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.

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.

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.

Amol and Nick look ahead to election night, with a run down of the key moments and the best time to get some sleep (if you must!)They also discuss one of the big challenges the next government faces - whoever enters Downing Street on Friday - what to do about small boats crossing the Channel. What could the elections in France mean for any future agreement? Lord Ricketts, former ambassador to France and former National Security Adviser gives his take.Plus the Pod Squad have a special birthday surprise for Amol!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 during the election campaign land on Mondays and Wednesdays and look out for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's reaction to the election results this Friday, 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 researcher is Joe Wilkinson, the producer is Hazel Morgan. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Jonny Baker. Digital production from Joe and Elliot Ryder.

Should there be an alternative to voting for the least-worst candidate? Why are we obsessed by cult of personality politicians? And what are the election night words to avoid?Amol and Nick return with another bonus question and answer episode as The Today Podcast prepares for polling day.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 during the election campaign land on Mondays and Wednesdays. Look out for bonus episodes like this one. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and Nick's reaction to the election results this Friday, 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 researcher and digital producer is Joe Wilkinson, the producer is Hazel Morgan. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Jack Graysmark.

With just a few days to go before people go to the polls, Amol and Nick reflect on the strategies behind the parties’ get-out-the-vote messages.And they reflect on the shift to the far right in the French elections with Justin Webb, who joins them from the Paris café he presented Radio 4’s Today from.Plus Amol and Nick answer a listener question – how do they prepare for political interviews?Episodes of The Today Podcast land twice a week during the election campaign – and watch out for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to 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. If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukThe 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 researcher and digital producer is Joe Wilkinson, the producer is Hazel Morgan. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Jack Graysmark.

There’s a week to go before votes are counted and barely a day goes by in the campaign without a new poll.So are the Conservatives really on course for an election "wipe out"? Are Labour set for a so called ‘supermajority’? Where did the term ‘supermajority’ even come from and should we be sceptical about poll findings?Amol and Nick are joined by the doyenne of polling, psephologist Prof Sir John Curtice, to interrogate the numbers and the algorithms that generate them.And they assess how the smaller parties’ campaigns are stacking up.Plus – moment of the week – find out why Nick has been swimming with seals.Episodes of The Today Podcast land twice a week during the election campaign – and watch out for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to 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. If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukThe 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 researcher and digital producer is Joe Wilkinson, the producers are Hazel Morgan and Nadia Gyane. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Jonny Hall.

The Today Podcast, Newscast and When It Hits The Fan have come together for a special episode, to look at the role of the media in the general election campaign. Alongside The Today Podcast's Amol Rajan are Adam Fleming and Alex Forsyth from Newscast; David Yelland and Simon Lewis from BBC Radio 4 podcast When it Hits the Fan and Marianna Spring, the BBC's Disinformation and Social Media correspondent. They discuss the declining role of newspapers and how social media is being used by the campaigns.Episodes of The Today Podcast during the election campaign will land on Mondays and Thursdays. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to 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. If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukThe 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.”This special edition of The Today Podcast was edited by Jack Maclaren. Technical production from Jonny Hall and digital production from Elliot Ryder and Joe Wilkinson.

With ten days until polling day Amol and Nick look at the ongoing betting crisis for the Conservatives and discuss why gender is back in the headlines for Labour.They dissect Nick’s TV interview with Nigel Farage, which dominated the news over the weekend after the Reform UK leader said West provoked the war in Ukraine.Plus, pollster and friend of the podcast James Kanagasooriam is in the studio to analyse the results from his latest poll and answer your questions.Episodes of The Today Podcast during the election campaign will land on Mondays and Thursdays. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to 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. If you would like a question answering, get in touch by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.ukThe 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 Hatty Nash. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Phil Bull and digital production from Joe Wilkinson.

Why do politicians use big numbers in interviews? How will political reporting change in the future? And why do we vote using pencils?Amol and Nick answer these questions and more in this bonus episode of The Today Podcast.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 during the election campaign will land on Mondays and Thursdays. Look out for bonus episodes like this one. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to 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 anytime on your smart speaker by saying “Alexa, Ask BBC Sounds for The Today Podcast.”The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producer is Hatty Nash. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from Hannah Montgomery and digital production from Joe Wilkinson.