The Two Matts

Join the Matts this Easter Sunday as they tackle a wide range of topics: Is it time we abandoned Sunday trading laws? How should we think about assisted dying? Is the death penalty appropriate for people who split infinitives? Why isn’t the minister for technology more important? And is there life on Mars? Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WARNING: If easily triggered by rational discussion of complicated social topics, then this episode may not be for you. This week, the Matts react to the Supreme Court ruling defining women by their biological sex. It’s a landmark in a vitriolic, and sometimes violent, battle over trans rights. Who should hang their heads in shame at their conduct over this issue? Who deserves plaudits for courage in the face of cancellation? And how can we finally start to act constructively to overcome the obvious social challenges being trans creates - so everyone can co-exist in dignity? Also this week: How should society deal with the most reprehensible and dangerous criminals? News that the terrorist brother of the Manchester bomber was able to maim prison officers because he had access to self-catering facilities has shocked the Matts. They explore the options for dealing with the worst of the worst. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The row over Chinese investment in British Steel opens up a whole can of worms for the Matts. How does an astroturf football pitch in Copenhagen, Argentinian Che Guevara and a steelworks in Scunthorpe all add to the debate? Only one way to find out … listen! Also this week - congratulations to Douglas Murray, right-wing author and commentator, for giving the almighty king of podcasting, Joe Rogan, some serious home truths. How can people maintain a grip on reality when podcasts they tune into are so ready to platform, to use Murray’s phrase, pure horsesh!t. It’s a podcast full of the big questions this week - enjoy!EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get The New European for just £1 for the first month. Head to theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the Matts answer questions on Keir Starmer’s Keep Calm response to global economic mayhem; what Kim Jong Un is getting from Putin; whether the Beatles are any match for the mighty Rolling Stones; whether Nigel Farage is entirely in command of the respect of EU leaders; and do you home in or hone in? Enjoy!EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get The New European for just £1 for the first month. Head to theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Assisted Dying Bill gave the Matts plenty to think about a few months ago. Since then much has changed as it made its way through parliament. Has any of it changed the Matts’ minds? The answer is yes - but it’s a nuanced and challenging difficult debate without any easy answers. All the more reason to have it, in true Two Matts style. But first - as Trump doubles down on his trade war with China (or is it now trebles or even quadruples down? We’ve lost count!), the Matts assess the intellectual coherence of those saying we should thank Brexit, and they also think about the long term effects of an effective shutdown of trade between two of the world’s greatest markets. Enjoy!EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get The New European for just £1 for the first month. Head to theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by João Vale De Almeida, whose 40 year career as a diplomat has seen him represent the EU in the United States, the United Nations and … thanks to Brexit … as history’s first ever EU ambassador to the UK. João’s new book - The Divorce of Nations - could not be more timely; an exhilarating ride through the political turmoil of this century so far. Why did America turn inwards economically? What drives Vladimir Putin? How and when could the UK ever hope to return to the European Union? And what is the future of the EU itself? All this and more in an engrossing conversation with a man who has seen it all … and still remains an optimist! EnjoyEXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get The New European for just £1 for the first month. Head to theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattsBuy The Divorce of Nations through our affiliate link and help support the podcast: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13277/9781803997674 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts tackle questions from listeners including learned helplessness, a new timezone for Scotland, are the Beatles uniquely great, welfare v warfare (which nearly ends up in a dust-up) and a flood of American refugees into the UK. Enjoy!EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get The New European for just £1 for the first month. Head to theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Liberation Day +1, the Matts take stock of the maniac’s economic shake-up and what it means for the world and the UK in particular. Stripping away the theatre and bullsh*t, they hone in on what is really happening in Trump’s head and ask the late Ronald Reagan for an explainer about why the coming trade war is every bit as cataclysmic as it seems. If you aren’t yet convinced that this new Trump era represents a fundamental change in how our world operates, then you haven’t been paying attention and you certainly haven’t been listening to enough Two Matts. Enjoy!EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get The New European for just £1 for the first month. Head to theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by Ian Leslie, author of the stupendously good John And Paul - A Love Story In Songs. They explore the freakish nature of an artistic collaboration that shook the world, as Ian brings fresh insight to the intimate relationship between the most influential songwriters in history. It’s a must listen for all Beatles fans but also anyone interested in their creative process and the psychology that bound them together. Before that – the Matts digest the incroyable news from France as Marine Le Pen is barred from political office for five years. Was it the end for her, or just the intro to the far right’s assault on the judiciary? Enjoy…EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get The New European for just £1 for the first month. Head to theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattsBuy John And Paul - A Love Story In Songs by Ian Leslie through our affiliate link and help support the show: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13277/9780571376117 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts tackle listener questions this week on Gareth Southgate’s inspiring BBC lecture, Rachel Reeves’ survival chances, European defence spend, WhatsApp faux pas, the decline of the Democrats … and the big one; how can a couple of mere mortal journalists like us compete with master baker Adrian Chiles?EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get The New European for just £1 for the first month. Head to theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.