Strong Message Here

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.

Dive into the tangled web of political language and welfare reform in the UK. The hosts unveil how terms like 'supporting people into work' mask deeper systemic issues. Discover the evolving perceptions of poverty, from single mothers to housing challenges among immigrants. Mental health's role in the benefit system comes under scrutiny, highlighting the stigma faced by claimants. Plus, enjoy a humorous twist as political blunders are compared to amusing mishaps, showcasing the absurdities of public discourse and campaign strategies.

Join Armando Iannucci and Helen Lewis as they hilariously dissect the bizarre world of political language. They explore threats from Musk to astronauts and Trump's tariff talk, questioning if strength in speech truly resonates in politics. The duo delves into the art of writing living obituaries, unpacking how timing and tone shape public narrative. They also analyze the evolving Democratic Party strategies and the complex impacts of personal branding. Plus, a tantalizing tease for supernatural tales awaits in future discussions!

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.Hot mics, leaks, tell-all books. We find out a lot about how politicians talk in private. How does it differ from their public pronouncements? And are politicians less careful about how they come across in public these days? Helen and Armando survey the lay of the linguistic land.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 Charlie Brandon-King Production Coordinator - Katie Baum Executive Producer - Pete StraussProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Audio production for Radio 4. An EcoAudio Certified Production.