The Two Matts

What is England? What is Englishness? The Matts are joined by Tom Baldwin and Marc Stears, authors of a fascinating new deep dive into the question of nationalism, called England - Seven Myths That Changed A Country And How To Set Them Straight. It’s a wide-ranging conversation on their journey from Runnymede to Hull via Plymouth, Wolverhampton, Oxford, Blackpool and Greenwich to discover the real England. Enjoy!Subscribe to The Two Matts: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have the Matts ever been victim to a honeytrap? What is a 'Police and Crime Commissioner' and should we bin off first names for MP's? This and more discussed in this weeks Q&A.Exclusive listener offer >> https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts get philosophical about smoking and what a ban means for Britain. Whisper it… but has Rishi Sunak done something not completely crap for once? Or is his proposed age-related ban on smoking the start of slippery slope towards big government invading the rights of its citizens? Also … the magnificence of Salman Rushdie’s response to 27 seconds of madness which saw him lose and eye and almost die less than two years ago. This week he is back with a Knife of his own - the title of his book centred on that awful attack. It’s not just a triumph of the will to live, says Matt D’Ancona; it’s a remarkable love story. Plus a terrific offer to subscribe to the UK’s fastest growing newspaper title The New European.Exclusive listener offer >> https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Q&A episode, Matt and Matt take on questions from you on poverty in the media, Trumps stance on abortion and Harold Wilson's love life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did we get to the point where troubled children have been damaged by a health system that should have protected them? How did the dogma of trans activists subsume standard medical practices? And how do those who cynically cheered them on from the sidelines sleep at night? The Two Matts discuss the Cass Report, released this week, and what it says about media, activism and the right to have an open discourse without fear of censure. Also - how movie portrayals of Amy Winehouse and Emily Maitlis both fell short.Get a FREE signed copy of James O’Briens hardback book – How they broke Britain worth £20 when you subscribe today from just £1 a week - go here 👉 https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How time flies when the world is on fire… a quarter of 2024 has already passed and the Matts check global progress against their expectations at New Year. It’s a grind reality check as Gaza and Ukraine go from bad to worse and Trump appears to be gaining ground on the White House. On the upside, there’ve been a bunch of cultural highlights to provide welcome distraction - not least the publication this week of Caledonian Road by Andrew O’Hagan. “It’s like Bonfire Of the Vanities… but better” says Matt d’Ancona. Enjoy!Subscribe to the New European and get a free signed copy of James O'Brien's hardback book, How They Broke Britain (worth £20!) when you use this link >>https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have the Tories hit rock bottom.. or could things get even worse? The Matts gameplay their options with outcomes ranging from disastrous to cataclysmic. In the second half, they examine the role of satire in society and ask the question: Have we all lost our sense of humour?Subscribe to the New European and get a free signed copy of James O'Brien's hardback book, How They Broke Britain (worth £20!) when you use this link >>https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts discuss Owen Jones resigning from the Labour Party, ponder the need for an upper chamber in the UK parliament, debate the influence of unions, Donald Trump's latest rhetoric and briefly touch on the identity of the next James Bond. Happy Sunday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves speech on the future of the economy is dense with ideas that will affect all our futures under a Labour government. What did she mean and why does it matter? The Two Matts do the deep dive into one of the most interesting and important speeches from Labour since they lost power. Also - the time Steve Harley gave Matt K the death stare … and George Lucas sent Matt D into a world of journalistic anxiety.Subscribe to the New European and get a free signed copy of James O'Brien's hardback book, How They Broke Britain (worth £20!) when you use this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did Deggsy do well for Liverpool? Why is no one intervening in Gaza? Can you ban “extremism”? And is Fargo better than the Big Lebowski? The Two Matts take the big questions of our times head on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The inside track on how Princess Kate and the Royal press offices messed up so badly … and how some of the most famous photographs ever were faked. But first … another week of shambolic governance courtesy of the Conservative Party. Racism, misogyny, dodgy contract relationships and abject failure of leadership. In other words, just another week in Tory land. The Two Matts offer their inimitable perspective on Sunak’s house of chaos.Further Reading:Racism Without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in America by Eduardo Bonilla-SilvaHow To Tell Someone They Sound Racist by Jay SmoothSubscribe to the New European and get a free signed copy of James O'Brien's hardback book, How They Broke Britain (worth £20!) when you use this link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are ultra-processed foods the new cigarettes? Is there a solution to rough-sleeping? And should the fact GBNews lost £75m last year cheer us up .. or scare us even more? All this and more on the Two Matts regular Q&A episode. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for our first transatlantic podcast as Matt D’Ancona in Manhattan and Matt Kelly in London dissect the extraordinary events of this week’s Super Tuesday and what it all means for the seemingly inevitable Presidential showdown between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. And we get Matt D’Ancona’s verdict on the big Broadway production An Enemy Of The People.Subscribe to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beer with Tucker Carlson or George Galloway? Mob rule; Lee Anderson and Liz Truss v Rishi Sunak; and is Ofcom doing a great job regulating GBNews … (take a wild guess). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In conversation with the Two Matts, the man who knows Keir Starmer better than most - his biographer Tom Baldwin sheds light on a complex politician and what we might expect from him as PM - including the truth about his attitude to Europe and Brexit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Garbage “food”, Liz Truss and the deep state; anti-semitism; and “legitimate concerns about racism” - all explored Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remember the war in Ukraine? The one that used to be front page news every day for a while? It’s TWO years since Putin launched his full scale invasion and after a brief period of delusional confidence that Ukraine was going to see him off… it appears, for the moment at least, he is winning. What needs to change, and how great is the threat to European democracy? How can we prevail against an enemy when we ourselves are so disunited over giving Kyiv the tools it needs to win? Also - is television drama the new conscience of the nation? The Matts consider the impact of Breathtaking - the latest ITV drama to shock the nation over the reality of our political failures.Subscribe to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why are politicians terrified of the Daily Mail? Should Labour pin their colours to the proportional representation mast? Is Jez Butterworth a genius? And what’s the secret to effective communications…? Find out ASAP…Subscribe to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unravelling and deciphering the chaos within Labour’s response to anti-semitism - the eternal conflict simmering, and now once more raging, within the party’s ranks. What does it mean for Starmer’s momentum towards Number 10 … and does his response to this give a clue to the kind of Prime Minister he will be? The Matts find themselves thick in the thorns of an issue that will run and run for years to come. On a brighter note - a treat for cinema lovers: Matt d’Ancona raves about the new Bob Marley biopic and both Matts take a magical mystery tour through their favourite rock and pop movies.Subscribe to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Were we too hard on Laurence Fox? Why does the US back Israel? And is it segue or segway? All these and more on our soaraway Sunday Q&A episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is it about Keir Starmer and pledges … his latest u-turn is a big one: the central plank of his economic reboot of Britain’s economy into a global green leader. Where does it leave him in terms of political credibility and, more importantly perhaps, in terms of his vision for taking a moribund national economy and supercharging it? Also - just how much do the Republicans hate American Football? Is Taylor Swift really so much of a threat. And the Matts give Rishi Sunak a decent dose of opprobrium after another week of crass political dimwittery.Grab a FREE 'Bollocks To Brexit' passport when you subscribe to The New European: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The brass neck of The New European; why are tens of thousands of people dying before their time in the UK; shouldn’t we stop Instagram harming our children; and what superpower would the Two Matts like Elon Musk to implant into their brains? All this and more in the liveliest podcast Q&A in town…Subscribe to The New European Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If Laurence Fox is just the monkey, then who is the organ grinder and why is he pumping millions into causes and individuals so conspicuously damaging Britain? The 2 Matts ask some uncomfortable questions of the people funding culture wars. Also … will Rishi Sunak’s fasting regime endear him to the millions of Brits who can’t afford to eat properly after thirteen years of a Tory government? And the Matts pay tribute to Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp and the eternal power of sport.Subscribe to The New European HERE! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week the Two Matts tackle division in Ireland, independence in Scotland and personal abuse from Julia in south London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When more than a million people came out in cities across Germany to protest against the far right AfD party, it was an indication of how perilous that nation’s political situation has become. New European columnist Tanit Koch joins the Two Matts from Bonn to explain the origins of the crisis and what it means for her country … and beyond. Also - let’s celebrate the brilliance of recent movies as the Oscar nominations are revealed and the Matts give their tips for Academy Award success!Subscribe to The New European here! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A little bonus episode of a podcast we like: the Disorder podcast, by friend of the pod Jason Pack (alongside former British diplomat Alexandra Hall Hall), tackles the big question of how the world got so disordered.We've picked a taster that we think you'll like: the theme is the EU, and the guest is trade negotiator John Clarke. Enjoy.Get more Disorder when you follow the show: https://tr.ee/ksicr-3WtyWe'll see you on Friday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Matts discuss Scottish National Party's political strategies, ponder the what-if scenario of a centrist incursion oining the Tory party and delve into data protection issues. Plus: some podcast plugs and Oscar tips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It seems certain that Trump will become the Republican nominee for President. We take a deep breath and let that sink in - along with all the horrendous consequences to American democracy and the inescapable reality that this os not a blip in 21st Century politics but a taste of how things will be… forever on. Also - who cares if the Daily Mirror newspaper collapses into a state of abject irrelevance? The Two Matts do - and then explain why Britain needs the once-mighty tabloid of the left more than ever.Tim Alberta: The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of ExtremismSubscribe to The New European Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Sunday Q&A The Two Matts are asked whether Sunak is wrong-footing Labour, if the English people or press are royal obsessed, and what books we should be reading.Thanks to Ben Valentine, Jonathan Fogell, Paul in Woolwich and Mira Starmore for this week's questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has justice been done in the appalling scandal of the Post Office’s prosecution of subpostmasters? Not by a long chalk. The convictions may be overturned, the compensation cheques arranged … but what about punishing those responsible? The Two Matts anticipate the next phase of this sorry saga - and try to understand the mindset of Post Office management over two decades who allowed a culture of contempt for decent employees to turn their organisation into a case study of capitalism gone awry. Also - who are the masters of the universe assembling in Davos and what do they want? To improve the world or perpetuate their own power? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Liz Truss have had an honours list? Are 'Thinktanks' fit for purpose? And is Dave Chappelle still funny? All of these and more are answered by The Two Matt's in this Sunday Q&A episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How bad can it be? Well… pretty bad is the answer. 2024 is shaping up to be a seismic year in so many ways - but the Two Matts aren’t all doom and gloom (just mostly). Will the 14th Amendment change the course of US history? Will Keir Starmer find the recipe to restore trust in politics? Will the West sell Ukraine down the river? And how can we start to step forward to a solution in the Middle East? It’s a big show this week with lots to think about - tune in and let us know what you think at [email protected] to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Two Matts review the year through the prism of people: going through their heroes, villains and the dearly departed. Who will make the list? Tune in to find out... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why is the New European suing Michelle Mone? The full story unfolds here .. together with what we think it might mean for future writ-happy individuals trying to silence honest reporting. Plus - we are joined by the brilliant Zoe Gardner who looks back at an appalling year for the demonisation of migrants and looks forward to 2024 for what we all hope will be a year of better discourse and solutions to the defining issue of our age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is a thirty-five day suspension for one MP really enough? Are ID cards a good idea or an invasion of privacy? And 'Slow Horses' or 'The Crown'. All these questions and more are answered in this edition of The Two Matts, with Matt Kelly and Matt d'Ancona.Thanks to these wonderful people for their questionsHighland Girl (via Spotify)Anthony LaukaitisTrevor DobsonMichael RosenthalJane in Primrose HillYou can submit you questions to [email protected], if you're listening on Spotify, you can use the "ask a question" box under this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Farage is back from the jungle and picking fights with anyone who thinks he’s a wanker! Count us in, Nige! Meanwhile Rishi Sunak presses his Rwanda bill through the commons at a running cost of close to £400m just as Channel 4 reveals the crisis in the NHS under the Tories is worse than we even thought - begging the question has the PM really thought this through? And in a special episode of Keeping Up With The Jones’s, the Two Matts wonder who is the champ of social media purity culture - Owen or Alex? All this plus the inside track on how Michelle Mone threatened to sue The New European (and our concise response) on Britain’s liveliest political podcast.LISTENER OFFER: subscribe and get a copy of Alistair Campbell's 2023 diary absolutely FREE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Nigel Farage 'hard right' or 'far right'?. The Two Matts pass judgement on James Cleverly, celebrate the cultural highlights of 2023 and give their alternative choices for Person Of The Year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is he actually having a breakdown? Certainly the country he leads is… as Rishi Sunak comes to terms with another 24 hours of pure parliamentary chaos, the Two Matts ask: How much more of this can anyone take?! Also - in part two - Matt and Matt are joined by Middle East expert and host of the Disorder podcast, Jason Pack. Jason unpacks the complexities in how a long term solution involving Qatar could bring at least a semblance of stability to Gaza - but warns we are a long way off and things will get a lot worse before they get better. Lastly, a tribute to the late great Benjamin Zephaniah, whose poem “The British” is more relevant than ever.Listen to Jason's podcast, Disorder: https://podfollow.com/disorderLISTENER OFFER: subscribe and get a copy of Alistair Campbell's 2023 diary absolutely FREE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You asked the questions, and we've responded... Matthew d'Ancona and Matt Kelly don't hold back over proportional representation, immigration, benefits, and the power of Elon Musk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Two Matts discuss the legacy of the former Secretary of State, who died this week. How will he be remembered? As one of the most effective diplomats of our times … or a mass murdering war criminal who should have died in The Hague? Or is the answer, just possibly, a bit more nuanced than that? After the break, Matt and Matt consider how that other giant of international politics (and that’s a joke, for the hard of understanding) handled Britain’s relationship with Greece this week. Is Rishi Sunak really quite as pathetic as he seems? (spoiler alert: YES!) and what was the thinking (spoiler alert: THERE WASN’T ANY!) behind him deciding to insult his fellow NATO leader so gravely. You’d need a heart of marble not to laugh. All this plus Shane McGowan and why you should read this year’s Booker winner.Further Reading:Nixon and Kissinger: Partners in Power by Robert Dallek The Trial of Henry Kissinger by Christopher HitchensProphet Song by Paul LynchLISTENER OFFER: subscribe and get a copy of Alistair Campbell's 2023 diary absolutely FREE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Sunday - the Two Matts are back in the mailbox to answer your questions. #ama Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to spot an actual fascist in your midst! The Two Matts explore a fascinating checklist that sends shudders down their spines … and sheds light on the persistent rise of right wing populists from Geert Wilders in Holland to Javier Milei in Argentina to Nigel Farage in… as James Cleverley would say… a sh*thole in the Australian rainforest. Plus.. how to respond if invited to the cinema to watch Ridley Scott’s Napoleon: “Not tonight.” All this and more in this week’s Two Matts podcast.SPECIAL OFFER: Subscribe today and receive six New European Christmas cards and our hilarious 2024 Calendar (worth £25) ABSOLUTELY FREE: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Q&A episode Matt Kelly and Matthew d'Ancona answer questions on Jordan Peterson, the EU, podcasting, and politics. Can the use of humour counter charlatans and populists? Does the EU need to undergo reformation before the UK rejoins, and who should you vote for?Thanks to Roland, Keith, Andrew, J.Wells and Micheal for their questions.Subscribe to The New European TODAY and receive six New European Christmas cards and our hilarious 2024 Calendar (worth £25) ABSOLUTELY FREE https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/subscribe/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First half… a sharp dissection of the asylum that has become UK politics. How did Rishi Sunak manage to make Suella Braverman look like the competent one? In the second half, the Two Matts are joined by the inimitable Dom Joly whose new book on conspiracy theories is a treat. Well, that’s the rumour we heard anyway.Subscribe to The New European TODAY and receive six New European Christmas cards and our hilarious 2024 Calendar (worth £25) ABSOLUTELY FREE https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/subscribe/LINKSDom's book: "The Conspiracy Tourist: Travels Through a Strange World" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Braverman out, Cameron in. What does it all add up to? In the first ever Two Matts emergency podcast, Matt and Matt get inside the head of Rishi Sunak (they things they do for you!) and work through his thinking and the consequences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt d'Ancona and Matt Kelly answer the important questions on; the possibility of civil war in America if Trump wins the election, the introduction of mandatory ID in the UK, the impact of right-wing media on British political discourse, favourite George Michael songs, and opinions on the new John Lewis advert. Questions from Ben Valentine, Dave, Michael Rosenthal, Liz in Bicester, and a fellow Matt.If you'd like to submit a question for the next Q&A please email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a question of statesmanship over Gaza between Barack Obama and Suella Braverman, who do the Two Matts think comes out on top? Go on, take a wild guess. Also: Is Nadine Dorries locked in a paranoid fantasy or is there a kernel of truth in the conspiracy theories she’s packed into her new book? In other news, a chunk of the Two Matts’ childhood is consigned to the dustbin.Subscribe to The New European TODAY and receive six New European Christmas cards and our hilarious 2024 Calendar (worth £25) ABSOLUTELY FREE https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/subscribe/LINKS:Unholy: Two Jews on the news https://podfollow.com/1548441108The Modern Mann: https://podfollow.com/modernmannThe Media Podcast: https://podfollow.com/themediapodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steph, Andrew, Nigel and Jim pose all the important questions, from voter ID to The Beatles.Have a question? Email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He’s the leader of a new brand of right wing politics… but has he actually got anything to say? The Two Matts spend an evening with Jordan Peterson - and it’s an experience they’ll never forget. Plus - who’s worst? Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson or Matt Hancock? And what should we do with politicians with blood on their handsAn exclusive offer for The 2 Matt’s Podcast listeners! theneweuropean.co.uk/2mattsListen to the latest episode of The Media Podcast: https://pod.fo/e/1fe399 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben, Rob, Mike, Mo, Jane and Andrew pose all the important questions, from Whatsapp to biscuits.Have a question? Email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.