The Two Matts

Paul Mason, a Contributing Editor at The New World and a journalist specializing in defense and geopolitics, joins the Matts to dissect the recent diplomatic crisis surrounding Greenland. He explores how Trump's fixation on Greenland could alter NATO dynamics and highlights the strategic stakes in the Arctic amid rising tensions. The conversation touches on the complexities of treaties and internal politics influencing Trump's decisions, while also assessing Keir Starmer's diplomatic stance and the implications for UK-EU relations.

The hosts tackle the potential fallout if NATO collapses and explore the challenges of European defense. They discuss the implications of Germany stepping up in rearmament and the call for an intergenerational duty in politics. The conversation shifts to the internal struggles within Iran’s theocracy and the moral comparisons with U.S. state violence. They also propose solutions for fixing Britain's failing water system. Nostalgia for 2016 sparks debate, with personal and generational reflections on why that year resonates.

Saul Klein, a leading venture capitalist and co-founder of Phoenix Court, shares his insights on Britain's economic potential and the tech landscape. He discusses the negative impact of Silicon Valley's dominance on global innovation and critiques a solipsistic mindset. Saul emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder optimism and how grassroots initiatives can drive change. He highlights Britain's unique strengths and the need for innovative growth to fund public services, contrasting it with the pessimism surrounding the nation's future.

The hosts tackle whether NATO is still a reliable alliance amidst US unpredictability and Trump-era influences. They engage in a thought-provoking debate about a potential upper voting age and generational fairness. The conversation touches on political shifts expected by 2026, while also reminiscing about a special edition for Brexit's 10th anniversary. They draw parallels between Trumpism and kleptocracy, assess Leila Cunningham's chances for mayor of London, and enthusiastically recommend Timothée Chalamet's film, Marty Supreme.

This week unleashes chaos as Trump’s unilateral strategies hint at a wild new world order. The Matts dissect the abduction of Venezuela's president and its illegal implications, while linking it to troubling geopolitical tensions. Greenland’s future hangs in the balance, as NATO risks loom large. They explore Trump’s curious interest in the territory and the troubling potential for territorial disputes in Siberia. Plus, a Minnesota murder raises fears of domestic militarization—all while the UN’s weakness threatens global stability.

2025 was a cultural goldmine, with highlights including the sharp satire of Apple TV's 'The Studio' and the epic storytelling of 'The Brutalist.' Matt d’Ancona raves about the intimacy of 'Blue Moon,' while both hosts celebrate the gripping narrative of 'The Traitor's Circle.' They reminisce about Liverpool's thrilling football victory and agree on their shared top moment: Oasis's electrifying reunion at Wembley. Dive into holographic concerts and the future of live music, leaving listeners eager for more next year!

The Matts explore the issues thrown up by the dreadful massacre of Jews at Bondi Beach this week. When is a protest actually an act of violence? Why do we rush to talk of securing synagogues from attack rather than address the root problem of those attacks? How will our politicians get ahead of what is obviously a cycle of anti-Semitic violence against Jewish communities around the world that will be repeated over and over until something fundamental shifts? Also this week - what does Trump’s reaction to the murder of Rob and Michelle Reiner tell us about the state of US politics … and does it, ultimately, open up a possible escape from the madness? Enjoy!Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hosts delve into pressing topics like the alarming demand for five years of social media history by the Trump administration. They advocate for concise political manifestos, recalling the impact of New Labour's pledge cards. A heated discussion on Piers Morgan's lengthy interview with Nick Fuentes highlights the need for thorough scrutiny of controversial figures. They also tackle the UK’s post-Falklands arms sales restrictions and explore the reasons behind soaring beef prices in Britain. Expect insights on subscription models that promote quality journalism over algorithmic chaos.

The Matts wonder what we’ve learned since Covid … and if the reaction to the current flu outbreak is anything to go by, the answer is not much. The conversation segways into Zack Polanski and political energy. Then in part two, both Matts are united - for once - in praise for Keir Starmer’s attempt to reinterpret the European Convention on Human Rights to deliver swift action on asylum seekers who break our laws. Enjoy!Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Trump administration’s National Security Strategy document released this week is an astonishing affront to what many of us believe to be the liberal world order. The Matts are joined by New World contributing editor and columnist Paul Mason to understand just how far reaching its consequences are - and how Europe must find new purpose if it is to resist it. Where is the UK’s place in that new Europe? And sweat must this Labour government do to avoid chronic declinism? It’s an engrossing conversation that sheds light on the predicament we are in - and how to escape it. Enjoy!Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.