The Two Matts

The Matts are transfixed by Trump’s address to Congress. Once they get over the sheer magnetism of his schtick, they unpack how it works and why the right is so good at messaging. In part two, they analyse what might be the greatest speech to date about the horrifying implications Trump holds for Europe. A real reality check, articulated perfectly by a French centre-right politician. If you seek clarity in what Trump means for democracy, then click and listen. Enjoy!EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Get The New European for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts are joined by Trump chronicler supreme, Michael Wolff, whose new book All Or Nothing is a riveting and revelatory telling of Trump’s extraordinary journey back to the White House. What are the characteristics that turned a seemingly irredeemable position into a second term? What do his inner circle really think of him? Why does Melania “hate his f***ing guts?” What triggered such an explosion against Zelensky? What has Putin got over him? And how can Europe deal with a President who thrives on instinct, without a plan or philosophy? All this and more in an interview both entertaining and terrifying. If you want to get inside Trump’s head, for better or worse, this is the place. Enjoy!Buy All Or Nothing by Michael Wolff via our affiliate link and help support the podcast: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/13277/9781408713945EXCLUSIVE 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 grapple with our former Prime Minister's latest outbursts, dig into a deep mailbag of Burnham questions and speculate wildly on the Oscars this evening. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The discussion dives into Trump's shifting stance towards Ukraine, revealing his alignment with Russia and the consequences for the West. President Zelensky emerges as a figure of integrity, effectively navigating these turbulent times. The hosts assess implications for NATO and the EU, as well as the complexity of U.S. foreign policy post-Trump. They also highlight the challenges of maintaining international alliances amid rising geopolitical tensions. The conversation wraps up with reflections on global aid and the intricacies of defense strategies.

Manchester mayor Andy Burnham joins the Matts ahead of this week’s Convention of the North - the annual meeting of minds focussed on the ongoing revival of the UK’s great northern regions and cities. Andy delves deep into the opportunities and challenges facing cities like Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds - emerging from the threat of obsolescence into economic and cultural powerhouses of the 21st Century. Does Westminster really have a clue about the North? How much of a blow was the cancellation of HS2? And how can the north really compete with London and the south east when it comes to driving innovation and economic growth? All this - plus Andy looks forward to his beloved Everton’s move next season to one of the most exciting sporting arenas in Europe - Bramley Moore Dock slap bang on the majestic river Mersey. 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.

Should the Matts write the briefing notes for Keir Starmer’s trip to see Trump? What would Mr Kelly do if a populist Government tried to muzzle The New European? And what should we make of Boris Johnson's silence on matters Ukraine these past few weeks? All these questions and more answered on today's Q&A. 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 New European columnist Tanit Koch who tells them everything they need to know about the weekend’s federal elections in Germany. What are the consequences of the far right AfD’s growing support? What difference will a conservative Chancellor make on illegal immigration and the economy - the two burning issues at the heart of this vote? And what role can Germany play in a Europe suddenly confronted with the reality of a Donald Trump presidency? It’s a fascinating insight into European politics as Tanit makes sense of an election of enormous consequence. 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.

Keir Starmer has pledged British boots on the ground to keep whatever peace Trump and Putin carve up between them over Ukraine. The consequences are staggering and disturbing, as the Matts discover during the course of a tightly argued podcast. Meanwhile, JD Vance openly humiliates European leaders and sends the clearest signal yet that America First is a slogan representing international menace and opportunism and national selfishness. How can divided and US-dependent European nations hope to defend itself in a world where the US is no longer there to pay the bill? Where does Europe fit into a world of strongman spheres?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.

Is Labour's immigration posturing the last straw for those who wanted a progressive Government? Should Eric Schmidt be listened to about anything? And was the last Liverpool derby at Goodison a game for the ages? The Matts ponder all in this Sunday's bonus Q&A episode. 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 hosts dive into the heated debates about a potential coup in America, questioning if Trump or Musk holds the reins of power. They explore the implications for democracy and leadership in Europe as global dynamics shift. A humorous take on the authenticity of political figures leads to reflections on the changing landscape of politics. They also tackle the alarming trend of political mediocrity, examining the motivations behind modern political careers and the urgent need for greater engagement.