The Owen Jones Podcast
Owen Jones
Owen Jones, journalist, author of Chavs and The Establishment, or "that left-wing idiot off the telly", is fed up with the establishment media. After all, it punches down, not up, blames minorities for all the problems in society, and, let's face it, often just parrots the government line. So this podcast is offering something different: speaking truth to power, giving the marginalised a voice, offering hope - and having a laugh along the way. From Michael Sheen to Judith Butler, Prof. Devi Sridhar to Noam Chomsky, Peter Hitchens to Chelsea Manning and Gary Younge to Stewart Lee, the interviewees couldn't be more eclectic. Expect documentaries, too, exposing injustice and going to enemy territory - and discussions with experts on everything from COVID dreams about the pandemic to the history of US-backed coups. We'll learn a lot - but above all else, have our optimism in a better world rebooted. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 16, 2021 • 31min
67. "I genuinely thought I was evil": Gay 'conversion therapy' survivor speaks out
So-called 'conversion therapy' is a form of torture used against LGBTQ people in Britain and beyond: the human consequences are beyond horrific. Justin Beck is a survivor, who endured years of the practice at a Pentecostal Church: he tells me how he got there, the utter turmoil that was unleashed, how he was driven to the brink of suicide - and how he finally got help. He tells me about finding happiness - but about the devastating long-term consequences, and about those LGBTQ people being subjected to this torture.We talk, too, about the government's LGBTQ advisory panel being shut down - with one member accusing the Conservatives of creating a "hostile environment" for LBGTQ people - and the failure to properly end this barbaric practice.CONTENT WARNING: Suicidal ideations, extreme mental distressHelp us take on the right-wing media here: https://patreon.com/owenjones84Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 14, 2021 • 42min
66. "A United Ireland will happen within a decade": Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald
Last year, Sinn Fein stunned observers in the Irish elections by coming top.Now Leader of the Opposition in Ireland, Mary Lou McDonald tells me about Britain's history of collusion with loyalist paramilitaries, the British Government's refusal to have a public inquiry into the murder of Pat Finucane, what Brexit means for Britain and Ireland - and why Irish unity is coming within a decade. This interview is from the end of 2020 - but remains as relevant as ever.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 12, 2021 • 1h 2min
65. Rishi Sunak and the Greensill scandal - LIVE SHOW
It's the story everyone should be talking about. David Cameron lobbied Chancellor Rishi Sunak about funds for Greensill Capital as it teetered on the edge of collapse. What was the nature of the lobbying, how serious is the scandal - and what does it tell us about politics and money in the UK?Joining me are the Sunday Times' Gabriel Pogrund, the Financial Times' Robert Smith, and Riley Quinn from Trashfuture podcast.Help us take on the Tory media here: https://patreon.com/owenjones84Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 10, 2021 • 53min
64. Is Northern Ireland's peace about to break?
As scenes of violence in Northern Ireland cause shock and fear, is the 23-year-old Good Friday Agreement which ended The Troubles in danger? What's really going on - is this all about Brexit and the Bobby Storey funeral, or are other factors at play?This show interviews four voices to uncover the real truth: the writer and solicitor Sarah Creighton, loyalist commentator Julie-Anne Corr-Johnston, Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard and Seán Byers of the anti-sectarian Trademark Belfast.Please help us take on the right-wing media here: https://patreon.com/owenjones84Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 7, 2021 • 57min
63. Should the North become independent?
The Northern Independence Party has become an online sensation, and found itself furiously denounced by Labour figures and receiving growing media attention. Is it for real? Is it just dividing working class people? Why not federalism? Is the north really a nation? What's its gameplan? Could it really do to Labour what the SNP pulled off North of the Border? If it does badly in the Hartlepool by-election, what then? So much to talk about with Philip Proudfoot, the founder of NIP.Help us take on the right wing media here: https://patreon.com/owenjones84Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 6, 2021 • 1h 11min
62. One year of Keir Starmer
A year ago, Keir Starmer won a resounding victory in the Labour leadership election promising to preserve radical domestic policies and combine them with electability, competence and party unity. We ask: has he kept to that mandate? I'm joined by commentator Rachel Shabi and Young Labour chair Jess Barnard.Help us take on the right wing media here: https://patreon.com/owenjones84Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 2, 2021 • 43min
61. "Labour is at risk of becoming irrelevant": CWU's Dave Ward
Dave Ward leads the Communications Workers' Union - one of Britain's biggest unions. He tells me how workers applauded by politicians and bosses have been screwed over by them, why a 'New Deal for Workers' is overdue, how the union fighting back succeeded in winning Royal Mail workers improved terms and conditions, how the unions can make themselves stronger and more relevant - and why Keir Starmer's Labour party is at risk of becoming irrelevant.Help us take on the right wing media: https://patreon.com/owenjones84Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 29, 2021 • 1h 11min
60. Bristol police brutally attack protesters - LIVE SHOW
After falsely claiming their officers had been seriously injured, Bristol police brutally assaulted protesters and journalists during a demonstration against the repressive Policing Bill.We're joined live by Adam Cantwell-Corn from The Bristol Cable and Ben Smoke from Huck Magazine - both of whom were eyewitnesses - as well as protester Louis, and discuss what this means for Britain's continuing slide into authoritarianism as most of the media parrot false police claims.We're also joined by Kieran Glasssmith, recently deselected as a Bristol Labour candidate for criticising Keir Starmer.Please help us take on the right wing media here: https://patreon.com/owenjones84Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 28, 2021 • 49min
59. How white people can help fight systemic racism
How were 'white people' invented in 1661, and what is 'whiteness'? How can genuine coalitions against racism be built, how can white people avoid being 'white saviours', what's the role of capitalism in all of this, and why is "this shit killing you too"? I interview the incredible Emma Dabiri about her astonishing new book 'What White People Can Do Next' - don't miss this.Help us take on the right-wing media here: https://patreon.com/owenjones84Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 26, 2021 • 58min
58. Jim Sterling on coming out as non-binary, gaming, wrestling and mental health
Jim Sterling is an iconic games journalist, critic, YouTuber, you name it. They talk to me about coming out as non-binary a few months ago, the attack on LGBTQ rights, on mental health, on the gaming industry, wrestling, and so much else! I'm a huge fan.Help us take on the right-wing media here: https://patreon.com/owenjones84Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
