What Most People Think with Geoff Norcott

There's a lot to catch up on, as I look at the fallout from the US mid-terms. Maybe boasting about a ballroom and invading Iran was such a great strategy after all. Here in the UK Russell Brand finally faced justice for his actions, which has divided some in the cultural sphere, but I think it's pretty clear cut. SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back from Disneyland and I ploughed straight into this episode with the ever excellent Rachel Fairburn. We start off by looking at some worrying noises from Labour politicians suggesting they don't really 'get' business. Continuing the business and US theme, I then go on to sign the praises of the low regulation they have (while acknowledging it might not be so great when it comes to painkillers & chicken). In the Patreon I have my say on James Acaster's shock decision on Celebrity Traitors.  SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Snowdon makes a long overdue return to review Andeh's first 100 days of office. It was hasn't been like the Starmergeddon, but as Danny Dyer said, 'Who is he?' We then move on to budget-bingo and try predict what boring John Healey will pull out of the hat. In the Patron only section Chris tries to bring me up to date about nanny state issues, but we end up in an argument about vaping.  SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fresh from my Question Time appearance I spill some tea about being on the show, including why Suella Bravermann once got the hump with me. Then it's on to Andy actually making a big decision re the Jackdaw Gas site, and why the Greens were glad to have something climate based to talk about. However, I'm not so sure about him going on Celebrity Gogglebox.  SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marcus returns and has some strong opinions on young people who won't work for a living. We also chat about whether saying mental health is the same as physical health is something anyone really believes. We then look over the channel to Paris and ask whether the obsession with right-wing extremism has led to blind spots about what happens when the left gets involved with protests. In the Patron only section we have a good old gossip about Celebrity Traitors and what it must be like being a comedian on that show.  SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was good to have a PMQs this week to crystallise all the big political issues. Is Andy Burnham a PM who likes to 'faff'? Is Kemi the military expert she thinks she is? And are we seeing a general revival in the fortunes of the uniparty?  Elsewhere comedian Shane Gillis copped heat for use of the 'W' word, while Miley Cyrus faced very little clapback for body-shaming half the planet.  SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The ever classy Simon Evans returns this week to ask what Andy Burnham's game is on Europe. We also look at the Bank of England firing a shot across his speedy boughs. Then it's onto discussion of surprise developments in the US, where we consider the sweetheart deal with Russia on oil and whether public executions could go pay-per-view.  In the Patron only section we analyse Sandi Togsvig's plan for a rival to Wikipedia with a less than snappy name... SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A by election special as I find myself in the weird position of being sort of glad Labour won. Will Burnham's recent bounce continue once he has to regularly answer questions. And has Zac Polanski gone from being the future of the left to having a future in telesales? Over on the right the Tories are weirdly happy about third place while Reform's demise may be over-stated (even if they are getting distracted by unnecessary BS).  SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Kogan joins me for a chat about Tory party conference and whether Kemi's big memo is an important intervention or just sounds like an R&B album. We look at the shadow front-bench and why they all seem like mortgage brokers. Next we chat about the fact York council have been spending money to remind parents to, well...parent. In the patron only section we respond to the Green Party's outlandish motion on Zionism passed at their party conference.  SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I had to get back on the mic after Andy Burnham walked into his first big scandal as he chose to come down on the side of (checks notes) the Saudi billionaires who helped fund his 'Manchester miracle'. Will the PM regret his over-keen backing of Man City? I also reflect on his speech which was apparently the greatest single piece of oratory in our time.  SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 It was great to have Dominic Frisby on this week's episode as we looked at some of the tinkering policies being floated at the Labour conferences. Dom has an epic rant about the govt interfering in the housing market while I have a savage realisation about my equity. We then talk about an advert claiming obesity is a 'disease' and 'not your fault'. Not hard to predict where we both land on this SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LOADS to catch up on this week. From Andy Burnham's white knuckle ride sitting next to Donald Trump to Tony 'Only Meeeee' Blair sticking his beak in on the EU, it's all been going off in the last few days. Not only that there's been some good old fashioned 'woke nonsense' at a lesbian bar and the BBC have been removing comedy (again). SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The ever engaging Marcus Brigstocke returns and I'm keen to find out his view on the end of Starmer and the start of Burnham (his passing fondness for Keir is a genuinely edgy take). We look ahead to Labour conference and realise the fringe meetings might be very boring this year. Then we move onto Charles Vs Charles as the Royal / Diana drama enters its fifth decade. In the Patron only we both acknowledge that once men hit 50 the only genuine thing of interest is the Second World War.  SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the stranger titles for an episode but it's an honest reflection of the content. I discuss rising anxieties about govt lending and whether Labour have the stomach to do anything to avoid the seemingly inevitable interest rate rise.Elsewhere I take on the furore over Sydney Sweeney's advert: is she an enemy to female athletes or doing exactly what woke feminists said women should do? SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ian Stone returns for this week's episode and we get straight into the big story surrounding Reform becoming crypto trust-fund babies. Is it morally wrong or are Labour just jealous? We then get into the complex issues surrounding Lyndsey Clancy's trial, where a juror who held a different view has become a public enemy among some progressives. In the Patron only Ian Stone describes a DEATH STORY so awkward even I got the flop sweats.  SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Milo Edwards returns to discuss Andy Burnham making his first major false move at PMQs and why the Tories were bouncing around like they had ADHD. We also disagree strongly about millionaires leaving the UK (I think it's bad btw). Then we have the quarterly chat about whether AI will end everything, before talking about crazy Donald's five grand giveaway in the Patron only section. SEE ME LIVE: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After John Healey decided to introduce himself to the British public I get my head around the style and substance of what he had to say. Spoiler alert: there's not much of either. I also look back on a turbulent few days for Reform, the Channel 4 sting might not matter to the base but what will 'most people' think. And what is the true definition of 'loose pub talk'? CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

 Politics is back with a bang and I review Andy Burnham's first couple of days at big school. The style was good but was there any substance? Also how did his pledge to avoid petty point scoring go? Elsewhere the Tories had a reshuffle and I ask what would it take to make a Tory famous? CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark Steel makes a welcome return to preview Andy Burnham's first proper week in office: will his 'work in progress tour' still be effective in the big rooms? We make some very specific predictions. I also ask is really ok for men to cry, after Djokovic had a little blub on court after his first round exit in the US Open. In the Patron only we talk about how we've become less liberal on crime and why all Prime Ministers fear being photo-shopped with a spliff.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As I get to the end of my Edinburgh Fringe run I discuss how this festival is destroying itself with left-wing economic thinking. Outside of that I ask why Andy Burnham is paying a grand for a pretend door. Friend of the show Reform's Robert Jenrick has been firing off yet more policy initiatives. Then I look at the landmark settlement in the State where Meta have tacitly acknowledged 1000 hours a day on their sites might not be that healthy.  ATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The always funny Scott Bennett returns to discuss fellow northerner Andy Burnham turning up in Kyiv looking like he'd just got back from a stag-do. Was that the big issue, or the fact we're now in a proxy war with Russia. We also respond to the arse falling out of the graduate jobs market and ask if families will soon weep because their kid wants to be a lawyer.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lot to talk about this week, not least the frankly dystopian advice the Home Office put out reminding asylum seekers not to attack women. Economically, the govt borrowing was higher when it was supposed to be lower so I'm sure that's a really great sign. I also respond the Channel 4 documentary about ADHD which has some on left accusing them of far right lies.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week's episode Andrew Doyle returns to discuss Reform trying to seize the initiative on welfare and get Nigel sounding less like a beleaguered football manager. Elsewhere we react to Andy Burnham's 'send to all' moment, informing a boiling population that it was a bit hot. In the Patron only section we respond to the temerity of a professor who dares to suggest that boy and girls might be different.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So Nigel Farage prevailed in his bin related soap opera, but has he come out of it stronger? Sticking with Reform, is punchy little Zia Yusuf spending too much time drinking Relentless and going online? Elsewhere there was 0.4% growth which Rachel Reeves somehow thinks is to do with her being a brilliant chancellor. Finally, I look at the case of a mum who killed her own kids and found friends in the Femosphere. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back from Butlins and climbing into Andy 'Martin Lewis' Burnham's assault on low-level costs. Should he have had a holiday? Will he turn out like one of those avuncular South American dictators? We also discuss why Brits have got so fat. Is it education or those massive coffees from Starbucks. In the Patreon only Francis educates me about educator extraordinaire Jason Arday.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Edinburgh Fringe starting and Live at the Apollo being cancelled I though it was a good time to get Carey on to chat all things comedy. Carey was doing dark comedy before it even had a name, and has plenty of strong takes on identity, being a Jew in comedy and how you can get away with anything if you have a cute teddy. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this breaking news episode I catch up with all Andy Burnham's 'plans' (trying to work out how many of them will actually happen). Is he bouncing for real or will it be one of those dead-cat ones? I also chat about Zac Polanski's petulant decision not to apologise for co-authoring a post containing a sick t-shirt, he really should stick to tik-tok....and yes I mention the Saltburn cricket scandal.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a welcome return for the reassuring northern good sense and humility of Alun Cochrane. I get his take on fellow northerner Andy Burnham-Brent and we try to acknowledge the positives (for now) - but also pick apart his teenage social media. Then we look at news that some teenagers are earning more on PIP for anxiety than kids who work for minimum wage (where I resist the urge to shout 'scroungers!'). In the Patron only section I ask the current trending question regarding 50k and one million pounds.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this breaking news episode I assess the first week of 'Call Me Andy'. From his cabinet appointments (which looked suspiciously like jobs for the mutineers) to an embarrassing moment involving a hot mic. However I do thank him for finally showing the door to a generationally bad attorney general. Go sell someone else's islands mate.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

eA brilliant chat with Iain Dale about his new book on the day Andy Burnham kisses the big Royal fingers. I jump on with comings and goings at Number ten then have a lovely salacious chat with Mr Dale about everything from his beef with Kay Burley, to how he took on the unions and why he was a 'notorious gay'. The Patron only section involves a sex act, the woods and a startled deer.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So Keir Starmer is about to be well and truly usurped. I use this week's PMQS to look into some of his 'legacy' and that witty repartee we'll all miss. Did Kemi get the tone right or show herself up as a member of the 'uniparty'? Are Ed Davey's punchlines visible from space? When will people realise the Binface gags are an exhaustible resources? All this and more answered... CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Milo returns for today's show and we contemplate the legacy of Rachel Reeves (coming up with a funny phrase for her at the same time). We also discuss the reaction to the murder of Anne Widdecombe and wonder why people can't just shut the f**k up sometimes. There's also contemplation that Ed Milliband might be the man for this moment (but not in a good way). In the Patron only section we discuss Jude Bellingham being ambushed by a headline hungry hack. This episode was recorded shortly before the police acknowledged that Anne Widdecombe's murder might have a political motive CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An early breaking news this week as I react to Nigel's big announcement of another trip to the seaside. Will he actually go through with it? Or is it too late to turn back? And how the hell did Rachel Reeves manage a good joke on the subject?Elsewhere I look at some negative situations which men face that women typically don't (some are serious but some are pretty funny). Oh and there's a bumper edition of piss-take prices too! CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was good to have laid back Canadian maestro Glenn Wool making his debut on WMPT (especially after all that late night football). We spoke about Keir's first interview about resigning and why his 'legacy' might not be what he hopes. We also chatted about Nigel's mate 'posh George' and another accusation around donations. We of course chatted football too, not least why the Americans are terrible at thinking up good chants. In the Patron only gives our first DEATH STORY from the Covid era. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The brilliant Rachel Fairburn returns and I ask how she feels about having a fellow Northerner in Number ten. We react to Burnham's big speech and whether he's secretly prepping to hammer the south. We also evaluate some of the possible choices for chancellor (no boats being floated here either). Then we talk about Thomas Tuchel and the welcome return of brutal feedback. In the patron only section we look at the exponential rise of kids with anxiety and ask whether everyone needs to crack on and stop moaning. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is coming round faster than usual, but then again so is politics! A fascinating PMQs where lame duck Kier seemed to want knockabout fun but Kemi hadn't quite got the memo and delivered some withering lines about his soon to be successor. I also look at Andy Burnham suddenly finding he needs to get his duck in a row very quickly and also ask if Nigel's getting ratty because he'd rather be back on the telly. JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Keir Starmer was good enough to announce his departure just moments before this record, so catch me and Simon Evans processing the news (even though it's been obvious for months). We discuss Keir's tear-jerker moment (Keir-jerker?) and evaluate his claim that it's all gone swimmingly. Then we move onto to discussing how Andy Burnham will any different and will he give Donald Trump a bowl of Scouse. In the Patron only the chat turns to Katie Hopkins being lobbed out of an East End pub by the tolerant Left.  JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So Burnham did it and is coming for Keir's job... though not according to some of the strange people in Keir's bunker. Will Starmer sit tight or go gracefully? Also a good night for the Tories and a bad one for Reform (not something anyone has said in about five years). I also discuss why England fans are the funniest at the World Cup and why vegetarian food should cost much less. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The smooth voiced legend Dom Frisby returns to discuss Andy Burnham possibly winning a group stage game and getting straight into the World Cup final. We also discuss Keir's social media policy: concerned dad or PM on his way out looking for a legacy. In the Patron we have a very interesting chat about Elon becoming a millionaire plus how Kim Kong Un could end up dating Ursula Von Der Leyen. JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a brief interlude of non govt news, Starmer is back in the doo-doo as his defence secretary's shock resignation. I also wonder where the hell Rachel Reeves gets her confidence and why no-one's that interested in that fact we might effectively have a new PM next week. Elsewhere I thank Ben Stokes for generating interest in cricket and there's some gold old fashioned woke nonsense from Threads.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I'm back from Ibiza and Stevenage's own Jacob Hawley joins me to look at Starmer's new policy on social media (and whether clinging on to power is the first impressive thing he's done). We then talk about the increasingly ridiculous Lewis Hamilton claiming that being a billionaire is wrong but being a half-billionaire is ok. In the Patron only section we list all the reasons the World Cup is going to be rubbish.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I don't often record another episode so shortly after the main show, but like many of you I'd imagine I was so moved by Henry Nowak's dad and his response to the sentencing of his son's murderer, plus all the ways Henry was let down by the police. There was also the further release of more Mandelson files, but these were more about internal Labour Party squabbles, though some which were pretty salacious...  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jon Kogan makes a welcome debut to WMPT this week. Jon works with a lot of guys on the 'dark side' of comedy and is also a lovely bloke. We got into the whiff about Nicola 'I'm not a victim' Sturgeon's tale of victimhood. We also briefly consider whether anyone will let Starmer speak in public again. Then it's onto discussing falling birth-rates, which ends up in a jaw-dropping revelation about Japanese game shows. In the Patron only section, we discuss exactly what Kemi Badenoch's 'Five C's' might be... CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Seann Walsh returns for this episode and had a right laugh discussing what the equivalent of Starmer's defenstration would be in comedy. We also chat about toxic/irritating fandoms and whether it's ever ok for football fans to do the 'electric slide'. In the Patron only Seann delivers an EPIC 'Death story' for the ages.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week was an interesting one for Keir Starmer as he had to get used to his place on the political cuck-chair, whilst also fielding good news on inflation at the same time as dodgy news around Russian oil. Wes Streeting is campaigning hard and seems to be one of those rejoiners who thinks the EU still has that magic wand. There's also discussion of Rachel Reeve's run-in with a white van man and Robert Jenrick getting a drive-by off a Lib Dem.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our man in France Ian Moore makes a welcome return to get me out of my echo-chamber. We discuss whether Starmer was betrayed by his colleagues or just a bit crap. We also chat about Andy Burnham's belief that poverty only exists in the North of England. We then ask if high speed 4G heralded a decline in birth-rates. In the Patron only section we discuss the Nineties and whether nostalgia for that era is out of hand.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I dunno about you, but I'm struggling to keep up with all the melodrama in the Labour Party. In this episode I recap everything that's happened in the last few days, from the weird coffee with Starmer & Wes, to Kemi flaming the Labour front-bench, Rayner getting cleared and Andy Burnham finally finding a seat on the train of democracy! CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The very funny Scott Bennett joins me to discuss the growing black hole that is Keir Starmer's career and whether the alternatives are any better. Even as we were chatting Keir's big speech seemed to be landing like a stone with Labour MPs. We also talk about the striking keffiyeh wearing teachers who were seen getting a telling off from their own students. In the Patron only, Scott gives a death story for the ages.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A rare Saturday upload as I've taken a while to digest all of the 'seismic' election results. Will Starmer stumble on? Are Reform on course to run Britain? Are the Tories 'green shoots' just cress? Will the Greens ever realise they too are divisive? All this and more in a local election special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Given it's a big political week I got the big dog himself, Iain Dale, in to help summarise the stakes for the main parties (of which there are a lot). Will this be the tipping point for Keir? The graduation moment for Reform or the day the nutty Greens arrive as a national force? (even though it's supposed to be local). We also discuss my brush with the Karens and in the Patron only whether we lost friends during the Brexit years. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Plenty to catch up on after Morgan Mcsweeney turned out to be a terrible super-villain, Keir needed to sit down in a darkened room and dodgy Nigel was caught out on donations. I also chat about people thinking Reform are extreme and whether the King might have a new career in front of him.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the King visiting the US amid febrile times and another assassination attempt, Erich McElroy returns to give his view on politics stateside. Closer to home Keir Starmer is getting more Boris comparisons than he's comfortable with and might yet have to face the same privileges panel! In the Patron only we talk about being pathetic modern dads who cry at everything.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Plenty to mop up from the week. From devastating articles to even Pat Mcfadden not rowing in behind him, it's fair to say Starmer is close to being read his last rites. If that wasn't bad enough, Diane Abbott has been appearing on more TV shows than Bradley Walsh as she prepares to dance on his grave. In other news Reform have said we're not positive enough about Britain, but also that every school needs a portrait of the king. Hmmm. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Francis Foster joins me to pick the bones out of several days of chaos for our glorious PM. From the revelations in the Guardian, to his painful address in the commons down and then Olly Robbins testimony, we ask whether it's damaged him or confirmed what people already thought. Also - as Francis has a book on teaching coming out - we look at the govt's u-turn on banning mobile phones in schools. In the Patron only we react to Nigel Farage's surprising broadside against online racists.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this breaking news episode I discuss some eye-catching research which suggests young women are more hostile to young men than the other way around! I also chat about a BBC sting where people have so keen to pretend they're gay they've been doing selfies with Peter Tatchell. And Keir Starmer - prior to the news about Mandelson's appointment breaking after I recored - was in surprisingly chipper mood.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Delighted to have Mark Nelson back on this week as we ponder everything from Sadiq looking for more ways to tax people to why Scottish politics is in its 'Post Pete Sampras' era. We also chat about a good old fashioned bit of woke nonsense as Sabrina Carpenter gets in trouble for not knowing Arabic chants from yodelling. In the Patron only Mark gives us a death story with a real twist.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The genial Alun Cochrane makes a welcome return as we discuss the starter gun being fired on local elections. We wonder whether the triple-lock is sustainable (whilst also knowing we're risking the wrath of boomers). Then we ask how Keir Starmer thinks not getting into a war will translate into votes for local govt. Also, what's a good/bad night for the Tories? No-one knows. In the Patron only we discuss the little sh*ts ram-raiding shops and what to do about it.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Please excuse the Carry On style title, but who doesn't love suggestive submarine based humour? I discuss the Labour MP with a thing for torpedos. In more serious matters, I reflect on Starmer trying to seem like a war-time leader, Robert Jenrick trying to seem like Jet 2 and the Tories coming off like a kid's cartoon.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tom Walker returns to discuss another BBC presenter scandal as mystery surrounds the sacking of Scott Mills. We ask what the hell is going on with these presenter types? We also celebrate the long overdue changes in non-crime hate incidents and why Trump's Iran policy is like waiting for something to download. In the Patron only section we consider why bad comedy makes people more angry than bad consumer affairs programmes.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I discuss the 'far-fetched' belief that two of the dodgiest people in politics might have done something dodgy with their mobile phones. I also ponder whether Keir Starmer actually is the least sh*t option Labour has. I then talk about Reform doing two bad things and one good. There's also chat about the mental decision to drop an episode of Repair Shop due to some 'sexist' jokes. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Evans is back this week as we ponder why no-one seems especially rattled by the possibility of missiles hitting London and financial armageddon. We also look at yet more research showing white working-class boys are falling behind academically and yet more apathy from those who should care about such things. In the Patron only we discuss the launch of SNL UK and how comedy became a culture war issue.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lot to unpack from the week: Starmer avoiding questions like I avoid service stations without a Greggs, Rayner on maneouvres, Davey's dodgy dance moves and the comedy radar of Donald J Trump. I also have another rant about men getting their shirts off in TV shows.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Marcus Brigstocke makes a welcome return as we delve into revelations which suggest Keir Starmer is above all else a bit weird. We also wonder if - in the current hyper-active media landscape - a Margaret Thatcher could emerge. We move onto discuss Louis Theroux's new documentary about the manosphere, laughing at the some of the muppets in it but also remembering that it exists for a reason. In the Patron only we talk about plans to have signs warning people of AI content.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The brilliant Andrew Doyle returns to talk about coping with bad news and the prospect of everything getting more expensive. We discuss how non-interventionalist Trump intervening in everything is going down with the MAGA base.  We also wonder if the war might save Keir's Job. Then it's a chat about the lack of working-class writers in TV and why female characters all end up being super-heroes.  CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793 JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true  Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Plenty discuss even since Monday! We've had Trump and Starmer in a war of words, Kemi Badenoch going in guns possibly too hot the spring statement and the Greens over-taking Labour all in a few short days. Also I hired an electric car and am not impressed, in the same way I wasn't a fan of SNL's sketch on Tourette's. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Really interesting episode this week as the brilliant Davina Bentley makes her debut. We discuss the conflict in Iran, Labour sneaking out another ministerial casualty, social media bans for under 16's and being a dad - whilst somehow managing to turn almost every subject into a gender war. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here's some hot-off-the-press responses to the historic win by the Greens over the Labour Party. Is it curtains for Starmer? Was it good or bad for Reform? What the hell is 'family voting'? And how gutting must it be to lose your deposit? All these questions and more answered in this episode. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A WMPT debut this week. Milo Edwards is a smart and funny young man with a great back-story (which you'll hear more of in the Patron only). We discuss some final thoughts on the Gorton & Denton by-election. Then we delve into the absolute woke paradox that was the N-word at the Baftas. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's very rare that WMPT leads with a non-political story, but some thing are too big to ignore and the sight of Andrew in the back of that motor will live long in the mind. I also talk about Labour's need to have more of the quiet days they've had this week (in a relative sense anyway). Then it's onto Reform's 'shadow' cabinet which aren't yet shadows. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Francis Foster finally deigns to join us after his recent blow-out. As a little break from the rolling Starmer sh*t-storm, we look at Rupert Lowe's launch of Restore Britain and ask if there are too many right-wing parties. We also look at the Tory 'revival' and ask whether it's just a Kemi thing. In the Patron only we unpack a sinister story regarding Labour and the surveillance of journalists. Head to www.itsfibre.co.uk and use the code 'WMPT' to get your first month free. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes this show is political therapy as much as commentary, so I try to analyse a week where the PM was on the brink, then he wasn't, then he went on to give one of the most bizarre PMQs in living memory. Also, Nigel wanted some attention this week, so I discuss his plan to ban all working from home. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What a week for Tom to rejoin me as we analyse everything that's got Keir Starmer to the brink of an early exit. We chat about whether Starmer has a normal voice he's hiding and whether he'll shortly have to do the world's worst gardening leave. We also discuss the frankly ridiculous notion of theme park queue-jump for people with ADHD. In the Patron only we get into why Bad Bunny was singing only in Spanish at the Super Bowl. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode I reflect on a PMQS which might go down in history. From the stoney silence behind him to the fact he insisted on calling him simply 'Mandelson'. Then it's onto what happens next, an inquiry is one thing but all the public now know his team hired a guy who'd stayed friends with a n*nce. Can the caped crusader survive this one? CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cracking episode this as WMPT favourite Dom returns to chew over all the nomination for the upcoming by-election (before realising they're not great). We then look at Jeremy Clarkson's scathing article about Reform and wonder how that'll go down with Nigel. Then it's reflections on Peter Mandelson's latest in a long line of 'tricky' headlines. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Jacob Hawley joins me to discuss the 'psychodrama' of Andy Burnham's bid to become a Labour MP and probably take Keir Starmer's job. We also chat about what must've been said in the NEC group / Keir Starmer's BFF round-table. Then we reflect on Trump's comments about British troops and why you should never get on the wrong side of Rod Stewart. In the Patron only we engage in the debate regarding uconscious racial bias on The Traitors. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

All the attention on Donald's shenanigans has pulled focus from important economic news at home. Have things got worse or better? (not a difficult one to answer). I ask whether Starmer actually benefits from Donald's dramatics, while acknowledging he might not have had the worst PMQs. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The lovely Rachel Fairburn returns to share her thoughts on Donald attempting to buy Greenland in the latest ground of global Monopoly. We analyse Keir's half-hearted effort to show a bit backbone. We also discuss Stephen Bartlett in trouble with Feminists for suggesting single men need to help finding a woman. In the Patreon only section we look at Zia Yusuf's hostility to the idea of opposing politicians getting along. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a busy news cycle I look at Labour's u-turn on digital ID and what possessed Starmer to make a sex-joke at PMQs. I also look at more January political transfer window activity as Bobby J joins with Nigel F. Then I talk about London murder rates and the right's increasing inability to recognise good news. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was delighted to have super-sub Ian Stone to come off the bench for absolute blowout merchant Francis Foster (who apparently is involved with a much bigger podcast). Me and Stoney evaluate Kemi's proposal to ban social media for under 16's and find ourselves on unusual sides of the political fence. That continues into our chat about Trump, where we realise that if he sorts out Iran he might be a massive Feminist. In the Patreon only I reveal why I ended up in A & E and why I'm a massive hypocrite. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this first Breaking News of the year I ask 'Do Labour Have a problem with Pubs?' Spoiler alert - yes. From the u-turn on business rates and the attempts to reduce drink-drive limits they seem to have an issue with people having fun. What else do the British public really want to talk about? That's right, weather. I discuss the feeling of betrayal when you have to de-ice your car twice in the same day. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The brilliant Alun Cochrane joins me to join over Trump taking over Venezuela while we were all nursing hangovers. We start however by digesting Keir Starmer's New Year interview with Laura Kuennsburg and wonder whether any of his mates are telling him the truth about his popularity (or lack of). In the Patron only section Alun has a particularly stinging death story to share, the moral of it being 'don't go on after a guy who juggles guitars'. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time to see what I got right for this year and throw ahead to 2026. Will Starmer survive the the year? (spoiler alert - no). Will Kemi Badenoch continue the Tory's modest revival? Will Nigel Farage manage a lot of games over the tricky Christmas period? And will Ed Davey ever say anything of consequence. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Romesh returns for another Christmas cracker. We discuss what's in Keir Starmer's Christmas dinner, what films Kemi Badenoch watches and how insufferable Ed Davey is. Then it's onto festival games where we laugh a lot and somehow come up with a collective noun for a group of anus. In the Patreon only Romesh shares a bad gig death story which means he can never go back to Leicester...CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this bumper episode myself and Simon Evans consider all the big moments from the main political parties and give their leaders a score out of 10. No spoilers, but it's extra tuition for Ed Davey, keep it up for Kemi, gold star for Nigel and special measures for Starmer. In the patron only Simon gives us a DEATH STORY to make the blood run cold. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I react to one of the more surprising political stories of the year as Nigel Farage goes on the counter-offensive against the BBC's back-catalogue. We also talk about Calamity Lammy's attempts to sell jury-free trials to the public. However there's praise for Wes Streeting as he shrewdly attempts to prove the blindingly obvious about mental health. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The brilliant Konstantin Kisin makes a welcome return to discuss the storm around the chancellor after her 'creative' relationship with hard economic facts. We also discuss Your Party dramatically changing their name to 'Your Party'. Then Konstantin talks about a special report he's made in a town which has fears about housing 600 undocumented migrants on a barracks. In the Patron only we unpack another mental arrest by UK police. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I had to re-record as this as my first effort was far too angry ! I get into the budget Rachel promised she'd never have to do again. I'm undeniably angry that it hit me in the balls, but also will it hamper growth too? I then look at increasingly confident Kemi's response and suggest her growing popularity is because we're all crying out for strong matriarchs. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the week of the budget there was no better guest than comedian and financial oracle Dominic Frisby. We make predictions, but also consider bizarre forfeits for leaking to the press. With a deal in Ukraine looming, we apply our limited knowledge to developments and wonder why Trump gets golf clubs out of these deals while our guy only gets free glasses. In the Patron only section it's more DEATH STORIES as we trade mortifying failures on stage. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The whip-smart Pierre Novellie returns to discuss Shabana apparently being in the Mahmoud to fix the home office. We also ask whether Trump bankrupting the BBC is such a great outcome after all, while also examining some of the emerging splits in MAGA. Then it's onto censorship, as establishment p**ck Paddington forces the removal of jokes about him. ATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lot to digest since this week's main episode. I discuss Keir Starmer 'stabbing himself in the front' by letting his own paranoia give Wes Streeting to demonstrate he might be a better option (funnier at least). In another tricky week, growth is down and unemployment is up...I think we all know how this movie ends. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The lovely Rachel Fairburn returns this week and we get into how the hell the BBC ended up on the wrong side of a fake news argument with Donald. Then it's another beeb scandal as Have I Got News For You airs not one, but two C-bombs! In the Patreon only I get Rachel's view on rising misandry and women who are gutted about giving birth to boys. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lot to digest this week after Rachel Reeves dumped on everyone's cornflakes on Tuesday then David Lammy almost made us throw up our lunch the following day. In between times needy Nigel continued his desire to be a news story once a week by rowing back on everything he said about tax - plus the Tory MP who missed an open goal.CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was a pleasure to welcome back Vittorio for this week's show, as I took the advantage of a younger man's perspective and asked exactly who should be taxed more (spoiler alert, not me). We also respond to mad article in Vogue suggesting young women are 'embarrassed' about having boyfriends, where we lament not being fully paid up members the patriarchy.CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark Steel returns this week to shed light on Labour's lowest ever polling, as we contemplate if they're unlucky or just a bit crap? Mark also nearly tempts me other to the Leftie dark side as he puts forward an argument for why we should all gang up on the super rich (especially those giving human jobs to computers). In the Patreon only we pick the bones out of Sarah Pochin's comments about adverts and race. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I respond Labour's battering in Caerphilly (and the Tories dismal 2%). I also investigate Farage's flounce out of PMQs and ask whether it's political or performative. The Lib Dems get some flak too, as it turns out they may have been feeding Starmer advance warning of their questions. And then there's the question of the small boats hokey-pokey...CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Simon Evans returns this week, on blistering form as we get our teeth into Ed Miliband's precarious career, Zach Polanski's loose grip on economics and Prince Andrew's creative relationship with the truth. I also provide a happy epilogue for the 'Aldershot Debacle' and - in the Patron only - we discuss how silly AI clips might subvert our democracy!CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I recorded this in the midst of being cancelled by the people of Aldershot!! In more real world affairs, I discuss Rachel Reeves 'rolling the pitch' to make us all poorer (again). Then I dissect a fiery PMQs which didn't quite last the pace, and why spy scandals need to be sexy. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Francis returns for this week's episode as we ponder whether Keir Starmer will be able to escape questions over china and income tax (or whether he had any positive role in the middle-east whatsoever). Then we discuss whether younger women, fuelled by Tik-tok, have become actively hostile to men (or to put it more bluntly 'do birds hate blokes?')In the Patreon only section we respond to Lenny Henry's call for slavery reparations, but end up talking about unusual first names. CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I talk about Donald Trump seemingly having found a way through the middle-east peace process (and how reluctant some people might be to acknowledge that!) I also discuss Starmer's growing unease over the collapse of the Chinese spy trial - govt's not easy eh Keir? Then I finish by analysing what was seen by many as Kemi's career saving speech, amazing what happens when you mention 'tax cut'.CATCH ME ON MY TOUR ‘Basic Bloke 2: There’s No Bloke Without Fire’. Book tickets here: https://www.livenation.co.uk/geoff-norcott-tickets-adp1252793JOIN the Podcast Patreon and receive each episode early, AD-FREE & with bonus content https://www.patreon.com/geoffnorcott?fan_landing=true Join my MAILING LIST for priority Tour booking & special offers https://signup.ymlp.com/xgyueuwbgmgb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices