Best Elunes Podcasts (2026)

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John Swinney: Trump, Independence and Scottish Troops in Ukraine 42:09

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9m ago42:09

42:09

What is the Scottish First Minister's secret for getting Donald Trump's attention? Nick is in Edinburgh to sit down with John Swinney, at the start of a year of big elections across the UK, including for the Scottish Parliament. He has been at the top of SNP-led government's for almost all of the last 19 years. He is now asking for another five yea…

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Anas Sarwar - REPLAY 1:21:42

1d ago1:21:42

1:21:42

2026 may be the year that Anas Sarwar finally leads Labour back into power at Holyrood. In this revealing and hilarious interview from 2021, he outlines what Labour needs to do to win. Since then Labour have won a landslide at Westminster... can he replicate that? THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 26 January: Special VIP Guest 16 February: David Miliband 9 …

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Show 384. Ryan Wain 58:29

8d ago58:29

58:29

This is class. Ryan is the Director of Policy and Politics at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. What are the problems we'll face in the future? What are the answers? And what's Tony Blair like as a boss? THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 26 January: Special VIP Guest 16 February: David Miliband 9 March: Zack Polanski 30 March: Lisa Nandy https://n…

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Show 383. Tom McTague 1:00:51

15d ago1:00:51

1:00:51

Keynes. Woolf. Hitchens. The New Statesman has an illustrious history and editor Tom McTague is the latest custodian of that grand tradition. But how does a centre-left magazine pitch itself in the ferocious world of social media and hot takes? What's its relationship with the Labour Party? How does it handle disagreements on the Left? And, more im…

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Show 382. Gordon McKee 59:00

22d ago59:00

59:00

It's the biscuit man! Gordon is a viral sensation thanks to his novel way of explaining the national debt using Custard Creams and Bourbons. This is an entertaining analysis of how to use social media and the wider political pressures that Labour face. As a member of the Labour Growth Group, Gordon tells us what the group actually does and how we g…

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Jordan Bardella: The 30-year-old populist hoping to be France's next president 47:15

28d ago47:15

47:15

An exclusive interview on immigration, racism, Russia, Farage and Trump. Jordan Bardella is the leader of National Rally in France, and currently leading the polls to become president in 2027 if his mentor, Marine Le Pen fails to overturn a conviction that bars her from running for office. In the meantime, he is on a mission to persuade people that…

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Show 381. Nick Clegg - LIVE 1:38:21

27d ago1:38:21

1:38:21

This. Is. Phenomenal. Nick Clegg has been one of the most powerful people in the UK and in Silicon Valley. He takes us inside the crazy world of Meta and the tech bros. What is Mark Zuckerberg really like? Should we fear AI? Does he still speak to David Cameron? All this and more are contained within! THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 26 January: Special VI…

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Show 380. Peray Ahmet 54:01

1M ago54:01

54:01

Peray is the Labour leader of Haringay Council. They are leading the way when it comes to building council homes. But why? This is a fascinating, entertaining insight into leadership in local government, including how to manage disagreement and where to go for the best kebabs. THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 8 December: Nick Clegg 26 January: Special VIP …

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Kemi Badenoch: Shooting from the hip 46:00

1M ago46:00

46:00

Why did the leader of the opposition call the chancellor 'spineless' and 'shameless'? Kemi Badenoch joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to reflect on what lay behind the personal and political debates around Budget Day. How can she emulate Margaret Thatcher's regeneration of the Conservative Party? How did anger help drive her into politics…

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Show 379. Izzy Conn 42:38

1M ago42:38

42:38

Izzy is a political historian and host of the excellent 'Leading Labour' podcast that you can listen to here: https://leadinglabour.podbean.com/ It's a series analysing every Labour leader from Attlee to Corbyn. So which Labour leader from history is Keir Starmer most like? And which one can he learn from the most? THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 8 Decemb…

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Shabana Mahmood: Racism, Asylum and Me 49:07

2M ago49:07

49:07

Why is the Home Secretary warning against leaving space for "darker forces"? Shabana Mahmood sits down with Nick off the back of announcing sweeping changes to the asylum system in the UK. Why did she decide to quote explicit racial abuse in the House of Commons? And how does she intend to avoid "ceding the territory of asylum to the far right"? Th…

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The Matt Forde Focus Group Returns! 0:34

2M ago0:34

0:34

The Matt Forde Focus Group (BBC RADIO 4) is returning! Sign up to my mailing list for exclusive access to free tickets for the Christmas Special recording of The Matt Forde Focus Group on Wednesday 17 December at 7:15pm. Tickets will be released on Wednesday 19 November. https://www.mattforde.com/focus-group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f…

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Show 378. Marie Tidball 59:16

2M ago59:16

59:16

Marie is one of Labour's rising stars of the 2024 intake and was recently awarded 'Parliamentarian of the Year' by The Spectator. It's easy to see why. She is a formidable campaigner and has had to overcome various barriers in her life in order to succeed. An immense talent, Marie could easily have ended up in law or broadcasting, but politics was …

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'I'm preparing for government': Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth 38:48

2M ago38:48

38:48

Can Plaid Cymru replace Labour as the party of power in Wales next year? Rhun ap Iorwerth, the party's leader, thinks so. Rhun ap Iorwerth joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to talk about how his parents' passion for Welsh heritage and language formed the basis for his vision for the country. They explore Welsh identity and the anti-monarc…

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Show 377. Jack McConnell 1:07:08

2M ago1:07:08

1:07:08

This is PHENOMENAL. Jack was First Minister of Scotland 2001-2007. It was a tumultuous global time and he found himself at the centre of it at the Gleneagles summit. His stories about George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin are incredible. But there's loads more in this. Jack became the leader of a local authority at just 29. He'd joined the SNP at 16, b…

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'I like it when people underestimate me': Lib Dem leader Ed Davey 47:39

2M ago47:39

47:39

Ed Davey warns Starmer against handing Reform UK 'the keys into 10 Downing Street' Producer: Daniel KraemerResearch: Chloe DesaveSound: Ged Sudlow and Andrew MillsEditor: Giles EdwardsBy BBC Radio 4

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Show 376. Bethany Dawson 1:04:04

2M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

Well this is about way more than politics... Bethany is one of the stars of the Politico Playbook morning email. It's the must-read morning briefing which mixes top-level political analysis with plenty of juicy gossip. We talk about gossip, why it's important and how to get it... but we also talk about health and the importance of patients really p…

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Life after Labour: Zarah Sultana on Palestine, Farage and 'Your Party' 47:57

2M ago47:57

47:57

How a trip to the West Bank in her teens set the Coventry MP on a path into politics. Zarah Sultana joins Nick in the studio a few weeks before the launch of her new party with Jeremy Corbyn. In the interview, they discuss her positions on NATO, the state of Israel, seeking power, and why she likened her relationship with Corbyn to the Gallagher br…

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Show 375. Harriet Cross 51:21

2M ago51:21

51:21

Harriet is a rare thing: a new Conservative MP who won her seat at the last election. In Scotland. She's already been made a whip. So how come she's rising so fast and what's it like entering the Commons when your party has suffered a historic defeat? And how has living in rural communities shaped her particular brand of conservatism? THE POLITICAL…

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Gaza, Trump and me: UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher 48:43

2M ago48:43

48:43

Driving through Gaza is like "driving through the ruins of Hiroshima, or Stalingrad, or Dresden" Tom Fletcher has been the United Nations humanitarian chief for almost a year and speaks to Nick two weeks into his organisation's efforts to get as much aid as possible into the Gaza Strip. He gives a behind-the-scenes account of how he works with the …

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Show 374. Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah CBE 59:49

3M ago59:49

59:49

This is a powerful lesson in campaigning, pragmatism and processing grief. Rosamund's daughter Ella died in 2013 at the age of nine. She is still the only person ever in the UK to have air pollution registered as a cause of death. Since then, Rosamund has been a relentless campaigner for improving air quality. She has helped change policy here in t…

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Net Zero has become a religion: Claire Coutinho on climate, identity and cooking 42:05

3M ago42:05

42:05

The Shadow Energy Minister has transformed her party's approach to climate policy. In this extended conversation, Claire Coutinho sets out what changed her mind on net zero, a shift that has brought her into fierce debates with her opposite number, Ed Miliband. She also shares her feelings about what she calls a rising "ethno-nationalism" on the ri…

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Show 373. Amy Callaghan 47:35

3M ago47:35

47:35

Amy has led an extraordinary life and she's still only in her 30s. While the SNP MP for East Dunbartonshire she suffered a brain hemorrhage. As she recovered, she had to battle the arcane rules of the House of Commons in order to speak and vote on behalf of her constituents. Having narrowly beaten Jo Swinson in 2019, Amy then lost the seat in 2024.…

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Free Speech Tsar: Arif Ahmed on how to avoid the 'abyss' of political violence 44:57

3M ago44:57

44:57

How do you protect and police freedom of speech on campus and in society? Arif Ahmed is a Cambridge Philosopher who is now responsible for enforcing new freedom of speech rules on universities, colleges and students. He took office at a time when there is particular focus on a vexed question: where the boundary should lie between free speech - whic…

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Show 372. Bridget Phillipson - LIVE 1:07:19

3M ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Bridget is one of the biggest stars of the Labour government. As well as being Education Secretary, she is standing to be Labour's Deputy Leader. It's the first major test of members' opinion since Labour came into office. She's led a fascinating life. Growing up in poverty, but making it to Oxford via Byker Grove. So what drives her, what changes …

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Bridget Phillipson on life as education secretary 43:47

3M ago43:47

43:47

One of the two candidates to be deputy leader of Labour joins Nick at the end of party's conference in Liverpool. Bridget Phillipson opens up about how her own experience of poverty informs her political views on childcare, schools and universities. She also reveals her DJ set-list Producer: Daniel KraemerResearch: Chloe DesaveEditor: Giles Edwards…

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Show 371. Tom Harwood 1:10:19

3M ago1:10:19

1:10:19

Star of GB News (and many other places), Tom outlines his libertarianism as well as giving an engaging analysis about the problems facing the Tories, Reform and the government. Tom is one of the most prominent broadcasters on the right and he's only 29. So why did he get involved so young and what's the secret of his success? This is a fascinating …

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Preparing Farage for Power: Danny Kruger on defecting to Reform UK 43:29

3M ago43:29

43:29

Danny Kruger had been at the heart of the Conservative Party since it was led by David Cameron, until he decided that party was "over". He is now a Reform UK MP and has been tasked with preparing the party for government. He sits down with Nick to explain why we need a "revival" of Christian conservatism. Producer: Daniel KraemerReserach: Chloe Des…

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Show 370. Tom Tugendhat Returns. Again! 52:49

4M ago52:49

52:49

Tom Tugendhat Returns. Again! Friend of the show Tom Tugendhat returns to give us the perspective from the Tory backbenches. Why are so many Tories defecting to Reform? How worried is he about the Tommy Robinson march? Is he still addicted to Haribo? THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 6 October: Bridget Philipson https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political…

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Lucy Powell: People have lost sense of Labour's values 42:22

4M ago42:22

42:22

Lucy Powell on why and how she was sacked by Keir Starmer, and why she now wants to be his Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. Producer: Daniel KraemerEditor: Giles EdwardsBy BBC Radio 4

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Show 369. Lindsay Hoyle - REPLAY 1:12:10

4M ago1:12:10

1:12:10

Lindsay Hoyle - REPLAY The charismatic Speaker of the House was on cracking form back in 2022. He shows how you can make the Commons function more effectively without sacrificing its unique atmosphere. One episode with Lindsay really isn't enough, you'll be left wanting so many more stories from him. His tale about taking Nancy Pelosi to Coronation…

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'Build Baby Build': The new housing secretary, Steve Reed 36:55

4M ago36:55

36:55

Steve Reed was given the job of Housing Secretary as the result of crisis, after the resignation of his close friend Angela Rayner. But he has been part of the inner circle preparing Keir Starmer's rise to power from the beginning, having recruited the man who ended up as the prime minister's Chief of Staff. In this interview, he gives Nick a behin…

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Show 368. Mark Pougatch 59:47

4M ago59:47

59:47

Mark Pougatch One of our most gifted sports broadcasters is also a massive politics nerd. Mark's usually seen anchoring ITV's coverage of England games. But should we keep politics out of sport? Is that even possible? In this hugely entertaining and insightful interview Mark indulges his twin passions: politics and sport and explains what they can …

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China, Russia and us: Tony Radakin on four years as Chief of the Defence Staff 49:53

4M ago49:53

49:53

An exclusive exit interview with Admiral Sir Tony Radakin on the week he steps down as the UK's military chief. Radakin's time as head of the armed forces was dominated by responding to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As he leaves, he is adamant that the UK is "safe" and that the war has been a "disaster" for Putin. He also talks about the…

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Show 367. Kirsty Wark - LIVE 1:03:38

4M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

Kirsty Wark - LIVE Newsnight star. Late Show legend. Celebrity Masterchef contestant... Kirsty Wark is a gifted broadcaster and is at her charismatic and hilarious best in front of a live Edinburgh audience. She shares stories from her phenomenal career and gives her take on the state of British and Scottish politics, as well as her experience with…

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Show 366. Sadiq Khan - LIVE 1:05:39

4M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Sadiq Khan - LIVE The Mayor of London is on top form in this special episode recorded at the Edinburgh Festival. What's his analysis of Labour's first year in power? Will Sadiq and Trump meet during the State Visit? If so, where in London will Sadiq take him..? SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK: https://www.mattfor…

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Show 365. Joanna Cherry - LIVE 1:02:51

5M ago1:02:51

1:02:51

Joanna Cherry - LIVE This is a corker. Joanna Cherry doesn't hold back on what it was like to be inside the SNP, but outside the Sturgeon clique. Following the publication of the former First Minister's memoir, Joanna gives a comprehensive analysis of the failings of the last few years. This is absolutely compelling from the very first second. Oh, …

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Show 364. Ian Murray - LIVE 58:57

5M ago58:57

58:57

Ian Murray - LIVE This is an absolute hoot. For years Ian Murray was the only Labour MP in Scotland. Now he's in the Cabinet as Secretary of State. He takes us inside Labour's first year and tells some cracking stories along the way including meeting Donald Trump off his plane when he recently visited Turnberry. It's a classic. COME AND SEE THE POL…

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Show 363. James Cleverly - REPLAY 1:15:23

5M ago1:15:23

1:15:23

James Cleverly - REPLAY James Cleverly is back on the Conservative Party Frontbench. Back in 2018 he'd just been made Deputy Chairman of the Tory Party. He's on top form in this riotous hour. He would go on to be, among other things, Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary, before standing for the leadership in 2024. Hear where it all began... COME AN…

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Show 362. Ed Miliband - REPLAY 1:26:14

5M ago1:26:14

1:26:14

Ed Miliband - REPLAY Ed Miliband is one of the most powerful politicians in the country. But in 2018 he was in a very different place. Three years after his emotional resignation as leader, he was rebuilding his political career in the middle of the Corbyn era. This is a fascinating interview from The Political Party back catalogue. COME AND SEE TH…

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Show 361. Oliver Coppard 59:51

6M ago59:51

59:51

Oliver Coppard Oliver has been the Labour Mayor for South Yorkshire since 2022. It's an area at the centre of many of our biggest political discussions. Health is his big priority, but does he have the powers he needs to create real change and how would he measure it? This is an entertaining, engaging hour with a young politician whose Jewish herit…

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The Friedrich Merz One 34:03

6M ago34:03

34:03

The German Chancellor speaks candidly about Trump's attitude to Europe, war on the continent, and the future relationship Britain Producer: Daniel KraemerResearcher: Chloe DesaveEditor: Giles EdwardsBy BBC Radio 4

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Show 360. Michael Gove - LIVE 1:23:57

6M ago1:23:57

1:23:57

Michael Gove - LIVE One of the most transformational and impactful Cabinet ministers of recent years is on top form as he reminisces about his biggest moments. What was going through his mind at that press conference the morning after the Brexit referendum? How did Boris react when he changed his mind about backing him? How did he end up throwing s…

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The Josh Babarinde One 33:33

6M ago33:33

33:33

The Lib Dem Justice Spokesperson managed to persuade ministers to change domestic abuse law within a year of being elected to parliament. Josh Babarinde tells Nick how his own childhood experience spurred him on to push for reform. He also explains how a beer mat persuaded him to join the Liberal Democrats. Producer: Daniel Kraemer…

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Show 359. Louise Haigh - LIVE 1:00:36

6M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

Louise Haigh - LIVE Recorded live at the Crossed Wires festival in Sheffield, Louise Haigh reflects on Labour's first year in power. Louise is on top form and has a unique perspective, having served in Cabinet and now sitting on the backbenches. How did the government get itself in a mess over welfare? Where can Labour improve? Plus why Louise got …

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The Keir Starmer Prime Minister One 46:31

6M ago46:31

46:31

After some of the most tumultuous days of his premiership, Keir Starmer sits down with Nick in Downing Street, to reflect on a year in power. In a wide-ranging interview, the prime minister defends his style of leadership, while taking responsibility for the setbacks. He also opens up about losing his brother last year and his personal relationship…

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Show 358. Sonia Kumar 45:58

6M ago45:58

45:58

Sonia Kumar Sonia has been an MP for almost a year and has used her platform to lead the first ever Parliamentary debate on incontinence. It's a subject very close to Matt's bladder and Sonia tells him how her career as a physiotherapist led her to raising it as an issue and standing for Parliament in the first place. Plus Sonia explains her positi…

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Trump's America: The Scott Perry One 31:27

6M ago31:27

31:27

A Republican Congressman outlines the values that lie behind his conservative politics. Scott Perry is the Representative for Pennsylvania's 10th District, a Trump ally, an Iran hawk who sits on the Foreign Affairs Committee, and a veteran, who flew combat missions in Iraq before turning his attention to politics. He joins Nick down the line from W…

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Show 357. Mims Davies 56:56

7M ago56:56

56:56

Mims Davies Prepare to be blown away. Mims has had to deal with so many astonishing life events. Not only that, she's handled them with remarkable humour. What made her a Conservative? Why didn't she think party membership was for people like her? How do the Tories stave off the threat from Reform and assert their dominance as the party of the righ…

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The Douglas Alexander One 43:09

7M ago43:09

43:09

The Trade Minister explains how a penalty shootout played a role in his government appointment. Douglas Alexander has the same job that he had 20 years ago in Tony Blair's government. He reflects on how the world has changed in that time, and his motivation for returning to politics after a humiliating defeat in 2015.…