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The Two Matts

The Two Matts

668 episodes — Page 2 of 14

Face it, Keir, it’s over. But you could still save the nation

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The Matts digest the events of the past 24 hours. Will Morgan McSweeney’s departure delay or hasten the existential crisis facing Keir Starmer? Does Starmer’s plea bargain over Peter Mandelson’s appointment wash? How could he take a bold personal decision and salvage his legacy? And of all the problematic contenders circling overhead, who could achieve mission barely-possible: to keep Nigel Farage out of Downing Street? It’s a special bonus edition of the podcast today. Enjoy.Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 9, 202639 min

The Two Matts Q&A: Mandelson rage, arrest Andrew Windsor and Zack Polanski on drugs

The Matts answer listeners' questions including: why has this Peter Mandelson scandal provoked such enormous fury, why is not-Prince Andrew still at large, can Zack Polanski be trusted, is the House of Lords really a threat to democracy and what is the best protest song ever? Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 8, 202632 min

This is the end for Keir Starmer

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The Matts assess the last 24 hours and reach an inescapable conclusion: Keir Starmer will not survive the Mandelson affair. He may limp on for weeks, even months. But the damage of this specific event has ignited such a rage within and without the Labour Party that his departure as prime minister feels more than likely - it feels both inevitable and necessary. If Starmer and his government were strong and making headway in the nation, this scandal would be entirely survivable. But they’re not.Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 5, 202645 min

The Mandelson affair destroys our delusions about power

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Peter Mandelson’s disgrace, writ large in the latest dump of Jeffrey Epstein files, is the gravest challenge to the credibility of the British establishment in decades. And how Keir Starmer reacts to it in the next 24 hours may well come to determine his future as PM. The degree of Mandelson’s betrayal of both his colleagues and country exposes just how open to abuse our society is by a network of immoral actors. Who is pulling the strings? And to what aim? Today, the Matts attempt to understand the scope of what is increasingly looking like the single biggest political scandal of our lifetimes.Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 3, 202642 min

The Two Matts Q&A: The Shamima Begum row - Round 2

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The Matts respond to listeners’ reaction to their debate on the future of Shamima Begum - and, if anything, their respective positions have hardened. Get set for some fireworks. Also - was Keir Starmer weak in blocking Andy Burnham, is the UK falling apart, did the Tories cross a line in slurring Suella Braverman… and who will pick up the biggest Oscar prizes? It’s a rumbustious episode! Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 1, 20261h 0m

What does Trump’s Minnesota retreat add up to?

The situation in Minnesota has brought extraordinary political turmoil to the Oval Office. As Donald Trump continues his manic month of January - from Venezuela to Davos, Greenland to Iran - what does this domestic crisis mean for his personal position as president and the MAGA movement in general? The Matts analyse what is an unprecedented situation in US politics. Also - a good week for Keir Starmer? The Matts look forward to visa-free travel in China and put the PM’s trip in a broader global and domestic context. Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 29, 202649 min

Andy Burnham revisited

We thought you might enjoy relistening to an in-depth conversation we had last year with the man of the moment, Andy Burnham - mayor of Greater Manchester, former cabinet minister and, of course, a man who's had his ambition to run as an MP squashed by the Labour NEC under the direction of Keir Starmer because, many believe, Burnham is seen as a challenger to the leadership.So we looked back at the interview we did with Andy last year and so much of what he talks about - about power beyond Westminster, about Labour's current and future trajectory and what politics is like outside of the bubble have not only not gone away, they have become even more painfully relevant. So, if you missed this first time, it's well worth a listen. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 26, 20261h 7m

The Two Matts Q&A: Was Blair right to join Trump’s Board of Peace… and should Shamima Begum be allowed back to the UK?

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The Matts answer your questions, including on Trump and Greenland, Blair and the Board of Peace, whether the Home Office is right to keep Shamima Begun out of the UK and, of course, the really big question of the week: who is Team Brooklyn and who is Team Posh and Becks? All of human life is here! Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 25, 202640 min

Trump Complacency Disorder abounds. Not here.

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The Matts pick apart the most astonishing events of the past 48 hours and take an objective look at what it means. They are appalled at the complacency of many in the media in reporting what is a shakedown happening in real time. And they delight in the clear-eyed articulation of this new world order as framed by Mark Carney. Other leaders? Not so much. Enjoy.Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 22, 202645 min

Special edition with Paul Mason: Decoding Trump’s madness

The last 72 hours have been extraordinary and historic. And we still don’t have a clue what it all adds up to. But there are things we now know. Trump is on a collision course with European nations over the future of Greenland and Keir Starmer is stuck in the middle of an angry EU and a desire to placate the giant orange man baby. Joining the Matts this evening to argue through the meaning of these fast-moving events is New World contributing editor Paul Mason. Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 19, 202634 min

The Two Matts Q&A: Is Nato dead and why was 2016 actually a great year to be alive?

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The Matts answer your questions, including what would happen if Nato collapsed, is there hope for Iran, how can we fix Britain’s sh*tty water companies, was 2016 a year to feel nostalgic about and did the Matts get it right with their comments about votes for the old? Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 18, 202626 min

Saul Klein: Britain can succeed - but a lot must change

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Saul Klein is one of the UK’s top venture capitalists - he’s helped build some extraordinary businesses and he understands, as few do, just how our capitalist society really functions... or doesn’t. He describes himself as a professional optimist and has a fascinating, wide-ranging narrative entwining European history, the negative consequences of Silicon Valley’s dominance in tech, Britain’s real place in the world based on the actual data and not media negativity… and where a new embrace of British values can lead to the growth our economy so desperately needs. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 15, 20261h 7m

The Two Matts Q&A: Is Nato dead? Is Marty Supreme any good? And should old people vote?

The Matts answer your questions. including Trump’s kleptocracy, Laila Cunningham’s chances of becoming mayor of London, why The New World is still on X, an upper limit on the voting age, how good Timothée Chalamet’s blockbuster ping pong movie Marty Supreme is and what chance there is of a special edition of The New World commemorating the forthcoming 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum. Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 11, 202636 min

The new world order is revealing itself

The Matts pick apart the extraordinary events of this week and make sense* of what they mean for life on planet Earth in the second quarter of the 21st century. What is Trump up to? How can Europe react to a threat from a NATO member state? What is the future of Greenland? How is it connected to a future territorial dispute in Siberia? And what straight line can be drawn from the horrific murder of a 37-year-old woman on the streets of Minnesota and the abduction of the Venezuelan president? 2026 has started off in remarkable fashion … and it looks like continuing this way for the foreseeable. Enjoy.     *Sense isn’t really the right word. It’s more like making a (possibly futile) effort to divine some sort of logic in a wild pattern of behaviour from the most powerful man on the planet. You’ll just have to bear with us.Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 8, 202646 min

The Matts’ cultural highlights of the year

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2025 may have been an absolute skip fire for political progress but it was a cracker for culture. The Matts round off the year with their highlights - but what will be their joint top moment of 2025? Thank you for listening this year - the Matts return early January and wish all listeners a fabulous festive season and happy New Year!Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 23, 202536 min

When are we going to take anti-semitism seriously (and actually do something about it?)

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The Matts explore the issues thrown up by the dreadful massacre of Jews at Bondi Beach this week. When is a protest actually an act of violence? Why do we rush to talk of securing synagogues from attack rather than address the root problem of those attacks? How will our politicians get ahead of what is obviously a cycle of anti-Semitic violence against Jewish communities around the world that will be repeated over and over until something fundamental shifts? Also this week - what does Trump’s reaction to the murder of Rob and Michelle Reiner tell us about the state of US politics … and does it, ultimately, open up a possible escape from the madness? Enjoy!Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 16, 20251h 5m

The Two Matts Q&A: Should we hand US authorities our social media history?

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Matthew d’Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss the Trump administration’s demand for visitors to hand over five years’ worth of social media history, why political manifestos have got so long and whether Piers Morgan was right to give such lengthy exposure to Nick Fuertes.Plus they talk about whether the UK should be able to exert conditions on a sovereign state like Argentina when it comes to defence procurement, what’s going on with the price of beef and which magazines they subscribe to. Enjoy!Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 14, 202540 min

Fludemic, Zack Polanski, and a (rare) big-up to Keir

The Matts wonder what we’ve learned since Covid … and if the reaction to the current flu outbreak is anything to go by, the answer is not much. The conversation segways into Zack Polanski and political energy. Then in part two, both Matts are united - for once - in praise for Keir Starmer’s attempt to reinterpret the European Convention on Human Rights to deliver swift action on asylum seekers who break our laws. Enjoy!Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 11, 202538 min

In defence of a new Europe - with Paul Mason

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The Trump administration’s National Security Strategy document released this week is an astonishing affront to what many of us believe to be the liberal world order. The Matts are joined by New World contributing editor and columnist Paul Mason to understand just how far reaching its consequences are - and how Europe must find new purpose if it is to resist it. Where is the UK’s place in that new Europe? And sweat must this Labour government do to avoid chronic declinism? It’s an engrossing conversation that sheds light on the predicament we are in - and how to escape it. Enjoy!Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 9, 20251h 13m

Is Richard Tice as nasty as he seems?

Today on The Two Matts podcast, Matt Kelly and Matt d’Ancona again respond to your queries. They discuss whether Richard Tice is as nasty as he appears to be, and if there is a world where Labour and the Conservatives form a German-style grand coalition to keep Reform from forming the next government. They also talk about whether calling out Brexit could be a winning strategy for the prime minister at the next election and, in the world of media, why the Daily Mail hates Prince Harry so much.Finally, as Christmas approaches, one listener has a burning question: turkey or beef?Have a question to stump the two Matts? Email us now at [email protected] to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 7, 202540 min

Hillsborough justice delayed is no justice at all

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The Matts examine the conclusion of the Independent Office for Police Conduct 14 YEAR (!) investigation into the Hillsborough disaster and reflect on the ghastly sequence of events that has consumed so many lives, literally and otherwise. And to add insult to the closure of a process that has taken 36 years to produce zero accountability for the 97 lives lost by unlawful killing. Also, in the first half of the pod, the Matts discuss Trump’s latest outrage and how it is opening the door to racism and racists everywhere.Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 4, 202547 min

Journalism’s race to the bottom

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The Matts discuss the central role journalism has played in fostering racism in Britain over the decades, and which now looks like it is entering a new, more dangerous phase. The chat is based on an article Matt Kelly wrote for The New World - the link is below. But before that - why did Rachel Reeves mislead the public about the state of the nation’s finances and how much trouble is she (and the government in general) now in? Enjoy!Read Matt Kelly’s article here: https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/matt-kelly-journalisms-race-to-the-bottomHead to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 2, 202558 min

The Two Matts Q&A: Should Farage’s schoolboy racism count against him?

Today on The Two Matts podcast, Matthew d’Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether Nigel Farage’s schoolboy racism should count against him 45 years later and, after The New World’s Kent council cover story, how the media can continue to hold the Reform party to account. They also talk about the best outcome for Ukraine in any peace deal and how to solve the immigration debate. Could a Citizens Assembly be the answer, as one listener suggests?Finally, the Matts respond to one listener’s request that, please, could we all go back to just celebrating Christmas in December?Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 30, 202531 min

Has the Budget sealed Starmer’s fate?

Did Rachel Reeves turn a corner this week with her Budget … and drive this Labour government straight off a cliff? The Matts reflect on her performance yesterday and how she fared in the media round this morning. It’s not great news for those of us clinging to the hope that Starmer can reinvigorate his government and begin to climb the polls. In fact … it’s enough to convince one of the Matts that there’s now no way back for this underwhelming double act. Also - the Matts delve into this week’s special AI edition of The New World - and focus on the British philosopher who is worshipped (almost literally) by the men who believe that control the future. If you’ve never heard of Nick Land, be prepared to be astonished. Enjoy!Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 27, 202550 min

PRE-BUDGET SPECIAL - with Tom Baldwin

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The Matts are joined by Labour insider and New World contributing editor Tom Baldwin - fresh from his in depth interview with the woman of the hour, Chancellor Rachel Reeves.  Tom explains what’s going on in Reeves’ head (lots) and how she faces an unprecedented challenge - calming a febrile electorate while delivering enough visible progress to keep Reform out of government. Is she up to the job? Listen to find out. Then the conversation turns to her boss - Keir Starmer. Can he really beat Farage and if so, how? Tom makes the best case the Matts have yet to hear for why Starmer is precisely the man for the job - but it comes with a massive caveat. Something fundamental has to change about how Number 10 goes about it. It’s a deeply insightful conversation from a man who understands the trials and tribulations of this Labour government as well as anyone. Enjoy.Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 25, 202556 min

This week's Two Matts Q&A: Do we need a public inquiry into the BBC?

Matthew d’Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether we need a public inquiry into the BBC’s remit in British life, if we would all be better informed if we listened to experts and - in the light of allegations about Nigel Farage’s school years - whether leopards ever change their spots. Plus they talk about Mohammed bin Salman - a force for good or evil? - the war in Ukraine entering its fourth winter and whether there has ever been a leader with worse taste in home decor than Donald Trump.Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 23, 202534 min

BRACE! BRACE! Trump goes into emergency mode as Epstein crisis gets real

The Matts dig into the unfolding drama in Washington as Trump performs the reversal of his career and signs off on the release of the Epstein files. How much trouble is he in? Also - what should we make of Labour’s new crackdown on immigration? The Matts may disagree about the messaging but are fairly aligned about the merits (or otherwise) of the policy. But will this change anything for a government besieged? Enjoy!Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 20, 202550 min

Inside the mind of a 16-year-old - with Peter Hyman and Shuab Gamote

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Maybe the best podcast we’ve done to date? You be the judge - but the Matts explore an extraordinary study into how 16 and 17-year-olds are thinking about a wide range of issues, both political and social. It’s important and timely; they will have the vote at the next election and will play a big role in deciding what trajectory Britain takes. And it’s not what you might imagine … so many of this report’s findings fly in the face of what many of us oldies believe to be true. Peter and Shuab spoke to hundreds of youngsters to get a deep understanding of how the look at politics and politicians - what motivates them, what scares them, what depresses them and what fixates them. It’s a fascinating discussion. Enjoy!Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2mattsInside the Mind of a 16-year-old full report: https://demos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Inside-the-mind-of-a-16-year-old_2025_report_final-Nov.pdfPeter Hyman Substack, Changing the Story: https://peterhyman21.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 18, 202553 min

This week's Two Matts Q&A: Is it time to let talent like Mamdani run for president?

Matthew d’Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether it is time for the US to repeal its natural-born citizen clause and let talent like Zohran Mamdani run for president and if reducing regulations would allow the Michelle Mones of this world to prosper, and revisit their chat with Jo Bartosch on pornography.Plus they talk about simplifying the tax code, whether there is a media silence on the new Green leader Zack Polanski and who will be first up against the wall once Nigel Farage enters Downing Street.Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 16, 202540 min

EXCLUSIVE: How the BBC dossier author HIMSELF doctored Trump’s quotes

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The Matts kick off the show discussing The New World’s exclusive by political editor James Ball that Michael Prescott - author of the dossier into the BBC - himself doctored Trump quotes in the report, making his evidence seem more damning. It’s an extraordinary revelation that calls into question Prescott’s journalistic judgement. To read the full story go to thenewworld.co.uk. Also this week - Labour contrive to make things actually worse for themselves. Quite the challenge but they pull it off with aplomb. And why the Epstein emails are tearing MAGA apart. It’s a lovely pod this week. Enjoy!Head to nakedwines.co.uk/matts to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 13, 202542 min

A deep dive into the world of porn with Jo Bartosch

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The Matts join the fray on chaos at the BBC … what does it mean for the future of the corporation and why we should all be glad to pay for it. Then they are joined by Jo Bartosch, co-author of Pornocracy, an argument about the evils of pornography in today’s world. How has porn changed in the age of the internet - and how has it changed the human species. You will be astonished at some of Jo’s findings. It goes without saying this podcast contains some adult themes so listening in the car with kids is not a great idea. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 11, 20251h 1m

This week's Two Matts Q&A: Is charisma now a political party in its own right?

Matthew d’Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether the enthusiasm for the new New York mayor Zohran Mamdani shows charisma is now a political party in its own right, if a Reform government would open the racist floodgates and whether a 2p income tax rise is enough to fix Britain’s problems. Plus they talk about whether anyone actually cares about the climate crisis anymore and if the future of AI is actually a lot brighter than we give it credit for.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 9, 202530 min

Is the Mamdani moment as big as it seems?

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The Matts weigh up the success of New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and ask how much we should read into a good set of results for Democrats in the US. And will winning the election prove the easy part now Mamdani has to govern a city notoriously impatient with its mayors? Also - as Mamdani sets out to bring clarity to the unprecedented inequality in American society, what does Elon Musk’s $1trillion pay packet tell us about capitalism in the first quarter of the 21st Century? Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 7, 202547 min

Reeves flunks it

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The Matts are bewildered at the chancellor’s performance this morning - who was she talking to? What was she trying to achieve? Why can’t anyone in government seem to speak plain English? Also this week - as The New World launches a long-term campaign Read Against Racism, the Matts analyse how it is that the UK has gone backwards on hard-won progress against hatred and bigotry - and what can be done to fix it. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 4, 20251h 1m

This week's Two Matts Q&A: Is it time for Keir Starmer to finally smell the roses?

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Matthew d’Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether the Caerphilly by-election shows it’s time for Keir Starmer finally to smell the roses on the EU, if opinion polls truly matter and whether Andy Burnham should support Lucy Powell for the Labour leadership. Plus they talk about how the media landscape has changed since the phone-hacking scandal, community tensions over asylum applications and the return of Mr Blobby.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 202536 min

The Autocrats … Trump and Xi kiss and make up (for now)

Donald Trump meets President Xi of China and saves face in his latest about-turn in policy. Is there method in the madness or is this yet more evidence of the capricious randomness at the heart of Trump’s foreign policy? Also … Matt D watches the latest production to emerge from the writing genius that is Mick Herron - the novelist behind the Slow Horses drama series. Does Down Cemetery Road live up to the standards of its impressive antecedent? Only one way to find out! Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 30, 202538 min

Rock bottom (maybe?) for Labour - where next?

As Keir Starmer becomes the MPs unpopular PM in history, the Matts ask what on earth he can do to turn his premiership around. Has he got it within him to become the radical agent of change he promised, especially now there seems nothing much to lose in terms of winning an election that seems beyond him. Also - what does Sarah Pochin’s racism tell us about what’s going on within Reform? Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 28, 202546 min

This week's Two Matts Q&A: Are we giving Nigel Farage too much airtime?

Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether the pod is giving Nigel Farage too much airtime, why nobody is talking about the fundamental realities of the UK economy and the government’s twin responses to Prince Andrew and the grooming gangs scandal. Plus they talk about whether Piers Morgan is right that woke is dead, and who the biggest charlatan they’ve ever met is.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 26, 202534 min

Cops have no business policing the offensive

E

The Matts rail against the weaponisation of the law against people who are merely grossly offensive. Where is the line? Who decides what is illegal and what is not? And have we all drifted into a society that can’t shrug off an insult? Also - Michael Wolff takes on Melania Trump; the best horror movies for Halloween; and the Boss is back in a new Springsteen documentary… is it any good? Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 23, 202554 min

National disgrace: Where Andrew and the grooming gangs meet

E

The Matts see a parallel between two outrages; the disgusting conduct of Prince Andrew; a man shielded from consequences of his depravity by power and wealth - and the national grooming gang scandals; men shielded from consequences of their depravity by a failure of the liberal establishment to confront reality. Both cases touch on what we perceive British values to mean and how, in both cases, it seems we are still ill-equipped to right their wrongs. Be aware; it’s a tough listen in parts.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 21, 202554 min

Q&A: Israel and Palestine… the gloves come off

In one of the best Q&A’s the Matts have recorded, a question about media coverage of the Middle East ceasefire provokes a heated argument - as each Matt fights his corner with the kind of honesty and conviction you may not always get on other political podcasts! As the dust settles, they answer more questions of Nigel Farage, A-level English … and their most embarrassing moment. It’s a rambunctious episode so hold on to your hats… Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 19, 202545 min

The Power Broker: Inside Paul Marshall’s extraordinary network of right-wing influence

The Matts are joined by political editor James Ball whose cover story this week is an exhaustive investigation into the full extent of Paul Marshall’s bid to influence British society. The man who owns GBNews and The Spectator is also finding a broad array of influential think tanks, policy units and conferences - making him the most influential non-politician in British politics. And it’s working - James and the Matts discuss the inexorable rise of Nigel Farage … one of Marshall’s employees. Is he now unstoppable? It’s an episode you need to hear to believe. Enjoy.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 16, 202548 min

Trump’s day of days in the Middle East: It’s a win… take it

The Matts marvel at the extraordinary day that has just passed - first in the Knesset in Jerusalem, then in Sharm Al-Sheik in Egypt - as Donald Trump’s whirlwind victory parade signals the start of what we should all pray is a lasting peace. How do we square the undoubted leap out of the catastrophe of war in Gaza with the president’s ghastly autocratic brutality at home? Should we even care how we got here … and just be grateful that we have? And what comes now in a Gaza pummelled to oblivion?OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 14, 202543 min

Q&A: Is Donald Trump actually the right man at the right time?

E

Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss whether the Gaza peace deal shows that Donald Trump, despite all his manifest failings, is actually the right man at the right time, if you now need a brown paper bag for your New World cover and who Conservative MPs could coalesce around to prevent the next leadership election reaching their members.Plus they talk Britain’s trade deal with India, whether the Princess of Wales is right to say screens are ruining family life and if they’d rather be Faithfuls or Traitors. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 12, 202535 min

Why we are addicted to everything everywhere - with Joe Woof

E

The Matts begin with peace in the Middle East. Is it time to give Trump the Nobel? Then they turn to the outrage over a man being arrested in London for holding up his copy of The New World. Then after the break, a fascinating and troubling conversation with Joe Woof, author of this week’s New World cover story laying bare why addiction rates are soaring across the western world. You might not think you’re an addict before you listen to this pod, but by the time you’ve finished you’ll have changed your mind. But fear not - knowledge is power, as the Matts discover. And knowing how they are exploiting us all is the first step in our escape route from the grip of the Addiction Economy. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 9, 20251h 7m

How do we deal with Islamism in the UK?

E

Britain has a problem. The presence within what we call our multi-cultural society of abhorrent groups with views that threaten not only our values, but our citizens. Islamists, anti-semites, fascists. What is stopping the government from isolating them and dealing with them? The Matts do what they do best - engage each other in a testing dialogue on a difficult and complicated topic. They also take stock of the last two years since the Oct 7 massacre and the subsequent catastrophe in Gaza. Is hope on the horizon? Finally, Robert Jenrick is a dangerous racist at the heart of what used to be a powerful political party. On that, at least, they are in absolute agreement. Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 7, 20251h 2m

This week's Two Matts Q&A: The case for Keir Starmer

Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries. They discuss what the case is for Keir Starmer leading Labour into the next general election, whether we should be preparing for authoritarianism in the UK and if the sight of a Metropolitan police officer makes them feel safe or not. Plus they talk about the dark side of David Bowie, Alastair Campbell’s dismissal of Curtis Yarvin and what gives them inspiration in dark times.OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 5, 202540 min

Michelle Mones and moans and moans - but she got her just deserts

E

The Matts digest the disgusting tale of greed and corruption surrounding the Medpro scandal. Matt K reveals what happened when (soon to be ex) Baroness Mone of Mayfair threatened to sue him and Matt D hopes this is just stage one of a justice process that ends in criminal charges. Also - remember the Climate Crisis? It used to be quite big on the agenda but now populism is the name of the game it has slipped out of mind. What is the consequence when politicians decide to appease voters rather than serve their long term interests? Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 2, 202538 min

LIVE… from Liverpool! Did Keir pull it off?

E

New World political editor James Ball joins the podcast live from Labour Party conference in the great city of Liverpool with his verdict on Keir Starmer’s make or break speech. He had his moments, but did Starmer do enough to turn around horrific personal and party polling and set up a genuine challenge to rising tide of Reform? Enjoy!OFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 30, 202534 min

Q&A: Is Andy Burnham being unrealistic?

Today on The Two Matts podcast, Matt d'Ancona and Matt Kelly again respond to your queries.They discuss whether Andy Burnham has unrealistic standards for politics and whether he is the right person to run the country. Plus, is it alarming or alarmist to fear about Tommy Robinson’s potential path to power? The Matts talk about what the real point of the UN is, if there is a case for ID cards and, following the New World’s political editor James Ball’s brilliant interview with Ed Davey, what they took away from the Lib Dem conference.Have a question to stump the two Matts? Email now at [email protected]: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 28, 202538 min