Oh God, What Now?

The Conservatives gather in Birmingham to contemplate their lost hopes and dreams (we’ve all done it). Why are Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick the frontrunners to lead what’s left of the party and where would they take it? Plus, will Israel’s assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah bring peace any closer… or push it further away?• Get tickets for Levitation, the annual festival of electronic music and ideas presented by friends of the pod Castles In Space, at Bedford Esquires on Sat 5 Oct. And here’s a taster playlist of who’s on. • Longtime OGWN fans Make A Will Online have a special offer for fellow listeners. Go to Makeawillonline.co.uk/whatnow for a 20% discount. Don’t put off making a will, get peace of mind for you and your loved ones.Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more. Presented by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan and Jonn Elledge. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Video by Kieron Leslie. Theme music by Cornershop. 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

• OGWN Live in Hove, Weds 9 Oct. Tickets here. This year’s Labour conference was the biggest in the party’s history – but what did we learn from the gathering in Liverpool? Jacob Jarvis and producer Chris Jones went up to Liverpool to speak with friends of the podcast new and old, to get their key takeaways and ask whether it went well, or badly, for Starmer and co. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow   www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow • Get tickets for Levitation, the annual festival of electronic music and ideas presented by friends of the pod Castles In Space, at Bedford Esquires on Sat 5 Oct. And here’s a taster playlist of who’s on. • The people behind Make A Will Online are longtime fans of Oh God What Now and they’ve got a special offer for fellow listeners. Go to Makeawillonline.co.uk/whatnow and you’ll get a 20% discount. Don’t put off making a will, get peace of mind for you and your loved ones.  Presented Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by: Chris Jones. 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

Keir Starmer's recent speech sparks a debate on whether he needs more charisma to connect with the public. The conversation tackles the impact of freebies on political decisions and public perception. They delve into the complexities of EU migration policies and the severe challenges facing migrants. The discussion also critiques the disparities in how politicians portray their privileges versus their realities. Moreover, the dynamics of political communication are explored, emphasizing the need for clearer messaging to engage the electorate.

Emily Thornberry, a Member of Parliament known for her vocal insights on party dynamics, joins the discussion with Dorian, Jonn, and Zoe. They delve into the Labour Party's current mood and recent controversies, reflecting on the emotional highs and lows of election night. Thornberry shares her thoughts on rebuilding trust in politics amid corruption narratives and the challenges of post-Brexit relations. The group also tackles immigration policies in the EU and the unexpected enthusiasm for increased defense spending among Labour MPs.

The hosts bring humor and energy while discussing the Labour Conference in Liverpool. They navigate the uncertain political landscape, touching on mixed feelings about party direction and trust. Analyzing recent electoral shifts, they dive into voter sentiment and anti-politics trends. The talk shifts to Labour's struggle for transparency and ethical standards, alongside the evolving media influence. A playful game tests their knowledge of real versus fictional fringe meetings, creating a lively atmosphere that keeps listeners engaged.

Starmer’s meeting with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni caused quite a stir. Is it meeting with her in the first place that’s the problem? Or is it because Italy’s deal with Albania over migration is, at the very least, problematic? The panel discusses how the Government should navigate world leaders it might not agree with. Plus, Sir Ed Davey wants his Lib Dems to replace the Tories as the official opposition. Is that a real prospect or an idea as silly as his many campaign stunts? Then, in the Extra Bit for subscribers, John Elledge says space is "boring" in his latest column for the New Statesman. Is he right, and why is it all Elon Musk’s fault? The people behind Make A Will Online are longtime fans of Oh God What Now and they’ve got a special offer for fellow listeners. Go to Makeawillonline.co.uk/whatnow and you’ll get a 20% discount. Don't put off making a will, get peace of mind for you and your loved ones.We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnowPresented by Dorian Lynskey, with John Elledge, Ava Santina and Zoe Grunewald. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by: Chris Jones. 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

• OGWN Live in Hove, Weds 9 Oct. Tickets here.Party conference season is here and there’s much to talk about. What really goes on at these events, do they matter and what kind of vibe will Starmer give now he’s at the helm? Plus, the UK’s creative arts industry has some of the lowest government funding levels in Europe. Will Labour put a cash rocket up the arts? Or will it continue to let the industry decline? Alistair Barrie is a writer, actor, and comedian and joins the panel to discuss. The people behind Make A Will Online are longtime fans of Oh God What Now and they’ve got a special offer for fellow listeners. Go to Makeawillonline.co.uk/whatnow and you’ll get a 20% discount. Don't put off making a will, get peace of mind for you and your loved ones.We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnowPresented by Ros Taylor, with Matt Green and Marie Le Conte. Producer: Jacob Jarvis & Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by: Chris Jones. 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

Keir Starmer’s cut to the winter fuel allowance has passed through Parliament – but at what cost? Plus, the Harris-Trump presidential debate was dominated by Trump lying through his teeth, but do we expect any difference from him? And does this make any difference to the race for the White House? Associate professor in politics and international relations at UCL, Dr Julie Norman, joins the panel to discuss. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, Labour is coming across as the no-fun, eat-your-greens party. Is it forgetting that joy matters too?We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnowThe people behind Make A Will Online are longtime fans of Oh God What Now and they’ve got a special offer for fellow listeners. Go to Makeawillonline.co.uk/whatnow and you’ll get a 20% discount. Don't put off making a will, get peace of mind for you and your loved ones.Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Zoë Grünewald and Rachel Cunliffe. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by: Kieron Leslie and Chris Jones. 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

• OGWN Live in Hove, Weds 9 Oct. Tickets here.The final Grenfell Tower fire report told a story of tragedy, greed, and dishonesty. What can Starmer’s Labour Party learn from the mistakes made that led to 72 lost lives? Plus, we speak to Andrew Connelly about the new podcast Fortress Europe, a seven-part podcast series that explores how years of brutal, dehumanising, anti-migrant policies have had their impact across the continent. And in the final part of the show new research suggests more people are starting to agree that the Tories are “weird” – why? We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnowPresented by Ros Taylor with Hannah Fearn and Jonn Elledge. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by: Kieron Leslie and Chris Jones. 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

• New second live date in Liverpool, Tue 24 Sept. Tickets here.• OGWN Live in Hove, Weds 9 Oct. Tickets here.Parliament is back and so is PMQs, the right-wing media is on one and trading with the EU is still confusing. The panel discusses the latest flashpoints, what’s happening at the Telegraph and the Spectator, and guest Dmitry Grozoubinski, author of Why Politicians Lie About Trade... and What You Need to Know About It, delves into what our current situation is with the EU under a new Labour government. Plus, in the Extra Bit for subscribers, we ask: would a 4-day working week work?We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnowPresented by Ros Taylor with Marie Le Conte and Hugo Rifkind. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by: Kieron Leslie and Chris Jones. 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