Mark Steel Articles Feed

Ep 183 with Rachel Millward Pt 1: Labour Came FOURTH!

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Wed, 13 May 2026 07:43:30 +0000

Ep 183 with Rachel Millward Pt 1: Labour Came FOURTH!

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The morning after the local elections, Mark is joined by Green Party deputy leader Rachel Millward to ask the only question anyone in British politics can answer right now: what the f**k is going on?

As Labour and the Conservatives collapse into third and fourth place, Rachel explains why the Greens believe they’re becoming the real opposition — and why the political establishment seems terrified of it. From housing developers and billionaire wealth to Reform, immigration, rent controls and whether Keir Starmer has completely lost the plot, this is a conversation about a country that feels like it’s breaking apart in real time.

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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 or watch the whole interview straight away.

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For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

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Ep 182: What The F Is Going On With Peter Mandelson?

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 04 May 2026 06:43:33 +0000

Ep 182: What The F Is Going On With Peter Mandelson?

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Mark is joined by journalist and columnist Matthew Norman as they discuss the rise and influence of Peter Mandelson, New Labour’s ruthless relationship with the media, how political standards have collapsed over the past 30 years, Mandelson’s reputation for power, spin and survival, the blurred lines between journalism and politics, and why modern British politics now feels closer to oligarchy than democracy. They also get into the psychology of political operators, media manipulation, Reform’s growing influence, and why things may still get worse before they get better.

Also we are pleased to announce the return of George Galloway, Nigel Boulevard and the phone in woman.

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Ep 181 with Mothin Ali (Part 2): We’re Here to Replace Labour

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:43:31 +0000

Ep 181 with Mothin Ali (Part 2): We’re Here to Replace Labour

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This week Mark continues his conversation with Mothin Ali. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half 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 & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

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Ep 181 with Mothin Ali (Part 1): They Tried To Brand Me A Terrorist

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:43:31 +0000

Ep 181 with Mothin Ali (Part 1): They Tried To Brand Me A Terrorist

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Mark is joined by Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali as they discuss the Greens’ breakthrough in Gorton and Denton, Labour’s increasingly desperate attacks, anti-war politics, media smears, why Reform voters aren’t the enemy, the case for rent caps and public ownership, and whether the Green Party can genuinely replace Labour as Britain’s main opposition. They also get into Mothin’s political roots, community organising, and why politics only works when people feel hope again.

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 or watch the whole interview straight away.

www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

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Ep 180 with Emma Warren (Part 2): We've Abandoned A Whole Generation!

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:43:38 +0000

Ep 180 with Emma Warren (Part 2): We've Abandoned A Whole Generation!

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This week Mark continues his conversation with Emma Warren. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

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Ep 180 with Emma Warren Pt 1: This is what happens when you take away youth services!

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:43:29 +0000

Ep 180 with Emma Warren Pt 1: This is what happens when you take away youth services!

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Mark is joined by writer and youth worker Emma Warren as they discuss the importance of youth clubs in shaping communities, growing up around grassroots music and culture, how youth services have been systematically dismantled, what happens to young people when those spaces disappear, and why rebuilding youth infrastructure is essential to fixing deeper social problems – and you can buy Emma’s book Up The Youth Club online here: https://amzn.eu/d/0i1SmgQ9

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 or watch the whole interview straight away.

www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel

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Ep 179 with Dr Julia Grace Patterson

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:43:14 +0000

Ep 179 with Dr Julia Grace Patterson

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Mark is joined by Dr Julia Grace Patterson as they discuss the collapse of NHS working conditions, corridor care and patients dying in hospital hallways, the government’s handling of staffing and funding, the role of privatisation in reshaping the health service, why politicians pit patients against doctors, and how growing public anger could reshape British politics.

For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to:

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For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

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What the F is going on in Iran? 🇮🇷 With Ali Milani

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:43:21 +0000

What the F is going on in Iran? 🇮🇷 With Ali Milani

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Mark is joined by writer and political commentator Ali Milani as they break down the war in Iran, Trump’s lack of a clear strategy, whether the conflict is really about nuclear weapons, the role of Israel in shaping US policy, the history of Western intervention in Iran, why regime change from the air doesn’t work, and how this war could actually strengthen the very regime it claims to weaken.

For ad-free episodes, early access and bonus content go to:

www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod

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Follow Ali @Alimilani_UK

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Ep 178 with Miles Jupp (Part 2): We haven’t mentioned the news once

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:43:23 +0000

Ep 178 with Miles Jupp (Part 2): We haven’t mentioned the news once

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This week Mark continues his conversation with Miles. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

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Ep 178 with Miles Jupp (Part 1): This was without a doubt my worst gig!

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:43:10 +0000

Ep 178 with Miles Jupp (Part 1): This was without a doubt my worst gig!

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Mark is joined by comedian Miles Jupp as they discuss the weird thrill of shoplifting supermarket bags and charity-auction bidding, the rise and collapse of the Scottish Socialist Party, Tommy Sheridan’s extraordinary charisma, bombing at Glastonbury and in West Belfast, the old circuit’s strangest characters, awkward encounters with heroes from Paul Weller to John Gordon Sinclair, and why comedians never quite stop reliving the gigs that went catastrophically wrong.

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 or watch the whole interview straight away.

www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod

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Ep 177 with Laura Smyth (Part 2) : We're Being Told To Hate Each other

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:43:41 +0000

Ep 177 with Laura Smyth (Part 2) : We're Being Told To Hate Each other

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This week Mark continues his conversation with Laura. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod

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Follow Laura @thatlaurasmyth

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Ep 177 with Laura Smyth (Part 1) : Gigging is so real, we are very lucky

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 07:43:41 +0000

Ep 177 with Laura Smyth (Part 1) : Gigging is so real, we are very lucky

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Mark is joined by comedian Laura Smyth as they discuss surviving cancer, stoicism and hypnotherapy, body neutrality after mastectomy, social media outrage and “narrative construction”, the loss of real-world connection in the age of smartphones, stand-up as communal therapy, raising daughters and sons differently, and why facing your mortality can make you finally stop carrying the shit you don’t need.

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 or watch the whole interview straight away.

www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod

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Follow Laura @thatlaurasmyth

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Ep 176 with Dawn Butler (Part 2) : Now Is The Time For A Revolution

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 07:43:38 +0000

Ep 176 with Dawn Butler (Part 2) : Now Is The Time For A Revolution

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This week Mark continues his conversation with Dawn. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

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Ep 176 with Dawn Butler (Part 1) : I Got Kicked Out Of Parliament For Telling The Truth

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:43:27 +0000

Ep 176 with Dawn Butler (Part 1) : I Got Kicked Out Of Parliament For Telling The Truth

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Mark is joined by Labour MP Dawn Butler as they discuss being thrown out of Parliament for calling Boris Johnson a liar, racism inside Westminster, the rise of the far right, the Epstein files and political accountability, Peter Mandelson and Labour’s direction under Keir Starmer, wealth and power in British politics, trade union roots, growing up in East London, and why she refuses to walk on the other side of the road when something’s wrong.

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 or watch the whole interview straight away.

www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod

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Follow Dawn @dawnbutlerbrent

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Ep 175 with Robin Ince (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 06:43:15 +0000

Ep 175 with Robin Ince (Part 2)

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This week Mark continues his conversation with Robin. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod

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Ep 175 with Robin Ince (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:43:42 +0000

Ep 175 with Robin Ince (Part 1)

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Mark is joined by comedian, writer and broadcaster Robin Ince as they discuss neurodivergence, anxiety and ADHD, feeling weird in a world built for “normal” people, how shame and admin can become overwhelming, why school and work systems fail so many minds, the value of kindness and curiosity, and learning to stop fighting how your brain actually works.

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 the higher tier of Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away.

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod

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Follow Robin @Robinince1969

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Ep 174 with Matt Forde (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:43:21 +0000

Ep 174 with Matt Forde (Part 2)

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This week Mark continues his conversation with Matt. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod

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Ep 174 with Matt Forde (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:43:34 +0000

Ep 174 with Matt Forde (Part 1)

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Mark is joined by comedian, impressionist and political podcaster Matt Forde as they discuss surviving cancer together, how impressions really work, the psychology of politicians, Labour from Blair to Starmer, door-knocking and grassroots politics, media interviews that shut people down, and why humanising political opponents matters more than shouting at them.

For tickets to Matt's upcoming shows go to www.mattforde.com

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod

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Ep 173 with Johann Hari (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:43:08 +0000

Ep 173 with Johann Hari (Part 2)

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This week Mark continues his conversation with Johann. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.

If you enjoyed the subjects doscussed today why not purchase “Stolen Focus” and “Lost connections” at www.Johannhari.com

⁠https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

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What The F Is Going On In Venezuela? 🇻🇪

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:43:26 +0000

What The F Is Going On In Venezuela? 🇻🇪

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Mark is joined by writer and broadcaster Nick Revell as they discuss the US kidnapping of Venezuela’s president, Trump’s brazen use of power, Britain’s silence, the collapse of international law, historical imperialism from Latin America to Greenland, and what it means when the most powerful country in the world decides it can do whatever it wants.

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

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Ep 173 with Johann Hari (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:43:30 +0000

Ep 173 with Johann Hari (Part 1)

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Mark is joined by journalist and author Johann Hari as they discuss loneliness and disconnection, why depression and addiction are rising, the limits of individual self-help, how social media and modern capitalism shape our mental health, the politics of attention, rebuilding community, and what it would actually take to fix what the fuck is going on in our heads.

If you enjoyed the subjects doscussed today why not purchase “Stolen Focus” and “Lost connections” at www.Johannhari.com

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod

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Ep 172 with Caroline Biggs

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 08:43:43 +0000

Ep 172 with Caroline Biggs

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Mark is joined by historian and author Caroline Biggs as they discuss Cambridge University’s forgotten history of imprisoning women, the extraordinary story behind The Spinning House, class privilege and power, how suspicion became guilt, and why the legacy of control and misogyny still echoes today.

Order your copy of “The Spinning House” here: https://thehistorypress.co.uk/publication/the-spinning-house/

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

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Ep 171 with Marcus Brigstocke (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 07:43:20 +0000

Ep 171 with Marcus Brigstocke (Part 2)

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This week Mark continues his conversation with Marcus Brigstocke. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

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Ep 171 with Marcus Brigstocke (Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 07:43:09 +0000

Ep 171 with Marcus Brigstocke (Part 1)

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Mark is joined by comedian Marcus Brigstocke as they discuss growing up in privilege, being expelled from boarding school, addiction and recovery, how comedy shaped his politics, class and inequality in Britain – and what it means to stay hopeful while everything feels absurd.

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

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Ep 170 with Marina Purkiss & Jemma Forte (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (The Moon) — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 07:43:26 +0000

Ep 170 with Marina Purkiss & Jemma Forte (Part 2)

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This week Mark continues his conversation with Marina Purkiss and Jemma Forte. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.

Please do check out Marina and Jemma’s podcast “the trawl” available on all platforms!

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel

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