Radical with Amol Rajan

BBC Radio 4
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Aug 1, 2024 • 39min

Bonus episode - Frank Skinner opens up to Amol

Every week on The Today Podcast Amol and Nick share something significant that’s happened to them that week and they call it their ‘moment of the week’.But as Nick’s on holiday, Amol invited one of Britain’s best known comedians, Frank Skinner, to The Today Podcast studio to help him out.And they ended up talking for so long about faith, class, parenthood, grief - and, of course, poetry, we’ve made it into a bonus podcast.Frank Skinner has been a stand-up comedian for 30 years. He presented Fantasy Football in the 1990s alongside David Baddiel and for co-created the anthem of English football, 'Three Lions’.But you may not know that he is also a practising Catholic, reads poetry every day, and is striving to write cleaner comedy material.Subscribe to The Today Podcast for more ‘Moments of the Week’ with Amol and Nick and other special guests sharing theirs including Sara Cox, Hugh Dennis, Prue Leith, Greg James, James May and many more.Episodes of The Today Podcast land first on BBC Sounds. Get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.If you have a question you’d like to Amol and Nick to answer, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukYou can listen to the latest episode of The Today Podcast any time on your smart speaker by saying “Smart Speaker, ask BBC Sounds to play The Today Podcast.”The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producer is Hatty Nash, research and digital production from Joe Wilkinson. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Mike Regaard.
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Jul 31, 2024 • 40min

How do we turbo-charge Britain’s economy?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner have been championing growth this week. But will their plans actually work? Amol has assembled an expert panel to provide their take on how to generate more wealth in the UK – Institute for Fiscal Studies director Paul Johnson and venture capitalist and co-founder of Lovecrafts, Cherry Freeman.And comedian Frank Skinner joins Amol with his moment of the week – watch out for a bonus episode with much more of their chat coming to this feed soon.If you have a question you’d like to Amol and Nick to answer, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukEpisodes of The Today Podcast land first on BBC Sounds. Get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.You can listen to the latest episode of The Today Podcast any time on your smart speaker by saying “Smart Speaker, ask BBC Sounds to play The Today Podcast.”The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producer is Hatty Nash, research and digital production from Joe Wilkinson. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Mike Regaard.
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Jul 29, 2024 • 25min

Bonus Q&A: Young MPs, podcast impartiality and the state of political journalism

Amol and Nick take on more questions from listeners – such as whether having younger MPs will lead to a change in policies and why do politicians sound more sensible when ejected from office?Plus they answer questions on the state of political journalism and whether podcasting makes it easier or more difficult to maintain impartiality.If you have a question you’d like to Amol, Nick and the Pod Squad to answer get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukEpisodes of The Today Podcast land weekly and look out for bonus episodes like this one. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take to the big stories of the week, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.You can listen to the latest episode of The Today Podcast anytime on your smart speaker by saying “Smart Speaker, ask BBC Sounds for The Today Podcast.”The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the researcher and digital producer is Joe Wilkinson, the producer is Hatty Nash. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Mike Regaard.
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Jul 25, 2024 • 39min

Mary Beard on power, succession and rebellions

This week Keir Starmer dealt with a Labour rebellion on the two-child benefit cap that saw the whip removed from seven of his MPs. Meanwhile in America, Kamala Harris has moved quickly to mobilise her campaign and define her Republican rival.To make sense of it all, Nick and Amol turn to Prof Mary Beard for a classical perspective on power, succession, and rebellions. What was Cicero’s advice for winning elections? Which Latin quote did John F Kennedy incorrectly use in a famous speech? And why does she hate being asked which Roman emperor most resembles Donald Trump?She also updates them on her campaign for membership of the - until very recently - male-only private members’ club, the Garrick.If you have a question you’d like to Amol and Nick to answer, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukEpisodes of The Today Podcast continue to land twice a week post-election. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the new government, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.You can listen to the latest episode of The Today Podcast any time on your smart speaker by saying “Smart Speaker, ask BBC Sounds to play The Today Podcast.”The producer is Hatty Nash, the editor is Tom Smithard. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Digital production from Joe Wilkinson and Charlie Henry, technical production from Jack Graysmark.
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Jul 22, 2024 • 35min

Biden quits - but can Kamala beat Trump?

Joe Biden is out and has endorsed his vice president. But will Kamala Harris win the Democratic nomination – and can she beat Donald Trump in November?Amol and Nick are joined by fellow Today presenter and Americast host Justin Webb for his take on the big news. Who might Harris pick as her running mate? How will she frame Trump in the contest? And why might it all come down to the voters of Omaha, Nebraska?If you have a question you’d like to Amol and Nick to answer get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukEpisodes of The Today Podcast will continue to land twice a week post-election and look out for bonus Q&A episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the new government, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.You can listen to the latest episode of The Today Podcast anytime on your smart speaker by saying “Smart Speaker, ask BBC Sounds for The Today Podcast.”The producer is Hatty Nash, the editor is Tom Smithard. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Research and digital production from Joe Wilkinson, technical production from Jonny Baker.
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Jul 18, 2024 • 50min

Starmer, Trump, and the New World Order

Sir Keir Starmer has been quick to meet with a host of world leaders since entering Downing Street. After his in-person meeting with Joe Biden, and a personal phone call to Donald Trump, Amol and Nick dissect how the new PM will navigate ‘the special relationship’ in turbulent times. And closer to home, European leaders are meeting this week in Blenheim Palace. Baroness Cathy Ashton, the EU’s former foreign policy chief, joins Nick and Amol in the studio to give insight on Starmer’s strategy. How will he fulfil Labour’s manifesto pledge to forge an ‘improved and ambitious relationship with our European partners’? And what will EU leaders want in return?Plus, Radio 1’s Greg James drops by to give his moment of the week and pay tribute to England cricketer Jimmy Anderson following his retirement.If you have a question you’d like to Amol and Nick to answer, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukEpisodes of The Today Podcast continue to land twice a week post-election and look out for bonus Q&A episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the new government, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.You can listen to the latest episode of The Today Podcast any time on your smart speaker by saying “Smart Speaker, ask BBC Sounds to play The Today Podcast.”The producer is Hatty Nash, the editor is Tom Smithard. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Research and digital production from Joe Wilkinson, technical production from Mike Regaard.
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Jul 15, 2024 • 35min

Can political rhetoric kill?

Amol and Nick look at whether the language of politics might now grow less heated after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump – and what effect the shooting will have on the US election.Keir Starmer will put the disappointment of the European Championships result behind him and look forward to this week’s King’s Speech – but will he face his own problem from the left wing?Plus, pollster and friend of the podcast James Kanagasooriam joins Amol to get into the data and dispel the myths surrounding the general election results.If you have a question you’d like to Amol and Nick to answer, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukEpisodes of The Today Podcast continue to land twice a week post-election and look out for bonus Q&A episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the new government, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.You can listen to the latest episode of The Today Podcast any time on your smart speaker by saying “Smart Speaker, ask BBC Sounds to play The Today Podcast.”The producer is Hatty Nash, the editor is Tom Smithard. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Research and digital production from Joe Wilkinson, technical production from Antonio Fernandes.
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Jul 11, 2024 • 60min

New MPs, new government... new politics?

It’s Keir Starmer’s first full week in government and he’s already facing an impending crisis: overflowing prisons. Amol and Nick speak to the former justice secretary Alex Chalk, who tells us what his successor, Shabana Mahmood, should do to fix it. Journalist and podcaster Helen Lewis swings by to assess Labour’s first week and the Conservative leadership race.And – what a row over an AI candidate who turned out to be real says about the way rumours circulate via direct messaging.If you have a question you’d like to Amol and Nick to answer, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukEpisodes of The Today Podcast continue to land twice a week post-election and look out for bonus Q&A episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the new government, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.You can listen to the latest episode of The Today Podcast any time on your smart speaker by saying “Smart Speaker, ask BBC Sounds to play The Today Podcast.”The producer is Izzy Rowley, the editor is Tom Smithard. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Research and digital production from Joe Wilkinson, technical production from Hannah Montgomery.
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Jul 8, 2024 • 33min

Reeves goes for growth in the Treasury, Starmer takes to the world stage

Amol and Nick are back for Labour’s first week in government to look at Rachel Reeves’ plan for growth and how Keir Starmer can position himself on the world stage as he jets off for a Nato summit in the US.Plus, Nick is in Normandy to provide his assessment of what the final round of the French elections might mean for Emmanuel Macron’s political future.And they answer listener questions – should 16-year-olds get the vote and can politicians ever hold back the tides of change?If you have a question you’d like to Amol and Nick to answer get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukEpisodes of The Today Podcast will continue to land on Mondays and Wednesdays post-election and look out for bonus Q&A episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the new government, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.You can listen to the latest episode of The Today Podcast anytime on your smart speaker by saying “Alexa, Ask BBC Sounds for The Today Podcast.”The producer is Izzy Rowley, the editor is Tom Smithard. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Research and digital production from Joe Wilkinson, technical production from Jack Graysmark.
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Jul 5, 2024 • 36min

Post-election pod: How will Labour govern? And who will take charge of the Tories?

It’s the afternoon after the night before and Amol and Nick are back after 14 hours of live radio for a post-election podcast.How will Keir Starmer govern as prime minister? Will the Conservative leadership contest be taken over by Nigel Farage? How did the Liberal Democrats do so well? And why has there been such a pronounced splintering overnight in British politics?Plus – an update on pod squadder Alex’s election night cross stitching!If you have a question you’d like to Amol and Nick to answer get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukEpisodes of The Today Podcast will continue to land on Mondays and Wednesdays post-election and look out for bonus Q&A episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's take on the new government, with insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme.The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.You can listen to the latest episode of The Today Podcast anytime on your smart speaker by saying “Alexa, Ask BBC Sounds for The Today Podcast.”The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producer is Hazel Morgan. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Hannah Montgomery. Digital production from Elliot Ryder.

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