The Two Matts discuss Europe’s shift towards right-wing populism and its implications for the UK rejoining the EU, how media brevity has impacted political understanding and debate, the Trump shooting conspiracy theories and the public’s diminished joy in politics and sport over the years. The intrepid podcasters also dive into how soundbite culture has reshaped political communication. Plus: the Paris Olympics and the wonder that is Daley Thompson.
Latest in The Two Matts
From a bonfire of red tape to Grenfell: a case study in societal failure
The appalling negligence and greed that resulted in 72 people dying in the Grenfell disaster is laid bare. The Matts wonder why nobody is already on remand for manslaughter. They wonder whether the system is actually broken or if it’s working as it was set up to. They wonder how people like Jacob Rees-Mogg sleep […]
Far right rises in Germany - but not as much as Oasis ticket prices
As Germany reckons with the rise of the far right AfD in German regional elections, the Matts ask if simply demonising them is inviting disaster. Meanwhile, one Matt is feeling both smug about landing tickets for Oasis and furious that dynamic pricing has become the debate raging at the heart of our new Labour government. […]
Q&A: Smoking outside, printing money and booking Kemi
Should smoking should be banned in designated outdoor spaces? The Two Matts answer this and other listener questions on the Conservative leadership contest and a 101 on government debt. Plus they ponder whether it’s still possible to maintain friendships across political divides in today’s polarised landscape.
Adam Boulton on why politicians need to be braver. Yes, Keir… that’s you
Broadcasting legend Adam Boulton has, over 40 years as a journalist, seen the media’s relationship with politics disintegrate. In this episode he tells the Matts where things started to go wrong, what puzzles him about Keir Starmer’s apparent fear of upsettting the right and why an entire generation no longer understands the difference between news […]
Q&A: From Milton Keynes to Keynesian economics
The Two Matts delve into your questions, including the UK’s daunting economic outlook amidst high public borrowing figures, the need for a hopeful road map from the government, and compare the current situation with past examples of large-scale social uplift like Lula’s policies in Brazil. They also explore whether a Keynesian economic resurgence is on […]