Oh God, What Now?

The panel reflects on the tumultuous year in politics, searching for optimism as they gaze into 2026. They discuss a surprising surge of political parties in Wales and analyze the unfortunate BMA doctors' strike. An intriguing exploration of Trump's declining popularity and the implications of a potentially approaching Brexit endgame takes center stage. Festive fun ensues with a Christmas game, gifting humorous items to politicians, while they also tackle listener questions about the year's overused phrases. Super wood and artistic recommendations add a light touch!

In this lively discussion, John Crace, a parliamentary commentator for The Guardian, dives into the chaotic landscape of Westminster in 2025. He explores Nigel Farage's surprising rise as a Prime Minister contender and his media strategies. Crace critiques Keir Starmer’s government competence and reflects on the fallout from Angela Rayner's political missteps. The conversation also examines the challenges within the political left, the influence of GB News, and the broader implications of campaign spending and internal party disputes.

The discussion dives into America's new National Security Strategy, revealing a blend of far-right views and imperial fantasies that leaves European leaders uneasy. Glasgow MP Gordon McKee hilariously explains the UK's debt with custard creams, sparking debate over political simplicity. Meanwhile, Australia sets a precedent by banning social media for under-16s, and the panel explores the growing hostility of MAGA toward European democracy. Plus, an eye-opening analysis of Netflix's ambitions and how all these matters intersect with today's politics.

Olivia Brown, an Associate Professor in Digital Futures at the University of Bath, dives into the murky waters of online far-right extremism. She reveals how a handful of accounts manipulate narratives, particularly around events like the Southport incident, to distort public opinion. Discussions cover the role of bots and AI in amplifying harmful content, the impact of Elon Musk's changes on Twitter/X, and the way online interactions can inadvertently bolster extremist views. Olivia also highlights the need for better moderation and accountability to combat these trends.

Rafael Behr, a Guardian columnist, Ros Taylor, a political commentator, and Marie Le Conte, a cultural writer, delve into the chaos of the new Left party's first conference. They discuss factional squabbles and the leadership tussles between Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn. The trio also analyze Labour's budget decisions, questioning if they genuinely address young people's needs. Insights into rail management challenges and the role of culture in decompression add depth to their conversation, making for an engaging listen.

Join John Springford, an Associate Fellow at the Centre for European Reform, as he dives into the UK's economic troubles. He discusses the alarming stagnation of wages and productivity and critiques Labour's lack of a cohesive economic strategy. Discover the obstacles that hinder UK cities and explore how rejoining the goods single market could revitalize manufacturing. John also tackles the restrictive immigration policies affecting labor demand and reflects on the political dynamics of economic reform. A bold vision for the future is necessary!

In this lively discussion, comedian and satirical songwriter Mitch Benn dives into the real implications of Rachel Reeves's recent budget. He critiques Labour's cautious political approach and calls for bolder actions instead of playing it safe. Mitch also explores the shifting media landscape, particularly the Daily Mail's potential acquisition of the Telegraph, and what that means for press diversity. Plus, the panel humorously debates pub bans for solo drinkers versus kids. Tune in for a blend of smart analysis and comedic insights!

Cory Doctorow, a renowned science fiction author and tech critic, dives into the concept of 'enshittification,' explaining how platforms like Facebook and Amazon degrade user experience over time. He uncovers the dark transformation of these platforms from user-friendly to ad-driven. The discussion spans antitrust failures, the monopolization of tech giants, and the implications of Elon Musk's Twitter takeover. Doctorow also emphasizes the need for collective action to combat these issues and explores potential escape routes for users seeking alternatives.

Labour’s controversial asylum plans have sparked a backlash and it’s not clear they’ll even work. So, why have they gone down this route? What options might be better? Plus, AI – the bubble is going to burst, but has it already broken our brains? Then in the extra bit for supporters – what would we want to bring back from 100 years ago? Escape Routes  • Matt is watching Death by Lightning  • Zoe is watching Stranger Things • Jason is reading Penda's Fen: Scene by Scene by Ian Greaves • Head to ⁠nakedwines.co.uk/ohgodwhatnow⁠ to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.  ⁠www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow⁠   Presented by Ros Taylor with Matt Green, Zoë Grünewald and Jason Hazeley.  Audio Production by Robin Leeburn. Art direction: James Parrett. Theme tune by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   ⁠www.podmasters.co.uk⁠    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Trump finally falling apart? His approval ratings are catastrophic, the Republicans took a hammering in the November elections, his gross-out distraction tactics no longer work… and as more Epstein emails are released, the scandal is lapping ever-higher around his cankles. Molly Jong-Fast of The Atlantic, Vanity Fair and the unmissable Fast Politics podcast joins Andrew Harrison and Rafael Behr to discuss the teetering tyrant and the damage he will leave.  • This episode recorded before Trump decided he wanted the Epstein Files released after all.  ESCAPE ROUTES • Raf has been reading Moby-Dick (because why not?) and listening to funk and soul covers by Scary Pockets.  • Molly recommends When All The Men Wore Hats by Susan Cheever. • Andrew is going crazy for Pluribis on Apple TV+.  When you buy books through our affiliate bookshop you help fund OGWN by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. • Head to nakedwines.co.uk/ohgodwhatnow to get a £30 voucher and 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included.https://nakedwines.co.uk/ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Rafael Behr. Audio and Video Production by Chris Jones. Art direction: James Parrett. Theme tune by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices