What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel

Mark is joined by Marina Purkiss and Jemma Forte — the outspoken hosts of The Trawl — to talk about the state of British politics, why humour is a vital weapon against despair, and how compassion got lost in the shouting. They discuss Labour’s moral drift, the Green Party’s rise, and what it means to stay human in a political landscape fuelled by fear. Expect sharp wit, rage, and even a baked potato scandal involving Prince Andrew. Please do check out Marina and Jemma’s podcast “the trawl” available on all platforms! 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 the higher tier of Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away. 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

This week Mark continues his conversation with Andrew Fisher. 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

Mark is joined by writer and former Labour policy chief Andrew Fisher as they discuss life after Westminster, the realities of drafting a manifesto, Labour’s internal battles, the legacy of Corbynism, the future of the left under Starmer, and why real political change begins in communities — not committee rooms 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 the higher tier of Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away. 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

This week Mark continues his conversation with Jeremy Corbyn. 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 Jeremy @jeremycorbyn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark Steel welcomes Jeremy Corbyn, the former UK Labour leader, for an engaging discussion on the state of British democracy. Corbyn delves into the rising cost of living, media misinformation, and grassroots activism. He shares insights on the dangers of contemporary populism, pointing out the influence of figures like Trump. The conversation touches on the normalizing of racism in media and the rise of the far-right in Europe, as well as recalling historical anti-racist movements. It's a thought-provoking dialogue filled with personal anecdotes and reflections on political shifts.

This week Mark continues his conversation with Rob Evans. 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   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by journalist Rob Evans as they discuss the shocking world of undercover policing, the unmasking of “Mark Stone,” officers who fathered children while undercover, surveillance of the Stephen Lawrence campaign, how activists exposed the spies — and the absurdities that came out at the public inquiry.  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

This week Mark continues his conversation with Rosie Holt. 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 Rosie @rosieisaholt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian and satirist Rosie Holt as they discuss her viral lockdown sketches, the absurdity of political spin, Partygate, why people fell for her fake MP, the blurred line between satire and reality, and whether comedy can really change anything  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 Rosie @rosieisaholt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.