Best Calum Macdonald Podcasts (2025)

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Nothing Ever Happens When You Expect It To - Calum Macdonald 50:57

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23d ago50:57

50:57

We're joined by Times Radio presenter, Calum Macdonald on this week's episode! Mark Murphy chats with Calum about his love for radio from a young age, his career in broadcasting, and his perspective on the differences between Scottish and English radio. In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big…

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Inside Trump’s UK State Visit 35:39

5d ago35:39

35:39

Donald Trump’s UK state visit dominates Westminster this week — and the Whitehall Sources team take you inside the drama. 🎙️ Calum Macdonaldm, former No.10 adviser Kirsty Buchanan and political strategist Jo Tanner break down: The pageantry of Windsor Castle and how the royals played a key role in shaping Trump’s mood. Trump’s joint press conferenc…

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Do Younger Generations Feel Disconnected From The News? - Roxanna Wright 32:57

9d ago32:57

32:57

Roxanna Wright, Shelagh Fogarty's new producer on LBC, is this week's guest! Mark Murphy speaks to Roxanna about her career so far, the different producers she's worked with, and so much more! In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names who help produce and present some of your favour…

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Starmer Under Pressure: NATO Tensions, Israel Row, and the Mandelson Scandal 41:47

14d ago41:47

41:47

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former adviser to Theresa May) and political strategist Jo Tanner unpack a turbulent week in Westminster and beyond. 🔹 Russian drones breach Polish airspace – NATO faces its biggest test in decades as Donald Tusk invokes Article 4. 🔹 Israel & Gaza tensions – Keir Starmer hosts …

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Labour Shake-Up: Rayner Out, Starmer Tested 47:58

19d ago47:58

47:58

🚨 Angela Rayner has resigned as Labour’s Deputy Leader after controversy over her stamp duty payments — a dramatic twist that could reshape the party’s future. In this episode, we dig into what her departure means for Sir Keir Starmer, the challenges it poses for his authority, and how Labour might respond in the months ahead. 📰 We unpack the immed…

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Angela Rayner Under Pressure: Can Starmer Save His Deputy? 37:12

21d ago37:12

37:12

Angela Rayner is under fire after admitting she underpaid £40,000 in stamp duty on her Hove flat. With questions over her legal advice, whether she misled colleagues, and the optics of multiple homes, will Sir Keir Starmer be able to save his Deputy Prime Minister? In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former advis…

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Farage’s Immigration Plan: Labour on the Back Foot 48:59

27d ago48:59

48:59

Nigel Farage and Reform UK have dominated the summer political agenda with radical immigration proposals: leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), repealing the Human Rights Act, and suspending the Refugee Convention. But are these policies legally possible – and politically effective? In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macd…

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UK Inflation Crisis, Rachel Reeves’ Budget of Doom & Trump-Putin Talks 43:52

1M ago43:52

43:52

The Whitehall Sources team — Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner & Kirsty Buchanan — unpack the week’s biggest political stories from Westminster and beyond: 🔴 UK Inflation Rises Again – Are we heading back into a cost of living crisis? What does this mean for Rachel Reeves’ “budget of doom” in the autumn? Can Labour’s economic strategy survive mounting pre…

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Reporting Across Borders - Joseph Draper 48:35

1M ago48:35

48:35

Joseph Draper, an LBC Reporter for the south of England is this week's guest! Mark Murphy chats to Joseph about his love for history, writing, storytelling and how that led him down the path of a career in radio. In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names who help produce and present…

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Trump/Putin in Alaska: Why Putin’s Already Winning 55:07

1M ago55:07

55:07

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan tackle the biggest news of the week in global and UK politics. They speak with Professor Sam Greene, a professor in Russian politics at King’s College London, ahead of President Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin. The conversation examines the high-stakes that ex…

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Can Reeves Survive the Budget Black Hole? 43:55

2M ago43:55

43:55

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner consider the pressing challenges facing UK politics. The team unpacks Rachel Reeves’ struggle to address a £50 billion budget gap, exploring the tough choices between tax rises and spending cuts. They discuss the complexities of welfare dependency, the…

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Staying On Top Of Multiple News Cycles - Laura McGhie 53:39

2M ago53:39

53:39

BBC Radio 5 Live weekend presenter Laura McGhie is this week's guest! Poppy Sayer talks to Laura all about her career thus far! Including how she got to where she is and the lessons she's learnt along the way. In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names who help produce and present so…

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Chris Curtis MP on Fixing Broken Britain 26:55

2M ago26:55

26:55

Newly elected Labour MP Chris Curtis (Milton Keynes North) joins the podcast to reflect on his whirlwind first year in Parliament. In this candid conversation, Curtis—former pollster and co-founder of Labour's Growth Group—talks about: What it's really like being one of 400+ Labour MPs His fight for a new £320m hospital in Milton Keynes The broken …

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Louise Haigh on NDAs, Labour's First Year, and What's Next 38:12

2M ago38:12

38:12

In this episode, Labour MP Louise Haigh joins Kirsty Buchanan, Jo Tanner, and Calum Macdonald to unpack her recent legislative victory: a groundbreaking new ban on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) used to silence victims and witnesses of workplace harassment and discrimination. We cover: 🔒 Why NDAs are no longer enforceable in harassment or discrim…

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Badenoch’s Power Play and Starmer’s Warning on Riots 40:49

2M ago40:49

40:49

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former adviser to PM Theresa May) and Jo Tanner (political strategist) unpack Kemi Badenoch’s dramatic reshuffle of the shadow cabinet — is it about party unity, performance, or a subtle pivot toward the centre? We discuss: James Cleverley’s return to the frontbench and Rob Jen…

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Do Radio Because You Authentically Love It - Jasmine Takhar 54:20

2M ago54:20

54:20

Jasmine Takhar from the BBC Asian Network is this week's guest on the podcast! Mark Murphy chats to Jasmine all about her career, the BBC Asian Network, and her future aspirations in the world of broadcast. In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names who help produce and present some …

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The Afghan Data Breach 39:45

2M ago39:45

39:45

The podcast discusses the recent Afghan data breach incident, focusing on the implications of a super injunction that was put in place to protect individuals whose details were leaked. The conversation explores the processes that led to the leak, the political responses from government officials, and the public's trust in the political establishmen…

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Migration: Can Starmer and Macron solve it? 49:30

3M ago49:30

49:30

In a world often clouded by political uncertainty, the upcoming deal between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron offers a glimmer of hope. This landmark agreement, set against the backdrop of post-Brexit relations, promises to redefine migration policies and strengthen UK-French ties. The Promise of Cooperation: As P…

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A World Of Music - Beverley Humphreys MBE 1:08:44

3M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

Beverley Humphreys from BBC Radio Wales joins us on this week's episode! The voice behind 'Beverley's World Of Music', Welsh operatic and concert soprano, speaks to Poppy Sayer about her career in broadcasting and music. In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names who help produce and…

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One Year of Sir Keir 45:50

3M ago45:50

45:50

The conversation explores the political landscape a year after Keir Starmer's election as Prime Minister. It delves into the challenges faced by Labour, including managing expectations, the significance of key flashpoints, and the importance of relatability in politics. The discussion also highlights the struggles of the Conservative Party and the …

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Trump Bombs Iran; Labour's Welfare Rebellion 38:38

3M ago38:38

38:38

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, assess the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, the implications of a reasoned amendment in the UK Parliament regarding welfare reform. The conversation highlights the complexities of political strategy, the challenges of governance, and the…

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Radio: An Industry Fuelled by Passion - Dan Richards 1:07:27

3M ago1:07:27

1:07:27

On this week's episode Dan Richards joins us on the show! Rory McGowan talks to Dan about his freelance work with BBC Radio WM, his passion for creating radio content and much more! In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names who help produce and present some of your favourite shows, …

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Israel-Iran Tensions and Abortion Legislation 47:34

3M ago47:34

47:34

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the current political climate in the UK, focusing on the Israel-Iran conflict, recent changes to abortion legislation, and the inquiry into grooming gangs. They analyze the implications of these issues on society and the political landscape, highlighting the roles of key figures li…

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Spending Review leaves a credibility gap 48:14

4M ago48:14

48:14

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner analyse into the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) presented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. They discuss the implications of the CSR on various government departments, the political context surrounding it, and the public's perception of the Labou…

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The Difference Between Covering South Wales & London - Claire Boad 45:34

4M ago45:34

45:34

This week we're joined by Claire Boad, a reporter covering London for Bauer Media! Etholle Davies speaks to Claire all about her career so far, including the difference between reporting in London to South Wales. In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names who help produce and present…

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Get Ready for War 47:27

4M ago47:27

47:27

The conversation analyses the UK's Strategic Defence Review, exploring the implications of military funding, readiness for modern warfare, and the political landscape surrounding national security. The speakers discuss the perceived threats, the public's response to defence spending, and the challenges of aligning military needs with fiscal realiti…

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Can Farage capitalise on Labour's struggles 41:22

4M ago41:22

41:22

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the current political landscape in the UK, focusing on the Labour Party's challenges, the upcoming spending review, and the rise of Reform UK under Nigel Farage. The conversation highlights the internal dynamics within Labour, the pressures from backbenchers, and the implications o…

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Is There Enough Risk-Taking In Radio? - Grant Stott 48:24

4M ago48:24

48:24

Grant Stott joins us on this week's episode of the podcast! Mark Murphy chats to Grant about his time with BBC Radio Scotland, Radio Forth and much more from his stacked career thus far. In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names who help produce and present some of your favourite sh…

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Bonus: Happy Birthday 'A Face For Radio'! 13:57

4M ago13:57

13:57

Join us as in this bonus episode we celebrate the podcast's second birthday!

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Can a Government ever get credit for a U-Turn? 55:05

4M ago55:05

55:05

Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner discuss the U-turn on winter fuel payments for pensioners, the implications of this decision, and the broader context of UK politics. They reflect on the Labour Party's performance, the economic situation, and the upcoming EU-UK reset deal, highlighting the challenges and pressures faced by the curren…

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What could make or break UK/EU talks next week? 44:52

4M ago44:52

44:52

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, host Calum Macdonald, along with Kirsty Buchanan, Jo Tanner and Mark Simpson, delve into the current political landscape surrounding the UK-EU relations, particularly focusing on the upcoming summit and the implications of Keir Starmer's leadership. The discussion covers various topics including mig…

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Learn Something From Everyone - Josh Holmes-Bright 58:36

5M ago58:36

58:36

Josh Holmes-Bright is this week's interviewee! He's working for a number of different stations inlcuding BBC Radio Essex, Radio Caroline and LBC! Ella Starkey also speaks to Josh about his career which started when he was just 13-years-old. In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names …

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What's Next? The Impact of the Local Elections 46:07

5M ago46:07

46:07

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner discuss the recent electoral successes of Reform UK, the challenges faced by the Labour and Conservative parties, and the shifting political landscape in the UK. They explore the implications of local election results, the strategic responses of the ma…

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100 Days of Trump... with Amy Koch and Chris D Jackson 55:32

5M ago55:32

55:32

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, we're joined by Amy Koch who was the first female Minnesota Senate Majority Leader and was at the Inauguration of Donald Trump … she is currently a Republican strategist... and Chris Jackson who was chairman of his local Democratic Party in Tennessee, and was appointed by Joe Biden’s campaign to the…

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Learning The Craft Through Hands-On Experience - Martine Croxall 47:18

5M ago47:18

47:18

BBC newsreader, Martine Croxall is out guest on this week's episode! Martine talks to Poppy Sayer all about her early career in radio, staying calm in high pressure situations and what it was like reporting on the death of Prince Phillip. In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names wh…

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Politicians and Women... plus Local Elections 37:49

5M ago37:49

37:49

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding gender identity and its implications for politics in the UK. They analyse the responses from key political figures, including Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch, and the broader impact on public opinion and trans rights. The conversation highli…

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What is a woman? 47:50

5M ago47:50

47:50

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Maconald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, consider the Supreme Court ruling regarding the legal definition of a woman, which is based on biological sex. The discussion explores the implications of this ruling for trans rights and women's rights, the political responses from various parties, and…

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My Love of Storytelling - Rosie Wright 1:02:46

5M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Rosie Wright from Times Radio is our guest on this week's episode! Rory McGowan chats to Rosie about her impressive career so far in the industry and her love for the art of storytelling. In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names who help produce and present some of your favourite s…

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How the UK can cope with Trump's tariffs 45:08

6M ago45:08

45:08

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, host Calum MacDonald, along with guests Kirsty Buchanan, Jo Tanner, and Lord Harrington, delve into the implications of Donald Trump's tariffs and the ongoing trade war. They discuss the immediate and long-term impacts of these tariffs on global economies, particularly focusing on the UK and US rela…

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Trump's Tariffs and the Assisted Dying Bill 51:05

6M ago51:05

51:05

Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, assess the implications of President Trump's impending tariffs on the UK economy and the global market. They discuss the political strategies surrounding these tariffs, the potential impact on trade relations, and the broader economic consequences. The conversation also transitions to the assisted dyi…

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Navigating The Digital Age - Rory Cellan-Jones 57:17

6M ago57:17

57:17

This week's episode is with author and journalist Rory Cellan-Jones! It's a double serving of Rory as Rory McGowan talks to Cellan-Jones about his long and winding career in and radio and as the technology correspondent for the BBC. In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names who help…

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Sonia Khan | Campaigning for Change 21:23

6M ago21:23

21:23

This conversation considers the challenges faced by individuals dealing with brain tumours, focusing on Sonia Khan's personal journey with her husband Dan's diagnosis and treatment. It highlights the emotional and financial struggles, the need for better healthcare strategies, and the role of social media in providing support and information. The d…

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Rachel Reeves' Economic Gamble: Will It Pay Off? 42:30

6M ago42:30

42:30

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts delve into the recent Spring Statement delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, analyzing its implications for the UK economy. They discuss the halving of the growth forecast, the government's economic strategies, and the potential political fallout from welfare cuts. The conversation highli…

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Is the Government wrong on benefits cuts? 53:54

6M ago53:54

53:54

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts consider the recent overhaul of the UK welfare system, discussing the implications of proposed benefit cuts and the political dynamics surrounding them. They explore the challenges faced by individuals reliant on welfare, the impact of mental health on employment, and the reactions from th…

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From Accidental Radio Host to Award-Winning Podcaster - Summaya Mughal 35:46

6M ago35:46

35:46

We're joined by Summaya Mughal, BBC Radio Nottingham's brand new breakfast presenter! Mark Murphy chats to her all about the new role, the 'Brown Gal Can't Swim' podcast, working at the Olympics in Paris and so much more! In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names who help produce an…

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Live from Parliament: CoppaFeel 37:48

7M ago37:48

37:48

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The Road to Peace? With Mike Martin MP 41:58

7M ago41:58

41:58

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the significant political upheaval caused by Donald Trump, particularly in relation to Ukraine and NATO. We're joined by Mike Martin, Liberal Democrat MP, member of the Defence Select Committee and senior visiting fellow of War Studies at Kings College London. We explore the implic…

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Achieving Through Adversity - Isaac Farnworth 22:25

7M ago22:25

22:25

In this week's episode Ella Starkey is joined by Isaac Farnworth. Isaac works for the Sports team at Radio Berkshire. The episode looks at the hurdles he's had to overcome, his future aspirations and what he does in his downtime. In 'A Face For Radio' we dive into the stories of people behind the microphone! We interview big radio names who help pr…

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Donald Trump: The Ultimate Pied Piper 46:55

7M ago46:55

46:55

Calum, Kirsty and Jo discuss the once in a generation challenge of peace. Sir Keir Starmer has announced an increase in defence spending, and now he's off to see President Trump in Washington. What is the best he can hope to achieve? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Banning Phones for Kids | This Week In Parliament 42:00

7M ago42:00

42:00

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, delve into the pressing issues surrounding online harms, particularly focusing on the risks posed by social media to children. We're joined by Jess Asato, Labour MP for Lowestoft. They discuss the need for stricter regulations, the role of parent…