At this week's Labour Conference, Kier Starmer warned that Britain faces a 'fork in the road'. Helping Andy Zaltzman decide which way to turn are Ian Smith, Celya AB, Hugo Rifkind and Zoe Lyons. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Cody Dahler, Eve Delaney and John Tothill Producer: Georgia Keating and James Robinson Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc Willcox A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.
Oct 10, 2025•28 min
In the week where Trump addressed the UN, Lib Dems conferred on the beaches of Bournemouth, and a Seagull Summit came to Inverness, Andy Zaltzman is joined by Simon Evans, Neil Delamere, Tiff Stevenson and Cindy Yu to break it all down. Expect talk of the Burnham from behind, the Boriswave, and the wettest generation since the floods. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Jade Gebbie, Miranda Holms, Ruth Husko and Peter Tellouche. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: James ...
Oct 03, 2025•28 min
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Hugo Rifkind, Pierre Novellie, Sara Barron and Lucy Porter to break down the week in news. The panel unpack Trump's second state visit, the reserve banquet of seat fillers, foreign investment from the US, Ed Davey's Ancient Greek punishment, chimps drunk on fruit, and why Penny Mordaunt thinks it's no fun to be a Conservative anymore. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Cody Dahler, Ruth Husko, Sam Lake and Laura Major. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executiv...
Sep 26, 2025•29 min
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Daliso Chaponda, Susie McCabe, Geoff Norcott and Ash Sarkar to break down the week in news. Expect discussion on the Labour Deputy Leader Election, the return of the Mandelson, strikes on Qatar, Russian drones in Poland and telepathic Google searches. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Simon Alcock, Carwyn Blayney, Ruth Husko and Alex Kealy. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinator: Caroline Barlow Sound Editor...
Sep 19, 2025•29 min
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Alasdair Beckett-King, Andrew Maxwell, Lucy Porter and Coco Khan to break down the week in news. Topics include Angela Rayner skipping out on stamp duty, Xi Jinping's summit, the decline in cement, a new leader for the Green Party, and the rapid multiplication of St George's flags. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Rebecca Bain, Milo Edwards, Ruth Husko and Mike Shephard. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinat...
Sep 12, 2025•28 min
Is AI taking over? And if so, how should we treat our new robot overlords? Catherine Bohart investigates, with the help of Olga Koch, Professor Kate Devlin, and our regular roving correspondent Sunil Patel. Written by Catherine Bohart, with Madeleine Brettingham, Rose Johnson and Pravanya Pillay Producer: Alison Vernon Smith Executive Producers: Lyndsay Fenner & Victoria Lloyd Sound Design: David Thomas Production Co-ordinator: Katie Sayer A Mighty Bunny production for BBC Radio 4...
Sep 05, 2025•28 min
With UK-US relations in the spotlight, Catherine Bohart wants to know just what the special relationship means in 2025. With the help of Felicity Ward, Amb. John Bolton and our regular roving correspondent Sunil Patel, Catherine's asking what makes the special relationship 'special'? Are the US and the UK really exclusive? And does anyone have the number of that nice girl, the EU? Written by Catherine Bohart, with Madeleine Brettingham, Catherine Brinkworth and Priya Hall Producer: Alison Vernon...
Aug 29, 2025•29 min
With unemployment on the rise, Catherine and friends want to know why Britain isn't working. Is it AI? Is it older workers taking early retirement? Or is there something bigger going on? To find out why, Catherine is joined by Hugo Rifkind, Isabel Berwick, and roving correspondent Sunil Patel - and they've got their work cut out... Written by Catherine Bohart, with Madeleine Brettingham, Georgie Flinn and Christina Riggs. Producer: Alison Vernon Smith Executive Producers: Lyndsay Fenner & Vi...
Aug 22, 2025•29 min
Why does Britain have so many new parties? And why are none of them the fun kind? Catherine Bohart investigates the rising challengers to the two-party system, with the help of Zoe Lyons, Ian Dunt and roving correspondent Sunil Patel. Written by Catherine Bohart, with Madeleine Brettingham, Gareth Gwynn and John Tothill. Producer: Alison Vernon Smith Executive Producers: Lyndsay Fenner & Victoria Lloyd Sound Design: David Thomas Production Co-ordinator: Katie Sayer A Mighty Bunny production ...
Aug 15, 2025•29 min
Wealth tax - no brainer or non starter? Catherine Bohart unpicks the arguments raging about the mooted solution to Britain's infamous financial black hole with plenty of silliness thrown in. With Baroness Ayesha Hazarika MBE, Sunil Patel and tax expert Dr Emma Chamberlain OBE. Written by Catherine Bohart, with Madeleine Brettingham, Tom Neenan and Pravanya Pillay. Producer: Alison Vernon Smith Executive Producers: Lyndsay Fenner & Victoria Lloyd Sound Design: David Thomas Production Co-ordin...
Aug 08, 2025•28 min
Columns. Analysis. The Guardian's Long Read. Who has time? Catherine Bohart, that's who - and she's going beyond the headlines to give you the lowdown on one of the biggest stories this week, with the help of Phil Wang and our regular roving correspondent Sunil Patel. This week, there's something in the water as Catherine & co investigate the regulation of the water industry, with the help of Helena Horton, environment reporter at The Guardian. Written by Catherine Bohart, with Madeleine Bre...
Aug 01, 2025•28 min
The Dead Ringers team are back to train their vocal firepower on the week’s news with an armoury of impressive impressions. This week: Super-injunctions, superheroes, Epstein files and, er, Diane Abbott. Cast: Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis Macleod, Jess Robinson, Duncan Wisbey. This episode was written by: Nev Fountain & Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Rob Darke, Tom Coles, Toussaint Douglass, Sophie Dickson, Joe Topping, Jon Holmes, Lizzy Mansfield, Rachel E, Thorn, Davina Bentley, Alice B...
Jul 25, 2025•29 min
The Dead Ringers team are back to train their vocal firepower on the week’s news with an armoury of impressive impressions. This week: A Salt Path surprise, a Man of Steel (tariffs), and Postman Pat deals with the Post Office Inquiry Report. Cast: Jan Ravens, Jon Culshaw, Lewis Macleod, Jess Robinson, Duncan Wisbey. This episode was written by: Nev Fountain & Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Rob Darke, Toussaint Douglas, Peter Tellouche, Edward Tew, Jon Holmes, Katie Sayer, Davina Bentley, Li...
Jul 18, 2025•28 min
The Dead Ringers team are back to train their vocal firepower on the week’s news with an armoury of impressive impressions. This week: The Government’s welfare woes, the BBC’s chant chastisement, and Netanyahu, Trump and Putin play Just A Minute. The episode was written by: Nev Fountain and Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Rob Darke, Sophie Dickson, Toussaint Douglass, Peter Tellouche, Tom Coles, Edward Tew, Jon Holmes, Davina Bentley, Vicky Richards, Ali Panting, Pete Redfern, Declan Kennedy. Ca...
Jul 11, 2025•29 min
The Dead Ringers team are back to train their vocal firepower on the week’s news with an armoury of impressive impressions. This week: Trump drops the F-Bomb, Lammy drops another clanger, and money saving expert Martin Lewis drops into NATO. Cast: Jan Ravens, Jon Culshaw, Lewis Macleod, Jess Robinson, Duncan Wisbey and Kieran Hodgson. The episode was written by: Nev Fountain and Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Tom Coles, Sophie Dickson, Toussaint Douglas, Peter Tellouche, Rob Darke, Edward Tew, ...
Jul 04, 2025•29 min
The Dead Ringers team are back to train their vocal firepower on the week’s news with an armoury of impressive impressions. This week: Iran plays host to a surprising WMD Inspector, Laura Kuenssberg is de-escalated, and Ross Kemp on Grooming Gangs. Cast: Jan Ravens, Jon Culshaw, Lewis Macleod, Jess Robinson, Duncan Wisbey and Kieran Hodgson. The episode was written by: Nev Fountain and Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Tom Coles, Sophie Dickson, Toussaint Douglas, Rob Darke, Cody Dahler, Edward Te...
Jun 27, 2025•29 min
The Dead Ringers team are back to train their vocal firepower on the week’s news with an armoury of impressive impressions. This week: Greta Thunberg floats her boat at Rachel Reeves, Trump and Elon couple up on Love Island, and Gary Lineker tries something new. Cast: Jan Ravens, Jon Culshaw, Jess Robinson, Kieran Hodgson and Duncan Wisbey. The episode was written by: Nev Fountain and Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Edward Tew, Tom Coles, Rob Darke, Sophie Dickson, Toussaint Douglas, Jon Holmes,...
Jun 20, 2025•29 min
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Glenn Moore, Felicity Ward, Athena Kugblenu and Marie Le Conte to break down the week in news. The panel discuss Musk and Trump's messy break up, getting Britain ready for a war and why children shouldn't be trusted to do town planning. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Eve Delaney, Jade Gebbie, Cameron Loxdale and Alexandra Haddow. Producer: Pete Strauss Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc Wi...
Jun 13, 2025•29 min
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Armando Iannucci, Ria Lina, Ian Smith and Cindy Yu for more topical comedy quizzing. This week they explore Trump’s tariff turmoil, the King’s Canadian holiday, mixed messages in the Middle East and how the Department of Justice is having trouble finishing its sentences. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Mike Shephard, Peter Tellouche, Sascha LO and Eve Delaney. Producer: James Robinson Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Jodie...
Jun 06, 2025•29 min
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Andrew Maxwell, Ian Smith, Alex Kealy and Times columnist, Cindy Yu. They cover a triumph or a surrender (depending on who you ask) as well as reflecting on where you're most likely to spot a billionaire in the wild and the death of the semi-colon. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Christina Riggs, Laura Major and Christian Manley. Producer: Gwyn Rhys Davies Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc...
May 30, 2025•28 min
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Alasdair Beckett-King, Sara Barron, Daliso Chaponda and ITV Deputy Political Editor Anushka Asthana. Discussion points include this week's immigration White Paper, tighter controls on international students looking for gainful employment, the elusive definition of a 'skilled job', chimpanzees utility in medical emergencies, and the returns policy on a returns hub. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Samira Banks, Catherine Brinkworth, and Cody Dahler...
May 23, 2025•29 min
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Geoff Norcott, Ria Lina, Ava Santina and Alasdair Beckett-King to break down the week in news. The panel discuss the results of the UK local elections, the reaching of a US-UK trade deal, the storm of online misinformation surrounding the India-Pakistan border stand-off, the statutes of statues, and the conclusion of the Conclave as we meet the world's first American Pope. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Eve Delaney, Jade Gebbie, John Tothill and...
May 16, 2025•29 min
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Geoff Norcott, Lucy Porter, Ed Byrne and Marie Le Conte to unpack the week in news. Topics include the loss of power in the Iberian Peninsula, the gaining of power in the Canadian election, the US-Ukraine mineral deal, cyberattacks on M&S, and the medical benefits of Champagne. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Ruby Clyde, Eve Delaney, Cameron Loxdale and Laura Major. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: James Robinson Production Coordinat...
May 09, 2025•29 min
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Andrew Maxwell, Zing Tsjeng, Jessica Fostekew and Pierre Novellie to unpack the upcoming local elections, the Conclave in the Vatican, Trump's planned UK visit, and Yorkshire Gladiators. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Chris Ballard, Cody Dahler, Eve Delaney and Alice Fraser. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc Willcox A BBC Studios Audio Production for Radio 4....
May 02, 2025•29 min
Andy Zaltzman is joined by Zoe Lyons, Mark Steel, Athena Kugblenu and Hugo Rifkind to unpack bin workers strikes in Birmingham, pop stars popping to the stars, talks of tariffs, steeling oneself in Scunthorpe, and how Toby took his carvery one step too far. Written by Andy Zaltzman. With additional material by: Mike Shephard, Christina Riggs, Eve Delaney and Ben Pope. Producer: Rajiv Karia Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Production Coordinator: Beanna Oldin...
Apr 25, 2025•29 min
The Naked Week team are back to place satirical news-tariffs on current events with a mix of correspondents, guests and, occasionally, live animals. This week we mourn the death of globalisation, take a tour of Keir's new theme park, and play a game of BBC Balance Local Elections Naked Week Joke Twister. From The Skewer’s Jon Holmes and host Andrew Hunter Murray comes The Naked Week, a fresh way of dressing the week’s news in the altogether and parading it around for everyone to laugh at. With a...
Apr 18, 2025•29 min
The Naked Week team are back to place satirical news-tariffs on current events with a mix of correspondents, guests and, occasionally, live animals. This week we 'woop woop' at the sound of the Thought Police, enjoy a spot of 'tariffic' retaliation, and bang a gong for the local elections. From The Skewer’s Jon Holmes and host Andrew Hunter Murray comes The Naked Week, a fresh way of dressing the week’s news in the altogether and parading it around for everyone to laugh at. With award-winning wr...
Apr 11, 2025•29 min
The Naked Week team are back to place satirical news-tariffs on current events with a mix of correspondents, guests and, occasionally, live animals. This week we Spring (Statement) into action with a timely tune for - and by - Rachel Reeves, explore a pothole that's opened up in the programme, and accidentally get added to Radio 4's Group Chat. From The Skewer’s Jon Holmes and host Andrew Hunter Murray comes The Naked Week, a fresh way of dressing the week’s news in the altogether and parading i...
Apr 04, 2025•29 min
The Naked Week team are back to place satirical news-tariffs on current events with a mix of correspondents, guests and, occasionally, live animals. This week we apply for a job in the parliamentary Work and Pensions office, play a game of 'Liz Truss or new ride at Alton Towers', and make a military incursion into Ambridge to steal territory from The Archers. From The Skewer’s Jon Holmes and host Andrew Hunter Murray comes The Naked Week, a fresh way of dressing the week’s news in the altogether...
Mar 28, 2025•29 min
The Naked Week team are back to place satirical news-tariffs on current events with a mix of correspondents, guests and, occasionally, live animals. This week we use a housebrick to explain what's happened with the Reform Party, carve literal dead wood to explain what's happening with the civil service, and explain more news with haikus. From The Skewer’s Jon Holmes and host Andrew Hunter Murray comes The Naked Week, a fresh way of dressing the week’s news in the altogether and parading it aroun...
Mar 21, 2025•29 min
