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Paper Cuts

Have you SEEN the state of the papers today? PAPER CUTS has. In our thrice weekly podcast, some of Britain’s sharpest commentators and funniest comedians come together to look at the madness, the strangeness, the obsessions, and – occasionally – the brilliance of our national press. Host Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalists and comedians like Jonn Elledge, Grainne Maguire, Jacob Jarvis, Ava Santina, Jacob Hawley, Marcus Brigstocke, Coco Khan and many more. Illustrations by Modern Toss: https://moderntoss.com
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Episodes

Trump inauguration bonanza – Has America turned on Harry and Meghan? – Could a private detective save your love life?

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: The Telegraph previews Trump’s ‘star-studded’ inauguration, and Jacob is desperate to find anything to joke about. We check out the latest issue of Vanity Fair’s to read their Meghan and Harry hit piece. Plus – Jonn and Miranda dive into the Daily Mail’s love diaries, where Liz Jones has hired a private detective to spy on her lover. Miranda Sawyer is joined by comedian Jacob Hawley and journalist Jonn Elledge. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-sh...

Jan 20, 202536 minSeason 1Ep. 351

Are the Obamas on the rocks? – Boo hoo! Ex-Tory MPs can't get a job – Meet the Hollywood orgasm coach

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: The Telegraph thinks that the Obamas might be heading for splitsville, leaving Grainne inconsolable. Ava discusses the plight of ex-Tory MPs who are struggling to find work after leaving Parliament, as reported by The Times. Plus – The Mail introduces us to Mr. O, the Hollywood "climax savant." But Miranda is skeptical of his hands-off methods. Miranda Sawyer is joined by comedian Gráinne Maguire and journalist Ava Santina. Support Paper Cuts and g...

Jan 17, 202538 minSeason 1Ep. 350

Is there a Traitor in your office? – How to avoid A.I. slop – The Guardian: “Don't sleep with your partner”

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: The Times has a helpful guide to spotting a traitor in your office. Is your social media feed full of weird A.I. images? We found a guide in The Telegraph on how to stomp out A.I. slop. Plus – The Guardian says you should stop sleeping with your partner to improve your life. Miranda Sawyer is joined by Natasha Devon, Jonn Elledge, Jason Hazeley, Jack Guinness, Marcus Brigstocke and Coco Khan. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-f...

Jan 15, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 349

Is Dominic Cummings really behind Musk’s war on Starmer? – Zuckerberg's very bad week – Sexy movies for women: they’re everywhere!

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: The Mail is giddy over a potential political union between Elon Musk and Dominic Cummings – luckily, Jonn is here to rain on their parade. Meta’s techno-specs get a test drive in The Times, but Natasha thinks a bad review could be the least of Mark Zuckerberg’s concerns this week. Plus – The Guardian celebrates saucy movies for women, so we’ve asked Marcus to investigate. Hopefully, we haven’t made a huge mistake. Natasha Devon is joined by Marcus ...

Jan 13, 202535 minSeason 1Ep. 348

Is Labour having a Liz Truss moment? – Is The Traitors too middle-class? – How to ‘half-arse’ your way to success!

We read the papers so you don’t have to! Today, The Daily Mail warns of a return to 1970s economic chaos! Luckily, Coco is here to explain why the economy is mostly just vibes-based so we should all chill out. The Guardian can’t stop talking about The Traitors, and Jack explains why the middle class are allowed to love the murder mystery reality hit. Plus, The Times says we should all ‘half-arse’ our way through 2025, but Miranda isn’t buying it. Join Miranda Sawyer with journalist and host of P...

Jan 10, 202539 minSeason 1Ep. 347

Et tu, Elon? Billionaire backstabs Farage – Fight Dryanuary, drink absinthe! – Are hairdos ruining YOUR love life?

We read the papers so you don’t have to! Today, Jason tries to wrap his head around the front page feud between Elon Musk and Nigel Farage. The Times says goodbye to ‘Dry January’ and hello to absinthe, but Miranda isn’t convinced. Plus – T2 has a fantastic column about hair, and Jonn reflects on his own life with a glorious bouffant. Join Miranda Sawyer with comedy writer Jason Hazeley and journalist Jonn Elledge. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions and access t...

Jan 06, 202541 minSeason 1Ep. 346

The Best of 2024

We read the papers, so you don’t have to! Today: We look back at the best stories from 2024, from Ket Mum to Pegging. Start your year off with some of the biggest laughs of 2024. The whole crew is here to celebrate the absurdity and joy of the fifth estate. Join Miranda Sawyer, Jonn Elledge, Gráinne Maguire, Alex Von Tunzelmann, Jacob Hawley, Ava Santina, Coco Khan, Marcus Brigstocke, Rosie Jones and many more! Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions and access to ou...

Jan 03, 202550 minSeason 1Ep. 345

Year in Review part 3: The return of Trump, the Wicked cast gets weird and BRAT

We review 2024 so you don’t have to! Today: Trump’s victory in the US presidential election shocked the world, but as the dust settled, it became clear what had gone wrong for Harris and the Democrats. Miranda tells us what is and isn’t BRAT as we hail the return of the cool girls. Jan holds space for the Wicked cast as they embark on the strangest press tour of the year. Plus—Gráinne basks in the karma of Justin Timberlake’s downfall. Join Miranda Sawyer with our baby new year Jan Ravens and fi...

Dec 30, 202446 minSeason 1Ep. 344

Year in Review part 2: The Genny Lecs, Euros reaction and Britain’s riot shame

We review 2024 so you don’t have to! Today: Britain went to the polls as Jonn reminisces on the summer of campaign cringe, shock losses and Starmer’s stonking majority. Jacob talks us through the Euros and tries to figure out how the public were so angry with England’s pretty decent tournament. Plus – We discuss the wave of riots that defined the Summer as Miranda asks the most important question: Who was your favourite looter? Join Miranda Sawyer with our ghost of Christmas present Jacob Hawley...

Dec 27, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 343

Year in Review part 1: Where was Kate Middleton?, Baby Reindeer Mania and the hopeless Tories.

We review 2024 so you don’t have to! Today: Remember when everyone had a meltdown over Princess Kate? Jack reminisces about the whole saga that engulfed the nation. Then, Miranda tries to recall all the weird stunts the Tories pulled before the election. Plus – Here’s a reminder that Baby Reindeer isn’t a Christmas classic for the whole family, as Jason examines the reaction to Netflix’s mega-hit. Join Miranda Sawyer with host of Queerphoria our very own Martha May Whovier Jack Guinness and come...

Dec 23, 202444 minSeason 1Ep. 342

Starmer vs Musk over $100m to Farage – Michael Gove in public snog horror – How to swerve family rows at Christmas

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: The Telegraph reports the latest on Elon Musk’s $100 million donation to the Reform Party. Ava explains how Starmer is trying to block it. Fleet Street battleaxe Sarah Vine insists she’s ‘totally cool’ with ex-husband Michael Gove’s public snog in the Daily Mail, but Alex reckons the lady doth protest too much. Plus – Just in time for the festive season, Miranda shares a Times guide to the phrases guaranteed to spark a Christmas Day barney. Join Mi...

Dec 19, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 341

His Royal Spyness: Prince Andrew’s China syndrome – Is Strictly the last great TV moment? – Sex and raving with mum and dad? Eww!

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Prince Andrew is all over the front pages for his poor choice of friends. The Times dishes out a step-by-step guide to schmoozing with the disgraced royal. Meanwhile, Natasha and Miranda tackle the burning question: does TV have a future after the Strictly finale? Plus – The Daily Mail has two stories about parenting, one about clubbing and the other about bonking, topics Jason knows far too much about. Join Miranda Sawyer with comedy writer Jason ...

Dec 16, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 340

Starmer and Badenoch's sandwich standoff – Inside the Buckingham Palace Crimbo punch up – Winging it! The weird world of fairy erotica

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: The Star can’t wrap its head around Badenoch’s anti-lunch rant, luckily Coco is here to explain the great sandwich debate. Jacob spills all the gossip from Buckingham Palace’s wild Christmas bash. Plus – The Times has a deep dive into the world of fairy erotica, and Miranda is making us all talk about it. Join Miranda Sawyer with comedian Jacob Hawley and journalist Coco Khan. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions and...

Dec 13, 202434 minSeason 1Ep. 339

Bonus episode: The ultimate Chrimbo sandwich showdown – Plus: What not to drink at your Xmas party

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: The Times rates all the chrimbo sarnies – so Jessica and Ava are hoovering up the lot. Gráinne and Alex pick the drinks guaranteed to keep you classy at the office xmas do – and what to avoid. Plus – Miranda rewinds the clock to rank the ultimate "Driving Home for Crimbo" bangers. Join Miranda Sawyer, Jessica Fostekew, Ava Santina, Gráinne Maguire, and Alex von Tunzelmann for your midweek bonus fix of festive fun. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t...

Dec 11, 202425 minSeason 1Ep. 338

Syria’s tyrant toppled at last – Why nobody’s snitching on the Hot Hitman – Dating apps are OVER! Pray for Liza Jones and Vanessa Feltz

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Jubilation as Syrian rebels topple the tyrant Assad. What do the papers think? The world’s obsession with the “Hot Hitman” who killed a US healthcare executive gets totally out of control. And how are Paper Cuts faves Liza Jones and Vanessa Feltz going to find love now that dating apps are on the way out? Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions and access to our exclusive live streams here: back.papercutsshow.com Follow...

Dec 09, 202438 minSeason 1Ep. 337

The Mail loses it over Starmer’s relaunch – Hitman targets healthcare CEO – Have you been shamed by Spotify wrapped?

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Starmer is trying to get people excited with some new pledges, but he’s making people really angry instead – Ava talks through the milestones. And, there’s been a crazy hitman story in New York and Miranda has dug into the deets. Plus, Jessica talks us through Spotify wrapped and we have nightmare sublet stories. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions and access to our exclusive live streams here: back.papercutsshow.co...

Dec 06, 202439 minSeason 1Ep. 336

Why is The Guardian on strike? Plus – Trump’s Christmas tat and other interior design disasters

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Guardian staff walk out over the potential sale of The Observer – Miranda Sawyer explains the scandal from the picket line! Marcus Brigstocke and Coco Khan debate the most cringe-worthy interior design trends. Plus – Donald Trump’s holiday merch is here, but Jason Hazeley won’t be decking the halls with the gold-plated tat. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions and access to our exclusive live streams here: back.paper...

Dec 04, 202430 minSeason 1Ep. 335

Biden pardons his son, Trump rages — The Paper Cuts Xmas party survival guide — “I gave up Hollywood to be a trad wife”

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Joe Biden sparks outrage by pardoning his troubled son Hunter – Natasha explains why this has Trump so rattled. The Guardian reveals the shocking rise of booze-free Christmas parties, leaving Jacob fuming. And actress and Elon Musk’s ex Tallulah Reilly tells The Times about her chic countryside commune. But Miranda isn’t sold on the rural hippy dream. Miranda Sawyer is joined by comedian Jacob Hawley and journalist Natasha Devon. Support Paper Cuts...

Dec 02, 202435 minSeason 1Ep. 334

What did Gregg Wallace do? Latest BBC scandal explained — The pettiest influencer battle so far — Would you go to a daytime rave?

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Gregg Wallace has stepped down from MasterChef amid a string of allegations from coworkers. Coco delves into the claims. The Daily Mail provides an in-depth look at a legal battle between two very bland influencers and we've forced Jason to read it. Plus, The Guardian is obsessed with daytime raves, but Miranda isn’t convinced. Miranda Sawyer is joined by comedy writer Jason Hazeley and journalist Coco Khan. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirt...

Nov 29, 202436 minSeason 1Ep. 333

‘Everything Is News’ crossover edition! – Get a vasectomy for Net Zero, Drake takes Kendrick beef to court, and could YOU survive Trump’s diet?

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Miranda investigates The Daily Mail’s strange link between electric cars, net-zero policy, and vasectomies. The rap feud of the year between Drake and Kendrick Lamar continues to escalate – our insider Michael has all the spicy details from The Sun. Plus – The Telegraph makes one of their reporters eat like Trump for a whole week, and Helen is sweating just reading about it. Miranda Sawyer is joined by the wonderful hosts of Everything is News: Hel...

Nov 27, 202437 minSeason 1Ep. 332

Storm Bert chaos: Were warnings wrong? – The Telegraph gets serious about jumpers – “Oh no, Mum’s watching p*rn again!”

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: The front pages all cover the damage caused by Storm Bert and discuss whether warnings were sufficient. Miranda and Jan can’t agree on The Telegraph’s “essential jumpers for 2025”. Plus – The Sun has a story about a mum with a naughty habit, so we made Jonn read it and report back to us. Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Jonn Elledge and queen of impressions Jan Ravens. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions and a...

Nov 25, 202447 minSeason 1Ep. 331

Paper Cuts Classified – Live on Zoom!

We don’t just read the papers so you don’t have to… we do it on Zoom too. In a special live edition for the Paper Cuts Supporters Club, host Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Jonn Elledge and Podmasters backroom genius Jacob “Jarv” Jarvis. On the agenda: Remembering John Prescott, are “moflins” the new furbies, the star-cross’d potential romance between Jonn and Michael Gove… and your questions. Want to hear the full version? Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free ed...

Nov 24, 202429 minSeason 1Ep. 330

Captain Tom charity finally exposed! – Could Jeremy Clarkson be Britain’s Trump? – The allure of the Lidl middle aisle

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: The panel picks through the front pages including the ICC news of a ruling on Netanyahu. Then, Captain Tom’s charity gets exposed as a report reveals his family personally benefited from it. And Jeremy Clarkson, what’s he up to now – and could he make a switch into politics? Then, the middle aisle of Lidl – love it or hate it, it might ruin your relationship either way. Miranda Sawyer is joined by Rich Peppiat and Harry Stachini. Support Paper Cuts...

Nov 22, 202440 minSeason 1Ep. 329

Extra episode – How is Cher so cool? and Brat: The word that won't go away

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Cher – she’s got a new book out and the panel can’t contain their excitement. And, Brat – nobody knows what it means still, despite it being the word of the year and Jacob Hawley dressing a little bit Brat! Miranda Sawyer is joined by Jacob Hawley, Coco Khan, Jacob Jarvis and Ava Santina. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions and access to future live streams: back.papercutsshow.com Follow Paper Cuts: • Twitter: https...

Nov 20, 202411 minSeason 1Ep. 328

World War Three? Biden's risky missile plan – Take That! Boybands reveal all – What’s behind the boredom epidemic?

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Natasha explains Biden’s decision to lift the ban on Ukraine using long range US missiles, and reassures us that it (probably) won’t start World War 3. Gráinne has found an article in The Guardian all about 90s boy bands. Plus – Miranda corroborates The Times’ claim that young people would rather electrocute themselves than be bored. Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Natasha Devon and comedian Gráinne Maguire. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, ...

Nov 18, 202437 minSeason 1Ep. 327

Elon Musk's crazy week with Trump – Gladiator battle! Paul Mescal vs. Paddington – The papers go moth mad!

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Miranda has questions about Musk’s new job in Trump’s administration. Athena dives into The Guardian’s reviews of Gladiator 2 and Paddington but ends up just wanting to talk about Denzel Washington. Plus, The Times has a harrowing tale about moths that Zing finds all too relatable. Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Zing Tsjeng and comedian Athena Kogblenu. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions and access to our e...

Nov 15, 202437 minSeason 1Ep. 326

Bonus episode: Do's and don'ts for the modern office – The Times gets serious about kids flicks

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Moana wasn’t included in The Times' top 20 animated movies and Jonn and Jacob aren’t happy. Meanwhile, Jarv and Marcus try to get their head around The Telegraph’s new office etiquette guide. Plus – Do you want to know 15 facts about Ironing? Grainne, Natasha and Miranda have you sorted. Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalists Jonn Elledge, Jacob Jarvis and Natasha Devon plus comedians Grainne Maguire, Jacob Hawley and Marcus Brigstocke. Support Pa...

Nov 13, 202423 minSeason 1Ep. 325

Starmer’s dilemma: EU vs Trump? – Are you a “Dark Empath”? – Mad for it! We bring back the 90s

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: The Guardian details Starmer’s Trump backup plan and Coco has the inside scoop. Meanwhile, The Daily Mail has uncovered a new TikTok trend that’s got Jacob fearing he might be a ‘dark empath.’ Plus – Miranda’s written all about the ’90s fashion revival in The Times, so of course, we’re talking about it. Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Coco Khan and comedian Jacob Hawley. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editions an...

Nov 11, 202433 minSeason 1Ep. 324

Putin and Trump: Best friends forever – Prince William's very bad year – Meet Gary Barlow’s big son

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Putin congratulates Trump on his victory in The Guardian, while Coco unpacks the ongoing fallout of the US election. The Times gives Prince William an angelic makeover, despite him having had an awful year. Our royal correspondent Marcus has the details. Plus – Miranda can’t get enough of Gary Barlow’s giant son, but The Sun's investigative report exposes a shocking truth. Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Coco Khan and ‘Master of Cheese’ Marc...

Nov 08, 202438 minSeason 1Ep. 323

Trump won – how did Harris lose? – special reaction with American Friction

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Trump has done it again. The US papers react to Trump’s victory and Jarv explains why so many experts got it wrong. The Times clues Miranda in on some of Trump’s eyebrow-raising policies. Plus – The New York Post asks if you can outrun a vampire bat and Chris is pretty sure he could. Miranda Sawyer is joined by the dynamic duo Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones, hosts of American Friction. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts, extended ad-free editi...

Nov 06, 202444 minSeason 1Ep. 322
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