey, author of "33 Revolutions Per Minute," delve into the evolution of protest music. They explore Bob Dylan’s controversial shift from folk to rock and its impact on cultural movements. The conversation highlights the emotional depth of protest songs, tracing the roots from Woody Guthrie to contemporary artists like Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé. It raises provocative questions about the future of protest music in today's political landscape.