

The Two Matts
The New World
Join The New World's Matt Kelly and Matt d'Ancona plus occasional guests for weekly chat on politics and media with a side of cultural stuff. A podcast in the spirit of the award-winning New World newspaper - irreverent, witty, surprising, argumentative ... and annoying all the right people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 11, 2025 • 39min
Fludemic, Zack Polanski, and a (rare) big-up to Keir
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.

Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 13min
In defence of a new Europe - with Paul Mason
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.

Dec 7, 2025 • 41min
Is Richard Tice as nasty as he seems?
Today on The Two Matts podcast, Matt Kelly and Matt d’Ancona again respond to your queries. They discuss whether Richard Tice is as nasty as he appears to be, and if there is a world where Labour and the Conservatives form a German-style grand coalition to keep Reform from forming the next government. They also talk about whether calling out Brexit could be a winning strategy for the prime minister at the next election and, in the world of media, why the Daily Mail hates Prince Harry so much.Finally, as Christmas approaches, one listener has a burning question: turkey or beef?Have a question to stump the two Matts? Email us now at the2matts@thenewworld.co.uk.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.

Dec 4, 2025 • 47min
Hillsborough justice delayed is no justice at all
The Matts dive into the haunting 14-year investigation into the Hillsborough disaster, revealing a tragic lack of accountability for the 97 lives lost. They highlight the toxic environment fostered by Trump's divisive rhetoric and its real-world implications for marginalized communities. The discussion uncovers the persistent cover-ups around Hillsborough and the societal prejudices affecting justice. Personal stories add depth, showcasing the enduring pain felt by families and the influence of regional biases in shaping narratives.

Dec 2, 2025 • 58min
Journalism’s race to the bottom
The Matts discuss the central role journalism has played in fostering racism in Britain over the decades, and which now looks like it is entering a new, more dangerous phase. The chat is based on an article Matt Kelly wrote for The New World - the link is below. But before that - why did Rachel Reeves mislead the public about the state of the nation’s finances and how much trouble is she (and the government in general) now in? Enjoy!Read Matt Kelly’s article here: https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/matt-kelly-journalisms-race-to-the-bottomHead 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.

Nov 30, 2025 • 31min
The Two Matts Q&A: Should Farage’s schoolboy racism count against him?
Today on The Two Matts podcast, Matthew d’Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether Nigel Farage’s schoolboy racism should count against him 45 years later and, after The New World’s Kent council cover story, how the media can continue to hold the Reform party to account. They also talk about the best outcome for Ukraine in any peace deal and how to solve the immigration debate. Could a Citizens Assembly be the answer, as one listener suggests?Finally, the Matts respond to one listener’s request that, please, could we all go back to just celebrating Christmas in December?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.

Nov 27, 2025 • 50min
Has the Budget sealed Starmer’s fate?
Did Rachel Reeves turn a corner this week with her Budget … and drive this Labour government straight off a cliff? The Matts reflect on her performance yesterday and how she fared in the media round this morning. It’s not great news for those of us clinging to the hope that Starmer can reinvigorate his government and begin to climb the polls. In fact … it’s enough to convince one of the Matts that there’s now no way back for this underwhelming double act. Also - the Matts delve into this week’s special AI edition of The New World - and focus on the British philosopher who is worshipped (almost literally) by the men who believe that control the future. If you’ve never heard of Nick Land, be prepared to be astonished. 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.

Nov 25, 2025 • 57min
PRE-BUDGET SPECIAL - with Tom Baldwin
Tom Baldwin, a contributing editor at The New World and former senior Labour Party journalist, delves into the complexities of Labour's strategy. He reveals insights from his recent interview with Chancellor Rachel Reeves, discussing her approach to a challenging electorate and the narrative struggles within the government. Baldwin emphasizes the importance of purposeful strategy for Starmer and Reeves, critiques their messaging, and argues that Starmer's calmness can effectively challenge populist narratives, particularly from Farage.

Nov 23, 2025 • 34min
This week's Two Matts Q&A: Do we need a public inquiry into the BBC?
Matthew d’Ancona and Matt Kelly tackle whether a public inquiry into the BBC is necessary. They explore the value of expert-led journalism amidst the decline of factual reporting. The duo delves into allegations surrounding Nigel Farage's school years, questioning if people can truly change. There's a candid discussion about Mohammed bin Salman, weighing his reforms against his darker actions. Plus, they reflect on the ongoing war in Ukraine and its geopolitical implications, all while poking fun at Donald Trump's extravagant decor choices.

Nov 20, 2025 • 50min
BRACE! BRACE! Trump goes into emergency mode as Epstein crisis gets real
The Matts dig into the unfolding drama in Washington as Trump performs the reversal of his career and signs off on the release of the Epstein files. How much trouble is he in? Also - what should we make of Labour’s new crackdown on immigration? The Matts may disagree about the messaging but are fairly aligned about the merits (or otherwise) of the policy. But will this change anything for a government besieged? 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.


