Best M.P. Fitzgerald Podcasts (2025)

1
The Battle for the Soul of the Country 33:36

Play Pause

5d ago33:36

33:36

Armando is at the Labour Party conference (well, in a portakabin in a car park nearby - the glamour!), and is joined by Newscast's Adam Fleming to chat all things conference. Has message discipline killed the party conference? Or does their own momentum still make them newsworthy? Looking at conferences past, we look at what makes them an interesti…

1
Hurty Words 29:03

12d ago29:03

29:03

Stewart Lee returns to the show, to join Armando in discussing 'hurty words'. With Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, and in the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder, free speech is in the spotlight again. Those who railed against 'cancel culture' are now getting into 'consequence culture'. We also discuss how Marvel's superheroes might respond to the actions of …

1
Phase 2 29:15

19d ago29:15

29:15

In the first episode of the new series, Armando Iannucci and guest co-host, Ria Lina look at the use and abuse of political language. The political summer is often called 'silly season', but with global conflict and rising tensions at home, Armando and Ria look at the language that defined recent months including Keir Starmer's "Phase 2" and the wo…

1
Strong Recommend: Going Postal by Terry Pratchett 6:54

26d ago6:54

6:54

In the last of our summer mini-series, Helen brings a book by Terry Pratchett. To Helen's surprise, this is a blind spot for Armando, who hasn't read any despite being told to do so many times. Where do you start with such an extensive back catalogue? What makes Pratchett's satire so timeless? and has Helen found a new Pratchett super-fan in Armand…

1
Strong Recommend: Tehran (Apple TV+) 6:43

1M ago6:43

6:43

Armando has been watch Tehran on Apple TV. This multi-language show about spy agencies in Iran and Israel sheds gives you a glimpse in to life on the ground in these countries that you can't get from headlines alone. Like the Post Office scandal in the UK, why does it sometimes take a dramatisation to mobilise the public, and bring about change? Jo…

1
Strong Recommend: Elden Ring 10:36

1M ago10:36

10:36

If you're interested in fantasy, and fancy taking on a responsibility equivalent to a part-time job, Helen recommends Elden Ring. A wildly popular Japanese video game which allows you to live in a world created by George RR Martin. With place and character names reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, we ask why that is the accepted register of fantasy. …

1
Strong Recommend: The Contestant 10:02

2M ago10:02

10:02

In 1998, a Japanese man was filmed in solitary confinement for our entertainment. Naked as the day he was born, which led to his suggestive nickname, the Japanese people were gripped by Tomoaki Hamatsu's journey. Today, can we see how reality TV has infected our storytelling and our language? Whether it's someone in Big Brother proudly declaring th…

1
Strong Recommend: Shamanism, The Timeless Religion by Dr Manvir Singh 8:57

2M ago8:57

8:57

What is xenising? And why do authority figures do it? Can we trace Farage back to the shamans of the past? Helen recommends Dr Manvir Singh's book Shamanism: The Timeless Religion, which helps inform a discussion around ritual and our desire for formality, and even otherness, from authority figures. Helen and Armando also debate whether ayahuasca r…

1
Strong Recommend: The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald 5:39

2M ago5:39

5:39

Fancy trying a new author, but don't know where to start? Armando recommends a short novel by Penelope Fitzgerald, and Helen shares a tip on how to try on a new author for size before committing. Join Helen and Armando over the summer for more cultural recommendations, available weekly on BBC Sounds. Production Coordinator: Sarah NichollsExecutive …

1
Strong Recommend: Evita at London Palladium 6:42

2M ago6:42

6:42

Helen has been to the theatre recently, so you don't have to! Jamie Lloyd's production of Evita has a moment in it which can be enjoyed by anyone who happens to be near the venue at about 9pm most nights across the summer. You can enjoy the showstopper yourself, whilst also adding to the experience of those in the venue who are missing out. Join He…

1
Strong Recommend: Shakespeare's Richard II 8:52

3M ago8:52

8:52

This week, it's Armando's term to recommend something, and he makes the case for a little known up-and-coming writer, William Shakespeare. Richard II doesn't get its due among the other historical plays. Armando wonders why? It's full of drama and it's written in verse, what's not to love? Helen also discusses it in the context of the time, and wha…

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Strong Recommend: Every Living Thing by Jason Roberts 8:21

3M ago8:21

8:21

This week, Helen picks a book she's enjoyed recently. Jason Roberts' book from this year, Every Living Thing, details Carl Linnaeus and Du Buffon's attempts at taxonomy. The naming conventions of various parts of our world have informed so much of our lives. From what we call different animals and plants, to how relatively arbitrary classification …

1
Strong Recommend: The Ballad of Wallis Island 8:36

3M ago8:36

8:36

To start off this mini-series, Armando picks a film he's enjoyed recently. Tim Key and Tom Basden's hit film The Ballad of Wallis Island started life as a short film, and has won plaudits for its offbeat, funny and warm story. How do films get made, when is the British film industry at his best, and what makes a film like this so special? Join Hele…

1
We Haven't Always Told Our Story as Well as We Should 32:01

3M ago32:01

32:01

This week, Helen and Armando look back at a year of the Labour government. What language has come out of if, and why is it struggling to define itself? Looking at phrases from the year, like "The tepid bath of managed decline" and "National Health Recovery Mission Champions", does their language connect, and are their opponents any better? Strong M…

1
The New Brexit 30:52

3M ago30:52

30:52

This week, Helen Lewis is back! In the longer edition, you can hear what Helen has been up to in her absence, before Helen and Armando set their sights on the language around Net Zero. They ask, Why has it taken long for them to cover it on the show? Is it being framed in a relatable enough way? And, does it suffer from being part of an 'omnicause'…

1
Delivering for Ordinary People (with Marina Hyde) 38:24

4M ago38:24

38:24

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci decodes the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Helen Lewis is still away, so Journalist Marina Hyde steps in to join Armando. They discuss what an ordinary person might be, and examine if politicians use them as cover? Why is it always that things 'ordinary people' are saying 'on the doorstep' ju…

1
I Regret Some of My Posts (with Sara Pascoe) 33:16

4M ago33:16

33:16

This week, Helen Lewis is still away, so comedian Sara Pascoe steps in to join Armando. They reminisce over their first meeting on the set of a classic episode of The Thick of It - which was also in a radio studio - and then go on to discuss politicians on both sides of the Atlantic having thunderous breakups, and then making up in record time. Mus…

1
Weird Turkish Barber Shops (with Stewart Lee) 36:32

4M ago36:32

36:32

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci decodes the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Helen Lewis is away, so comedian and writer Stewart Lee joins Armando to look at Robert Jenrick's flashy video in which he takes aim at 'weird Turkish barber shops', among other things. They discuss how the way politicians, entertainers and journalis…

1
An Announcement President (with Jon Stewart) 44:10

4M ago44:10

44:10

This week, we have a very special guest, Jon Stewart! Jon joins Armando and Helen to discuss whether Trump is the political equivalent of Miles Davis, the quaintness of UK politics compared to the US, Jon does a flawless Margaret Thatcher impression and they answer the age old question... are escalators the most emasculating form of travel? Listen …

1
The Island of Strangers and the Manacled Gimp of Brussels 34:53

5M ago34:53

34:53

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, we're looking at inflammatory language. From Immigration to EU deals, we've heard talk of of 'betrayal' 'surrender' 'invasion' and of course 'an island of strangers'. When is this hyperbole appropriate and when is it egregio…

1
Yes or No? 30:37

5M ago30:37

30:37

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Helen and Armando take a step back and look at whether we're seeing the death of nuance in political debate. Is everything boiled down to 'yes or no' questions? What are the shibboleths of modern politics, and does the langu…

1
I Want My Country Back (with Phil Wang) 34:24

5M ago34:24

34:24

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, following Reform's announcement they will remove all flags from all council buildings under their jurisdiction - other than the Union Flag and the St George's Cross - Helen and Armando are joined by Phil Wang to discuss Brit…

1
The Official Language of the United States 32:12

5M ago32:12

32:12

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, a look over the pond at Trump's first 100 days. How have his administration used language to further their agenda? From the Gulf of America, to Making Showers Great Again, Helen and Armando examine how the US government is f…

1
How Much is a Pint of Milk? (with Rob Burley) 32:45

6M ago32:45

32:45

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. Helen Lewis and Armando Iannucci are joined by the BBC's former Live Political Editor to discuss the art of the political interview. What's a valid question? What's a cheap gotcha? They also discuss Paxman's beard, the best political i…

1
Liberation Day (with Soumaya Keynes) 37:19

6M ago37:19

37:19

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Helen and Armando are joined by economist and journalist for the Financial Times, Soumaya Keynes. They take a look back on Liberation Day - what exactly was America being liberated from? What was the response in China to the…

1
Three Word Slogans (with Cleo Watson) 32:42

6M ago32:42

32:42

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Helen and Armando are joined by author, broadcaster and former adviser to Theresa May and Boris Johnson, Cleo Watson. Taking a look back at the three word slogans that defined politics in recent years, especially those that …

1
Fist Emoji, Flag Emoji, Fire Emoji (with Ava Santina Evans) 33:57

6M ago33:57

33:57

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. Following the remarkable security breach dubbed 'Signalgate', Helen and Armando are joined by political editor of Politics Joe, Ava Santina Evans, to discuss how casualness has crept into political communication. Is it a threat? Is it …

1
Seizing the Narrative (with Stephen Bush) 32:30

6M ago32:30

32:30

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. Are Labour telling a good enough story? Who is the best storyteller in politics? How do you establish a narrative to take control of events, rather than let events define you? To answer these questions, Helen and Armando are joined by …

1
Britain Isn't Working 25:47

7M ago25:47

25:47

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, the Government announced their plans for welfare reform, so we take a look at the language around welfare, around benefit claimants, and how it's changed over the years. Gone are the 'strivers vs shirkers' of the 2010s or ev…

1
Be Quiet, Small Man 30:50

7M ago30:50

30:50

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Musk has been threatening a former astronaut (no, not the one he threatened the other week - another one), Trump has been talking tariffs, and Rupert Lowe took on his party's 'Messiah', Nigel Farage. What does all this tough…

1
In the Public Interest? 29:19

7M ago29:19

29:19

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. Hot mics, leaks, tell-all books. We find out a lot about how politicians talk in private. How does it differ from their public pronouncements? And are politicians less careful about how they come across in public these days? Helen and …

1
Everybody's Miserable 29:59

7M ago29:59

29:59

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. Farage says everybody is miserable, Trump says everything is a 'disaster', and Liz Truss chimed in saying Britain is a 'failed state', so Helen and Armando are trying to find out why those who claim to be patriots are keen to talk the …

1
The Threat from Within 36:57

8M ago36:57

36:57

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, JD Vance sent European leaders into a tailspin with an inflammatory speech at the Munich Security Conference, and Kemi Badenoch made an attention-grabbing speech at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. Looking at them s…

1
Build, Baby, Build! 38:37

8M ago38:37

38:37

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Starmer has suggested that Britain adopt a 'Build, Baby, Build' strategy. Sound familiar? We thought so too, so Helen and Armando are looking at why politicians copy their opponents. Is it a sign of strength or weakness, and…

1
Flying a Kite and Rolling the Pitch (with Rob Hutton) 36:06

8M ago36:06

36:06

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. Why do we know what's going to be in a political speech before it happens? What is 'kiteflying' and 'pitch rolling'? To find out, Helen and Armando are joined by sketch writer for The Critic, Rob Hutton, who has been at more political …

1
Trump Derangement Syndrome 36:51

8M ago36:51

36:51

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Trump has truly settled back into the White House, but is it different this time around? Helen and Armando take a look at how this unique politician uses language to get his way. We also look at Trump Derangement Syndrome - …

1
Free Speech Is Back! 29:50

9M ago29:50

29:50

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Helen and Armando take a deep dive into Mark Zuckerberg's statement which explains the new rules around fact checking and free speech on his Meta platforms. Is free speech really back? Or should we be worried that fact-check…

1
A Lawyer, Not a Leader 32:16

9M ago32:16

32:16

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, after a well-earned week off, Helen and Armando are back to break down how political attacks work. After Kemi Badenoch landed a blow on Keir Starmer calling him 'a lawyer, not a leader', we look at what makes a political att…

1
Listeners' Strong Messages 24:00

9M ago24:00

24:00

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Helen and Armando are delving into the email inbox to find out which political phrases have been driving our listeners to distraction. Strong Message here will be back on the 16th January at 9.45am on Radio 4 and then head s…

1
Words of the Year 30:15

10M ago30:15

30:15

In a year where Labour secured a 'loveless landslide' in the UK and Trump sealed his return to the White House, Helen and Armando will be 'laser-focused' on their 'mission' to skewer the use and abuse of political language. From 'freebies' to 'fascism', 'weird' to 'working people', all of the strong messages that helped Make 2024 Great Again will b…

1
The Tepid Bath of Managed Decline 29:19

10M ago29:19

29:19

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Helen and Armando are having a splash around in the tepid bath of managed decline. When does a phrase become accidentally too evocative? What is the remedy to a tepid bath? And is the desire for 'start up culture' within the…

1
Reset, NOT Relaunch 32:33

10M ago32:33

32:33

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, following Keir Starmer's 'Plan for Change', Helen and Armando look at what a reset actually means. From Jaguar's rebrand to Miliband's Ed Stone, do resets work? Listen to Strong Message Here every Thursday at 9.45am on Radio…

1
Becoming a Distraction 32:48

10M ago32:48

32:48

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. Following Louise Haigh's resignation and Matt Gaetz's withdrawal from his Attorney General nomination, both said they were 'becoming a distraction', so Helen and Armando dig into the language of the political resignation. Looking at in…

1
I Make No Apology For... 28:31

10M ago28:31

28:31

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, we get into the world of political apologies. Why does Starmer keep insisting he makes no apologies for things that no one is actually asking him to apologise for? Is saying something is 'regrettable' really an apology? And …

1
The Deep State 29:40

11M ago29:40

29:40

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Helen and Armando spend some time trying to understand the 'deep state', and why it's caught on as a political attack. What's the difference between The Movement and The Blob? And who is draining the swamp of what? And is it…

1
In Listening Mode 28:37

11M ago28:37

28:37

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, as the Democrats lick their wounds, and Kemi Badenoch looks to rebuild her party, we are talking about politicians in 'listening mode'. Who are they listening to? Why weren't they listening sooner? Is it a tick-box exercise,…

1
MAGA - Trump trumps Harris 30:06

11M ago30:06

30:06

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Trump has made his way back to the White House, but will he Make America Great Again? What does that phrase really mean? And how did it become the enduring political message of our times? Helen and Armando examine how politi…

1
Tough Decisions 29:09

11M ago29:09

29:09

Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, as Rachel Reeves delivers the first Labour budget in 15 years, we’re talking about ‘tough decisions'. What’s a tough decision? Why is language around budgets so slippery? And why doesn’t anyone drink at the dispatch box anym…

1
Kemi-Kaze and political nicknames 23:38

12M ago23:38

23:38

In this new series for Radio 4, comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language. This week, Helen’s eye was caught by the Conservative leadership race, where Robert Jenrick has coined a new nickname for rival Kemi Badenoch. They dig into other examples of political nicknames and name…

1
Introducing Strong Message Here 1:31

12M ago1:31

1:31

Helen Lewis and Armando Iannucci investigate which political buzzwords are strong and stable and which are a crock of covfefe. New episodes are available weekly on Thursdays on BBC Sounds from 24 October, 2024.By BBC Radio 4