

Quiet Riot
Alex Andreou, Naomi Smith, Kenny Campbell
Quiet Riot, the politics podcast with more passion, less shouting and lots of laughter
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 1, 2025 • 1h 1min
Sunday School - Exit far right, pursued by despair
The hosts dive into the absurdities of political life, scrutinizing Trump's chaotic administration and its latest antics, including his bizarre rapport with Elon Musk. They reflect on Harvard's evolving stance amidst political turmoil and the legacy of the RBS bailout in shaping current events. A critique of Robert Jenrick paints him as the epitome of pettiness in politics. The discussion highlights the detrimental effects of austerity on society and the ironies surrounding public image, wrapping up with a nod to a dystopian future in London.

May 29, 2025 • 1h 11min
Nigel Farage; Man of The PayPal
In this discussion, comedian Marcus Brigstocke shares his sharp wit and insightful commentary on the political landscape. He tackles the UK's reluctance to protect creatives from AI threats and explores modern masculinity's challenges in today's society. The conversation dives into the political dynamics ahead of a crucial election year, emphasizing the accountability of local leaders. With a blend of humor and critical analysis, Brigstocke prompts listeners to reflect on the evolving role of men in addressing societal issues and the media’s powerful influence on public sentiment.

May 25, 2025 • 53min
Sunday School: Briefing Counter
Alex Andreou and Naomi Smith talk through the week's political news, with a focus on the apparent briefing and counter-briefing war inside No. 10, the softening of policy on winter fuel payments, and the latest ONS migration data.
PLUS guest Arthur Snell explains the significance of the change of stance by the US and Europe towards Israel over Gaza.
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
“Conventional wisdom was that local election results had strengthened the hand of the Blue Labour lot. The ‘Island of Strangers’ speech was seen as such an overreach, such a turnoff by so many that, whatever advantage they had, they overplayed it. It's backfired and backfired badly. So we now have a significant briefing and counter-briefing operation going on.”
“Some of the usual suspects have offered some hilariously hot takes on the winter fuel payment rethink, even linking it to market turbulence. To look at an environment where you have Trump threatening 50% tariffs on the EU and come to the conclusion that markets are worried about the threshold of the winter fuel payment… I mean, that is deranged.”
“Everybody I speak to, on either side of the Channel, who wants [the UK-EU reset] to succeed is saying the biggest risk we face now is loss of enthusiasm on both sides. Business communities within Europe, within the UK, voter groups that want it, civilian groups, civil society - we have got to keep the pressure up.”
“The one thing that is certain is that this can't go on for four years. You can't have No.10 factions briefing against each other. There needs to be some kind of sanitisation exercise with the widely expected reshuffle in June. Starmer will have to do the thing that Stammer really hates doing most: pick a side.”
Our bookshop including many of the books we have featured can be found at uk.bookshop.org/shop/quietriot
You can find Arthur's superb "Behind The Lines" podcast here.
Email us at quietriotpod@gmail.com. Or visit our website www.quietriotpod.com.
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
With Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou and Kenny Campbell – in cahoots with Sandstone Global. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 22, 2025 • 1h 7min
Lost in Triangulation
Alex Andreou and Naomi Smith discuss Labour's obsession with voters to the right, while haemorrhaging voters to the left, with guest Labour MP Marsha de Cordova. Also, a deep dive into Labour's reform of support for people with disabilities and the worry and hurt it is causing.
Plus 'Wokey Dokey' and 'Grin And Share It'.
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
GRIN AND SHARE IT
Read more about the International Museum of Migration.
Our bookshop including many of the books we have featured can be found at uk.bookshop.org/shop/quietriot
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
With Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou and Kenny Campbell. A Cooler Heads production, in cahoots with Sandstone Global.
Email us at quietriotpod@gmail.com. Or visit our website www.quietriotpod.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 20, 2025 • 38min
EMERGENCY POD - Midnight Mass: Nothing has changed. Everything has changed.
Alex Andreou and Naomi Smith with a quick, end-of-the-day reaction to the UK-EU Summit. Light on detail, high on symbolism, does it have the potential to be a turning point? SPOILERS: Absolutely.
Also, why is the media losing its mind over mackerel? The facts on fishing - including quite a lot of stuff you will NOT have heard widely discussed.
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
Our bookshop including many of the books we have featured can be found at uk.bookshop.org/shop/quietriot
Email us at quietriotpod@gmail.com. Or visit our website www.quietriotpod.com.
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
With Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou and Kenny Campbell – in cahoots with Sandstone Global.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 18, 2025 • 53min
Sunday School: Qatarred And Feathered
Alex Andreou and Naomi Smith talk through the week's political news, including the presentation of a huge unconstitutional bribe as a moral and intellectual imperative, the state of the super-wealthy in the UK, the blocking of bonuses for Thames Water bosses, and last minute jitters before the EU-UK Corral.
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
Our bookshop including many of the books we have featured can be found at uk.bookshop.org/shop/quietriot
Email us at quietriotpod@gmail.com. Or visit our website www.quietriotpod.com.
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
With Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou and Kenny Campbell – in cahoots with Sandstone Global.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 15, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Unkindness of Strangers
Alex Andreou, Naomi Smith, and Kenny Campbell discuss Starmer's immigration policy, the language employed, the economic and psychological impact. Also a full preview of Monday's UK-EU summit. What to expect and when.
Plus 'Wokey Dokey' and 'Grin And Share It'.
"I look at Starmer's trajectory and it is immensely difficult not to notice the trail of devastation left behind. Disabled people, Palestinians, trans people, and now immigrants. All I can see is someone who is willing to throw anyone out of his hot air balloon, just so it can rise higher."
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
CALLS TO ACTION
Help Best for Britain here.
Help Hope not Hate here.
Help The 3 Million here.
Help The Joint Council for The Welfare of Immigrants here.
GRIN AND SHARE IT
Pair convicted of felling sycamore gap tree.
Vandals questioned in homophobia case.
Gap sycamore sprouts new growth.
Trees of Hope - 49 sycamore saplings to be planted.
Our bookshop including many of the books we have featured can be found at uk.bookshop.org/shop/quietriot
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
With Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou and Kenny Campbell. A Cooler Heads production, in cahoots with Sandstone Global.
Email us at quietriotpod@gmail.com. Or visit our website www.quietriotpod.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 13, 2025 • 37min
UK-US DEAL SPECIAL: Bluffer's Guide to a Bluffer's Deal
Alex Andreou talks to trade expert David Henig about the UK-US. Is it a trade deal? Is it a deal? What about hormone beef and chlorinated chicken? What about the tech tax? What about Boeing? What about the EU summit?
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
Our bookshop including many of the books we have featured can be found at uk.bookshop.org/shop/quietriot
Email us at quietriotpod@gmail.com. Or visit our website www.quietriotpod.com.
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
With Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou and Kenny Campbell – in cahoots with Sandstone Global.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 11, 2025 • 59min
Sunday School: Habemus Trade Deals
Alex Andreou and Naomi Smith talk through the week's political news, This week all the political significance and reaction to the UK-US deal and your potted guide to the new Pontiff and what his election means for the global fight against populism - including a special Wokey Dokey!
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
Our bookshop including many of the books we have featured can be found at uk.bookshop.org/shop/quietriot
Email us at quietriotpod@gmail.com. Or visit our website www.quietriotpod.com.
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
With Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou and Kenny Campbell – in cahoots with Sandstone Global.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 8, 2025 • 1h 11min
It's Not Easy Being Greens
Alex Andreou and Naomi Smith with special guest Zack Polanski, talk about the Greens performance at the local elections, their agenda going forward, and Zack's bid to be their next leader. Also, the trade deal with India - big fish or small fry?
Plus 'Wokey Dokey' and 'Grin And Share It'.
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
CALLS TO ACTION
Find out more about Zack's campaign here.
GRIN AND SHARE IT
An end to animal testing? Read all about it here.
Our bookshop including many of the books we have featured can be found at uk.bookshop.org/shop/quietriot
***SPONSOR US AT KO-FI.COM/QUIETRIOTPOD***
With Naomi Smith, Alex Andreou and Kenny Campbell. A Cooler Heads production, in cahoots with Sandstone Global.
Email us at quietriotpod@gmail.com. Or visit our website www.quietriotpod.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices