Oh God, What Now?

• Get 20% off a year’s Patreon support in our Cyber Monday sale. Why not ask for it for Christmas?Panic stations? Reform UK has overtaken Labour in the polls for the first time. Is this just a standard mid-term setback (albeit a bit early) or is Labour’s real battle with Farage not the Tories? The Guardian’s Polly Toynbee joins us to explore it. Plus, after the Assisted Dying debate, is religion creeping into famously secular British politics? And the highs and lows of the panel’s week. Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more. Presented by Ros Taylor with Seth Thévoz and Matt Green. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the intriguing world of political challenges and dynamics! The hosts dissect Keir Starmer's ambitious reset and the implications of Biden's pardon for Hunter. Listen as they unravel the complexities of political donations and advocate for transparency in politics. They also explore the disconnect between voter expectations and government actions, alongside a thought-provoking discussion on trust in institutions. Plus, enjoy some festive book suggestions to lighten the mood amid the serious topics!

• Get 20% off a year’s Patreon support in our Cyber Monday sale. Why not ask for it for Christmas?• Last few tickets for our Christmas Live Show on Tue 10 Dec at the Comedy Store London.🎵 Shoulda left my phone at home/Cos this is a disaster. 🎵 What does the surprise resignation of Louise Haigh tell us about propriety and forgiveness in the new government? Is it one strike and you’re out? Plus as Labour and the countryside clash we welcome Guy Shrubsole, author of the brilliant book The Lie Of The Land: Who Really Cares For The Countryside?, to delve into the background of Starmer’s rural troubles… and bust the myth of “custodians of the land.” • Buy The Lie Of The Land through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund OGWN by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more. Presented by Andrew Harrison with Zöe Grünewald and Rafael Behr. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Theme music by Cornershop. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this discussion, Guardian columnist John Harris, an expert in British politics, takes the stage. The conversation dives into whether Rachel Reeves is embodying a new era of Thatcherism or simply standing firm on her budget. They also tackle the remnants of 90s lad culture and its role in fostering toxic masculinity, drawing insights from a recent Loaded magazine documentary. The complex evolution of public trust in governmental fiscal policies and the implications of welfare reform are examined, offering a sharp critique of current societal narratives.

Bernard Hogan-Howe, the former Metropolitan Police Commissioner, shares his expertise on the political landscape and policing. The discussion investigates how farmers' protests could signal a right-wing opposition to Labour and critiques the party's messaging on inheritance tax. Hogan-Howe addresses issues of two-tier policing, especially concerning rural concerns. The conversation also highlights public trust in the legal system and the complexities of police data practices, revealing the social and economic implications of current policies.

Jim Waterson, founder of London Centric and former Media Editor for The Guardian, discusses Keir Starmer's global diplomacy and its perception against domestic responsibilities. The panel tackles the decline of local journalism and the potential revival through community-focused media initiatives. They explore the importance of local roots for a healthy national media landscape. Additionally, they delve into the challenges faced by the Labour Party and examine the political implications of recent tax reforms.

Alison Phillips, a former editor of the Daily Mirror known for her sharp political insights, joins the discussion to unpack Twitter's impact on political polarization. They explore the risks of echo chambers as users migrate from Twitter to Blue Sky, and the challenges posed by political theatrics and identity politics. The conversation dives into the dark backgrounds of controversial figures like Donald Trump and examines the changing dynamics within the Republican Party. With humor and wit, they tackle issues like voter backlash and the essential need for meaningful political dialogue.

Andy Kroll, an award-winning investigative reporter for ProPublica and author of A Death on W Street, joins the panel to dissect the political machinations of Trump and Kemi Badenoch's cabinets. They delve into Project 2025's controversial policies, Trump's ambiguous initiatives, and the struggles within the Tory shadow cabinet. Kroll highlights the unwavering support from Trump's base despite election controversies, while the group reflects on the broader implications of recent political events and the emotional fallout of electoral defeats.

Seth Thévoz, an insightful historian and author, joins journalist Hannah Fearn and comedian Matt Green to discuss the ripple effects of Trump's victory on European politics. They delve into how far-right populism is evolving both across the Atlantic and within the UK, examining the challenges facing leaders like Giorgia Meloni. The trio also critiques social media regulation for teens and explores how lessons from the American left can shape future politics. Humor and sharp analysis weave through their engaging conversation, making complex issues accessible.

• Get your tickets to our 10th December live show at the Comedy Store London here!It’s happened, Trump has retaken the White House. How did the orange felon who’s also racist win the election and what might he do now? Andrew Rudalevige is a professor of government at Bowdoin College and joins the panel to confront it all. Plus, in the run-up to Remembrance Day, we dig up the strange evolution of poppy mania. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, the panel ventures out of their comfort zones to get stuck into a bit of culture that they otherwise wouldn’t touch with a barge pole.• We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow • Back us on Patreon. • Don’t miss Series 2 of our science and psychology podcast, Why? with Emma Kennedy – listen here.Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ros Taylor and Jonn Elledge. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices