

What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel
WTF Productions
From Donald Trump's tariffs to Elon Musk's Teslas; from the rise of Reform to 'Woke Marxist Popes' and the axing of Winter Fuel Payments, award winning comedian Mark Steel and some very special guests attempt to answer the most taxing intellectual question of our time... What The F*** Is Going On?! Get video versions and instant access to the full interviews on Patreon.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 14, 2025 • 46min
Ep 165 with Ash Sarkar (Part 2)
In the second part of the conversation with Ash Sarkar, a political commentator and author of *Minority Rule*, they delve into the complexities of racism and strategies for meaningful change. Sarkar shares personal experiences navigating societal issues and emphasizes the power of grassroots movements. The duo humorously contrasts U.S. and UK political candidacy processes, critiques the disillusionment with politicians, and explores the balance of optimism and community trust in shaping future perspectives.

Sep 8, 2025 • 48min
EP 165 with Ash Sarkar (Part 1)
Ash Sarkar, a journalist and the author of 'Minority Rule', joins Mark Steel to discuss the nuances of anti-racist activism and her politically active family background. They explore the importance of solidarity in struggles, critique Labour under Starmer, and reflect on the pitfalls of language obsession in activism. With humor, they touch on quirky neighborhood interactions and the chaotic spirit of football culture, revealing the layers behind public discourse and genuine engagement.

Aug 30, 2025 • 47min
Ep 164 with Seann Walsh (Part 2)
This week Mark continues his conversation with Seann Walsh. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.
Want to get access to the full video interview before anyone else? why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it!
www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod
For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk
Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod
Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel
Follow Seann @seannwalsh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 23, 2025 • 57min
Ep 164 with Seann Walsh (Part 1)
Mark is joined by comedian Seann Walsh as they discuss service stations, booking train tickets, the new world of comedy, Seann’s upbringing - and getting your phone stolen.
You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod
For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk
Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod
Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel
Follow Seann @seannwalsh
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 16, 2025 • 48min
Ep 163 with Zack Polanski (Part 2)
This week Mark continues his conversation with Zack Polanski . If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.
Want to get access to the full video interview before anyone else? why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod
For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk
Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod
Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel
Follow Zack @ZackPolanski @GreenpartyZack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 9, 2025 • 54min
Ep 163 with Zack Polanski (Part 1)
Mark is joined by the Deputy Leader of the Green Party, Zack Polanski. Together they discuss why he joined the Green Party, working with Jeremy Corbyn, providing an alternative to Reform - plus the misconceptions about the Green Party and how he hopes to change them.
You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod
For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk
Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod
Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel
Follow Zack @ZackPolanski @GreenpartyZack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 2, 2025 • 45min
Ep 162 with Matthew Norman (Part 2)
This week Mark continues his conversation with Matthew Norman. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.
Want to get access to the full video interview before anyone else? why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod
For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk
Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod
Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 26, 2025 • 48min
Ep 162 with Matthew Norman (Part 1)
Mark is joined by columnist and political satirist Matthew Norman as they discuss US politics, how Trump got into power, writing for the Guardian Diary, Communism - and the modern education system.
You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod
For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk
Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod
Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 19, 2025 • 54min
Ep 161 with Michael Rosen (Part 2)
This week Mark continues his conversation with Michael Rosen. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.
Want to get access to the full video interview before anyone else? why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod
For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk
Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod
Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel
Follow Michael on twitter/x @Michaelrosenyes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 12, 2025 • 53min
Ep 161 with Michael Rosen (Part 1)
Mark is joined by children’s Author Michael Rosen as they discuss Jewish history, Language as a philosophy, underestimating dictators, Writing for children - and Yiddish swear words.
You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod
For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk
Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod
Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel
Follow Michael on twitter/x @Michaelrosenyes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices