Best Mel Reeve Podcasts (2025)

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

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15d 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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Kemi Badenoch: Shooting from the hip 46:00

27d 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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Shabana Mahmood: Racism, Asylum and Me 49:07

1M 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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'I'm preparing for government': Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth 38:48

1M 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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'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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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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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 …

1
Net Zero has become a religion: Claire Coutinho on climate, identity and cooking 42:05

2M 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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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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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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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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Lucy Powell: People have lost sense of Labour's values 42:22

3M 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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'Build Baby Build': The new housing secretary, Steve Reed 36:55

3M 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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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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The Friedrich Merz One 34:03

5M 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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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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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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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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The Douglas Alexander One 43:09

6M 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.…

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The Mel Stride One 37:41

7M ago37:41

37:41

The Shadow Chancellor sets out his vision for a more "thoughtful" politics and faces up to the challenge of winning the argument before the next general election. Sir Mel Stride reveals what he admires about his opposite number, Rachel Reeves, and why a world war two commander is one of his political heroes. He also has a warning about what the Bri…

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The Jacinda Ardern One 33:32

7M ago33:32

33:32

How does it feel to be held up as the 'anti-Trump' by progressives across the globe? Jacinda Ardern was prime minister of New Zealand for 6 years and is now committed to promoting empathy and kindness in world leadership. She joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to reflect on her unexpected rise to power and being described as a 'global pinu…

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The Tanni Grey-Thompson One 40:50

7M ago40:50

40:50

After 15 years as a member of the House of Lords, Tanni Grey-Thompson reflects on how a career at the top of sport prepared her for the world of politics. The crossbench peer speaks to Nick about what she sees as a dangerous relationship between benefit reforms and legalising assisted dying. Producer: Daniel Kraemer…

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The Eluned Morgan One 45:54

7M ago45:54

45:54

The First Minister of Wales sets a marker to the left of Keir Starmer, setting out her vision of a "Red Welsh Way", drawing inspiration from Gavin and Stacey. Producer: Daniel KraemerBy BBC Radio 4

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The Richard Tice One 38:17

7M ago38:17

38:17

Reform UK’s deputy leader reflects on a year of political success, a privileged upbringing and the cabinet job he’s eyeing up Producer: Daniel KraemerBy BBC Radio 4

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The Joe Biden One 29:41

8M ago29:41

29:41

To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, former president Joe Biden sits down with Nick Robinson for an exclusive interview, his first since leaving the White House. He issues a stark warning about the future of the western alliance and criticises his successor’s approach to foreign policy. In this extended interview, Biden also reflects on his deci…

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The Final Episode 2:17:04

9M ago2:17:04

2:17:04

Goodbye, goodbye. For our final episode of this run, Austin, Raymond & Henry talk about how they watch movies, some mailbag questions, some musings on the craft, and more. Thanks again for tuning in each week, everybody. Stay safe, and we'll see you at the movies! Follow us on Twitter! @austin_hayden (Austin) @creamatoria (Raymond) and on Letterbox…

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Mulholland Drive: It Was All A Dream 1:33:55

9M ago1:33:55

1:33:55

Our penultimate episode! The guys get into Mulholland Drive (directed by David Lynch) on this one. This film is a great segue for conversation as it weaves through film studies, what it means for something to be Lynchian, what it means to make movies - and more. Enjoy! Join the LAST Livestream of SHOW ME THE MEANING! next Tuesday at 5 PM PST on the…

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The Boy and The Heron: A Filmmaker's Legacy 1:41:53

10M ago1:41:53

1:41:53

Raymond is back from filming his movie! The guys get into The Boy and The Heron - Hayao Miyazaki's swan (heron?) song. Who will take over Studio Ghibli? Does more money make a better movie? Is this film a bigger metaphor for Miyazaki's retirement? They get into these questions and more - and more! Enjoy! We only have TWO episodes left! So be sure t…

1
Conclave: Catholic Camp 1:25:45

10M ago1:25:45

1:25:45

Get your cigarettes out for this one - we're talking Conclave! Austin, Henry, and Michael talk the intersection of humanity and religion, the campiness of this film, pope names - and more! Enjoy! Join the SHOW ME THE MEANING! LIVESTREAM every Tuesday at 5 PM PST on the Wisecrack 2 channel! https://youtube.com/@wisecrack_2 Follow us on Twitter! @aus…

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Bonus: The Rishi Sunak Lessons from Downing Street One - Part 2 1:01:28

10M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

In the second, bonus instalment of this exclusive interview with the former prime minister, Rishi Sunak opens up about his time as Chancellor and Prime Minister, including how his relationship with Boris Johnson fell apart, why he regrets his "Stop the Boats" slogan and what comes next for someone who has become an elder statesman, aged 44. Produce…

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The Rishi Sunak Lessons from Downing Street One 58:32

10M ago58:32

58:32

An exclsuive in-depth interview with the Rishi Sunak. In this first instalment, the former prime minister tells stories from behind the scenes on the world stage explains why he thinks we must now cut welfare spending to fund defence. Sunak reflects on how a sense of duty - inspired by his Hindu faith - helped drive his political career, and reflec…

1
The Carla Denyer 2025 One 33:15

10M ago33:15

33:15

The co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales joins Nick for a conversationBy BBC Radio 4

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Babygirl vs. May December: Giving and Taking 1:12:23

10M ago1:12:23

1:12:23

We got another cage match: Babygirl vs May/December! Austin is joined by Wisecrack's Amanda! They get into age gap films, the philosophy of the male gaze, the role of eroticisim in this era of films, and more! Join the SHOW ME THE MEANING! LIVESTREAM every Tuesday at 5 PM PST on the Wisecrack 2 channel! https://youtube.com/@wisecrack_2 Follow us on…

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Bisexuality is Freedom 18:35

10M ago18:35

18:35

What does it mean to say 'bisexuality is freedom'? Host Mel Reeve explores the origins of this slogan for the Bi History project, as well as the personal and evolving journey of self-discovery. Mel reflects on the intersectionality of identity and activism, drawing inspiration from activist and writer June Jordan's work. We also hear personal stori…

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The Heidi Alexander One 41:41

10M ago41:41

41:41

The Transport Secretary on Corbyn, Ukraine and growing up in Swindon Producer: Lauren TavrigerBy BBC Radio 4

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Aftersun: We Got Daddy Issues 1:27:53

10M ago1:27:53

1:27:53

The best movie for a cry (if you got daddy issues). Austin is joined by Producer Henry for a chat on Aftersun! They get into realizing the frailty of our parents, the nature of memory and music, some narrative structure of the film - and more! Enjoy! Join the SHOW ME THE MEANING! LIVESTREAM every Tuesday at 5 PM PST on the Wisecrack 2 channel! http…

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Social Media and LGBTQ+ Digital Heritage 15:06

11M ago15:06

15:06

We're getting into the complexities of social media as a tool for engaging with our community's heritage. Your host Mel Reeve, highlights the precarious nature of these platforms, the ethical dilemmas surrounding their use, and the importance of preserving bisexuali+ histories. We hear community stories from a range of bi+ people, in their own word…

1
The Charlie Taylor One 40:20

10M ago40:20

40:20

The Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales on how he went from being a teacher at a school for kids with beahvioural problems, to being the leading voice on prison conditions. He tells stories of cheap suits, perspex windows, being the subject of offensive graffiti, and explains how he retains optimism. Producers: Lauren Tavriger and Dani…

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Queerness in Medieval Spirituality 17:13

11M ago17:13

17:13

In the final episode of this season, Mel explores representations of queerness in medieval spirituality, exploring the lives of LGBTQ+ monks, nuns, and saints. We begin with a journey to an isolated, ruined island priory and uncover intimate descriptions of same-gender love and intimacy in early Christianity, as well as non-gender conforming figure…

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How Can It Be Bisexual+ History If No One Is Bisexual? 18:27

11M ago18:27

18:27

Let's talk about the complexities of bisexual+ identity and its historical context! We explore how to identify bisexual+ history, the evolution of language and identity, and the importance of recognising fluidity in historical narratives. Personal stories from the bi+ community highlight the significance of representation and the interconnectedness…

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The Zia Yusuf One 48:06

11M ago48:06

48:06

Who is the 38-year-old, Muslim, second-generation immigrant chairman of Reform UK? Zia Yusuf joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to tell his story, lay out his party's path to power, and share his thoughts on Boris Johnson, Elon Musk, Suella Braverman and his boss, Nigel Farage. Producer: Daniel Kraemer…

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Hypernormalisation Explains EVERYTHING Going On Right Now 1:05:39

11M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Austin is again joined by Wisecrack's very own: Michael Burns! Join the convo on the movie that explains EVERYTHING that is happening politically right now. We get into where Hypernormlisation originated from, our changing views on the Occupy movement, a Patti Smith-Sam Shepard play - and more! Join the SHOW ME THE MEANING! LIVESTREAM every Tuesday…

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Why Does Bisexual+ History Matter? 17:59

11M ago17:59

17:59

Host Mel Reeve explores the significance of bisexual+ history and its role in validating identity and fostering community connections. She unpacks the challenges faced in documenting bi+ stories and the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusivity in heritage work. Personal stories from community members showcase the impact of understanding bi+ history on indi…

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The Chris Philp One 41:50

11M ago41:50

41:50

The Shadow Home Secretary joins Nick in the Political Thinking studio to reflect on mistakes of the last government, humility in opposition and his anger at the new government. Chris Philp also opens up about the impact of caring for his premature baby twins and what he has learned from success and failure in business. Producer: Daniel Kraemer…

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Will The Brutalist Be Remembered? 1:22:13

11M ago1:22:13

1:22:13

Today Austin is joined by Wisecrack's very own: Michael Burns! Raymond is out shooting his movie. Join the convo as they get into the commodification of art (both in the film and by the director himself), the concepts of home explored in the epilogue, some "PTA-ish" notes that the film could have used - and more! Enjoy! Join the SHOW ME THE MEANING…

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The Kim Leadbeater One 42:32

11M ago42:32

42:32

The Labour MP sits down with Nick to reflect on how she went from selling beds in her Yorkshire hometown, to being at the forefront of political debate, as the face of the campaign to legalise assisted dying, and how the murder of her sister, Jo Cox, helps explain the journey. Producer: Daniel Kraemer…

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Nosferatu: The Consequence of Repression 1:46:01

11M ago1:46:01

1:46:01

Nosferatu. Raymond returns. Henry takes the mic. Join the crew as they talk the merits of this adaptation, the messages around desire and sexuality, viewing this film as a western, and more! Enjoy! Join the SHOW ME THE MEANING! LIVESTREAM every Tuesday at 5 PM PST on the Wisecrack 2 channel! https://youtube.com/@wisecrack_2 Follow us on Twitter! @a…

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The Rachel Reeves Chancellor One 34:30

11M ago34:30

34:30

The Chancellor reflects on her first six months in power and what lies behind her determination that she has "what it takes" to "turn things around". Producer: Daniel KraemerBy BBC Radio 4

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Dune: Part Two - Is Revolution In Art Possible? 1:49:09

12M ago1:49:09

1:49:09

Lisan al-Gaib! Austin and Raymond get into Dune: Part Two this week! How much of this film is aesthetic versus substance? What does it say about power structures in our mythos? Does this film oversimplify revolution? Join us as we ask those questions! Join the SHOW ME THE MEANING! LIVESTREAM every Tuesday at 5 PM PST on the Wisecrack 2 channel! htt…

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Covering Our Best Films of 2024 1:48:41

12M ago1:48:41

1:48:41

Happy New Year! Austin and Raymond get into their best films of 2024. What makes a film a "best" film? Was it your experience of watching the film? The performances? The craft? Because it was made by Sean Baker? And stick around until the end for our best performances of the year! Here are the films we get into! Raymond's Top 5: I Saw the TV Glow F…