The Two Matts
Join The New World's Matt Kelly and Matt d'Ancona plus occasional guests for weekly chat on politics and media with a side of cultural stuff. A podcast in the spirit of the award-winning New World newspaper - irreverent, witty, surprising, argumentative ... and annoying all the right people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Inside the Russell Brand trial with Lucy Reade, and a path to Europe
The Matts are joined by Lucy Reade, who watched the Russell Brand trial unfold at Southwark Crown Court. Lucy describes the day-to-day reality of the trial, her encounter with Brand’s father and what she believes the guilty verdict signifies. We also discuss modern-day misogyny and ask: could another Russell Brand carry out his appalling attacks on women today? You can read Lucy’s brilliant report on the trial and its outcome at The New World - for FREE! - today.
Also - in part two - as Andy Burnham prepares for next week’s EU-UK summit...
The Two Matts Q&A: How did Russell Brand get away with it for so long?
The Matts answer listener questions in this their regular Sunday morning Q&A episode, including; How did Russell Brand get away with it for so long; is Trump’s hammering a disaster for foreign policy; where does my extra mortgage money go; why did Shabana Mahmood climb down; are dictionaries taking the piss (idiom/: colloquial expression meaning to be mocking or unfair); and what’s your top 3 favourite John Lewis Xmas ads? Enjoy!
Produced by Ruby Mitchell
Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New Worl...
BUMPER EDITION: Trump's disaster and Sophia Smith Galer on How To Kill A Language
It's a special edition for you this Thursday as the Matts analyse the incredible rout of the Republicans in the US mid-term elections. PLUS the author of one of our favourite books of the year, Sophia Smith Galer, discusses the extraordinary impact language has in our communities, why so many are at risk of extinction, and what we can/should do about it. It's fascinating stuff. Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World. Go to https://www.thenewworld...
Laura Kuenssberg: Pay Attention... they're wrong about the BBC
BBC political presenter Laura Kuenssberg joins the Matts to discuss her new book Pay Attention (out on Thursday). In a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion Laura defends the BBC against charges of declining influence and being guilty of creating a false equivalence in its reporting. She addresses violence in politics, Nigel Farage's weaknesses, Jeremy Corbyn's role in demonising the media, how the nation became “unrecognisable" after the Brexit referendum... and how Andy Burnham has got the strongest behind-the-scenes team in politics for a long time. Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
Get a FREE SIGNED CO...
The Two Matts Q&A: Iz it okay to be excited about Europe?
The Matts answer listener questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A episode including: is welfare out of control? Is Andy Burnham really setting us up for a quick return to Europe? Has the Israeli election improved chances of a two-state solution? Will Donald Trump get a shellacking in this week's US midterm elections? Are we all wearing poppies too soon? And is Ali G a man out of time? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World...
Two very different takes on what the Budget adds up to!
The Matts argue their case for why the Budget was either a) a dismal failure to seize an opportunity for radical change in Britain or b) breathing space for a government with bigger swings to come. And they examine Andy Burnham's stunning proposal to re-examine freedom of movement. What does it all add up to? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World. Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...
The Two Matts Q&A: Is John Healey's big day going to be a nothingburger?
The Matts answer listeners' questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A episode, including: should John Healey raise capital gains tax in the Budget? Why are the Lib Dems plotting against Ed Davey? Why did BBC Three and Radio 4 Extra exist in the first place? Should we stop using the phrase 'postcode lottery'? What does artificial intelligence mean for energy and water consumption? And what minor but seriously antisocial behaviour would we like to see banned? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when...
What do the riots in France really signal?
The Matts consider the violent protests sweeping the continent and try to understand where it is coming from and what it signifies. Could they spread here? What can progressive governments do to stop them? Is Andy Burnham's approach any different to Emmanuel Macron’s?
Tickets are still available for Alastair Campbell and Mishal Hussain at London's Cadogan Hall on October 22 here
Produced by Matt Withers
Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The New World. Go to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/subscribe/
...The Two Matts Q&A: Palestine Action lunacy and made up words
The Matts answer listener questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A episode, including: is Marie Le Pen bad news for the UK? Why is Sally Rooney not selling books here any more? Will standing shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine actually help? Should Elon Musk be allowed such power? Does Russian interference in the Brexit vote help the argument to join the EU? And what new word, in the spirit of Alastair Campbell's Persevilience, would the Matts invent? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new...
Putin's the big winner in Trump's betrayal
The Matts discuss the developments in Ukraine in the past week and Donald Trump's oil deal with Vladimir Putin. Connected much? They think so. It adds up to a ghastly - but all too predictable - betrayal of Ukraine at its hour of deepest need. Also - the potential spectacle of a live streamed execution in America. What does that tell us about the Trump mindset.. and what's become of our species in general?
Produced by Matt Withers
Get a FREE SIGNED COPY of Alastair Campbell's new book when you subscribe to The...
The Two Matts Q&A: The decline of Zack and best ever speeches
The Matts answer listener questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A session, including: why is Zack Polanski’s popularity plummeting? How bad are the riots in France? Who would you put in the cabinet? Is Andy Burnham courageous or cowardly on Europe? What's the best political speech in history? And what movie did you once think was amazing but makes you cringe now? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Get The New World for just ÂŁ1 for your first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Aca...
A disaster for the Green Party
The Matts discuss the impact of the Green Party resolution that “Zionism Is Racism”. Will Zack Polanski survive as leader? What does it mean for Jews living in the UK? What does it mean for the party's supposed core eco agenda? Also this week: what's the story behind Kemi Badenoch's conference speech? What does success look like for her? It's a lively conversation. Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Get The New World for just ÂŁ1 for your first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast...
The Two Matts Q&A: On The New World at 500 and the Burnham bounce
The Matts answer your questions in this, their regular Sunday morning Q&A episode. Including: what should you do with your collection of New European/New World magazines? What will dominate the next 500 issues? Is Andy Burnham the real deal? Has football sold its soul? Should we proscribe Patriot Platform? And which beloved movies flopped at the box office? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: To celebrate our 500th edition, get The New World for just ÂŁ1 for your first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. S...
48 hours after THAT speech… how many marks out of 10?
The Matts give a considered analysis of Andy Burnham’s conference speech. So much to talk about and so many obvious strong points - but where will the testing moments come from? They go deep into the policies he announced and try to put together the evidence for a big plan - and rate his chances of pulling it off. Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: To celebrate our 500th edition, get The New World for just ÂŁ1 for your first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Aca...
The Two Matts Q&A: Ketamine epidemic and trouble in Narnia
The Matts answer listeners' questions in their regular Sunday morning edition, including: How does Andy Burnham take Britain into the EU? Is ketamine the new heroin? Why are CS Lewis fans suddenly furious? What does podcasting mean for the future of media? And is Trump right about the Chagos deal? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Subscribe to The New World and get a free copy of Paul Mason's new book Reds. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
A lot of Andy Burnham and a bit of Hitler
The Matts discuss Andy Burnham's speech to the United Nations - and what it tells us about both the opportunities and challenges facing the new PM and Britain as we seek to rediscover our place in the world 10 years after Brexit.
In part two the Matts discuss the waning effect of Adolf Hitler on the global conscience and what it means in concrete terms for all our futures. Enjoy!
PS: Use code AlastairLIVE to get ÂŁ10 off tickets to The New World event on October 22 at London's Cadogan Hall with Alastair Campbell and Mishal H...
The Two Matts Q&A: What is it crypto billionaires love so much about Nigel Farage?
The Matts answer listener questions, including: Why do crypto billionaires fall over themselves to give Nigel Farage money? Does Canada joining the EU help or hinder the UK’s return? Why isn’t the UN dealing with AI? Is the rise of the far right in Germany something to worry about? And isn’t Ed Sheeran basically right? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Subscribe to The New World and get a free copy of Paul Mason's new book Reds. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See ac...
Is AI really coming to eat us all... and how do we stop it?
The Matts open with a heartfelt tribute to the late, great Bonnie Greer, who died this week. In the first half they discuss the extraordinary pace of developments and concern around AI, explain exactly what has happened and why everyone really should be very worried indeed.
In part two, they reject the outright demonisation of the citizens of Piddington, the small Oxfordshire village which held a referendum declaring independence from the UK in the face of an influx of asylum seekers to a barracks nearby.
Finally - your discount code for the Alastair...
The Two Matts Q&A: Can’t we have welfare AND defence?
The Matts answer listener questions including: why can’t we have decent welfare and a strong defence? Was Reform stung or entrapped? Why is Liz Truss still costing us so much money? Is AI really going to kill me? And why is everyone losing their minds over the Bayeux Tapestry? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Subscribe to The New World and get a free copy of Paul Mason's new book Reds. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
An historic shift in UK foreign policy towards Israel. Now what?
As Ed Miliband announces sanctions against illegal settlements in the West Bank, the Matts take a holistic look at what the government hopes to achieve and at what cost. Does this make British Jews less safe? Are challenges to Miliband’s level of Jewishness fair? And will this action make any difference to the chances of a two-state solution?
Also - 25 years after 9/11, the Matts discuss Matt d’Ancona’s epic piece commemorating the attack and its ever-unfolding consequences. And they welcome the great Emily Maitlis to The New World family. Enjoy!
Produced by Mat...
The Two Matts Q&A: Is Farage finished? And where are all the women?
The Matts answer listener questions in this, their regular Sunday morning question and answer edition. Including; is Farage finished; what tax pledge should Burnham break; is Michael Gove stupid; how should we think about China; apart from Dante, Giotto, Thomas Aquinas, Chaucer and the Bayeux Tapesty, what’s the Middle Ages ever done for us; maintaining a dignified silence in the face of Will Self criticism; and which women authors do you admire?
Produced by Ruby Mitchell
OFFER: Subscribe to The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https://www.the...
REDS - the best political book of the year? With Paul Mason
The Matts are joined by The New World contributing editor Paul Mason to discuss his blockbuster book Reds: A Global History Of Communism. We cover a lot of ground - from pre-historic society through the French Revolution to the USSR and finally modern day China, where the entire definition and history of Communism is being rewritten as we speak. Paul’s book has been receiving glowing reviews from outlets as diverse as the Daily Telegraph and The New World - find out why in this illuminating conversation.
And if you aren’t already a subscriber to The...
The Two Matts Q&A: Harry and Meghan, Dolly Parton… and blockbuster books
The Matts tackle listener questions in their regular Sunday morning Q&A edition, including: Is there a resurgence of homophobia? Should Harry and Meghan be welcomed back to the UK? Are we heartbroken over Dolly Parton? What does the Meta mega settlement mean? Are online comments a good thing? And what should we be reading next? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Subscribe to The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Andy Burnham’s first big test is around the corner
The Matts think about Andy Burnham’s first month (and a bit) in Downing Street and anticipate a period of difficulty ahead for a PM whose inclination may be to keep people happy in an age when dramatic change is required. In the second half, what does the release of Jason Arday’s autobiography tell us about attitudes towards truth in publishing?
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Subscribe to The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p...
The Two Matts Q&A: is the Kelly Plan dead? And TURN OFF YOUR BLOODY SPEAKER PHONE!
The Matts answer listener questions including: Is the Kelly Plan for an early election a non-starter? Is Richard Tice a secret Labour asset? How should we respond to the huge numbers of suicides in the UK each year? And is Wetherspoons right to ban speaker phones? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Subscribe to The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
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2026: the year the climate crisis came home
The Matts discuss the government’s response to the severe heat this summer in England and Wales (sorry Scotland!)… and whether this year will be a turning point in the public’s perception of urgency around the changing climate. But first, they deal with the charge they were “lily-livered” in their response to the tragic death of Jason Arday.
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Subscribe to The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform
The Two Matts Q&A: On the death of Jason Arday
The Matts answer listener questions in their regular Sunday morning episode, including the tragic death of Jason Arday, whether Nigel Farage has lost his touch, what Andy Burnham is trying to do on social media and whether the solar eclipse was all it was cracked up to be.
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Subscribe to The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Andy Burnham vs Geoffrey Howe... and a side order of Jason Arday
The Matts remember an astonishing letter of 45 years ago which provides stark contrast with Andy Burnham’s politics of place. Also - how the Jason Arday saga has shamed not just one academic but an entire university… and much of the liberal establishment whose instinctive rush to defend Arday is indicative of a deeper problem. Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Subscribe to The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Two Matts Q&A: Is Andy Burnham a hot dad, and eff off Gianni Infantino
The Matts answer listeners' questions including: when will politicians actually face up to the climate crisis? Is Andy Burnham being creepy on social media? Has Zack Polanski’s bubble burst? Where would you start when fixing social care? Is The Odyssey really all that? And should Gianni Infantino be allowed to sell the World Cup? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Subscribe to The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Burnham’s flying start... but is he also fibbing?
The Matts appreciate the velocity of action in Andy Burnham’s first days as PM. And the big intention to fix social care is of enormous consequence. But it also makes them wonder if Burnham is being completely open about the possibility of an early election. Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Subscribe to The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Two Matts Q&A: Why tell ourselves lies about prison time? And what do we miss about the 70s?
The Matts answer listener questions including: Has Andy Burnham made a mistake appointing so many loyalists? Why aren’t the courts more honest about what time prisoners will actually serve? What do the Matts miss about the 70s? Should Gianni Infantino run the United Nations? Are generation gaps a real thing? And what can you recommend to someone who has zero interest in The Odyssey? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Get The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Aca...
What is it about the prospect of a Reform government they don’t get?
The Matts dig into the reaction to Andy Burnham’s first few days in government. Obviously the usual suspects - such as the Daily Mail and GB News - have already declared it a failure. But one column by Janan Ganesh in the Financial Times stands out as an utterly miserable misreading of the reality of where British politics is. Is the biggest problem Burnham faces a hostile right wing media, or is it liberals who don’t fully grasp the consequences of him failing? And what is required to avoid that? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt With...
The Two Matts Q&A: Will Self on football and audiobook recommendations
The Matts answer listeners’ questions in their regular Sunday Q&A session, including: Is Will Self right about the impact of football on our national mentality? What is the long term future of the Falklands? What should Andy Burnham’s first message to the nation be? How could Rupert Lowe skew hard right politics? How do we protect MPs? And what audiobooks do the Matts recommend for a population which finds reading books increasingly testing? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Get The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https...
It’s not coming home after all
The Matts reflect on England’s World Cup tournament (and listeners from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be delighted to know it’s not a sea of self-pitying Anglophilia) and what lessons we can learn from Argentina’s late comeback about the prevailing DNA of institutions.
Also - what should we expect from Andy Burnham as he comes into power? First as Labour leader and then, on Monday, as PM. No, he won’t have the artificial boost of a World Cup win to provide him with national momentum, but perhaps that’s no bad thing as h...
The Two Matts Q&A: Does Andy Burnham live rent-free in Farage’s head?
The Matts answer listeners' questions including: Is the Andy Burnham effect already kicking in? Should Congress give Donald Trump the red card? Who - apart from Count Binface - should take on Nigel Farage? How do we make the BBC great again? Is Elon Musk more Homer Simpson than Homer’s Odyssey? And what books do the Matts recommend for a summer holiday? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Get The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See aca...
Have you been Touching Grass? You should be
The Matts are joined by James Ball and Lucy Reade, hosts of The New World’s new podcast Touching Grass - the internet culture podcast. If you like The Two Matts, you’ll love this. We’ll let Lucy and James explain all. And the four of us also reflect on a bizarre 72 hours in the life of Nigel Farage. Has he completely lost it? Did the main parties do the right thing in letting him twist in the wind - alone apart from the company of a man with a bin on his head? Enjoy!
Produc...
SPECIAL: Farage fighting for his political life
The Matts react to the simply extraordinary speech Nigel Farage made today - quitting his Clacton seat in order to fight a by-election to “let the people decide” his political future. What is going on in his head? What precipitated this crisis? How should Andy Burnham react? Is Farage having a breakdown or is this some masterstroke of populism? And how could a World Cup win for England affect British politics in this period of peak instability? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Get The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head...
The Two Matts Q&A: Hydration Break sponsored by Powerade!*
The Matts get stuck into listener questions including: should England get a new capital city? Is Andy Burnham chippy? Why isn’t Nigel Farage paying tax on his £5 million gift? How do we promote the humanities? How do we fix universities? And what do the Matts think of FIFA’s hydration breaks and will they ever come to the Premier League? Enjoy!
*This podcast is NOT sponsored by Powerade, which - in the opinion of the Matts - tastes rank.
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Get The New World for just...
Why place matters so much to Andy Burnham
The Matts discuss the founding principles behind Andy Burnham’s emerging strategy for a “circuit break” in how politics works in the UK. Why is he obsessed with the idea of place? Why does it make so much sense as a corrective to the way Westminster operates? And why should people prattling on about vibes kindly give their heads a wobble? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Get The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...
The Two Matts Q&A: Burnham’s to-do list and the shameless Brexit villains
The Matts answer listener questions including: What should be on Andy Burnham’s to-do list? How do the Brexit villains get away with it? Is Nigel Farage losing the plot? Should we criminalise climate crisis denial? Has Giorgia Meloni won us over? And why don’t we talk about video games more? Enjoy!
Produced by Matt Withers
OFFER: Get The New World for just ÂŁ1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
