Ella Whelan, a Spike columnist, and Paul Embery, a trade unionist, dive into the contentious topic of Labour's potential blasphemy laws surrounding Islam. They discuss the implications for free speech and the societal risks of such regulations. The conversation shifts to Labour's declining popularity, linking it to a disconnect from working-class voters, and the rise of the Reform Party. They also tackle Trump's controversial order banning male athletes from women's sports, raising questions about fairness in competition amid changing gender policies.

Jennifer Sey, a former US national-champion gymnast and ex-Levi’s brand president, shares her dramatic fall from corporate grace after speaking out against Covid school closures. She discusses the 'awokening' of corporate America and how cancel culture impacted her life. Sey also introduces her new venture, XX-XY Athletics, highlighting the contentious fight over women’s sports. The conversation critiques corporate hypocrisy and dives into the cultural implications of gender identity legislation, advocating for fairness and safety in athletics.

Miriam Cates, a GB News presenter and former Conservative MP, dives into the controversial visions of Labour's green agenda and its impact on British industry. She challenges the notion of extremism, discussing how mainstream views are being labeled as radical. The conversation also touches on the complexities of multiculturalism, rising youth radicalization, and the contentious debates around assisted dying legislation, highlighting the clash between traditional values and modern liberal perspectives.

Candice Holdsworth, Tom Slater and Fraser Myers discuss the crimes of Axel Rudakubana, how Trump tamed the ‘Resistance’ and why there’s no such thing as ‘green’ growth. spiked supporters can get early-bird tickets to our 25th anniversary bash. Log in to the Supporters Hub here: https://www.spiked-online.com/hub/  Protect your emails with Proton Mail’s end-to-end encryption. Claim your 38% discount: http://proton.me/spikedpodcast  Take control of your health with AG1: https://drinkag1.com/spiked  Apply for spiked’s internship programme: https://www.spiked-online.com/2025/01/10/apply-now-to-become-a-spiked-intern-2/  Support spiked:   https://www.spiked-online.com/support/  Sign up to spiked’s newsletters: https://www.spiked-online.com/newsletters/  Order Brendan O’Neill’s After the Pogrom now from: 🇬🇧 📕 Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/After-Pogrom-October-Israel-Civilisation/dp/1068719303/  🇺🇸 📕 Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/After-Pogrom-October-Israel-Civilisation/dp/1068719303/ 

This is the audio from a video we have just published on our YouTube channel. To make sure you never miss great content like this, subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@spiked  Jake Wallis Simons and Brendan O’Neill join Fraser Myers to discuss the return of the Israeli hostages, the barbarism of Hamas and the West’s abandonment of Israel. Apply for spiked’s internship programme: https://www.spiked-online.com/2025/01/10/apply-now-to-become-a-spiked-intern-2/ 

Graham Linehan, the creator of the beloved sitcom Father Ted, dives into pressing cultural and political issues alongside Tom Slater and Fraser Myers. They dissect the Labour government's decline and Keir Starmer's challenges in addressing public discontent. The trio also tackles the debate over trans policies in the U.S. and its implications for women's sports. Additionally, they navigate the complex moral landscape of the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful discourse in today's polarized climate.

Rupa Subramanya, a writer at the Free Press, discusses the alarming drop in Justin Trudeau's popularity and what it means for Canada's future. She highlights the authoritarian actions taken during the trucker protests and the implications for civil liberties. The conversation shifts to Canada's controversial stance on trans policies, emphasizing the need for meaningful dialogue. They also delve into the sensationalism surrounding Indigenous issues and reflect on Canada's broader identity crisis, questioning its socio-economic challenges and national self-perception.

Emily Carver, a political analyst with GB News, joins for a captivating discussion on pressing political issues. They dive deep into the controversy surrounding grooming gangs and the political landscape that often sidesteps accountability. Conversations shift to the implications of social media regulation under Zuckerberg, along with the complexities of free speech in today's society. The panel also examines how immigration and gender debates intersect with historical events like the Charlie Hebdo attack. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of current affairs!

Charlie Peters, a national reporter for GB News, shares his investigations into grooming gangs and the systemic failures surrounding them. He discusses Keir Starmer's refusal to initiate a national inquiry and the political implications of such decisions. The conversation reveals the outrage of victims denied justice, critiques the media's focus on sensationalism over survivor stories, and addresses the complexities of racial sensitivities in child exploitation cases. Peters urges for a renewed conversation on this urgent crisis.

Gérard Biard, Editor-in-chief of Charlie Hebdo, shares insights from his experience after the tragic 2015 attack on his newspaper. He discusses the ongoing struggle for free speech and the essential role of secularism in democracy. The conversation also covers the controversial Muhammad cartoons and their impact on global discussions of freedom of expression. Biard emphasizes the links between religion, human rights, and societal courage, stressing the need to stand firm against fear and censorship in the pursuit of truth and satire.