Oh God, What Now?

And here’s Part 2 of our live show in London. Strap in as the panel discuss the thorniest question in politics – who was REALLY the worst PM of the modern Tory era? – and then take some of your questions. It’s live entertainment at its best! Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more.  Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, Alex Andreou and Jan Ravens. Live audio by Simon Williams, production by Robin Leeburn. Zoom livestream by Chris Jones and Kieron Leslie. Live events co-ordinator: Jill Pearson. Theme music 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

Join the regulars plus our special guest, doyenne of impressionists Jan Ravens, for OGWN: It’s Grim Up North London at the King’s Head Theatre in Woke Islington. In part one: After the last election we thought there wouldn’t be another Labour government for decades. How can things change so fast in five years? And Jan reads from great political works by Liz Truss and Nadine Dorries. Part Two coming tomorrow…  Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more.  Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, Alex Andreou and Jan Ravens. Live audio by Simon Williams, production by Robin Leeburn. Zoom livestream by Chris Jones and Kieron Leslie. Live events co-ordinator: Jill Pearson. Theme music 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 Parliament’s vote to ban alleged sex pest MPs the first step towards restoring some respect to the Commons? Plus the Tories are spouting conspiracies again – this time it’s Maria Caulfield and 15-minute cities. What is she on about and what even are 15-minute cities? And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, Apple destroys the tools of creativity in its new iPad advert and no-one is impressed. Do our panel hate it too? Want more from the House of Podmasters? Origin Story Season 5 is out now! Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey are back with more deep dives into political concepts and personalities that are perhaps a little TOO misunderstood. George Orwell is up first. Listen here.  And are you confused by the US election? Then why not listen to our new podcast American Friction? Out every Friday lunch time in the run-up to November’s big vote. Available here, or wherever you get your podcasts. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Marie Le Conte and Zöe Grünewald. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by Kieron Leslie. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Oh God, What Now? is a Podmasters production www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak’s speech on Monday was one step short of giving the British public a very dreary ultimatum – vote Tory or else. But with Natalie Elphicke defecting, Nadhim Zahawi stepping down, and Dominic Cummings and Matt Goodwin wanting to create their own parties - can any message Sunak sends to the public give him a chance at the next election? Plus, Keir Starmer announced his plan to tackle immigration last week – what’s in it, and ultimately how does the UK feel about immigration right now? • “It is very strange to make an apparently serious and scary speech and then to dilute all that by throwing in all this culture war stuff.” – Ros Taylor • “The chaos of the content demonstrates how bad his team really is at politics.” – Hannah Fearn • “I’m amazed more of them aren’t standing down, to be honest.” – Ros Taylor • “I really hope the phrase ‘stop the boats’ disappears after this election.” – Hannah Fearn We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  Want more from the house of Podmasters? We’ve got loads for you to get your ears around. Origin Story Season 5 is out now! Ian Dunt and Dorian Lynskey are back with more deep dives into political concepts and personalities that are perhaps a little TOO misunderstood. George Orwell is up first, listen here! Jam Tomorrow’s season finale is out this week with the next season already in the works. Listen to Ros Taylor and guests right here! And are you confused by the US election? Then why not listen to our new podcast American Friction, out every Friday lunch time in the run-up to November’s big vote. Available here, or wherever you get your podcasts. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Hannah Fearn and Ros Taylor. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by Kieron Leslie. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tory failure at the locals was obvious – but the rise of Greens and independents was less clear in advance. What does this mean for Labour and the general election? Plus, it’s 30 years since John Smith died, is he the best Prime Minister Britain never had? Historian and editor of the Tides of History project, Anthony Broxton, joins the panel to discuss. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, the panel discusses the controversy around Baby Reindeer.  • “To what extent are the people moving over to the greens really committed to Net Zero?” – Ros Taylor • “Until Labour reconciles with the EU people will always look to John Smith.” – Anthony Broxton We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  Want more Podmasters to listen to? Then try out our new podcast American Friction, out every Friday lunch time in the run up to November’s election. Available here, or wherever you get your podcasts. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, Hugo Rifkind and guest Anthony Broxton. Producer: Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by Kieron Leslie. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis.. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tories got trounced at the locals – we unpack the winners and losers. Plus, we question how the media covered the races, including those who said Susan Hall might do better in London than she did… And with Monty Panesar standing for George Galloway’s party – didn’t have that on our 2024 bingo card – we ask about celebs and sports people going into politics. What are the dos and don’ts?  • “Susan Hall basically stood there spitting fire about why she lost and how it wasn’t fair.” – Jonn Elledge • “There is probably a point bringing up Reform – because they’re a bigger threat to the Tories than they are to Labour.” – Marie Le Conte  • “Even if you talk to Tory MPs, they know they cannot sell another new leader on the doorstep.” – Marie Le Conte  • “With the younger generation online, they think all celebrities actually should be political. Celebrities are in a hard place because of it.” – Marie Le Conte  Listen to American Friction – with Jacob Jarvis, The Bunker’s Chris Jones and special guest Molly Jong-Fast here.  We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Marie Le Conte and Jonn Elledge. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Video production by Kieron Leslie. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The brand new podcast from the makers of The Bunker. Bewildered by the US Presidential Election? Don’t worry, American Friction has got you. Every Friday Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez of Rolling Stone join expert special guests to count down to America’s most rancorous election in generations.  Get the full episode and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major platforms.  Follow us on social media:  Twitter Instagram  TikTok Written and presented by Chris Jones, Jacob Jarvis and Nikki McCann Ramírez. Audio editor: Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Executive producer: Martin Bojtos. Artwork by James Parrett. Music: Orange Factory Music. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Labour takes Conservative seats across the UK and in the Blackpool South constituency, Ros Taylor joins Jacob Jarvis to work out what it all means. Is it really the Tories’ worst local elections performance in 40 years? Are there any scraps of comfort for Sunak – or is he doomed?    Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more.     Presented by Jacob Jarvis. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The US Election is just six months away. How come snoozy Trump still leads in several states, even though he’s in court every day? We’re launching a brand-new US election podcast American Friction and its regular panelist Nikki McCann Ramírez joins OGWN to scope out American’s Final Countdown. Plus, last-minute speculation on the local elections. Are our devolved local institutions really “a hot mess”? And in the Extra Bit for Patreon people: Following the fall of Too Nice Guy Humza Yousaf, when are politicians too ruthless – and when are they not ruthless enough?  Subscribe to American Friction on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other platforms, and hear own Jacob Jarvis and Chris Jones make sense of the US Election countdown, along with Nikki and special guests.  • “The biggest threat to Trump’s candidacy isn’t necessarily the trials. It’s that the more time he spends in court, the less time he has for campaigning.” – Nikki McCann Ramírez • “It’s not ‘The Economy, Stupid’ any more because people will literally turn away from the evidence if it doesn’t support their view of the candidate they hate.” – Rafael Behr • “The scariest promise that Trump has made is his vow to gut Federal agency staff and replace them with Trump loyalists… He has learned from his first term.” – Nikki McCann Ramírez Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more.  Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Hannah Fearn and Rafael Behr. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production by Alex Rees. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The right wing press’s feverish attempts to take down Angela Rayner seem to be failing. What’s the secret of Rayner’s appeal and what does the future hold for Labour’s combative Deputy Leader? Plus, the SNP in turmoil as Humza Yousaf’s powerplay against the Greens goes badly wrong, forcing him to quit as Scotland’s First Minister. Scottish writer Gerry Hassan unpacks it for us. And how misty-eyed nostalgia accounts sneak hardline culture war dogwhistles into your mum’s Facebook feed. Final tickets for Oh God, What Now? Live in Islington with special guest Jan Ravens are still available. The dark subtext of Classical Art and Architecture Twitter. • “She is quite gobby… but she’s unapologetic of who she is.” – Marie Le Conte • “If Angela Rayner was in the Tory party they would love her!” – Alex Andreou • “She’s the most powerful communicator for the message that Sunak is not in touch with real people’s lives.” – Alex Andreou • “People used to leave their doors unlocked years ago because there was nothing to nick!” – Andrew Harrison We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou and Marie Le Conte. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by: Kieron Leslie. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sunak is still adamant his Rwanda plan will ‘stop the boats’. Will it? We unpack the latest in Tory failure and cruelty. Plus, the local elections are just around the corner and some Tory councillors are literally begging Sunak to stay clear of their constituencies. What should we be looking out for come May 2nd? Then in the Extra Bit for backers, are we heading for a future where all our politicians are weird and wealthy, as Tony Blair puts it? Or are we already there? • “It will cost more to send a person to Rwanda than it would to send them to space – that was read out in Parliament.” – Hugo Rifkind • “People think Rwanda is the Tories’ worst plan…it’s not.” – Hugo Rifkind We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Yasmeen Serhan, Ros Taylor and Hugo Rifkind. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by: Kieron Leslie. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis.. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak has found a new target to pick on – the sick. He claims Britain needs to get rid of its ‘sick note culture’ and he wants work and health professionals to issue the fit notes instead of GPs – what could possibly go wrong? And Starmer might be popular now, but if he’s elected as PM his popularity will likely dwindle and fast. How will he and his party handle that?  • “There is a lazy ignorance here born out of not hanging out of hanging out with anyone who has used the benefits system.” – Rafael Behr • “You can’t just shout people into feeling better.” – Jonn Elledge We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Hannah Fearn, Rafael Behr and Jonn Elledge. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by: Kieron Leslie. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis.. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

• Join us for OGWN: It’s Grim Up North London live in Islington on Mon 20 May. Tickets onsale now. Liz Truss’ new book 10 Years To Save the West certainly isn’t a boring read but neither is it a good one. Actor and impressionist Jan Ravens joins the panel to pick through how Truss thought her 45 days of office went compared to reality and all her other ludicrous claims in between. Plus: Sunak’s cigs ban. Is it fair to create two tiers of adult, one blissfully smoke-free and one battering the gaspers? And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, we look into the politics of Alex Garland’s ‘Civil War’. • “Liz Truss is a cross between a haunted doll and a little girl whose dad has told her that she’s funny, and is always looking around for applause.” – Jan Ravens • “She says ‘Now is no time for finger-pointing.’ Cue three hundred pages of finger-pointing.” – Dorian Lynskey • “It’ll either be an early election with Sunak at the helm… Or a late one, and Sunak won’t be leader.” – Alex Andreou We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey, with Alex Andreou, Zoe Grunewald and guest Jan Ravens. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by Keiron Leslie. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis.. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Middle East is on the verge of all-out war after Iran fired missiles and drones into Israel. Where does Britain stand on this latest escalation – and would we be ready if things get worse? Labour has outlined its hopes to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP – but is that enough? CEO of Chatham House and host of the Independent Thinking podcast Bronwen Maddox talks to Ros Taylor. And it’s a But Your Emails special! Are there any good right-wing podcasts? And what would you replace the monarchy with? The panel gets to as many of our listeners' questions as possible. • “This current situation does play into Netanyahu's hands.” – Seth Thévoz • “If you were advising Netanyahu, you might want to point out that sympathy and patience is really wearing thin.” – Rachel Cunliffe • “Lots of Labour leaders, with the exception of Corbyn, feel like they have to look tough.” – Matt Green We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor, with Matt Green, Seth Thévoz and Rachel Cunliffe. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Video production by Kieron Leslie. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis.. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reform UK’s candidates have proven to be controversial, to say the least. But, unfortunately, the party seems to be doing ok in the polls. What does Tice’s group actually stand for and what are Reform’s policies? And in the second part, why are we so obsessed with the end of the world? Dorian Lynskey’s new book Everything Must Go: The Stories We Tell about the End of the World explores that very idea – and the panel quizzes him over his latest work. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, Netflix’s Scoop gives an account of how BBC Newsnight secured that infamous Prince Andrew interview. The panel reveals all about their biggest interviews, how they got them, and how they went. • “I just think there’s no end to how weird people’s political opinions are.” – Dorian Lynskey • “Reform voters are so angry with Rishi Sunak… they probably wouldn’t even vote if there was no Reform Party.” – Ros Taylor • “Some people would really like the world to be destroyed, they would just like it to be over.” – Dorian Lynskey Buy Everything Must Go: The Stories We Tell about the End of the World through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund Oh God, What Now? by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey, Ros Taylor, Zoë Grünewald and Hugo Rifkind. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Video production by Keiron Leslie. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Britain is the second most powerful country in the world… according to Sunak’s latest desperate brag anyway. You probably saw the weird collage the Tories posted on Twitter — but is there any truth to the party's claims? Or is this just another bizarre fantasy? Plus, Brexit is about to rear its ugly head even higher with new food import charges. What are they and why could they damage consumers and small businesses alike? • “A chair would be a much more impressive communicator than Sunak.” – Matt Green • “Every aspect of it either made no sense or was dodgy in some way.” – Matt Green We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Hannah Fearn and Matt Green. Producer: Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Video production by Keiron Leslie. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What have fourteen years of Conservative rule done to Britain?, asks Sam Knight in that mega-piece by the New Yorker’s baffled readers. You might well ask, say our panel, who discuss what the world thinks of Britain’s weird experiment on itself. Plus, our special guest the political economist Will Hutton is here to talk about Labour’s options on the economy and his new book This Time No Mistakes: How to Remake Britain. And in the Extra Bit: Which books shaped our panelists’ politics? • “It felt as though the Tories were treating the country as a giant experiment… May and Sunak’s roles were simply to try and clean up.” – Ros Taylor • “The Tory logic is ‘Whatever we’re doing, at least WE’re in power and THEY’re not’… It’s a very efficient way to hold your party together.” – Rachel Cunliffe Buy This Time No Mistakes: How to Remake Britain through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund OGWN by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more.  Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor and Rachel Cunliffe. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Royal Family are experiencing their worst year in decades. Is it time we wound down the Monarchy not just for our sake but for their sake too? Or are things best left the way they are? Plus, Boomers (not all of them we’ll add) are “used to having everything its own way”, says the Economist, but times are changing. Has the time of the Millennials finally come? • “The Monarchy doesn’t provide a service like the BBC or the NHS but I think it’s rational, because it’s been there for such a long time, for people to not want to get rid of it.” – Rafael Behr • “Even if you just look at the makeup of Congress there really aren’t a lot of millennials present.” – Yasmeen Serhan • “Gen X really are the absolute waster generation.” – Rafael Behr We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison, with Yasmeen Serhan and Rafael Behr. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Video production by Keiron Leslie. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While you wait for the next episode of Oh God, What Now? Why don't you give our sister podcast PAPER CUTS a try? PAPER CUTS is the modern press review. We're out Monday to Friday, Miranda Sawyer and guests look at what’s behind the biggest stories, and bring you the weirdest headlines, the biggest scoops and the most astonishing manifestations of mass newspaper neurosis. Guests include Marcus Brigstocke, Rosie Holt, Jon Ellege, Scottee, Jason Hazeley, Daniel Foxx and the BAFTA nominated Gráinne Maguire. Don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite app. PAPER CUTS. We read the papers so you don't have to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What on earth were they thinking? The Conservative Party’s weird, dystopian, GOP-style attack ad on Sadiq Khan shows just how much the party has lost its mind. The panel unpack what was wrong with it and why the Tories might have thought this was a good idea at all. And Jeremy Hunt says £100k a year “doesn’t go far” – is he right? Or is he just massively out of touch? Plus, in the extra bit for subscribers what could replace the Labour Party’s ‘Things Can Only Get Better’ ring-walk tune for the 2024 election? • “They do a really bad video, they get roundly mocked… and the next day they do something worse?” – Ros Taylor • “The Conservatives are going to have to improve 12 points just to do as ‘well’ as 1997… They are looking at a generational defeat.”– Jonn Elledge • “People are now locked into jobs and house shares they don’t like because they feel too financially insecure to start again.” – Zoë Grünewald We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Zoë Grünewald, Ros Taylor and Jonn Elledge. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Drum’n’Bass insert by Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is The Sun newspaper starting to pivot towards supporting Keir Starmer? Will any of the rest of the Tory press follow suit? And does political endorsement from a newspaper even matter any more? Plus, double outrage as shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledges that Margaret Thatcher was, you know, quite a big deal. Was she right to do so and why can't we stay level-headed around the Iron Lady? • “I think there’s an acknowledgment from the papers that you can’t ignore Labour anymore.” – Rachel Cunliffe • “Any papers who don’t want to back Labour just won’t back ANYONE…” – Hugo Rifkind • “The Thatcher of now might be hosting a TV show on GB News, who knows?” – Hugo Rifkind We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Rachel Cunliffe and Hugo Rifkind. Producer: Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak is going for yet another relaunch. Will it work? (Probably not…) Plus, plucky newcomer Vladimir Putin has won the Russian presidential election with a massive landslide of 87% which is DEFINITELY legitimate. What have we learned from this sham election and what does it mean for Russia? Dr Ben Noble is an associate professor of Russian politics at UCL and chats with Alex Andreou. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, will Aaron Taylor-Johnson kick ass as the new James Bond, or will he bomb quicker than a bullet train?    • “Sunak might be breathing a sigh of relief at today’s inflation figures but I think he knows that’s not going to magically change things on the doorstep.” – Zoe Grunewald • “The Russia of 2024 is not the Russia of 2018.” – Dr. Ben Noble • “It does seem likely that the only way Putin stops being President is by dying.” – Dr. Ben Noble   We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow   Presented by Alex Andreou with Seth Thevoz, Zoe Grunewald, and guest Dr. Ben Noble. Producer: Chris Jones and Jacob Jarvis. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why are we so obsessed with ‘The Red Wall’? What does it mean and are the Tories about to lose all of those seats in the North? Plus, new research shows the government’s levelling-up project has not worked… at all. Only 10% of the approved fund has been spent by councils. Why? And were the government’s missions ever achievable?  • “The red wall are actually voters who should’ve been Tory for quite a long time.” – Marie Le Conte • “It was more of an F YOU to the whole system.” – Hannah Fearn • “It’s quite fun to have a lot of nutters.” – Marie Le Conte • “Rather than levelling-up, everybody is in a worse situation.” – Hannah Fearn We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  And Andrew’s Introduction to Microdisney: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5xAQv7A4imZLX5pkBtuYk9?si=jFp0aVJGRAyahhjyAvDMIA&pi=e-pUunf_m0QuaQ  Andrew’s Escape Route: Microdisney — The Clock Comes Down The Stairs on iPlayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001x9fs/the-story-of-microdisney-the-clock-comes-down-the-stairs  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Yasmeen Serhan, Marie Le Conte and Hannah Fearn. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Tories face another racism row, we imagine a world where the Conservative Party simply didn’t exist. Would that be for the best for everyone? Plus, according to new research, only Uzbekistan is more miserable than the UK. What does this tell us about the British psyche? And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, is Kate Middleton just bad at Photoshop or is there a darker conspiracy at play? (PS. It’s definitely the first one.) • “There are certain trends that are making Conservative MPs really worried.” – Rachel Cunliffe • “I think that Anderson is being consistent in one thing – and that’s that he’s always been a tw*t.” – Jacob Jarvis • “I think what could come in the Tories’ place could be even worse.” – Matt Green • “We find being cynical quite sexy in the UK – what is that?” – Ava Santina We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Rachel Cunliffe, Matt Green and Ava Santina. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn and Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lee Anderson has thrown a strop and joined Reform UK. What is this political journeyman trying to do – other than seek a load of attention? And, the budget hasn’t managed to win hearts and minds for the Tories. In fact, it made the dial creep in the wrong direction. What will they try next? • “If the Tories choose to radicalise, then I’m sure Lee Anderson could find a home back within the party.” – Hannah Fearn  • “Talking up the numbers of defectors is just a way of spooking the Tories.” – Rafael Behr  • “Sunak has very clumsy, clunky, tactical judgement.” – Rafael Behr  We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Hannah Fearn, Rafael Behr and Ros Taylor. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeremy Hunt’s budget has arrived. We unpack the good, bad and ugly – and ask: “Are we all going to be much richer now?” Short answer: No. Also, the BBC’s first-ever disinformation and social media correspondent Marianna Spring joins the panel to discuss her new book Among the Trolls: My Journey Through Conspiracyland, how she wards off online hate – and why social media is so rife with conspiracy theorists.  Buy Among the Trolls: My Journey Through Conspiracyland through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund Oh God, What Now? by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. • “What this government is doing is really last chance saloon.” – Zoë Grünewald • “They nicked Labour’s non-dom policy, which will cause some headaches later.” – Zoë Grünewald • “I think we should treat social media companies as we do governments… they’re just as powerful.” – Marianna Spring We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey, with Jonn Elledge, Zoë Grünewald, and guest Marianna Spring. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn and Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Galloway’s victory in Rochdale quite the seismic event that Gorgeous George claims it is? With even Mail readers more likely to vote Labour than Tory, do the papers still have the power they used to? And there’s a debate brewing on assisted dying. What do our panel think? Plus, Budget tips, the Supreme Court on whether Trump gets on the ballot, and why Marie le Conte considers herself a Space Arab.     • “Literally nobody wants tax cuts. If your ceiling is leaking, the upstairs neighbour giving you £20 towards your service charge is not an answer to your problems.” – Alex Andreou  • “Interesting that Galloway is able to channel all that discontent into election wins, and yet Farage isn’t.” – Rachel Cunliffe  • “Even the really right wing papers want Sunak out of the way so they can have their leadership battle between Badenoch, Jenrick and whoever…” – Alex Andreou  • “The Sun is just pretending that politics isn’t happening any more… Like, look, Jesus on a piece of toast!” – Marie le Conte      Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more.     Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Alex Andreou, Rachel Cunliffe and Marie le Conte. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production by Jade Bailey. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Lee Anderson and Suella Braverman’s recent outbursts, why are the Tories so scared of the word Islamophobia? And how deep does this issue run in the party? Plus, it’s a But Your Emails special! In the second half the panel answers as many of our listeners burning political questions as possible. Then in the Extra Bit for subscribers, what are political marches good for? The panel discusses their own experiences.  We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey, with Matt Green, Rafael Behr, and Hannah Fearn. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn and Jade Bailey. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

30p Lee has shown his real worth by claiming that Islamists have “got control” of Sadiq Khan. Suella Braverman, however, says they’re already in charge. Why hasn’t she lost the whip but Lee Anderson has? The panel discusses whether we have an intimidation issue in politics. Plus, as the Tories head for oblivion, why do political parties fail to learn from their mistakes before it’s too late? • “The Tories are Anderson’s enablers and for a reason – because it’s useful to them to have someone blowing that particular dog whistle.” – Alex Andreou. • “I actually find it really hard to get into Rishi’s head.” – Marie Le Conte • “People sounded angrier than they did at the height of the Brexit years.” – Marie Le Conte. • “The right, not just here but all around the world, is suffering a crisis in ideology.” – Alex Andreou. • “MPs are behaving like small children who have been in the car too long.” – Marie Le Conte. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Marie Le Conte and Alex Andreou. Producers: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We can’t believe we’re asking this, but is David Cameron showing some competence in his role as foreign secretary? Or is he just the best of a terrible Cabinet? The panel discusses how he’s performed so far – and whether we can ever really forgive him. The answer is no, we can’t, by the way. Plus, Our Ros Taylor’s written a book! The Future of Trust is out now! She discusses her work with the panel.  Buy The Future of Trust through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund Oh God, What Now? by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. • “Geo-strategic thinking is not Cameron’s strong point.” – Rafael Behr. • “The thing you have to remember about David Cameron is that he is VERY arrogant.” – Rafael Behr. • “This isn’t the first time Marjorie Taylor Greene has told off a Brit.” – Yasmeen Serhan. • “Trust is a very, very slippery concept.” –  Ros Taylor. • “You’d think trust would increase with greater scrutiny, but that’s not necessarily the case.” – Ros Taylor. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, Rafael Behr and Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why do the right-wing intelligentsia keep talking Britain down? Didn’t they get all they ever wanted when we left the EU? And who are the worst culprits? Plus: Remember when Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister and promised to fix the economy? Yes, well last week it emerged that Britain had entered a recession – nailed it. Has he completely failed on all his other goals too? That’s Oh God, What Now? with our special guest, political comedian Alistair Barrie. “The blame game is the only game in town as far as Sunak’s concerned.” – Alistair Barrie. “Reform has done nothing but set about alienating black, ethnic minority voters.” – Zoe Grunewald. “Down with the NIMBYS!” – Rachel Cunliffe. “Oh that woke blob with their tofu!” – Alistair Barrie. “Most of us don't give a fuck about tax cuts, most of us care about things actually working.” – Alistair Barrie. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Zoe Grunewald, Rachel Cunliffe, and guest Alistair Barrie. Producers: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tories have been trounced in the latest by-elections – who’d have guessed that would happen?! Sunak’s colleagues blamed a low turnout for the results in Kingswood and Wellingborough – is that fair? Or is the Tory electorate collapsing? What can we learn from these by-elections and what does this indicate, if anything, for the upcoming general election? Andrew Harrison is joined by Ros Taylor in an emergency edition.  “There was a feeling people might turn a little against Labour, but that has not happened.” – Ros Taylor “I think Sunak will be wondering how he can emerge from this with any personal dignity intact.” – Ros Taylor www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ros Taylor. Producers: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Labour has disowned its candidate for the upcoming Rochdale byelection – how has Keir Starmer handled this? And has this turmoil over Azhar Ali’s comments damaged the Labour Party’s hopes of beating the Tories at the next election? Plus, we discuss New Labour Derangement Syndrome which we’ve DEFINITELY NOT made up. How influential is New Labour still? And in the Extra bit for subscribers – is platforming still a thing? We unpack the interview between Tucker Carlson and Vladimir ‘The Historian’ Putin. • “I would not say I’m entirely confident Ali will win, but I think it’s the most likely outcome still.” – Marie Le Conte. • “Mandelson hasn’t come out and said ‘I’m just a normal bloke’ which I think has happened with the rest of them.” – Matt Green We’re on YouTube! www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou, Matt Green, and Marie Le Conte. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been called “the mother of all U-turns”, but is Labour’s backtracking on its £28bn green policy pledge justified? And should we stop moaning and learn to love U-turns anyway? Plus, the UK’s education system isn’t in brilliant shape. What needs solving, and does Labour have a plan? Special guest Charlotte Santry, news editor for TES Magazine, FKA the Times Education Supplement, marks our report card. • “The £28b figure? I'm not bothered about it, it was just a pointless round number.” – Hannah Fearn. • “I wouldn’t rule out Labour making a U-turn on the U-turn.” – Seth Thevoz. • “Because of how the costs are calculated there are schools that have been charged £8k for a tap or £4k for a sink.” – Charlotte Santry. • “In some areas in particular places like London, you’re seeing schools that aren’t attracting enough pupils to be sustainable.” – Charlotte Santry. • “Labour has pledged a lot of things on education, but there aren’t a lot of details.” – Charlotte Santry. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Hannah Fearn, Seth Thevoz and guest Charlotte Santry. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the 500th episode since we started as Remainiacs! To mark the occasion we’ve highlighted 10 of the worst Brexit bad guys we love to hate… because you can’t spell “schadenfreude” without E.U. Plus, immigration under the microscope with migration expert Zoe Gardner. Are we in the crisis the Tories claim? And how will the next government handle it? And in the Extra Bit for subscribers, why are our MPs swearing so much and do we really give a shit? • “It still amazes me that Farage did not pay the price like Johnson and is massively influential, now more than ever.” – Zoe Gardner. • “So much of Brexit was just bad policy… It was founded in fantasy.” – Raf Behr. • “Refugees on small boats has been pushed as a huge issue but they account for well under 10% of migration to the UK.” – Zoe Gardner. • “The choice is chaos or control, but what we have now is chaos.” – Zoe Gardner. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  Keep OGWN going by supporting us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, Rafael Behr and guest Zoe Gardner. Producers: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Yes, we know the Tory party has made an absolute mess of the country – but can Labour do anything to fix it? And if it can, in which areas will it focus? Plus, according to new research, Gen Z boys and men are getting increasingly angry at feminism. Why? What’s behind the political rift between men and women? And is it all Andrew Tate’s fault?  •”Labour thinks the Tories will fight the next election on wedge issues… that is NOT the strategy.” – Alex Andreou. •”I cover this for a living and even I am confused about how taxes are so high...” – Rachel Cunliffe. •”You cannot get Labour to say ANYTHING right now.” – Rachel Cunliffe. •”Young British men are still way more to the left than older British women, to be fair.” – Marie Le Conte. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  Hear the latest edition of Ros Taylor’s Jam Tomorrow: ‘Ten Pound Poms’. Support us on Patreon and help keep OGWN going: https://www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Marie Le Conte, Alex Andreou and Rachel Cunliffe. Producer: Chris Jones. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Disposable vapes, XL bullies, and nitrous oxide – this government loves banning things. Has that always been the case? Do we secretly love living in a nanny state? And the housing crisis keeps getting worse, will a Labour government be able to fix the problem? We’ve got two of the UK’s leading housing journalists with us, including award-winning journalist and author of Show Me The Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen, Peter Apps.  • “We shouldn’t have a nerd PM, he doesn’t understand the appeal of the fun stuff.” – Marie Le Conte • “I’m not sure banning things always works. I think it can make things more attractive again.” – Hannah Fearn. • “There’s been a failure to imagine a world of flat ownership without leasehold.” – Peter Apps • “I’ve been renting in London since 2009… I’ve got enough stories to finish the podcast.” – Marie Le Conte • “We’re short of everything in housing.” – Hannah Fearn Buy Show Me The Bodies: How We Let Grenfell Happen through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund Oh God, What Now? by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Marie Le Conte, Hannah Fearn and guest Peter Apps. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brexit Fourth Birthday Special! As new import regulations come in to make meat, cheese and flowers more expensive, why can’t we face up to the Dumbest Thing Britain Ever Did? Tory fratricide latest: the beleaguered Rishi Sunak’s masterplan is… banning disposable vapes? Is Viktor Orbán’s Hungary about to get kicked out of the EU? And will we see Mar-a-Lago on Zoopla soon?  (Due to illness it’s an all-male “manel” today. Normal service resumed ASAP.) • “The Government has effectively beta-tested every one of its ideas on people’s lives and livelihoods.” – Alex Andreou • “On hormone beef we are actually sticking to EU regulations… which makes you wonder what the point of leaving was.” – Seth Thévoz • “Who chooses a pilot on the basis that you’d like to go to the pub with them and they seem like a bit of a laugh?” – Alex Andreou • “I was once accused of monopolising Monopoly, which is pretty harsh.” – Jacob Jarvis • “The shortages on medicines are a ticking bomb. It’s incredible how little coverage this is getting.” – Alex Andreou Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more.  We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow Visit our new affiliate bookshop to buy books by the panel and our pals. You’ll be helping to fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale plus Bookshop.org helps to support independent bookshops too. Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou and Seth Thévoz. Produced by Chris Jones. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Britain a conservative nation at its core – or is it time to dispel that myth? And the Tories haven’t been too good at picking party leaders of late, could Kemi Badenoch be next up? The panel discusses who she is and what she stands for? Plus, in the extra bit for subscribers, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer wants to give Ofcom more powers to stop what she believes is BBC bias – does she have a point? • “I think the cost of living crisis is making more institutions left wing.” – Marie Le Conte • “There is evidence that this woke moral panic is making people over a particular age more conservative and people under a certain age less so.” – Alex Andreou We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou, Rachel Cunliffe and Marie Le Conte. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get the political cliché klaxon ready – Rishi Sunak has invoked the so-called “will of the people” as he boosts his Rwanda rhetoric. Does he have any idea what the public actually wants? And why is he so desperately upping his populist-but-not-very-popular messaging? Plus, as attacks on Starmer get increasingly desperate – should anyone care about mud-slinging from the tabloids? Ros Taylor is joined by Hannah Fearn and Times columnist Hugo Rifkind.  • “When he has seen the will of the people he’s chosen to ignore it. It’s a strange choice of words.” – Hannah Fearn  • “It’s easy to say he’s not very good at being Prime Minister, but it’s worse than that. He’s not very good at being Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. He’s literally someone who started a job and doesn’t know how to do it.” – Hugo Rifkind  • “Sunak sort of exudes weakness.” – Hugo Rifkind  • “Sunak is seen as useless and out of touch – both worse than boring.” – Hannah Fearn  Hear the new series of Ros's documentary podcast Jam Tomorrow here: https://listen.podmasters.uk/JamTomorrow We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Hannah Fearn and Hugo Rifkind. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lee Anderson and his pals have thrown their toys out of the pram – we unpack the latest Tory fallout. Plus, Houthi rebel strikes across Red Sea shipping lanes have led to counterstrikes from the UK and the US militaries. How has that action been justified and what’s the danger of escalation? And, leading transport commentator Simon Calder joins the panel to give his thoughts on the UK’s travel networks – the good, the bad and the ugly.  • “It felt like ‘we’ve bombed this and this is why we did it’ and it doesn’t feel like that’s how it should be in a democracy.” – Ros Taylor • “I’m not sure David Cameron is getting all 8 hours at night.” – Zoe Grunewald • “Everything is simply decided now it seems by Number 10 on what is most expedient politically.” – Simon Calder • ”There is simply no appetite for rail and that is why we’re going into such a long spiral of decline, it is absolutely miserable.” – Simon Calder We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, Zoe Grunewald and guest Simon Calder. Producer: Alex Rees and Chris Jones. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Oh God, What Else?’ is our Monday morning extra edition for Patreon backers. This week’s episode is a bit special so we thought we’d make it available to the wider OGWN-verse too. This time: After 1,875 days, Oh God, What Now? producer extraordinaire Alex Rees is leaving Podmasters. He joins the rest of our audio team, Jade Bailey, Simon Williams and Robin Leeburn to take you behind the scenes of Podmasters to discuss how the company, podcasts and people have changed over the years. • “In my final interview with Andrew he asked me ‘Oasis or Blur?’ and I was convinced I’d lost the job because I said Oasis” – Jade Bailey • “I think our studio pushes 100 degrees in summer. That’s CELSIUS.” – Robin Leeburn Presented by Jade Bailey, Alex Rees, Simon Williams and Robin Leeburn. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Audio production by Simon Williams. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT ELSE? is a Podmasters production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s another tough week for Rishi Sunak as a new poll suggests the Tories are set for 1997-style obliteration. But, are the results all they seem? And are certain Tory factions turning further against him? Then, inspired by Ian Hislop Vs Jake Berry on Peston last week – the panel discusses how you win a meaningful argument in the world of politics. Is it even possible? • ”We always talk about the red wall going down, but this poll shows it's being rebuilt?” – Matt Green • “Voters care if he does something, and in the end it doesn’t feel like the Rwanda plan is actually going to happen.” – Matt Green • “TV and radio debates do not matter at all… the media’s role should be to inform people” – Marie Le Conte. • “Politics is never something that is resolved one day, so setting down where we went right or wrong is good because someone is going to pick up the torch.” – Seth Thevoz We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Matt Green, Seth Thevoz and Marie Le Conte. Producer: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An ITV drama throws the Post Office scandal back into the public eye. Why was it ignored – and what other scandals should we be discussing more? Plus, hands up if you had net zero goals as Sunak’s first blow of 2024. Chris Skidmore’s resignation over the Offshore Petroleum Bill has put the Tories in a spin. And in the Extra Bit for subscribers the most depressing day of the year (apparently) is on the horizon, what do our panel do to cheer themselves up in January?  • “We really mustn't obscure the fact that Fujitsu and the Post Office went to great lengths to obscure the issues.” – Alex Andreou • “Sunak falls from policy position to policy position as he relaunches his leadership campaign every two weeks.” – Alex Andreou • “Even if the green policies are in place to make something happen in the UK, the general culture, mood, is we’re not interested.” – Hannah Fearn Listen to Alex Andreou’s Bunker episode on the Post Office scandal: https://listen.podmasters.uk/BUNKER240110QuirkPostOffice  We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Alex Andreou and Hannah Fearn. Producer: Alex Rees and Chris Jones. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When is a vote not a vote? Billions of people will go to the polls around the world this year but in Britain and the US, will the elections cover up deep democratic decay? Plus, the Conservative’s long goodbye to power is creating its own alternative universe of TV, comment and counterfactual reality. What happens when the Tory infosphere loses its mind?  • “The country that’s worrying me at the moment is Germany.” – Marie Le Conte. • “Some people want Fox News for Britain and the more controversial the better.” – Rachel Cunliffe. • “One of the best things to grow your profile online is to be really extreme and that’s basically what’s happened with Miriam Cates.” – Rachel Cunliffe. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Rachel Cunliffe, Marie Le Conte, and Rafael Behr. Producer: Alex Rees and Chris Jones. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s 2024 and Rishi Sunak is up to his old tricks. The panel discusses what lies ahead for the year, plus all you might have missed over the festive period – from Sunak's meeting with Cummings to the pint of wine discourse. And in the extra bit for subscribers, what’s in and what's out for 2024 according to our panel? “I think 2024 could be the year of reclassifying things off of your to do list.” – Zoe Grunewald “Sunak’s big problem is Reform UK.” – Alex Andreou “Why would you trust Dominic Cummings to do anything in secret? – Zoe Grunewald Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou and Zoe Grunewald. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou and Zoe Grunewald. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What have Donald Trump, Suella Braverman, and 495 voters in Uxbridge and South Ruislip all got in common? That’s right, they’re all terrible. For our last episode of the year, we’ve decided to put together a list of our 12 villains of Christmas. And in the extra bit for subscribers only, it’s the festive season – so what wholesome traditions does the panel have at Christmas? • “Nadine Dorries either genuinely has absolutely zero self-awareness, or she’s taking the piss.” – Alex Andreou • “Boring, quiet, madly right-wing guys like Mike Johnson are actually far more dangerous than someone like Trump.” – Dorian Lynskey • “What the last year has taught me is that I would not trust Elon Musk to fly me to Mars.” – Rachel Cunliffe • “It’s fair to say that Yevgeny Prigozhin was the winner of the F*** Around And Find Out prize this year.” – Matt Green We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou, Rachel Cunliffe, and Matt Green. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michelle Mone admits lying to the media about her PPE links – but hey, that ain’t a crime! What will the repercussions be of her belated honesty? Plus, Labour is getting ready for a spring election. Should we be braced for campaigns to start in earnest once the tinsel’s been taken down? And Christmas is a boring time for political geeks. The panel discusses getting through a period of little to no Westminster news.  • “People do hate the press, but you only have to take it one step further to see that blaming them is a stupid argument.” – Hannah Fearn  • “Social media? Maybe there are more things Sunak wants to ban we don’t know about…” – Ros Taylor  We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Listen to Andrew’s choice of album, Where The Rabbit Sleeps by Sensorama. Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ros Taylor and Hannah Fearn. Producer: Alex Rees. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ho Ho Ho God, What Now? It’s part two of the OGWN Christmas live show as Dorian, Ros, Alex and special guest James O’Brien return for a half-time freshener at London’s legendary Comedy Store and look to the future. What’s waiting down the line for the next Government (whomever they may be)? Who’s looking like a future Cabinet star and who looks like trouble? Plus questions from our well-refreshed audience.  Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more.  Visit our new affiliate bookshop to buy books by the panel and our pals. You’ll be helping to fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale plus Bookshop.org helps to support independent bookshops too. Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees (audio). Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

O come all ye tofu-eating wokerati… It’s part one of the OGWN Christmas live show with Dorian, Ros, Alex and special guest James O’Brien, LBC’s sharp-witted inquisitor-general, gathering before a well-refreshed audience at London’s world-famous Comedy Store. On the agenda: How did Sunak blow it so badly in 2023? We take a world tour of Planet Rishi and all its many troublespots. Part two will be with you tomorrow…   Support us on Patreon to get early access to all our live tickets plus mugs, t-shirts and more.  Visit our new affiliate bookshop to buy books by the panel and our pals. You’ll be helping to fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale plus Bookshop.org helps to support independent bookshops too. Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou and Ros Taylor. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees (audio). Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Sunak squirms in the Commons and the COVID Inquiry, we wonder what will sink him first. His defence of Eat Out To Help Out The Virus? Or his own impossible-to-please backbenchers? Plus, how would the Tory Right’s feverish fan-fiction plan for a Boris Johnson-Nigel Farage Dream Ticket play out?  • “The last Tory leader who said ‘Unite or die’ was Ian Duncan Smith, two weeks before they ousted him.” – Seth Thévoz • “We’re treating the COVID Inquiry like it’s going to provide catharsis – and that’s not what it’s for.” – Ros Taylor  • “Hands up who had ‘Rwanda will be our human rights conscience’ on their bingo card.” – Alex Andreou Visit our new affiliate bookshop to buy books by the panel and our pals. You’ll be helping to fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale plus Bookshop.org helps to support independent bookshops too. Written and presented by Alex Andreou, Ros Taylor and Seth Thévoz. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees (audio). Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak’s week from hell really got into full swing after our last recording – so here we are with an emergency podcast. Alex Andreou joins Jacob Jarvis to explain why Jenrick’s resignation got Sunak sweating so much. Plus, Johnson’s been giving his evidence at the Covid inquiry – how’s that been going? And what should we pay attention to? “Sunak must also suspect this is a coordinated move, which makes it all the more menacing.” – Alex Andreou “All of this cannot continue to surprise us, because it’s now becoming the norm. Sunak is really bad at this. So was Truss, So was Johnson.” – Alex Andreou “The country chose to elect a clown and what it got in return was a farce.” – Alex Andreou We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis with Alex Andreou. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Poor James Cleverley. Can’t a guy just announce his psychotically cruel migration policy without Braverman heckling that it isn’t fashy enough in her resignation* speech? We look at the Tories’ performatively mean new immigration plans and why they’ll never be enough for Beerhall Sue. Plus your questions answered in a But Your Emails Special, why on Earth would Starmer say he admires Thatcher, and Lord Moylan rizzes up Alex. * FACT CHECK: She was sacked. • “These immigration rules are going to make international love something for the well-paid.” – Alex Andreou • “The DUP never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.” – Gavin Esler https://www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Visit our new affiliate bookshop to buy books by the panel and our pals. You’ll be helping to fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale plus Bookshop.org helps to support independent bookshops too. Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou, Marie le Conte and Gavin Esler. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees (audio). Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You might have noticed how terrible Rishi Sunak’s government is on basically everything, yet, if you listen to his cabinet you might think it’s all going swimmingly. How do we survive the next few months of a government eating itself alive without losing our sanity? Plus, why does British politics find it so hard to deal with religious issues? That’s Oh God, What Now? with guest Times Radio’s Hugo Rifkind. “It’s like watching a man who’s watching his house falling down, running from small DIY job to DIY job but actually making it all worse.” – Ros Taylor. “I think they think they’re in it to win it, it’s just bonkers, the dogs in the street can see they’re about to lose an election from the centre.” – Hugo Rifkind. “The problems with authority that Sunak has is that he’s literally not meant to be there.” – Hugo Rifkind. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison with Ros Taylor, Yasmeen Serhan and guest Hugo Rifkind. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Hancock has been giving evidence to the Covid-19 Inquiry and frankly he’s not done himself any good. Alex Andreou has been locked in to the sessions on Thursday and Friday. He joins Andrew Harrison to unpack what the former Health Secretary said – and just how badly he came across.  • “His appearance was always going to be very defensive.” – Alex Andreou • “He was doing the same bullshitting that he was being accused of.” – Alex Andreou • “Someone of his limited ability should never have been in that position.” – Alex Andreou We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first ceasefire deal in the Israel/Hamas conflict has been signed and hostages have been released. How will the war continue after this pause ends? Yair Wallach is a cultural historian of modern Palestine/Israel at SOAS University of London and joins the panel to discuss. Plus, With the Tories suffering so much in the polls how scared of the Reform UK party should they be? And in the extra bit for subscribers we ask: has Rishi Sunak lost his marbles? We unpack his row with Greece over ancient treasures. • “Netanyahu has almost been in shock – he’s not been able to form any kind of empathetic response to the Israeli public.” – Yair Wallach • “Reform is going forward with very clear messaging in a way that the Tory party is having an internal fight over.” – Rachel Cunliffe Why? - the brand new podcast taking you to the edge of knowledge. Available on all good podcast players - visit whypodcast.co.uk to find it We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou, Rachel Cunliffe, and guest Yair Wallach. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Net migration is at a record high in the UK, and as you might expect the Tories are tearing their hair out over it. After the failure of the Rwanda plan, Home Secretary James Cleverly sayid that plan is not the “be all and end all”, angering those on the very right of his party. Can Sunak provide a credible answer to the backlash the Tory party has received over its migration policies? Or has it lost all public trust? And the general election is somewhere on the horizon, but does it really matter when the election takes place with the polls so in favour of Labour? “Everyone is pissed off but in different ways.” – Geri Scott. “I’m not sure Cleverly needs to be dragged to the right to sure-up his position.” – Geri Scott. “When people are afraid and during a crisis they tend to vote for what they know.” – Ros Taylor “I think the Tories could benefit from something truly disastrous happening.” – Ros Taylor. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  Shop for festive favourite at http://podmarket.co.uk http://www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Written and Presented by Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis with Ros Taylor and Geri Scott. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hold tight for the white-hot excitement of the Autumn Statement! Why is Jeremy Hunt cutting taxes when public services are in the toilet? And what’s gone under the radar? Special guest Miatta Fahnbulleh of the New Economics Foundation has the receipts and the cheats. Plus, the great inheritance tax panic. Why is a tax that only 4% of estates pay such a hot potato?  Boost the economy! Don’t miss the Podmasters Christmas Market at podmarket.co.uk • “Hunt said very little about how he’s going to resuscitate our public services… To bake in cuts at this stage stores up real problems for the next government.” – Miatta Fahnbulleh  • “The Tory attack line now is, If you don’t watch out, Labour might do something that WE actually DID…” – Matt Green We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Matt Green and Alex Andreou. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rwanda plan is in tatters but when did that ever stop the Government from ploughing on mindlessly? Plus, is it hard to wage war on the House of Lords when that’s where your new Foreign Secretary sits? And why Suella Braverman’s fulminating letter to Sunak was exactly the same as ‘Stan’ by Eminem.  Don’t miss the Podmasters Christmas Market at podmarket.co.uk ...with discounts available for backers! https://www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow • “The Tories are not trying to distract US with Rwanda. They’re trying to distract THEMSELVES.” – Marie le Conte • “The idea that the Lords will approve legislation that applies the law in these specific circumstances is just fanciful.” – Hannah Fearn • “If you can’t sell this stuff on the Kent Coast you can’t sell it anywhere. And they can’t.” – Gavin Esler Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey with Hannah Fearn, Marie le Conte and Gavin Esler. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win an OGWN t-shirt or mug: https://www.patreon.com/posts/92531764 The Supreme Court throws out the Government’s Rwanda plan quicker than a Cruella tantrum. Is the infamous scheme dead or will the Government have the brass neck to appeal to the ECHR? Plus the Thug Life madness of the Braverman Letter, why David Cameron is the Harold Bishop of Conservatism, Greg Hands finds there is no job left, and Esther McVey, Minister for GB News.  This week’s special guest is Twitter’s now-outed Secret Tory Henry Morris. His new book is The Diary of a Secret Royal – buy it here and help the podcast through our affiliate links! Hear This Is Not A Drill, the podcast formerly known as Doomsday Watch, on all platforms at ThisIsNotADrill.co.uk  • “What a week… I’m just waiting for Iain Duncan Smith to turn up on Strictly.” – Matt Green • “This was a crushing verdict from the court… Justice Reid’s message was ‘If you think leaving the ECHR will fix this, it won’t.” – Alex Andreou • “We had the Government saying the judges have ‘misjudged the public mood’, as if that’s their job instead of interpreting the law.” – Henry Morris https://www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Matt Green and Alex Andreou. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win an OGWN t-shirt or mug: https://www.patreon.com/posts/92531764 Suella Braverman’s out (finally) and former PM David Cameron’s in – what on Earth is going on?! The panel reflects on Braverman’s sacking and the latest reshuffle. Plus, free firework displays and other events of the sort are becoming more rare up and down the country. Are cash-strapped councils pricing young people out of culture? Is it even their fault? “Braverman was a liability.” – Rachel Cunliffe. “She seemed to have been angling to get fired for weeks…” – Andrew Harrison. “Suella Braverman is the worst home secretary since Suella Braverman.” – Seth Thevoz. Why? - the brand new podcast taking you to the edge of knowledge. Available on all good podcast players - visit whypodcast.co.uk to find it We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison with Rachel Cunliffe, Yasmeen Serhan and Seth Thevoz. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Complete our listener survey for a chance to win an OGWN t-shirt: https://www.patreon.com/posts/92531764 Imagine waiting 73 years to become King and then you get dog-end policies from the bottom of a dying government’s drawer for your first speech to Parliament. We look at what’s in Rishi’s Big Plans – cigs! pedicabs! – and what’s conspicuous by its absence. Plus, does it matter whether Starmer is “statesmanlike” on Gaza or not? And Dorian sets up the Institution for Neutral Thinking.  Dr Robert Saunders AKA @redhistorian, author of Yes to Europe! The 1975 Referendum and Seventies Britain, is this week’s special guest.  Listen to our brand new science podcast WHY? – taking you on adventures to the edge of knowledge – at whypodcast.co.uk  • “This government giving you its longterm plans is like a mayfly telling you its plans for next week.” – Matt Green • “What the COVID inquiry has shown is that Sunak absolutely wasn’t led by the science. He was led by the economics.” – Hannah Fearn • “A lot of Trump quotes from the trial make a lot more sense if you imagine they’re coming from a five year-old.” – Matt Green https://www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey with Matt Green and Hannah Fearn. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Watch this space” said Rishi Sunak ahead of the King’s speech – well we have been watching it and it’s been catastrophic so far. Apart from vowing to halt climate saving policies, what is their long term plan and is there even a point of having one? PLUS, it’s almost exactly a year until the polls open in the US election, how are things looking? Could Trump turn it around, or is it in the bag for Biden and the Democrats? This week’s guest is Julie Norman, co-director of the Centre on US Politics at UCL. “No matter what side Americans are on, most are disappointed.” – Julie Norman  “I feel like Jeremy Hunt is the invisible chancellor.” – Marie Le Conte Listen to Why?, the brand new podcast taking you to the edge of knowledge, on all good podcast players. Visit whypodcast.co.uk to find it We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Marie Le Conte, Seth Thévoz and guest Julie Norman. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dominic Cummings gave a colourful account of life in Downing Street at the Covid inquiry this week. Other than him describing people as “morons” and “useless f**k-pigs” – what else did we learn? Plus, our guest this week is the public policy editor of the Financial Times, Peter Foster. He joins the panel to discuss his new book – What Went Wrong With Brexit And What We Can Do About It.  Peter Foster’s book: https://canongate.co.uk/books/5012-what-went-wrong-with-brexit-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/  "Cummings knew perfectly well that Johnson was unfit to run the country, and still he elevated him to that position.” – Alex Andreou “I feel profoundly angry at the casual nature with which they decided to play with people’s fate.” – Alex Andreou “I think Brexit was always going to be messy.” – Peter Foster. “It was almost as if they went to businesses and said you can go wild in the aisle, you can have whatever you want in the Brexit sweet shop!” – Peter Foster. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis with Zoe Grunewald, Alex Andreou and guest Peter Foster. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

War in Gaza is getting worse by the day. How is Labour and the rest of Europe dealing with the conflict between Israel and Hamas? TIME writer Yasmeen Serhan has been speaking to people inside the war zone – she shares what she’s learned from those conversations. Plus, who on Earth would want to be an MP in today's day and age? Well, hundreds apparently. Will the next generation emerge to be great political leaders? Or will we be short of Parliamentary talent once again?  "I can understand why people would look at this issue and not want to touch it with a 10 foot pole” – Yasmeen Serhan. “Keir Starmer’s problem with this is going ‘what would Jeremy Corbyn do in this situation?’ and doing the opposite of that” – Marie Le Conte. “I think to run as an MP you’ve got to be quite weird” – Marie Le Conte. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Yasmeen Serhan and Marie Le Conte. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After being battered by two byelections, where could the Tories possibly turn next? That’s right more of the same – no wonder the votes of no confidence are pouring into the 1922 committee. PLUS, Speaking of pouring, the water companies are destroying our waterways and running away with huge profits. Why? And how can we fix the system? Prominent Water campaigner Feargal Sharkey joins the panel to discuss all that. And in the extra bit for subscribers the panel answers the question: How do we stop pop music from turning into a sterile heritage industry? “Rishi’s Sunak’s message that he’s now the changed candidate hasn’t gone down too well.” – Rachel Cunliffe. “The simple truth is that this country is in pain and we need relief from it.” – Feargal Sharkey. “For me water is a litmus test for the state that the rest of the country is in.” – Feargal Sharkey. “We’re completely committing ecocide in our own backyard.” – Feargal Sharkey. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Matt Green, Rachel Cunliffe and guest Feargal Sharkey. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two disastrous by-election losses have sent the Tories into crisis as Rishi Sunak approaches a year in office. What can we expect next from this flailing and failing party? Plus, is private healthcare becoming the norm for more Britons? And, if so, could that impact the NHS’s ability to provide a better service?  “Both Sunak and Hands are committed to this line that it’s all about turnout.” – Hannah Fearn “Why are Conservative PMs so bad with their phones?” – Zoe Grunewald We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Hannah Fearn and Zoe Grunewald. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SPECIAL EDITION: You’ve made your Mid-Beds, now lie in it. As Labour register stupendous victories in the former constituencies of tragic never-to-be Baroness Dorries (Mid-Beds) and poster boy for nominative determinism Chris Pincher (Tamworth), the Conservatives break out their emergency supplies of copium. What does it all mean? Alex Andreou and Andrew Harrison read the entrails of two historic by-elections.  Audio producer: Alex Rees. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Israel-Hamas conflict is as intense as ever – but who can we trust to tell us what we need to know? The panel discusses the latest. Plus, the prospect of Donald Trump winning the next US election looms. What would that mean for Europe? And in the extra bit for subscribers a group of MEP’s were diverted to Disneyland in a bizarre turn of events earlier this week, what’s the weirdest diversion our panel have faced in their careers? That’s Oh God, What Now? with guest Brian Klaas, associate professor in global politics at UCL. “Britain does appear as the mouse that roars… we’re not a significant power anymore in the Middle East.” – Gavin Esler “Trump 2.0 would be Trump unleashed” – Brian Klaas We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Rachel Cunliffe, Gavin Esler and special guest Brian Klaas. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The second leg of the Covid Inquiry is very much underway and Johnson’s government looks evermore like a "terrible, tragic joke". They’re not our words but those of Cabinet Secretary Simon Case. What else did we learn about the handling of the pandemic? And there’s been a small influx of Tory defection to Labour, meanwhile, former SNP MP Lisa Cameron has moved over to the Conservatives. What’s going on? “It’s a sort of confirmation of what we thought might be the worst case scenario.” – Alex Andreou. “Unless you told Johnson over and over again what you wanted him to say, he would wander off and announce the first thing that came into his head.” – Alex Andreou. “There’s one thing to know about rats: and that’s that they don’t really like sinking ships… “ – Marie Le Conte. “Something like 4% of Reclaim voters are telling pollsters they’d vote Remain. Who ARE these people?” – Matt Green. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis with Marie Le Conte, Matt Green and Alex Andreou. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Labour Party Conference is over – Keir Starmer glittered, but did he shine? We’ve got reaction from Labour MP Stella Creasy, Rock and Roll Politics host Steve Richards and The Trawl podcast’s Marina Purkiss. The panel also discusses the best political orators from the past and present. And in the extra bit for subscribers – what's the scary new appeal of the occult and the irrational? “It was quite bizarre really to be somewhere so normal.” – Jacob Jarvis. “It was an unremarkable speech and quite dull in places… but you know what – I do have a lot of time for that.” – Seth Thevoz We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Seth Thevoz, Yasmeen Serhan and managing editor Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Labour’s Conference in Liverpool is rammed and optimistic but Starmer is desperate not to look triumphalist. What must he do this week to seal the deal with Britain? Plus, as Hamas’s atrocities horrify the world, we look at what the unprecedented crisis in Israel means – the monstrous arguments that certain people think it’s OK to make – and why blue ticks are a red flag.  Dorian Lynskey, Hannah Fearn and Alex Andreou are joined by special guest Hugo Rifkind of The Times.  • “If you compare Starmer now to where Blair was in 1996, of course he’s less interesting. Because Britain is less interesting. There’s no wave of social change to ride.” – Hugo Rifkind • “There’s a really dirty election ahead. Forget minimum standards, the Tories are going to fight from the gutter.” – Alex Andreou • “Politicians here are looking at capturing in a 60 second soundbite the complexity of an 80-year conflict.” – Hannah Fearn Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey. Audio producer: Robin Leeburn. Producer: Chris Jones. Art: James Parrett. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We really didn’t think things could get much worse, then Rishi Sunak took to the stage. His Tory conference speech was almost indescribable in terms of how awful it was. Suella Braverman was also at it being her usual offensive self, while the party decided to have a little flirt with Nigel Farage too. Plus, we discuss the issue of respect in politics – and how MPs can prove to the public they respect them. Luke Tryl, the UK director of More in Common, joins the panel to discuss research on this. “It was a very strange conference. Last year there was a sense of mania, this year was different. There was a sense of resignation that Sunak hadn’t turned things around.” – Luke Tryl “I think the next leader of the Conservative Party will be from the right side of the party. I think what’s up for grabs is how right.” – Luke Tryl “I found Sunak’s speech surreal, it felt like it came from a different world.” – Matt Green “There were so many dog whistles I thought he was going to enter Crufts at one point.” – Matt Green “A party that’s going to win a majority doesn’t flirt with Nigel Farage.” – Luke Tryl Thanks to this week's sponsors, the Disorder Podcast. You can listen here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou, Hannah Fearn and Matt Green. Producer: Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If Rishi Sunak hoped the Tory conference might be a gathering of friendly faces he must be very disappointed. The constant HS2 controversy is bogging him down and he’s witnessing rivals pitch to replace him already… Plus, while the Conservatives fall apart, Labour aren’t without their wobbles. Is Starmer too quickly knocked off course when the media turns nasty?  “There is a sense that the right-wingers are on the front foot, and that the one nation Tories are taking a back seat.” – Ros Taylor  “The Tory leadership is already underway. They’re expecting to lose, they’re expecting Sunak to be out, they’re on manoeuvres.” – Seth Thévoz  “This is not about policy, it’s about headlines. They’re doing ‘look over there’ politics.” – Gavin Esler  Thanks to this week's sponsors, the Disorder Podcast. You can listen here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ros Taylor, Seth Thévoz and Gavin Esler. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you haven’t tried our new podcast PAPER CUTS yet, here are some of the best bits from last week... PAPER CUTS is the modern press review and it’s been such a hit that we’re now doing it five days a week. From Monday to Friday, Miranda Sawyer and guests look at what’s behind the biggest stories, and bring you the weirdest headlines, the biggest scoops and the most astonishing manifestations of mass newspaper neurosis. Guests this week include Marcus Brigstocke, Ava Santina, Grainne Maguire, Jason Hazeley and more. Don’t forget to subscribe on your favourite app. PAPER CUTS. We read the papers so you don't have to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Forget HS2, the current systems of public transport we have barely work. Other countries can manage it, so why can’t we? Are transport issues going to be a big selling point in the next election? Plus, Britons are more liberal now since the National Centre for Social Research began its first survey in 1983. Does that surprise you? And in the extra bit for subscribers, the Hollywood writers’ strike is over, what’s been agreed to get our favourite shows back on our screens? “People like the idea of better transport in theory but in practice when it has to be built, that’s when the problems come in.” – Ros Taylor. “In this country, there’s so much stress involved in public transport - every time you get on a train you’re worried it’s going to get cancelled.” – Matt Green. “If you drill down into the figures it’s younger people who are getting more liberal since the pandemic.” – Ros Taylor. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  Thanks to this week's sponsors, the Disorder Podcast. You can listen here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Hannah Fearn, Ros Taylor and Matt Green. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HS2 was greenlit over a decade ago and now the Manchester extension seems doomed. What does that say about Sunak’s priorities? Does he even have a mandate anymore? And even if he does, is it too late to make it make sense? Plus, hands up, who hates London? Will the UK ever sort out the North vs South debate? That’s Oh God, What Now? with Andrew Harrison, Alex Andreou and Marie Le Conte. “In the end it will just be two steam trains between two villages ironically named HS2.” – Alex Andreou. “A government has to follow through. There comes to a point where a debate has to come to an end.” – Alex Andreou. “If you take out finance and the oligarchs, London is as poor as anywhere else!” – Alex Andreou.  Thanks to this week's sponsors, the Disorder Podcast. You can listen here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Marie Le Conte and Alex Andreou. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rupert Murdoch has finally retired… kind of. He’s stepping down as Fox and News Corps chairman. His son, Lachlan, will now take on the role, how will he rule? And what does this all mean for Fox News and the rest of the media mogul’s empire? Dan Cassino is a Professor of Government and Politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He’s also the author of Fox News and American Politics: How One Channel Shapes American Politics and Society. “I think we are past a crisis point with Fox News … and I think Murdoch saw that.”“The big crisis we had at Fox News is that the inmates were running the asylum.” “For the future of Fox News – they’re in trouble.” “If the empire stops making money, we have potential here for revolt.”  We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's sponsor is the Disorder Podcast - listen here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod Rishi Sunak disappoints again on the environment – the panel give their reaction to the delays he announced on key Net Zero deadlines. Plus, ‘Broken Britain’ is a phrase we’ve been hearing for a while but now it’s not just the left saying it. Is there a general consensus across all sides? And the online safety bill is still knocking around but it’s getting ever close to passing. Tech expert and founder of Fairvote UK, Kyle Taylor, joins the panel to discuss whether it’s fit for purpose. And in the extra bit for EVERYONE for one week only - we take a trip back to the noughties for a chat about pop culture, why was it so cruel and how did we let it happen?   “In Westminster, MPs seem to have the vibe at the moment that they’ve given up.” – Geri Scott. “Labour are going to come into a load of shit that they’re going to have to clean up, no money, schools are crumbling - there’s a lot to clean up.” – Geri Scott. “I don’t think Labour are doing a good enough job of priming the public on how big the mess is.” – Kyle Taylor. “Originally what we had was truly world leading… but the online safety bill has now become more about politics than policies.” – Kyle Taylor. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Marie Le Conte, Geri Scott and guest Kyle Taylor. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's sponsor is the Disorder Podcast - listen here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod As Liz Truss defends tanking the economy, the Government is wrangling whether to keep giving more money to OAPs. Is a pension crisis looming? Plus, Starmer’s been trotting around the world in an attempt to fix some of the damage of the last 13 years – will the likes of the EU listen? Or have we pushed it too far? “Starmer wants to see a cultural change in our attitudes to the EU - to take the toxicity out of that relationship.” – Ros Taylor “I think borders are going to become much more important for the EU in the future.” – Ros Taylor “To be clear I don’t think I’m going to retire, Alex. Let alone my children.” – Hannah Fearn “This is a very live issue for people in their 20s, 30s and 40s…” – Hannah Fearn “There aren’t any dinner parties, Liz. We’re all too skint to hold them.” – Hannah Fearn We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  This week's sponsor is the Disorder Podcast - listen here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Hannah Fearn and Ros Taylor. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With unions gathering for the TUC conference, parties are setting out how to engage with workers. Will Sunak change, and how will Starmer deal with them? Plus, we take a deep dive into Starmer’s leadership. How does he compare to the likes of Harold Wilson - when (if ever) will he have his own ‘white heat’ moment? That’s Oh God, What Now? With special guest Anthony Broxton, who runs the Tides of History project and is author of Hope and Glory: Rugby League in Thatcher’s Britain. https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/hope-and-glory  “On workers rights it’s been somewhat of a trade-off.” – Zoë Grünewald “Angela Rayner’s basically been the darling of the TUC of late.” – Zoë Grünewald “I think as Labour gets closer to government a distance needs to develop… if they’re in bed together neither can do their jobs properly.” – Alex Andreou “Starmer, even though he’s ahead in the polls, he hasn’t had his white heat moment.” – Anthony Broxton We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou, Zoë Grünewald and guest Anthony Broxton. Producers: Chris Jones and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s no escape for Justice Secretary Alex Chalk as he faces questions over the state of our justice system. Daniel Khalife’s runner from HMP Wandsworth is only a small example of its decaying state. So why does a government with such a hardline stance on crime struggle to fund the justice system? Plus, comedian Matt Green tells us why our plight often makes us want to laugh as he discusses political comedy in bleak times. And hope is on the horizon – literally. The UK’s rejoining the EU’s Horizon project. Could it pave the way for a return to the bloc? Probably not, but what could be next – if anything? “What happens when you don’t fund prisons is you get these terrible conditions, it becomes a safety risk.” – Rachel Cunliffe. “Even on things you’d expect Labour to have softer views on, they’ve been quite hardline.” – Rachel Cunliffe. “I think any word with the ‘re’ prefix is a bit of a problem … we now have a bespoke WORSE deal with Horizon.” – Matt Green We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Ros Taylor with Rachel Cunliffe and Matt Green. Producer: Chris Jones. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s concrete evidence the Tories have messed up again – literally. School roofs are crumbling, but the Government is bragging at least most are fine… Plus, the PM says he cares about Net Zero, but does he really? And in the extra bit for subscribers, hot mic moments can reveal more than a whole interview. But are they ethical? That’s Oh God, What Now? With very special guest, Labour MP for Brent North, Barry Gardiner. “It’s a perfect physical manifestation of 13 years of the Tories being in charge, in every conceivable way.” – Alex Andreou “This is Sunak’s f*ck up as much as anyone else’s.” – Alex Andreou “Every time it’s this generation of kids that have faced up to the problems created by this government.” – Barry Gardiner “We will only borrow to invest, we will not borrow to consume.” – Barry Gardiner “Why are the poorest people in our society having to subsidise those energy companies? It is simply wrong!” – Barry Gardiner We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou and Hannah Fearn. Producer: Chris Jones. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As Rishi Sunak wrangles with the school cement fiasco, he’s also been forced into a timid reshuffle. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer has also tweaked his top team. Who’s in, who’s out and who cares? And Penny Mordaunt wants to give young people National Service (but not really) to increase "resilience and pride". Out of touch? Or is this a scheme that could actually work?  “It’s not so much mismanagement as it is the entire Conservative approach.” – Ros Taylor “It really is the epitome of everything a government SHOULDN’T be doing.” – Zoë Grünewald “I think it’s really important to give young people something other than ‘finish these exams or you're screwed’ which it does now.” – Ros Taylor We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Ros Taylor, and Zoë Grünewald. Producer: Chris Jones. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Suella Braverman’s told the police to get tougher on crime – but do they have the resources? She’s also keen to get people back on the Bibby Stockholm and hasn’t ruled out putting tags on migrants. Plus, what slogan should Labour use next? The panel answers your questions. And, for subscribers only, a search for the Loch Ness monster has just taken place – the panel reveals the mysteries they were obsessed with as youngsters. “I think Braverman has come out of this Summer with her position in real danger … even in her own faction.” – Alex Andreou  “What are you going to do? Keep people indefinitely in prison because you can’t process them?!” – Alex Andreou. “The best I could come up with is: repair, rebuild, renew.” – Alex Andreou. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou, Seth Thevoz and Naomi Smith. Producers: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nadine Dorries has finally gone (we think), but her behaviour will stick in our minds forever. She’s not the only Tory MP to have let us all down over the last 13 years. So why are the parliamentary standards of this government so abysmal? Plus, a closer relationship with Europe could be key to the UK’s future. So how does Labour go about that, especially when it persists with its messaging that it will ‘make Brexit work’? That’s Oh God, What Now? with special guest, Labour MP for Walthamstow, Stella Creasy. “This government has made it easier for people to be sacked… but not in Parliament.” – Stella Creasy. “All the rules changes, in terms of MP’s behaviour, are changed reactively.” – Marie Le Conte. “You can’t make Brexit work. The only thing you can do is to repair the problems it has created.” – Stella Creasy. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Matt Green, Marie Le Conte and guest, Labour MP for Walthamstow Stella Creasy. Producers: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are we the sick man of Europe? We’ve got all the symptoms: broken economy, falling living standards, we could go on. Does anyone have the remedy to get us back up and running again? Plus, it’s nearly the bank holiday, so let’s look on the bright side. The panel discusses who in politics they admire. And in the extra bit for subscribers, what’s the BEST summer you’ve ever had? That’s Oh God, What Now? With guest We Are History’s John O’farrell. “It’s not just the poor who are poorer, it’s the middle class as well.” – Ros Taylor. “People are going to have huge expectations for change, and the money just isn’t there for Labour.” – John O’Farrell. “I have seen lots of people who I thought were sensible go further and further to extreme views because they are pushed that way.” – John O’Farrell. “George Orwell could’ve been a real dick on Twitter.” – Dorian Lynskey. We’re on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, Rachel Cunliffe and We Are History’s John O’Farrell. Producers: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Living standards are falling to the lowest standards since the 1950s, so why is this government shouting about the so-called success it’s had? Plus, we need to build more homes - pure and simple. But how, and how can it be done? Hannah Fearn has 4 points Labour needs to hit if it gets into government. “This politics of nostalgia pretends that it can fix problems by going back to times before they existed.” – Tom Peck. “We have moved on, we just have a government that’s going nuts because it’s near the end.” – Andrew Harrison. “‘You could leave your door open’, well yeah, because there was nothing to steal!” – Matt Green. “I die whenever I hear politicians talk about housing, because you know nothing’s ever going to happen.” – Tom Peck. We’re on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A  Mel’s Chippy fundraiser: https://shorturl.at/bjQZ6  Jonty Bloom’s piece: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/brexit-britain-is-back-in-the-1950s/  www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Group Editor: Andrew Harrison with Hannah Fearn, Tom Peck and Matt Green. Producers: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tories have been way behind in the polls for a long time. But could a comeback be on the cards? The data shows that a Labour government isn’t guaranteed after 2024’s general election. What does Keir Starmer need to do? And has Sunak found the next Brexit in the European Court on Human Rights. Not many people fully understand what it is, but perhaps that plays into the Tory’s hands. Could they take us out? And in the extra bit for subscribers, our panel recounts the worst paid jobs they’ve ever had. That’s Oh God, What Now? with special guest, chair of human rights charity EachOtherm Adam Wagner. “I think a lot of people know that a new Labour government wouldn’t be a magic bullet to solve the cost of living crisis.” – Zoë Grünewald. “When you talk about reform over spending it’s just not as sexy, so selling that will be a big challenge for Labour.” – Zoë Grünewald. “Sometimes they’ll say the idea of human rights is completely unBritish and unnecessary.” – Adam Wagner. “What underlies this all is that it’s not all about sovereignty, it’s also about the fundamental ideas of these rights … protecting refugees.” – Adam Wagner. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow We’re on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOIkIWUDtu7VrVcFs0OI0A Written and Presented by Ros Taylor with Zoë Grünewald, Marie Le Conte and guest Adam Wagner. Producers: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Small Boats Week” was a horrific failure. Why do the Tories keep getting it so horrendously wrong? Plus, are politicians playing up to the cameras to gain viral popularity? We unpack whether our politicians are more camera conscious ever as they chase online moments. We discuss with this week’s guest Ed Campbell from PoliticsJOE.  “The further we strip real human lives out of this, the more we avoid an actual human solution.” – Yasmeen Serhan “The problem is that Braverman does know how to throw red meat to Tory activists.” – Seth Thévoz “If you think about the younger Prime Ministers, they’re all gifts to cartoonists - and they all played that up.” – Seth Thévoz  “The problem with online content compared to a party political broadcast is that you’re competing against every other piece of online content.” – Ed Campbell www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Seth Thévoz, Yasmeen Serhan and PoliticsJOE’s Ed Campbell. Producers: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tories have ramped their anti-immigration rhetoric up to eleven – can it help their election fortunes? With Lee Anderson going all in with belligerence and asylum seekers being moved on to the Bibby Stockholm barge, we pick apart the Government’s motives. Plus, who are the elite? Is it you? Is it us? Is being elite bad now? The panel tries to unpack it all. And in the extra bit for subscribers, is doing things by yourself always empowering?  “I think the Tories have decided that they want to make immigration their focus of the next election campaign.” – Rachel Cunliffe “This stigmatisation is completely central to their electoral campaign.” – Seth Thévoz “The government certainly is not signalling openness and tolerance with any of its messaging.” – Padraig Reidy “Elite used to be a good thing, right?” – Rachel Cunliffe www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by managing editor Jacob Jarvis with Rachel Cunliffe, Seth Thévoz and Padraig Reidy. Producers: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Assistant producer: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’ve been governed by populism for over a decade now, as has a lot of Europe. Will it ever blow over? Or are we stuck with it forever? Well, there is one ray of hope and that’s Millennials. Statistics show they're becoming more liberal and overtaking the older right-wing generation in number. But how long could that take? And how could this millennial invasion REALLY impact British politics? “There is this deeply believed thing that the arch of history leads toward progress, and I don’t know if I believe that now.” – Alex Andreou. “Unless we get really strong governance that is able to say “you may not love this, but it has to happen” we are in a world of shit.” – Alex Andreou. “I think the problem is people don’t see Sunak as a Tory right-wing populist.” – Marie Le Conte. “I think what you've seen is a generation growing up with a little bit of hope and seeing it get trashed again and again.” – Zoe Grunewald www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Alex Andreou, Zoe Grunewald and Marie Le Conte. Producers: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Assistant producer: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin Audio production by: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Were we all conned by Calm, Collected, Competent Sunak? Have oil, cars, migration and woke-bashing revealed him to be the most right-wing PM since Margaret Thatcher? We look at the real Rishi who was unveiled last week, and how he’ll govern in the year (?) he’s got left. Plus, rent controls: a great fix for our housing hell or totally impractical? And in the Extra Bit, tat’s entertainment. We look at political merchandise. Joining Dorian Lynskey are Hannah Fearn, Geri Scott of The Times and special guest Oli Dugmore, Head of Politics at PoliticsJOE.  • “Sunak’s trying to be all men to all people… and for a man who trades on authenticity that’s not a good look” – Geri Scott • “He comes across as calm even though he holds exactly the same views as the most extreme right-wingers.” – Hannah Fearn • “You’re looking at a gold medal in mental gymnastics if you think that burning more fossil fuels will bring us closer to net zero.” – Oli Dugmore • “The climate isn’t a liberal agenda any more. It’s a central facet of modern politics.” – Hannah Fearn Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Hannah Fearn and Geri Scott. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Producer: Chris Jones. Art: James Parrett. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sunak is turning climate change policy into the next frontier of his party’s neverending culture war. Why have the Tories lost their minds over green policy? And first, Suella Braverman came up with the big barges. Now it’s massive marquees for migrants. How has the Home Office got this issue so horribly wrong? That’s Oh God, What Now? With special guest, lawyer and author, Sam Fowles. “There’s a danger here that Labour and the Tories are becoming too similar.” – Zoe Grunewald. “It does seem to me that the Tories have been driven mad by that ULEZ campaign.” – Matt Green. “This hasn’t come out of nowhere, this isn’t because Sunak woke up one morning and said ‘god I just love my private jet’.” - Sam Fowles. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Alex Andreou with Matt Green, Zoe Grunewald and guest Sam Fowles. Producers: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Assistant producer: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin Audio production by: Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tories are failing on their housing promises. Quelle surprise. Up steps Michael Gove to save the day – or is he? Are his newly announced plans actually anything new? And will they make a difference? Then, as the world heats up and our political parties abandon key pledges on climate, are you losing hope? We discuss climate despair. And in the extra bit for subscribers, the panel unpacks Oppenheimer and how its dual release with Barbie could impact Hollywood. “They’re simply announcing things they’ve already tried with no clear answer.” – Hannah Fearn. “They’ve suddenly realised that people really do care about housing…they know they need to say something.” – Hannah Fearn. “The polling shows there is a real consensus amongst voters that climate is important.” – Hannah Fearn. “If more general elections were held in the middle of July I think people would vote accordingly.” – Seth Thévoz. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Hannah Fearn and Seth Thévoz. Producers: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Assistant producer: Adam Wright. Audio production: Alex Rees. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last week’s by-elections left the Tory party wounded, with Labour and the Lib Dems on the front foot. Or are they? The Tories JUST held onto Uxbridge and South Ruislip, and those on the right say that’s down to Labour’s ULEZ policy. Starmer, for some reason, ran with that narrative. Is he losing his nerve over his party’s green policies? And when will the Tories stop shitting on young voters? That’s Oh God, What Now? With this week’s guest, Rachel Cunliffe. “If I were Sunak I’d be tearing my hair out, but the narrative is - it wasn’t that bad really.” – Rachel Cunliffe  “The Lib Dems are like ‘WE ARE KINGS OF THE WORLD’.” – Marie Le Conte “I think Labour are currently making a category error on what the Tories’ strategy is.” – Alex Andreou. “You don’t earn any votes by shitting on young people.” – Marie Le Conte. Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Gavin Esler with Alex Andreou, Marie Le Conte, and Rachel Cunliffe. Producers: Alex Rees & Chris Jones. Assistant Producer: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin. Audio production by: Jade Bailey. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tories clutch at a straw marked “ULEZ” but can’t hide the fact that they got an absolute hiding in three by-elections. What’s the truth behind the spin? Will Uxbridge tank Labour’s green policies? And who made a bigger fool of himself: Grant Shapps or Johnny Mercer? Jacob Jarvis is joined by Alex Andreou and the New Statesman’s Zoë Grunewald to read the runes of a big night in Somerton and Frome, Selby and Ainsty, and former Boris Johnson stronghold Uxbridge and South Ruislip.  • “It was a spanking… The Tories’ narrow path to victory got a whole lot narrower and anyone who thinks others” – Alex Andreou • “The Conservatives are going to use this to paint Labour into a corner on ULEZ… Labour need to stand their ground and keep their cool.” – Zoë Grunewald • “Ever since their poll slide started the Conservatives have been looking for their new Brexit… .” – Alex Andreou Presented by Jacob Jarvis with Zoë Grunewald and Alex Andreou. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Producer: Chris Jones. Art: James Parrett. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is keeping the Tory two-child benefit cap Starmer’s biggest mistake? We look at Labour’s trade-off between maintaining deadly seriousness on the economy and the party’s core beliefs. Plus, in a new irregular series we look ahead at the huge challenges facing the next government. This time: defence. Are Britain’s armed forces fit for purpose and how will Labour deal with troop levels, cyber war and costly nukes in a world where “there is no money left”? Politics professor Richard Whitman of the University of Kent joins us to explain.  https://www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Andrew Harrison with Hannah Fearn and Arthur Snell. Audio producer: Alex Rees. Producer: Chris Jones. Art: James Parrett. Theme music by Cornershop. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will the UK’s new trade deal with the CPTPP fill the massive, gaping hole that Brexit left? No, probably not. So why are the Tories framing this as a huge win? Plus, Rishi and his mates are acting ‘ard. Will this new tough act win them votes, or is it just pushing us all even further away? That’s Oh God, What Now? with special guest Padraig Reidy, political commentator and editor of the literature, science, art and politics magazine littleatoms.com. “The problem here is we’re doing an agreement with places that are quite far away.” – Seth Thevoz “This deal is like having a horrible partner rather than dying alone.” – Jacob Jarvis. “There is something very patronising about the whole toughness rhetoric.” – Seth Thevoz. “I think we’re in a spiral at the moment of a Tory party just trying anything.” – Padraig Reidy. “They’ve just run out of new ways of being wankers basically.” – Padraig Reidy. www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow Presented by Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis with Yasmeen Serhan, Seth Thévoz, and guest Padraig Reidy. Producers: Alex Rees. Assistance: Adam Wright. Social Media Producer: Jess Harpin Audio production by: Alex Rees. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices