The News Agents

Matthew Freud rarely gives interviews. He’s normally behind the curtain, on the end of the phone - helping A listers, politicians, and businesses navigate their way through a hostile and unrelenting media environment. But now, on the fortieth anniversary of his company, which has served many of the world's biggest brands and most famous faces - he sits down with Jon and Emily to discuss scandal, power, Succession and what it’s like to be part of both the Freud and Murdoch dynasties.Don’t forget you can also subscribe to our other News Agents podcasts via the link below:https://linktr.ee/thenewsagentsThe News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal https://nordvpn.com/thenewsagents Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee

This week on The Sports Agents...What a moment it was... after an 11-year wait for the final major, Rory McIlroy finally achieved a career Grand Slam by winning the Masters. Actor James Nesbitt explained what it means to Northern Ireland, we relived the rollercoaster with co-host of The Chipping Forecast Podcast, Andrew Cotter, and spoke to Ciaran Lavery the Head Pro at McIlroy’s golf club, Holywood. (02:15)Who needs Messi, Neymar and Mbappe anyway? The new look PSG are into the Champions League semi-finals and flying. So how has such a young team become one of the best teams in Europe to watch with their free-flowing wing-wizadry? French football journalist Julien Laurens gives Gabby the lowdown. (09:15)And ahead of the NFL draft next week - what's it like to get that phone call? How intense are the background checks?And how many thousands of plays do you have to learn when you get there? Mark caught up with Chicago Bears Running Back Roschon Johnson.(16:15) Got a question for The Sports Agents - email us at thesportsagents@global.com New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

A landmark Supreme Court ruling has redefined the term "woman" as strictly referring to biological women, igniting debates over women's rights and transgender protections. The ruling raises questions about its real-world impact on trans individuals and fuels ongoing culture wars. The complexities of gender identity laws are explored, alongside the confusion surrounding public perceptions and the media's role in these discussions. The fallout from a notable legal case also underscores the intersections of gender identity, societal challenges, and legal boundaries.

The podcast dives into the chaotic aftermath of a deadly missile strike in Ukraine, highlighting the fractured U.S. diplomatic stance. There's a sharp critique of Trump's handling of the Ukraine-Russia relationship and whether he understands Putin's intentions. The discussion also touches on NATO's role and the need for Europe to step up amidst ongoing aggression. Additionally, the hosts delve into themes of censorship and totalitarianism, exploring the psychological underpinnings of regime control, alongside lively conversations about significant literary works.

Victor Gao, Vice President of the Centre for China and Globalisation, dives into the fraught relationship between the UK and China, particularly regarding British steel. He examines allegations of sabotage by the Chinese company Jingye and the government's strategies to protect local manufacturing. The conversation also touches on China's recent halt on critical mineral exports and its implications for UK industries. Throughout, Gao advocates for collaboration over suspicion, highlighting the complexities of navigating these geopolitical tensions.

Parliament's recall signals urgency as British Steel faces closure. Scunthorpe's fate hangs by a thread, threatening 2,700 jobs and more. Keir Starmer's vision for a revitalized state poses questions about the future of globalization and national industries. The local community's resilience shines amid looming job losses and demands for government action. Discussions revolve around domestic steel's role in national security and the transformative potential of prioritizing workers' needs over outdated economic policies.

Jordon Ibe, a former Liverpool winger now playing in England's seventh tier, discusses his battle with mental health and the pressures of success after a promising start. John McAvoy, a former armed robber turned world record-setting rower, shares his incredible journey of redemption and transformation through sports. They explore the harsh realities athletes face, the impact of circumstances on careers, and the ethics of accepting redemption in competitive environments, highlighting both personal trials and broader societal issues.

The podcast dives into the chaotic reversal of Trump's tariff policy, highlighting confusion within his team and the market's optimistic response. It raises questions about insider trading and accountability amidst U.S.-China trade tensions. Trump's ongoing quest for vengeance against critics underlines the chilling effect on dissenting voices. Additionally, it spotlights the uncertain future of British steel and the impact of globalization, all while blending political insights with a touch of humor.

Global trade tensions escalate as U.S. tariffs against China spark fears of an economic collapse, sending shockwaves through stock and bond markets. The faltering U.S. confidence makes Greece seem like a safer investment, prompting comparisons to historical figures like Liz Truss. Meanwhile, the Birmingham bin strikes highlight a deeper equal pay crisis, exposing the ramifications of local authority budget cuts and the struggles for gender parity in the face of fiscal hardship. Unforeseen labor actions hinge on fragile employment rights, complicating the scenario further.

Joining the discussion is Luke Tryl, a pollster from More in Common, renowned for his insights into voter behavior in the UK. He analyzes the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China, exploring its broad economic implications. Luke also shares fascinating data on how British public opinion towards the U.S. is shifting, especially during the Trump presidency. With local elections on the horizon, he discusses rising political dynamics and the popularity of leader Starmer, ultimately reflecting on the UK's changing views and diplomatic desires.