Strong Message Here

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.

Dive into the world of political language as Armando Iannucci and Helen Lewis unravel why politicians like Farage and Trump paint a picture of widespread misery. They explore the whimsical connections between historical narratives and modern political discourse, discussing the surprising role of AI in echoing human thought. The duo critiques the evolution of political campaigns in the social media era and tackles the challenges of British identity, highlighting contradictions that surface in today's rhetoric.

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, JD Vance sent European leaders into a tailspin with an inflammatory speech at the Munich Security Conference, and Kemi Badenoch made an attention-grabbing speech at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. Looking at them side-by-side, what does it tell us about the language of the right on both sides of the Atlantic?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.

Join Armando and Helen as they hilariously decode political phrases like 'Build, baby, build,' revealing why politicians mimic each other. They explore Ireland's literary legacy and how it contrasts with perceptions of cultural accessibility in London. The duo critiques the oversimplified rhetoric around energy and immigration while examining the Conservative Party's identity challenges. Adding humor, they tackle the absurdity of banning plastic straws and share quirky political anecdotes that keep the conversation lively.