
Paper Cuts
Have you SEEN the state of the papers today? PAPER CUTS has. In our thrice weekly podcast, some of Britain’s sharpest commentators and funniest comedians come together to look at the madness, the strangeness, the obsessions, and – occasionally – the brilliance of our national press.Host Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalists and comedians like Jonn Elledge, Grainne Maguire, Jacob Jarvis, Ava Santina, Jacob Hawley, Marcus Brigstocke, Coco Khan and many more.Illustrations by Modern Toss: https://moderntoss.com
Latest episodes

Feb 12, 2024 • 38min
Shock as Trump backs Russia to attack allies – Why is Gen Z so boring? – The Times' posh dates gone wrong
We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Trump threat. The former US president threatens to abandon NATO allies to Putin, as The FT leads with his 11 point lead on the economy. Gen Zzz… Young people aren’t leaving their houses and The Guardian thinks it knows why. Plus – Tea for two! Journalists from The Times share their worst dates and they’re all terribly posh. Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Chris Lochery of PopBitch and comedian and actor Fergus Craig.Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: back.papercutsshow.comFollow Paper Cuts:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshowIllustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Production: Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Jess Harpin & Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 9, 2024 • 40min
Starmer climate U-turn unites the papers – Attack of the robot toothbrushes! – Inside Vogue’s bumper celebrity love-in
We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Ain’t easy being green. The press react to Labour’s U-turn on green investment. Brush up on your cyber security. Boffins warn of cyber threat risked by… toothbrushes? The fashion crowd. Vogue crams forty celebrities onto its latest cover. Plus – King of the biscuits! The Telegraph’s biscuit poll closes and we have counted the votes.Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Coco Khan of Pod Save The UK and comedy writer Jason Hazeley.Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: back.papercutsshow.comFollow Paper Cuts:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshowIllustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Production. Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Jess Harpin & Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 8, 2024 • 37min
Sunak’s horrible trans “joke” backfires – No la la! France in sex recession – Weird ways to welcome Spring
We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Mind your PMQs. Rishi Sunak tries a trans joke in the Commons and everyone is horrified… except the usual papers. No l’amour? France is boules-deep in a sex recession. Plus – Spruce spring-team. The Guardian reveals bizarre rituals to welcome the change of seasons.Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by The Bunker podcast host Andrew Harrison and comedy writer Fergus Craig.Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: https://back.papercutsshow.comFollow Paper Cuts:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshowIllustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Production. Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Jess Harpin and Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 7, 2024 • 39min
Meet the PopCons: Liz Truss’s mad new gang – “Why King’s cancer is all about ME” says Sarah Vine – The Telegraph’s battle of the biscuits
We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: All con, no pop. The new Popular Conservatives or “Popcon” group launched and it went really well, honest. The Royal We. Day Umpteen of King Charles’s cancer scare and every columnist is making it about themselves. Plus – Slam Dunk. The Telegraph nails a column about biscuits and we’re over the moon.Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Jonn Elledge of The New Statesman and comedian Gráinne Maguire.Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: https://back.papercutsshow.comFollow Paper Cuts:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshowIllustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Production. Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Jess Harpin & Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 6, 2024 • 37min
King Charles cancer bombshell — Rishi’s crass Rwanda bet with Piers Morgan — Gregg Wallace goes full Alan Partridge
We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: The King’s illness. The papers are dominated by King Charles’ cancer diagnosis. Wanna bet? Rishi Sunak sat down with Piers Morgan, before placing a tasteless bet with the TV host... Plus – Food for thought? Gregg Wallace has dropped his daily routine in The Telegraph.Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by The Bunker Podcast host Jacob Jarvis and comedian Matt Green.Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: back.papercutsshow.comFollow Paper Cuts:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshowIllustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Production. Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Jess Harpin & Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 5, 2024 • 37min
Papers horror at 'XL bully’ attack – Inside the robot homes of the mega-rich – Was 1974 really the worst year in pop?
We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Dangerous Dogs. A fatal dog attack by suspected XL Bullies dominates the front pages. Bad Manors. Billionaires want smart homes to do everything for them. Plus – Out of tunes. The Telegraph reckons 1974 was the worst year of pop music. The panel disagrees. Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Chris Lochery of PopBitch and comedian Marcus Brigstocke.Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: https://back.papercutsshow.comFollow Paper Cuts:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshowIllustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Production. Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Jess Harpin & Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 2, 2024 • 41min
TikTok vs. the music biz – The great reality show rip-off – Boffins blast rugby brain-bashing
We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Off the beat. Universal Music Group is pulling its songs from TikTok and the papers are fascinated. Gone to pot. Reality show prizes are way down, winners aren’t splurging on huge holidays any more, and we’re upset. Plus – It’s a scrum old do. Rugby is the latest thing those boffins are ruining.Miranda Sawyer is joined by comedy writer Jason Hazeley and comedian and Self Help podcast host Scottee.Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: https://back.papercutsshow.comFollow Paper Cuts:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshowIllustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Audio production: Robin Leeburn. Production. Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Jess Harpin & Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 1, 2024 • 37min
“Take more sickies!” say boffins – Want to buy Berlusconi’s bunga-bungalow? – The Guardian's strict new restaurant rules
We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Sickies good for health! The Star reveals sick days actually benefit you and your boss. Mega-mansion for sale. Silvio Berlusconi’s infamous beachside estate is up for sale and the FT has the scoop. Plus – Fork off! The Guardian’s 16 new restaurant rules have us divided.Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by journalist Holly Thomas and comedian Fin Taylor.Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: back.papercutsshow.comFollow Paper Cuts:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshowIllustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Audio production: Jade Bailey. Production. Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Jess Harpin & Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 31, 2024 • 40min
Would you let Elon Musk chip your brain? — Tabloid frenzy over Rashford night out — Tinder swindle! Why you should ditch dating apps
We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Coming up in a Rash. Footballer Marcus Rashford’s twelve-hour tequila bender has the press in a tizz. Mind blowing. Elon Musk puts a chip in a human brain and we don’t fancy it. Plus – Total swipe-out. One of our fave sex columnists is binning dating apps. Is she MAD?Miranda Sawyer is joined by The Bunker Podcast host Jacob Jarvis and comedian Kyrah Gray.Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: back.papercutsshow.comFollow Paper Cuts:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshowIllustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Miranda Sawyer. Audio production: Simon Williams. Production. Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Jess Harpin and Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 30, 2024 • 36min
Will Taylor Swift spell doom for Trump? – Meet the Tories’ ‘Evil Plotters’ – Bigfoot mania: Sasquatch this space!
We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Blank Space on the Ballot. Republican headbangers are convinced Taylor Swift is going to swing the presidential election. Tory-on-Tory attacks increase. The Guardian exposes Michael Gove and Kemi Badenoch’s ‘Evil Plotters’ WhatsApp group. Plus – Can’t bear it! US boffins are closer to the truth of Bigfoot than ever.Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by journalist Rebecca Reid of the i and comedian Gráinne Maguire.Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: back.papercutsshow.comFollow Paper Cuts:• Twitter: https://twitter.com/papercutsshow• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papercutsshow• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@papercutsshow• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@papercutsshowIllustrations by Modern Toss https://moderntoss.com Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Audio production: Simon Williams. Production. Liam Tait. Assistant Production: Adam Wright. Design: James Parrett. Music: Simon Williams. Socials: Jess Harpin and Kieron Leslie. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Exec Producer: Martin Bojtos. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. PAPER CUTS is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices