Bold Politics with Zack Polanski

Cody Dahler, author, satirist and online creator, sketches politics with sharp humour and bite. He talks about turning awful news into comedy. He explains making short social videos and editing remote collaborations. He argues comedians fill storytelling gaps as trust in politicians and media falls, and highlights billionaires and fossil fuels as the real foes.

Tessa Khan, international climate lawyer and founder of Uplift, campaigns to end UK reliance on oil and gas. She explains how global supply shocks shape UK energy bills. She discusses why gas still sets electricity prices, the risks of Rosebank and tiebacks, and what a just transition with unionised renewable jobs and fair supply chains could look like.

Conversations about why a politician-hosted podcast can build trust through habitual listening. Behind-the-scenes talk about production rhythms, energy, and a conversational, two-way approach. Stories of amplifying lived experience from Calais to workplace organising. Plans for a collaborative book that collects timeless ideas and supports local bookshops.

Why are record numbers of doctors leaving the UK? How can we stop the further selling off of the NHS? Is our personal health data being used against our best interests?Zack Polanski speaks to full-time GP, best-selling author and resident doctor on breakfast TV, Dr Amir KhanBold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires Festival in Sheffield on July 5th.Pre-order the new book, Hope Is Here now.Email: zack@boldpolitics.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keon West, professor and author of The Science of Racism, studies the psychology behind prejudice. He explains why contestants of colour face greater suspicion on reality TV. He clarifies implicit versus unconscious bias and compares patterns across racism, sexism and other 'isms'. He discusses how to test beliefs, shift minds politically, and why evidence sometimes fails to change opinions.

What is the reason that Labour haven’t nationalised the water industry yet? Why are international investors making economic decisions for our country over our democratically elected politicians? How could we bring back our water system into public hands without spending a penny?Zack Polanski speaks to water campaigner, activist and musician, Feargal Sharkey.Bold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires Festival in Sheffield on July 5th.Pre-order the new book, Hope Is Here now.Email: zack@boldpolitics.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Caroline Lucas, Green Party politician and the UK’s first Green MP, author and campaigner. She discusses climate and nature emergencies, community-based adaptation and resisting greenwash. She explores arts and culture to reshape imagination, reframing English identity, challenges for women in politics, end-of-life care practices, and alternatives to endless economic growth.

Mark Steel, comedian, author and long‑time political activist, brings sharp humour and grassroots stories. He dissects Labour’s systemic crisis and media personality focus. He shares how comedy connects to local politics and argues for a ‘coalition of kindness’ to win over voters. Conversations cover stoicism, practical campaigning and uniting social justice with environmental action.

Faiza Shaheen, economist and director of Tax Justice UK who researches inequality and wealth taxes. She discusses rethinking wealth taxes, fixing council tax and taxing asset hoarding. Conversations cover how inequality fuels the far right, the power of local grassroots organising, and concerns about asset managers and elite lobbying.

Hannah Spencer, a plumber-turned-local councillor and Green candidate from Greater Manchester, talks about her unexpected campaign surge and transferring trade skills to politics. She discusses fighting fuel poverty, tackling gender-based violence, compassionate immigration policy, grassroots organising, and breaking class barriers to make politics more relatable.