Mark is joined by writer and journalist Margaret Renn in this special extended episode. Together, they discuss Margaret’s new book “Paul Foot: A Life in Politics” and the life of Paul Foot, one of Britain's most outstanding journalists and socialist campaigners.If you enjoyed this interview then please buy a copy of Margaret’s new book, it’s well worth a read so head down to your local book shop and buy a copy, but if you really must use amazon then you can buy it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paul-Foot-Politics-Margaret-Renn/dp/1804291900Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpodFollow What The F*** Is Going On? Bluesky/X @wtfisgoingonpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by scientist, writer, and broadcaster Adam Rutherford in this special extended episode. Together, they discuss eugenics, Charles Darwin, Francis Galton, nature versus nurture, how right wing Americans influenced Hitler and many other fascinating topics. If you enjoyed this interview then please buy a copy of Adam’s book “Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics”, It would make an excellent Christmas gift and can be ordered on amazon right now using this link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Control-History-Troubling-Present-Eugenics-ebook/dp/B08WC6493L Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpodFollow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Bluesky/X @wtfisgoingonpodFollow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcomFollow Adam @AdamRutherford Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Arthur Smith in this special extended episode, as they discuss his 1991 stage play “An Evening With Gary Lineker”, Arthur’s time teaching in France & many more fascinating stories from Arthur’s life.Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpodFollow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Bluesky @wtfisgoingonpodFollow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcomFollow Arthur on bluesky @arfursmith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we revisit this special episode recorded in front of a live audience at Leicester Square Theatre.Mark is joined by Seann Walsh, Angela Barnes and Elliot Steel as he tries to make sense of the current mess that we're in.Plus there's Mike Concrete being forced to make an apology to an Irish farmer – and a woman that Mark heard on a phone-in show complaining about all the boats that are coming here...Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpodFollow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpodFollow Seann Walsh @seannwalshFollow Angela Barnes @AngelaBarnesFollow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Andy Zaltzman, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of the threat of nuclear war , Farmers inheritance tax –  and Elliot tells us about his recent altercation at a bus stop.Plus we hear an exclusive extract from the late John Prescott and Mike Concrete speaks to a climate change activist Go to https://www.andyzaltzman.co.uk to get tour tickets and more from Andy.Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpodFollow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpodFollow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcomFollow Andy @zalzcricket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by author John O'Farrell, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of why the left keeps seeming to lose, The resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury –  and Elliot explains the recent controversy over referee David Coote.Plus Britains most patriotic man Nigel boulevard shares his thoughts on good old fashioned British fireworks and Mark overhears a woman on a phone in who is not happy about the Archbishop of Canterbury’s resignation.If you want to buy John’s new paperback you can grab a copy here:https://www.waterstones.com/author/john-ofarrell/53371Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpodFollow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpodFollow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcomFollow John O’Farrel @mrjohnofarrell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by writer Matthew Norman, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of everything that’s happened in the last few days in this US election special.Plus we hear from a woman on a phone in who Is especially shocked and astounded at the re-election of Donald Trump.Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpodFollow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Scott Bennett, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Trump’s accusations of The Labour Party’s “Foreign Interference”, Celebrities putting themselves on islands  –  and Elliot makes an interesting link between this podcast and socialism.Marks new tour show “The Leopard In My House” is on sale now so head over to www.marksteel.info for tickets.Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpodFollow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpodFollow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcomGo to www.ScottBennett.co.uk for Scott’s tour tickets and more  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Rosie Holt, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of the removal of hereditary peers in the House of Lords, How the new government has effected everybody  –  and Elliot shares his thoughts on deleting Twitter/X.Plus, We hear from George Galloway giving his views on Keir Starmer’s “gift” tickets to Taylor Swift and Mike Concrete talks to the winner of the Warehouseman of the Year Award.Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpodFollow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpodFollow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcomFollow Rosie @rosieisaholt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by screenwriter and novelist Frank Cottrell-Boyce, to discuss being the UK Children's Laureate  , His role in the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, Working with Tony Wilson on 24 hour party people  –  and growing up in Liverpool.Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpodFollow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpodFollow Frank on twitter @@frankcottrell_b Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices