The Two Matts

The hosts dive into Trump's outrageous suggestion of transforming Gaza into a Mediterranean paradise, raising concerns about displacement and peace prospects. They critique the oversimplification of complex geopolitical issues and ponder the terrifying implications of such radical proposals. Additionally, they react to the controversial reality show 'Go Back Where You Came From,' discussing its impact on participants' views about migration. The conversation blends humor and serious political analysis, making for an engaging exploration of pressing global issues.

The Matts are joined by Damian Collins - former Tory minister who launched a national inquiry into fake news and election interference. How can we protect society from online harm? How can government’s hope to contain the whims of a man like Elon Musk? And what does he make of Kemi Badenoch’s first months as leader of the Conservatives? The Matts also explore his fascination with two giants of a bygone era, David Lloyd George and Theodore Roosevelt. What would they make of today’s political carnival? Enjoy!Get a FREE bottle of tequila when you subscribe to The New European (over 18s only, see ts and cs): theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have we already lost more cash post-Brexit than the entire time we were in the EU? Should we have been harder on Peter Hyman? Will the UK buy Greenland? These questions and more are answered in today's bonus episode. Plus: is Adrian Chiles the new TS Elliot? Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s no doubt about it - Reeves and Starmer are at least trying to switch up from the doom and gloom that characterised their first six months in power. Have they finally got the tone right? Is the strategy right? Is it enough? The Matts discuss. Also … why you’ve got to go and see The Brutalist. The film, set largely in post-WW2 America and starring Adrien Brody and Guy Pearce made a big impression on both Matts… in this podcast they delve into the Brutalist’s themes and find them strangely relevant to today. Enjoy!LAST WEEK: get a free bottle of tequila when you subscribe to The New European (over 18s only, see ts and cs): theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Hyman, a former senior advisor to Tony Blair and Keir Starmer, and founder of School 21, dives into the pitfalls of progressive politics. He identifies the seven deadly sins of centrism and discusses the growing threat of populism. Hyman stresses the importance of reconnecting with the working class and addressing economic grievances. He also critiques the conventional education system, advocating for reforms that prioritize creativity and emotional intelligence to prepare students for modern challenges. A thought-provoking conversation!

In this Q & A The Two Matt's discuss Hillary Clinton's reactions to Trump, the rise and strategies of populist leaders like Trump, Meloni, Orban, and Le Pen, and the idea of criminalising ecocide. They also discuss the media's handling of figures like Nigel Farage (aka Mr Fridge) and did Elon Musk know what he was doing?Get a FREE bottle of tequila when you subscribe to The New European (over 18s only, see ts and cs): theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first 48 hours of his presidency, Donald Trump demonstrated all the qualities he’s famous and feared for: absolute lack of inhibition, crassness, provocation .. and, yes, audacity. What do the Matts make of it? Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the atrocities of Southport, Keir Starmer has redefined the term terrorist and promises to get tough on the sale of kitchen knives online. Does his approach make any sense? The Matts have a vigorous exchange of views on a very difficult topic. EnjoyGet a FREE bottle of tequila when you subscribe to The New European (over 18s only, see ts and cs): theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts watch the Trump inauguration in real time and give their snap verdict at the beginning of four years of the new world order under President Donald Trump. Is there anything to suggest things won’t be the catastrophe they have feared? Tune in, find out. They also discuss reaction to Peter Hyman’s brilliant essay in The New European on a way forward for progressives versus populists. In the battleground for ideas, the Matts face into some cold, hard home truths. Enjoy.Further Reading: Dave Chapelle on SNL this weekendGet a FREE bottle of tequila when you subscribe to The New European (over 18s only, see ts and cs): theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Two Matts dive into Biden's farewell address on the new tech oligarchy, compare Trump's Greenland ambition to Russia's Ukraine situation, and tackle left vs. right arguments on the culture wars. They also contemplate the implications of modern monetary theory (MMT), AI's black box nature, and who holds more power between Musk and Trump. And there's just time for the Matts to give their verdict on the BAFTA nominations. Enjoy!Get a FREE bottle of tequila when you subscribe to The New European (over 18s only, see ts and cs): theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

God willing, the catastrophe that began with Hamas atrocities on October 7 and led to the destruction of Gaza and more than 40,000 dead is at an end. The Matts consider what comes next for the region, and what could motivate Trump’s America to ensuring a lasting peace. Also - as fires continue to rage in Los Angeles - is it time populist leaders like Nigel Farage and Donald Trump acknowledged that the climate crisis is anything but a hoax? The world faces enormous changes in the coming generations and the consequences will be felt by every citizen of the planet. The Matts suggest why some are so resistant to this scientific reality. Enjoy!Get a FREE bottle of tequila when you subscribe to The New European (over 18s only, see ts and cs): theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.