Strong Message Here
BBC Radio 4
Armando Iannucci hosts the programme that gives you a cast-iron guarantee to be laser-focused on decoding the baffling world of political language.Each week he'll be joined by a guest to crack open the political phrasebook and attempt to demystify the doublespeak. Why does everything now have to be 'turbo-charged'? What's the difference between a 'pledge' and a 'mission'? Why has my local MP been 'weaponised' and should I be worried?You'll be treated to a crash course in the dark arts of political language from people on the inside who are both baffled and beguiled by it. They'll walk you through the various verbal fiascos of the modern political lexicon so that by the end you'll be oven-ready for an appearance on Newsnight.Armando's erstwhile partner in de-baffling political lexicon, Helen Lewis, is away working in the United States in the autumn and so her seat will be kept warm by a rotating cast of co-hosts.Listen to Strong Message Here on Thursdays on Radio 4 at 9.45am, and an extended version is available on BBC Sounds.Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 31, 2025 • 7min
Strong Recommend: Evita at London Palladium
The podcast dives into the vibrant world of theatre with a focus on the new production of Evita at the London Palladium. It highlights an exhilarating moment that captivates both audiences near the venue and those inside. The speakers discuss innovative directing techniques that bridge the gap between performers and the public, fostering audience engagement. Humorous stories from the stage reveal the challenges comedians face with crowd reactions, making a case for the immersive power of live performance. Don't miss their cultural insights!
Jul 24, 2025 • 9min
Strong Recommend: Shakespeare's Richard II
Armando Iannucci and Helen Lewis dive into the labyrinth of political language through the lens of Shakespeare's 'Richard II.' They explore the protagonist's internal struggles with identity and madness, revealing the emotional depth behind the text. The conversation highlights themes of despair and power while drawing intriguing parallels to modern politics. With a mix of humor and insightful analysis, they uncover Shakespeare's political courage and its relevance today, making for a compelling discussion.
Jul 17, 2025 • 8min
Strong Recommend: Every Living Thing by Jason Roberts
Dive into the fascinating world of taxonomy with insights from Carl Linnaeus and Comte de Buffon. Discover the quirky tensions between rigid classifications and flexible interpretations of species. The discussion takes a turn as it unpacks the historical roots of racial classifications and their lingering effects today. You’ll also explore how taxonomy connects with art and music, highlighting humorous takes on big cat hybrids and the impact of seminal texts on cultural canons.
Jul 14, 2025 • 9min
Strong Recommend: The Ballad of Wallis Island
The discussion dives into the charm of The Ballad of Wallis Island, highlighting its unique blend of comedy and emotion inspired by the protagonist's heartfelt intentions. They unpack the hurdles faced by filmmakers and theater producers in the streaming era, including a poignant tale of restrictive contracts. The conversation shifts to the evolving landscape of film and theater, tackling issues like waning cinema attendance, the pandemic's impact, and the need for adaptability to keep storytelling vibrant and engaging.
18 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 32min
We Haven't Always Told Our Story as Well as We Should
Helen and Armando dissect a year of Labour government talk, exploring the struggle of political language to resonate. They analyze intriguing phrases like 'tepid bath of managed decline' and discuss the challenges of communicating complex policies on growth and welfare. The duo dives into AI's role in healthcare, highlighting ethical dilemmas and the societal impact of technology. They reflect on the evolution of political rhetoric, inspired by Orwell, and tease insightful recommendations for understanding language in today's political climate.
11 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 31min
The New Brexit
Helen Lewis returns with a lively discussion on the language surrounding Net Zero and the challenges of making climate issues relatable. They dive into the phenomenon of 'alert fatigue' and the overwhelming state of current global crises. Exploring skepticism around climate policies, the hosts critique the balance between personal action and technological solutions. The conversation also touches on media bias, particularly regarding sensitive political narratives, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining analysis of today's pressing topics.
11 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 38min
Delivering for Ordinary People (with Marina Hyde)
Join journalist and writer Marina Hyde, who brings her sharp wit and keen insight to a fascinating discussion with Armando Iannucci. They explore the perplexing phrase 'ordinary people' in politics, questioning how politicians manipulate public sentiment. The conversation critiques the authenticity in political promises, especially in the wake of national despair over service expectations. They also unpack the shifting dynamics between politics and technology, emphasizing the need for genuine accountability and innovation amidst evolving societal challenges.
Jun 12, 2025 • 33min
I Regret Some of My Posts (with Sara Pascoe)
In this engaging discussion, comedian Sara Pascoe shares her sharp wit and profound insights, drawing on her comedic background. She and Armando reminisce about their mythic first meeting on a classic TV set. They delve into the chaotic landscape of modern politics, exploring regrets from notable figures like Elon Musk. The duo humorously critiques politicians using emotional rhetoric and discusses how humor can shape political discourse. Their banter reveals the absurdity of political maneuvers, making for an entertaining yet thought-provoking conversation.
20 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 37min
Weird Turkish Barber Shops (with Stewart Lee)
Stewart Lee, a sharp-witted comedian and writer known for his insights into comedy, joins the discussion. They dive into the bizarre world of Turkish barber shops, sharing hilarious anecdotes and societal perceptions. The conversation navigates the interplay of politics and humor, examining how comedians are increasingly stepping into the political arena. Lee and his host critique the absurdities in political language while reflecting on a past comedy disaster involving politicians' jokes. Prepare for a lively mix of comedy, politics, and quirky observations!
22 snips
May 29, 2025 • 44min
An Announcement President (with Jon Stewart)
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.
