Boris Johnson is stealing the limelight from Rishi Sunak yet again as he faces a four-hour grilling from furious MPs. We look ahead to the greased piglets latest trial. Plus, the panel reflects on the Iraq War, 20 years on. How has it warped our politics? Then, in the extra bit for Patreon backers, we look to the skies and discuss who should occupy the moon base – and whether we really need one. “It will be glorious – it has the outward architecture of farce already.” – Tom Peck “His defence wil...
Mar 21, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 189
Jeremy Hunt’s bland Budget offers little hope – but hey, at least we avoided a technical recession. The panel picks apart the Chancellor’s pledges. Plus, as Rishi Sunak lets his MPs duke it out – is he above the fray, or asleep at the wheel? Polly Mackenzie, chief social purpose officer at UAL and formerly director of Demos, is this week’s guest. “The post-purge Tory party keeps on drifting to the right… it’s a significant problem.” – Ian Dunt “Is Sunak someone who actually wants to make things ...
Mar 17, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 188
Lineker versus the BBC ends 1-0 to the football legend. What does the ding-dong battle tell us about the broadcaster’s shortcomings? And why did the Government call this so wrong? Plus, what is going on with Trump and Fox News? The panel looks at the right-wing rage machines across the Atlantic. And, we discuss the protests in Georgia – and the nation’s desire to join the EU. “Footballers are media trained, this feels like a fight the Government shouldn’t want to pick – but they keep doing it.” ...
Mar 14, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 187
Braverman and Sunak’s callous and dehumanising “stop the boats” push is the latest moral shame bestowed upon us by this Government. Plus, we ask: is it ever okay for politicians to lie? We discuss the criticism of party leaders changing tack… And in the extra bit (for Patreon backers) – should we try harder to celebrate success in later life? “The way the government has conducted itself over small boats is despicable.” – Ian Dunt “Braverman gave less a word salad and more a word meringue, hard o...
Mar 10, 2023•54 min•Season 2Ep. 186
OK, Matt Hancock entrusting his WhatsApp messages to the world’s least trustworthy woman is pretty funny. But is the Telegraph using them to rewrite history on COVID? Plus, our panel gently disagree on the wisdom of Keir Starmer hiring Sue Gray as his Chief of Staff. Sunak bets on cruelty to small boat refugees to reanimate his Prime Ministership. And as Harry and Meghan are turfed out of Frogmore Cottage, which homes were our panel glad to see the back door of? “There is no British male who has...
Mar 07, 2023•58 min•Season 2Ep. 185
Won’t somebody think of the Brexiters? Sunak’s “Windsor Framework” sucks all the anger out of the Northern Ireland border issue, so what is Boris Johnson going to do with his life now? Plus, Flat Broke: Why isn’t anyone talking seriously about housing? The latest source for Isobel Oakeshott to burn is the hapless Matt Hancock. Who could possibly have foreseen this? Vicky Pryce? And what’s the worst event YOU’VE ever been to? “We’ve seen how flexible and generous the EU can be just as long as the...
Mar 03, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 158
Rishi Sunak got Brexit done again – but will it be enough to satisfy the headbanging Leave die-hards who want to rule the Conservative Party? We discuss the latest NI protocol settlement after the PM’s meet with Ursula von der Leyen. And as the right-wing surges, the panel unpacks Suella Braverman’s immigration positions. Plus, Observer restaurant critic Jay Rayner gives his take on the food shortages as tomatoes become more valuable than the pound. “There was never enough good faith there in th...
Feb 27, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 157
As Boris Johnson drags us back to 2018 with his NI protocol meddling we discuss the latest Brexit wranglings (yes, again…). Plus, a year on from Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, we reflect on the conflict and how it has reshaped politics. And in the extra bit, in full for Patreons, we talk about the bizarre feeling of someone you disagree with making a smart point… “If you’re applying a purity test – someone can always be purer.” – Seth Thévoz “Sunak would be in a tricky position if he’s relying on ...
Feb 24, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 156
As Keir Starmer casts Jeremy Corbyn out, the panel discusses what this means for the Labour Party, its former leader and wider politics. Could this set a new model for influential but independent MPs? Then – have you seen your gas bill yet? We unpack the latest in the energy cost crisis, as people suffer despite booming profits for providers. Plus – what Government departments would our team like to take over – would they copy Sunak and make any new ones? “It’s really bad for a party to become a...
Feb 21, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 155
In the second half of our latest live outing, the panel discusses hope for the future and the prospect of rekindling the old EU flame… Is it time to rebrand rejoin? Plus, a special conspiracy theory quiz and some questions from our beloved audience. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Written and presented by Alex Andreou with Ros Taylor, Ian Dunt and Ayesha Hazarika. Audio producers: Alex Rees and Robin Leeburn. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Theme music by Cornershop...
Feb 17, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 154
To listen to this week's live show in its entirety before everyone else, join us from just £3 a month: www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow What a difference a day makes… with Sturgeon gone and Starmer putting his foot down on Corbyn, the panel picks apart the latest political shake ups. What will this mean for the prospect of (whisper it), a Labour Government? Out early for everyone (and you’ll get it all on Patreon) here’s part one of our latest Leicester Square Theatre outing – with the second due in...
Feb 16, 2023•53 min•Season 2Ep. 153
Gove convenes a stealth conference on how to make Britain work better with the EU. Is the time ripe to start talking about Britain rejoining? Is the Tories’ Red Wall emissary 30p Lee Anderson a disaster waiting to happen? Plus, with legendary works of fiction going out of copyright – we ask our panel what they would reboot or reimagine. Rachel Cunliffe, associate editor at New Statesman, is this week’s guest. Get the last few tickets to Oh God, What Now? Live at the Leicester Square Theatre here...
Feb 14, 2023•59 min•Season 2Ep. 152
New series preview: How much do we really know about the people who make the headlines? In a provocative new series the acclaimed journalist Michael Crick, formerly of BBC, C4 and Newsnight, delves into the backgrounds of the powerful and the influential. In this first episode: Few newspaper editors wield as much power as the Daily Mail’s Paul Dacre. Feared and courted by politicians, he’s imposed his singular vision of Britain on successive governments – while sometimes stretching the law in pu...
Feb 13, 2023•14 min
Rishi Sunak shuffles his Cabinet pack and comes up with a couple of dog-eared former junior ministers plus 30p Lee. Is there any talent left in the Tory tank? And is Sunak really in charge? Plus, HORRIBLE BOSSES: The Dominic Raab Edition. Why do bullies appear to prosper in the Conservative Party? And when does “robust management” become office tyranny? And in the Extra Bit: After the bizarre resurrection of Liz Truss, what are the best comebacks of all time? Get your tickets for OGWN Live on We...
Feb 10, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 2Ep. 151
Truss is back and Johnson never went away – what are they angling for? And can Sunak avoid these two figurative icebergs? Plus, the yob narrative is back on the agenda. Is Tory posturing on anti-social behaviour any more than pandering to curtain-twitchers? And with Australia choosing not to put Charles on its banknotes – who should we put on our money? The panel is joined by Geri Scott, political reporter for The Times. Get your tickets for OGWN Live at the Leicester Square Theatre on Weds 15 F...
Feb 07, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 150
The Conservative Party is dying. Can anyone resurrect it? Our panel, begrudgingly, looks at the challenges they’ll have to face if they’re ever to become a functioning party again. Plus, we discuss the parlous state of the UK’s military capabilities. Can we defend ourselves? We wade through the news with an all-star panel of Oh God, What Now? regulars. “Voters won’t pick the most interesting PM, they’ll pick the one who will save them.” – Alex Andreou “It’s hard for someone to be better at being...
Feb 03, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 2Ep. 149
With the PM and his party on the back foot – have they just given up? Our panel picks apart Sunak’s dither and delay in his sacking of Nadhim Zahawi. Plus, are we seeing a new, even more hostile, hostile environment? And we forcefully quit the anti-growth coalition as we discuss alternatives to Trussonomics. This week’s guest is Rachel Cunliffe, senior associate editor at New Statesman. “If Rishi Sunak didn't know about this, what is the point of ministerial vetting processes? What is the point ...
Jan 31, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 148
The Tories are on the Zahawi to hell as briefing wars break out over sleaze scandals as Johnson lurks on the sidelines. Plus, voter ID is rolling out this year – but it turns out plenty of people don’t have a clue. What might mass disenfranchisement mean? Heidi Alexander, former MP, current Deputy Mayor of London and parliamentary candidate for South Swindon, is this week’s guest. “This exposes just how rigged the game is if you’re really rich.” – Naomi Smith “The more people see of Sunak, they’...
Jan 27, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 147
As the nation feels the squeeze, the Tories revel in sleaze. We get down to brass tacks on Nadhim Zahawi’s taxes. And while they ditch levelling up, do this cabal of cronies even understand what needs fixing? Plus, we ask: is it time for the West to go full throttle in backing Ukraine in the war against Russia? Our guest this week is Rock and Roll Politics host Steve Richards. “The Tory party hasn’t really reformed and changed, the same issues that brought them down in ‘97 have just recurred.” –...
Jan 24, 2023•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 146
Law, huh, what is it good for? According to the Tory Brexiteers, not a lot, as they move to scrap thousands of EU regulations. The panel discusses what an act of legislative vandalism this truly is. Plus, COVID conspiracies become the new… COVID conspiracies. Anti-vaxx rhetoric is back and being weaponised by the right. What are Andrew Bridgen et al up to? And, in the extra bit (in full for Patreons) we keep tabs on the politics of cigarettes. Get tickets for OGWN Live in London on Weds 15 Feb h...
Jan 20, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 145
You’d think Rishi Sunak would be pushing ministers to take the flack amid the current crises – but they’re remarkably quiet. Where are the rest of his Cabinet? Plus, while Eurosceptics suggested Britain’s EU departure would weaken the bloc, the opposite has happened. Quelle surprise… And we talk about the spread of toxic masculinity online. Can we stop it earlier? Special guest Anoosh Chakelian, Britain editor at New Statesman, joins our panel this week. “Hunt is like the villain in a kids’ cart...
Jan 17, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 145
A special preview of our new series - search for Jam Tomorrow in your favourite podcast app or visit https://kite.link/JTS1 How did Britain’s dreams of a new postwar world go unfulfilled? And what does that mean for us today? In the first of a new documentary series from the makers of Oh God, What Now?, Ros Taylor looks at the legacy of the War itself. Ιdeals of the Blitz Spirit and dreams of wartime heroism still shape everything from pop culture and entertainment to the Brexit debate. But the ...
Jan 16, 2023•16 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Rishi Sunak is constantly trying to reject the idea he could be out of touch – but, seriously, does he have any idea what Britain wants? This week’s guest Ben Walker, of Britain Elects and New Statesman, picks apart the polls to get in the mind of voters. Plus, political donations – how can we avoid undue influence and, dare we suggest it… corruption? Are more stringent rules needed? “Everyone is feeling the cost of living crisis, going to a supermarket is like a radicalising process.” – Ben Wal...
Jan 13, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 144
Sunak and Starmer's battle of the speeches marked this year’s first blue on red ding dong. What are their respective pitches? The panel plays a game of spot the difference between the pair’s positions and policies. Plus, as the PM tries to hibernate through the new Winter of Discontent – is he sleepwalking towards a General Strike? And, finally, we unpack the pros and cons of tea-spilling biographies. Anybody heard about one of those recently? “None of these policies mean anything. There’s no ti...
Jan 10, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 143
Ah, a new year. A time to reflect and make changes. And here comes Sunak with his five pledges… Well, I guess there’s always next year (thanks very much, fixed-term parliaments act). With the NHS in crisis, strikes never ending and the cost of living spiralling out of control – surely we need more than more maths lessons? Plus, after Christmas drew charity into focus – has the state simply offloaded its responsibilities to Good Samaritans? “The crisis is the result of nearly 13 years of Tory Gov...
Jan 06, 2023•57 min•Season 2Ep. 142
Good will to all men and all that but first, join us for a final airing of grievances. What are the top 10 most infuriating, baffling and rage inducing events of the past year? Our panel counts down to number one in the second half of our 20 worst moments from 2022. They unpack everything from record temperatures, tyrannical leaders to unprecedented sewage spills – and that’s not a metaphor for Boris Johnson or Liz Truss, they get mentions of their own… “Trump didn’t realise that you can’t just ...
Dec 23, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 141
So what were the REAL big events of 2022? From Matt Hancock stinking up the jungle to the true meaning of Wagatha Christie to the Mail’s efforts to get Beergate off the ground, we look back on 12 months of mendacity, grift, fantasy and denialism – and that’s just Boris Johnson. “Truss was more useless and more mad than even Johnson realised” – Tom Peck “We should have Wagatha Christie once a year as a tradition. Pick two celebs who have a very stupid fight that ends up in court”. – Marie le Cont...
Dec 20, 2022•56 min•Season 2Ep. 140
After Eva Kaili and the corruption arrests in Brussels, is EU democracy really in trouble? Meanwhile, as all the little strikes coalesce into a big one, why do governments love “sending the army in to fix it”? And new research shows working class participation in the creative industries has halved since the 70s. We go behind the figures to ask why. Ian Dunt, Hannah Fearn and Alex Andreou join host Andrew Harrison to huddle around a warm mixing desk. “UEFA and FIFA are cesspits for siphoning dirt...
Dec 16, 2022•59 min•Season 2Ep. 139
Scramble back from the bar for Part Two of OGWN LIVE at London’s 21Soho club. We pick apart the Main Characters of 2022 and ask who made the more lasting mark on the world: Musk, Zelenskyy, the Lionesses or… someone else? Plus more Peer and Loathing and audience questions too. Get the mulled wine in. It’s as good as being there. PATREON BONUS: Live video coming soon too… Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey with panelists Naomi Smith, Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou. Audio producers: Alex Rees an...
Dec 14, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 138
Join the OGWN panel LIVE at London’s 21Soho club to look back on 2022 in a gala evening of high-octane political complaining. On the agenda: The ongoing collapse of the Conservative Party, the Year in Keir, and a fiendish Christmas party game called Peer And Loathing. Get the mulled wine in and turn up the volume. Part Two coming tomorrow, Weds 14. Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey with panelists Naomi Smith, Ros Taylor and Alex Andreou. Audio producers: Alex Rees and Robin Leeburn. Produc...
Dec 13, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 2Ep. 137
