Mark is joined by journalist, broadcaster & author Caitlin Moran In a full-length, incredibly interesting interview, Mark and Caitlin discuss feminism, the differences between men and women when it comes to health, life growing up within the working class – and secret Midlanders. You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able ...
May 31, 2025•52 min
This week Mark continues his conversation with John McDonnell, ex-Shadow Chancellor and Jeremy Corbyn ally. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the rest of the interview. Want to get access to the full video interview before anyone else? why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod For media, press & ...
May 24, 2025•57 min
We're back! Mark is joined by John McDonnell, ex-Shadow Chancellor and Jeremy Corbyn ally. In a full-length, outspoken, no-holds barred interview, Mark quizzes John about his political passions, the Jeremy Corbyn years, life in the Labour Party under Keir Starmer – and how we go forward from here. You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll...
May 17, 2025•1 hr 2 min
We have a very exciting announcement, We are returning for an all new and improved series of What The F*** Is Going On? starting this Saturday!! We have some incredible guests lined up such as John McDonnell, Caitlin Moran, Michael Rosen, Alexei Sayle, Matthew Norman, Jeff Innocent and many more so make sure to tune in this weekend as we to try to figure out, once again .. What The F*** Is Going On? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14, 2025•1 min
We'll be back in just a couple of weeks with some brand new episodes, But for now, here's another classic from the archives, in which Mark was joined by comedian Scott Bennett for a special extended interview, as he tried to make sense of his ongoing cancer treatment. Mark somehow manages to see the funny side of coughing fits, industrial scale mucus production – and an assortment of drugs and paraphernalia that would put Walter White to shame! Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exc...
May 03, 2025•54 min
Good news! We'll be back with some brand new episodes starting next month. But in the meantime, here's another classic episode from the archives. Mark is joined by award-winning journalist Ramita Navai for a special extended interview about the Middle East. From Israel's war crimes in Gaza, to life under the Taliban, and the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement in Iran. Informed, entertaining and shocking, subjects range from the Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, whose death sentence was thankfully overt...
Apr 19, 2025•1 hr 2 min
We're on a break from the podcast while Mark starts his new tour 'The Leopard In My House' (details here: https://marksteelinfo.com/) But in the meantime, here's another classic episode from the archives. Mark is joined by Robin Ince - comedian, writer and broadcaster - for a special extended interview, as he tries to make sense of the rise of conspiracy theories and the challenges faced by rational thought. It's a hilarious and wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from Naomi Klein a...
Apr 05, 2025•1 hr 11 min
We're on a break from the podcast while Mark starts his new tour 'The Leopard In My House' (details here: https://marksteelinfo.com/) But in the meantime, here's another classic episode from the archives. Mark is joined by the comedian and actor Miles Jupp for a special Coronation edition of the podcast. In an extended interview, Mark and Miles discuss the big ideas of monarchy, religion – and whether David Attenborough secretly likes to go fly-tipping. Plus, there's Mark's take on what the Coro...
Mar 22, 2025•1 hr 1 min
We're on a break from the podcast while Mark starts his new tour 'The Leopard In My House' (details here: https://marksteelinfo.com/) But in the meantime, here's another classic episode from the archives. In this extended interview, Mark talks about his 'cancer journey' – as they would no doubt call it on Britain's Got Talent - to Dr Phil Hammond. As a comedian, author and retired doctor, no one is better placed than Phil to give some informed and highly entertaining expert opinion on Mark's exp...
Mar 15, 2025•1 hr 10 min
We're on a break from the podcast while Mark starts his new tour 'The Leopard In My House' (details here: https://marksteelinfo.com/) But in the meantime, here's another classic episode from the archives. In this special extended interview, Mark talks to Dr Phil Hammond about the state of the NHS. As a comedian, journalist, whistle-blower and newly retired NHS doctor, no one is better equipped to try to answer the questions that people are asking about healthcare today. The conversation is fasci...
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 5 min
We're on a break from the podcast while Mark starts his new tour 'The Leopard In My House' (details here: https://marksteelinfo.com/) But in the meantime, here's another classic episode from the archives. Mark is joined by former Green Party MP Caroline Lucas for a special extended interview, covering everything from climate change to Jeremy Corbyn; from Progressive Alliances and PR to Labour Party tribalism – and how the f*** she managed to keep her temper when Boris Johnson was lying his head ...
Mar 01, 2025•56 min
We're taking a break from the podcast while Mark starts his new tour 'The Leopard In My House' (details here: https://marksteelinfo.com/) We'll keep you posted, but in the meantime, here's another classic episode. Mark is joined by Tom Walker (aka Jonathan Pie) for a special extended interview, covering everything from 'cancel culture' and causing offence, to the attitudes of the left (and the right) to humour and 'free speech'. Follow Jonathan Pie @JonathanPieNews Follow What The F*** Is Going ...
Feb 22, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Mark has been extremely busy preparing for his tour, which starts next week (details here: https://marksteelinfo.com/) so unfortunately he wasn't able to record a new episode. In the meantime, here's a classic episode in which Mark is joined by Dr Benji Waterhouse – NHS psychiatrist, comedian and best-selling author – for a special extended interview about mental health. Benji's book 'You Don't Have To Be Mad To Work Here' is a darkly funny account of life as a front-line NHS doctor specialising...
Feb 15, 2025•1 hr 13 min
This week Mark is busy doing some very important business in France but we have a very special classic episode from the early days of the podcast in which Mark is joined by Louis Theroux and Elliot Steel as he tries er…forgive me… forgive me… forgive me… tries to make sense of Boris Johnson incompetence, Black Friday and the link between Dr Who and youth crime. Follow Louis Theroux on Twitter @louistheroux Follow What The F*** Is Going On? With Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Get bonus co...
Feb 01, 2025•44 min
Mark is joined by comedian Rosie Holt as he tries to make sense of Elon Musk’s interesting inauguration speech, a new Donald Trump era – and Labour’s uninspiring government. Plus we hear from Alicia Allegretto of Squirrel News on the inauguration - and George Galloway on The Traitors. This episode was sponsored by Proton Mail If you would like to take back control of your inbox and stop your data being harvested through your emails sign up to Proton mail using this link to receive a whopping 38%...
Jan 25, 2025•51 min•Ep. 156
What The F*** Is Going On? With Mark Steel - Ep 155 Mark is joined by comedian and writer Nick Revell, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of the politicisation of the California wildfires, stealing from Woolworths – and Elliot shares a story about his recent trip to Newcastle. Plus Mike Concrete interviews a lady who runs a paranormal website and we hear from Britain’s most patriotic man, Nigel Boulevard on putting America before Britain. Get ad-free extended episodes, early acce...
Jan 18, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 155
Mark is joined by comedian Seann Walsh, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Elon Musk’s comments on grooming gangs , middle class comedians – and Elliot shares his opinion on a select few of Mark’s fans. Plus we hear a woman on a phone in who’s not happy with New Year celebration and Mark overhears a woman in a cafe complaining about the weather. Check out Seann’s new special “Back From The Bed” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_y74khsPvY AND do check out Elliot’s new spe...
Jan 11, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 154
Mark is joined by writer and journalist Margaret Renn in this special extended episode. Together, they discuss Margaret’s new book “Paul Foot: A Life in Politics” and the life of Paul Foot, one of Britain's most outstanding journalists and socialist campaigners. If you enjoyed this interview then please buy a copy of Margaret’s new book, it’s well worth a read so head down to your local book shop and buy a copy, but if you really must use amazon then you can buy it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk...
Dec 21, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 153
Mark is joined by scientist, writer, and broadcaster Adam Rutherford in this special extended episode. Together, they discuss eugenics, Charles Darwin, Francis Galton, nature versus nurture, how right wing Americans influenced Hitler and many other fascinating topics. If you enjoyed this interview then please buy a copy of Adam’s book “Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics”, It would make an excellent Christmas gift and can be ordered on amazon right now using this link: ht...
Dec 14, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 152
Mark is joined by comedian Arthur Smith in this special extended episode, as they discuss his 1991 stage play “An Evening With Gary Lineker”, Arthur’s time teaching in France & many more fascinating stories from Arthur’s life. Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Bluesky @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Follow Arthur on bluesky @arfursmith Lear...
Dec 07, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 151
This week we revisit this special episode recorded in front of a live audience at Leicester Square Theatre. Mark is joined by Seann Walsh, Angela Barnes and Elliot Steel as he tries to make sense of the current mess that we're in. Plus there's Mike Concrete being forced to make an apology to an Irish farmer – and a woman that Mark heard on a phone-in show complaining about all the boats that are coming here... Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://...
Nov 30, 2024•55 min•Ep. 151
Mark is joined by comedian Andy Zaltzman, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of the threat of nuclear war , Farmers inheritance tax – and Elliot tells us about his recent altercation at a bus stop. Plus we hear an exclusive extract from the late John Prescott and Mike Concrete speaks to a climate change activist Go to https://www.andyzaltzman.co.uk to get tour tickets and more from Andy. Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.pat...
Nov 23, 2024•59 min•Ep. 150
Mark is joined by author John O'Farrell, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of why the left keeps seeming to lose, The resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury – and Elliot explains the recent controversy over referee David Coote. Plus Britains most patriotic man Nigel boulevard shares his thoughts on good old fashioned British fireworks and Mark overhears a woman on a phone in who is not happy about the Archbishop of Canterbury’s resignation. If you want to buy John’s new pap...
Nov 16, 2024•57 min•Ep. 149
Mark is joined by writer Matthew Norman, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of everything that’s happened in the last few days in this US election special. Plus we hear from a woman on a phone in who Is especially shocked and astounded at the re-election of Donald Trump. Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 06, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 148
Mark is joined by comedian Scott Bennett, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Trump’s accusations of The Labour Party’s “Foreign Interference”, Celebrities putting themselves on islands – and Elliot makes an interesting link between this podcast and socialism. Marks new tour show “The Leopard In My House” is on sale now so head over to www.marksteel.info for tickets. Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoing...
Oct 26, 2024•53 min•Ep. 147
Mark is joined by comedian Rosie Holt, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of the removal of hereditary peers in the House of Lords, How the new government has effected everybody – and Elliot shares his thoughts on deleting Twitter/X. Plus, We hear from George Galloway giving his views on Keir Starmer’s “gift” tickets to Taylor Swift and Mike Concrete talks to the winner of the Warehouseman of the Year Award. Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Pat...
Oct 19, 2024•51 min•Ep. 146
Mark is joined by screenwriter and novelist Frank Cottrell-Boyce, to discuss being the UK Children's Laureate , His role in the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, Working with Tony Wilson on 24 hour party people – and growing up in Liverpool. Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Frank on twitter @@frankcottrell_b Learn more about...
Oct 12, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 145
Mark is joined by cartoonist and writer Martin Rowson, as he tries to make sense of the history of visual satire & print making , Drawing Tony Blair’s degeneration over the years – and his new book "A Dead Cat On Your Table" with Peter York. If you want to get your hands on a copy of Martin's book "A Dead Cat On Your Table" with Peter York you can order it here: https://subscribe.bylinetimes.com/product/a-dead-cat-on-your-table/?mc_cid=8f2cc3598c&mc_eid=27707f12ef Get ad-free extended episodes, ...
Oct 05, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 144
Mark is joined by comedian Phil Ellis, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Kier Starmer’s use of a corporate box at the Emirates Stadium , Phil Ellis’ disaster gig at Blackpool Pleasure beach – and Elliot shares his views on the reality television this country needs. Plus, We hear from deceased Yorkshire cricketer Fred Trueman about the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfi...
Sep 28, 2024•54 min•Ep. 143
Mark is joined by comedian Sally-Anne Hayward, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of how men sound to women, using Stoicism to learn to not get annoyed at people – and Elliot shares his views on stupid people that use twitter. Plus, Mark hears a woman on a phone in show who is angered by immigrants eating cats and dogs – and ex-MP George Galloway shares his thoughts on Tupperware’s bankruptcy Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://ww...
Sep 21, 2024•54 min•Ep. 142
