Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast

Episode 79. In the second half of the Paul Foot Award Shortlist, teams from the Sunday Times, Vice and the Guardian reveal what they've been digging into - namely Boris Johnson and the BBC chairman, Baroness Mone and a £200million PPE deal, and the dangerous rise of Andrew Tate. Tune in later this week for Part III, live from the award ceremony!

Episode 78. In the most exciting crossover event in podcast history, the Paul Foot Award comes in three parts this year. In Part I the brilliant hacks from the Times, Observer and Newsquest Cumbria tell their stories, of unregulated psychologists in the family courts, dangerous police Taser use and British Gas breaking into people's homes to fit prepayment meters.

Matt Muir, an expert in AI technology, discusses the potential dangers of innovations like ChatGPT and their implications for humanity. He raises concerns about job security and misinformation alongside the ethical challenges of unregulated AI systems. Jane Mackenzie highlights the environmental impacts of open-cast mining in Wales, focusing on the Fossivran Coal Mine and the ongoing oversight issues that compromise restoration efforts. Their conversations underscore the urgent need for accountability in both technology and environmental practices.

Episode 76. A mega-millions local government derby: Richard Brooks explains the mysterious dealings behind the Teeside ‘Freeport’, and Tim Minogue reveals how Croydon council managed to go bankrupt three times in two years. Free acre of highly contaminated waste ground with every download!

Episode 75. For the first time since 2019 the Eye returns to the National Theatre for a live rendition of the Private Eye Annual. Including the dulcet tones of Lewis Macleod, Jan Ravens, Harry Enfield, and Ian Hislop. Merry Christmas!

Episode 74. Jane Mackenzie and Solomon Hughes unravel the tangled tale of who owns Britain’s military housing (spoiler: not only is it not the British government, it isn’t even owned in Britain) and Sarah Shannon takes a quick World Tour of the *other* countries involved in the World Cup who’ve been living up to the high standards set by Qatar. Free kick with every download!

Episode 73. NHS and Saudi Deals. Heather Mills and the Eye’s medical correspondent Phil Hammond explain the ambulance crisis, appointments crisis, and all the other crises currently afflicting the national health service and what (if anything) can be done about them; and Solomon Hughes partially lifts the lid on a mysterious deal between the UK government and Saudi Arabia, which is currently too secret for the British taxpayer to know about. 40 free new hospitals (as promised by Boris Johnson) with every download!

Episode 72. Finally being held not-over-Zoom for the first time in three years, this special episode comes from the Paul Foot Awards held to celebrate investigative journalism and commemorate the Eye’s great campaigning journalist Paul Foot. Download now to learn about six fascinating and enraging stories from six brilliant reporting teams!

Richard Brooks, an investigative journalist for Private Eye, discusses the controversial knighthood of Ehud Sheleg and the ethical questions surrounding financial donations in politics. Adam McQueen, a constitutional historian, reflects on Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable presence on the magazine’s cover during her reign. They explore the complexities of foreign donations and the challenges of satirizing the monarchy, while also celebrating Brenda's numerous appearances that blend humor with royal narratives.

Antony Goldman, who compiles Private Eye's international letters, joins Dr Grim, the publication's human rights correspondent, and Jane Mackenzie, covering the impact of COVID-19 on education. They reveal how Russia has practiced for its war on Ukraine through conflicts in Eastern Europe. The trio discusses historical ties and manipulations by Russia in Moldova and Georgia. Jane highlights the government's flawed Covid-catch-up program for schools, criticizing the funding issues that left many students without adequate support.