

The Two Matts
The New World
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

9 snips
Mar 8, 2026 • 27min
This week's Two Matts Q&A: Is this the start of World War III?
A rapid-fire Q&A tackles whether current conflicts amount to a multipolar World War III. They dissect Mark Carney’s swift reaction to US strikes and debate who should pay to return from Dubai. There is a heated case for by-elections when MPs defect and a strategic rethink for Labour on immigration and electoral risk. They finish by naming overrated and beloved artists.

Mar 5, 2026 • 39min
Who’s winning the Iran War... and how can you tell?
A fast-paced rundown of the widening Iran conflict and surprising reports from across the region. Sharp discussion of the UK’s lack of preparedness and exposed naval weaknesses. Political fallout at home, including Labour infighting and legal dilemmas. Questions about US aims, long-term strategy and how global powers like China might shape the aftermath.

Mar 2, 2026 • 49min
Trump’s War: The man with no plan bombs Iran
A rapid unpacking of recent US strikes on Iran and whether a short, decisive campaign was ever realistic. They map out Iran’s resilience, regional proxy risks and the intelligence implications for Western cities. The conversation covers UK political and economic fallout, legal questions about unilateral action, and the danger of a drawn‑out conflict with heavy human cost.

Mar 1, 2026 • 35min
This week's Two Matts Q&A: Deference, Piers Morgan deepfake and Tracey Emin
The Matts answer questions from listeners, including whether or not the age of deference is dead; is Trump going flat; is Farage just like Thatcher; why doesn’t NATO repel Russia; what does a deepfake of Piers Morgan say about the future; and is Tracey Emin right about museum and gallery funding? Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 30min
The Two Matts by-election special: OK, is it clear enough yet Labour?
They dissect recent by-election shocks and how individual candidates changed the outcome. They debate strategic mistakes that cost Labour political ground. They explore pressure from Greens on the left and Reform on the right squeezing Labour. They set a ticking-clock timeline for recovery and consider leadership options. They flag AI, jobs and progressive policy as key battlegrounds for convincing voters.

8 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 1h 4min
ARGUMENT ALERT! The Matts clash over Tourette’s row
They unpack the media spin and legal choreography around a high‑profile arrest. They shift to a heated clash over a BAFTA outburst that raises questions about Tourette’s, coprolalia and broadcasting choices. They argue about duty of care, production failures and how public inclusion should be handled in practice.

Feb 22, 2026 • 39min
The Two Matts Q&A: Nigel Farage, Jim Ratcliffe and assorted other nasties
They tackle whether anti-elite messaging can cut through and how populists craft a ‘man of the people’ image. They spar over Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United controversy. They debate when friendships should end and the ethical duties of journalists. They consider strategies for confronting populist politicians and share picks for Robert Duvall’s standout roles.

Feb 20, 2026 • 33min
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: The photo that says it all
A striking backseat photograph sparks a debate about symbolism and public reaction. They unravel media framing and whether coverage shows deference to the royal family. The conversation moves to parliamentary and police actions, possible documentary evidence, and wider implications for royal households. Calls for transparency, legal hurdles, and the political fallout round out the discussion.

Feb 19, 2026 • 58min
SPECIAL: ANDREW MOUNTBATTEN-WINDSOR ARRESTED!
The King’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested this morning by Thames Valley Police officers investigating allegations of misconduct in public office. It is an historic moment in British history. While he remains innocent until proven guilty, the consequences of the arrest of the former Duke Of York will have a profound impact around the world. The Matts get their heads around just how enormous this breaking news is… join them as they work through the implications. ALSO: Is Reform wobbling? Can Nigel Farage's party successfully transition from high-energy anti-establishment mavericks to a more orthodox party fit to govern? The Matts explore the tensions within the party the bookmakers believe will form the next government. Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 15, 2026 • 36min
The Two Matts Q&A: Starmer coup, Sadiq for PM and too much Dracula?
A rapid-fire Q&A dives into whether a current leader mirrors Biden, and why Sadiq Khan is rarely seen as a contender for prime minister. They probe why a former premier avoided heavier sanctions and debate whether Prince Andrew should keep his royal title. There is mockery over a songwriter award for Noel Gallagher and a lively discussion on whether TV and film keep recycling old stories.


