Strong Message Here

Jon Stewart, the former host of The Daily Show and a sharp political commentator, shares his wit and insights on politics today. He humorously compares Trump to Miles Davis, illustrating the contrasts of US and UK politics. Stewart even impresses with a spot-on Margaret Thatcher impression. The conversation dives into the challenges of accountability in an 'announcement presidency' culture and questions whether escalators are the most emasculating mode of transport. With humor and depth, Stewart navigates the landscape of modern political communication.

Dive into the wild world of political language with Armando Iannucci and Helen Lewis. They dissect the absurdity of inflammatory rhetoric, like the infamous 'orange ball-chewing manacled gimp of Brussels.' Discover the impact of politicians' words on public perception, particularly around immigration and identity. With humor, they tackle the baffling dynamics of Brexit and the quirks of modern tech. Expect witty critiques of nostalgia and outrageous political gestures, as the hosts navigate this chaotic landscape with sharp insight.

Join Armando and Helen as they unravel the baffling layers of political language. They ponder the decline of nuance in debates, boiling complex issues down to simple 'yes or no' questions. The duo dives into the implications of speech on society, including sensitive topics like gender identity and humanitarian crises. They explore the divisive nature of terms like 'genocide' and tackle the impact of language on public perception. With humor and insight, they critique the absurdities of modern political discourse while engaging with linguistic oddities.

Phil Wang, a charismatic comedian and presenter known for his work on Radio 4’s Unspeakable, joins for a lively discussion on national identities. They delve into the quirks of Britishness versus Welshness and Scottishness, all while navigating the often-bizarre landscape of political language. With a humorous twist, they dissect absurd political proposals, like tariffs on non-Hollywood films. Personal anecdotes add depth, prompting reflections on belonging and the ever-evolving discourse surrounding race and identity in the UK.

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, a look over the pond at Trump's first 100 days. How have his administration used language to further their agenda? From the Gulf of America, to Making Showers Great Again, Helen and Armando examine how the US government is finding linguistic tricks to set the terms of debate.Listen to Strong Message Here every Thursday at 9.45am on Radio 4 and then head straight to BBC Sounds for an extended episode.Have you stumbled upon any perplexing political phrases you need Helen and Armando to decode? Email them to us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound Editing by Chris Maclean Production Coordinator - Katie Baum & Sarah Nicholls Executive Producer - Pete StraussProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Audio production for Radio 4. An EcoAudio Certified Production.

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.Helen Lewis and Armando Iannucci are joined by the BBC's former Live Political Editor to discuss the art of the political interview. What's a valid question? What's a cheap gotcha?They also discuss Paxman's beard, the best political interviews and how to get the most out of a politician who is bending over backwards to say absolutely nothing.Listen to Strong Message Here every Thursday at 9.45am on Radio 4 and then head straight to BBC Sounds for an extended episode.Have you stumbled upon any perplexing political phrases you need Helen and Armando to decode? Email them to us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound Editing by Chris Maclean Production Coordinator - Katie Baum Executive Producer - Richard MorrisProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Audio production for Radio 4. An EcoAudio Certified Production.

Soumaya Keynes, an economist and Financial Times journalist, joins the discussion to dissect the complexities of trade debates, particularly in relation to U.S.-China tariffs. She dives into the implications of political rhetoric on economic confidence and shares insights on Truth Social. The conversation also highlights the often baffling nature of political language and examines how these dynamics impact business priorities and public policy. Expect engaging humor as they navigate this perplexing landscape of politics and economics.

Cleo Watson, an author and former advisor to UK Prime Ministers Theresa May and Boris Johnson, joins the conversation to explore the catchy power of three-word political slogans. She shares insights from her time in Number 10 during COVID, revealing how memorable phrases influenced public perception. The discussion also touches on the role of mask-wearing as a political statement, the emotional weight of impactful speeches, and how crises reshape political messaging. Cleo's experiences provide a unique lens on navigating authority and communication in challenging times.

Ava Santina Evans, political editor of Politics Joe, joins comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis to dissect the strange landscape of political language. They delve into how casual communication, even emojis, has infiltrated politics and what that means for seriousness. Ava discusses efforts to engage younger audiences through new media and the web of controversies surrounding political journalism. The trio also examines the bizarre legacy of scandals labeled with 'gate' and reflects on the intersection of humor and politics in contemporary discourse.

Stephen Bush, Associate Editor and Columnist for The Financial Times, joins the conversation to explore the art of political storytelling. He critiques Labour's narrative coherence and discusses how unclear messaging affects public engagement. The dialogue humorously parallels personal storytelling experiences with political narratives, highlighting the challenges leaders face today. Bush also delves into the implications of austerity on political language and the creative potential in reimagining narratives, offering insights into the future of political discourse.