Best Parliament Explained Podcasts (2025)

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Sweden in Focus end of year quiz 2025 29:08

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1h ago29:08

29:08

Join us for an end-of-year quiz as we look back at the stories that shaped Sweden in 2025. Host Paul O’Mahony is joined this week by The Local's Becky Waterton, Richard Orange and James Savage. The year kicked off with revelations that Sweden's national security advisor had mislaid highly sensitive documents and ended with the country's right-wing …

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Merry Quizmas! 38:58

2h ago38:58

38:58

How did Trump's tariffs affect the price of Labubus? Which bear was voiced by Volodymyr Zelensky? And what, crucially, did Katy Perry describe California girls as? Join the New Statesman team for our quiz of the year! SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2 LISTEN AD-FREE: 📱Download the New Stat…

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Is it ok for your boss to vent their frustrations? (TDK Christmas Confessions) 22:44

2h ago22:44

22:44

Behind-the-scenes FRUSTRATIONS, milestones we celebrated, and Denise coming back?? Join the cast this Christmas, for a special edition of SECRET SANTA!! Sharing personal stories and the most heartfelt lessons they learnt from one another in 2025! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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HERE COME THE LAWYERS: Two law firms gear up to challenge NSW’s new gun laws 10:11

10h ago10:11

10:11

CORRECTION: The reference to the McDonald website in the video is McDonaldlaw.com.au, not McDonald Legal. WE LOOK AT the devastating impacts the new gun laws in NSW will have on shooters and the broader firearm industry across the nation – and the TWO LAW FIRMS who are gearing up to fight the new laws. McDonald Law and Terra Australis Legal are bot…

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What happens in politics on Christmas day? Your questions answered 46:36

12h ago46:36

46:36

Put down the eggnog and stop the washing up because it’s a Merry Christmas from Electoral Dysfunction as Beth, Harriet and Ruth answer your questions. They’re joined by special guests including the Dish podcast’s Nick Grimshaw and Angela Hartnett, as well as History Hit’s Dan Snow. From how to make the perfect Christmas sprouts, to which Prime Mini…

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The REAL Reason Funerals in SG Are SO EXPENSIVE (Undertaker SECRETS!) 53:06

2d ago53:06

53:06

RED STRING THEORY? WHY BEE HOON AND CURRY CHICKEN?? What do metal wreaths ACTUALLY represent? Are funeral prices in Singapore a SCAM?? In this episode, 4th-Generation Undertaker (Jack Lee) joins us for an honest conversation about grief, family feuds, and the realities behind Singapore funerals (& debunks the biggest myths along the way)! Hosted on…

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The greatest aviation disaster that didn't happen 30:17

3d ago30:17

30:17

Months before 9/11, a passenger seized control of a Boeing 747 and nearly crashed it into the Sahara. Everyone survived - including a curious ensemble of famous passengers - but no one quite recovered. Kate Mossman tells the story of Flight 2069 to Oli Dugmore. READ: The strange fate of Flight 2069 SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold p…

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The Best Journalism Movies of All-Time, with Alexei Toliopoulos 58:39

4d ago58:39

58:39

Os and Scott are joined by their friend, movie critic and comedian Alexei Toliopoulos from The Last Video Store podcast, to discuss the best journalism movies of all-time. First, they discuss the state of cinema in 2025 and the best films of the year. Then, they dive into what it is about journalism that makes it such a good setting for so many gre…

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Canada’s woman in Washington opens up before her departure 48:54

5d ago48:54

48:54

After eight years in Washington, Canada's U.S. ambassador Kirsten Hillman is coming home. Over that time, she has seen Canada's relationship with the United States transform, for better and for worse. As she prepares to step down from her ambassadorship, she explains in an extended interview with host Catherine Cullen how she’s built critical conne…

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WHAT’S IN THE NEW GUN LAWS FOR NSW: We take you through what will be tabled in NSW parliament this week 11:54

5d ago11:54

11:54

WE’VE BEEN BRIEFED on what the new laws for NSW shooters will be and also look at what is in store for NSW gun clubs and ranges. The changes include limiting the number of guns per individual, limiting gun ownership to Australian citizens (and excluding New Zealanders), new reporting requirements for clubs, the removal of the ability of people who …

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NSW GUN LAWS: We need to make sure we never see this happen again 11:39

5d ago11:39

11:39

WE LOOK AT the ePetition currently before the NSW Upper House asking the NSW Parliament to put a stop to Premier Minns' knee-jerk gun gun laws. The petition has already gained over 40,000 signatures, so if you’re in NSW, you need to add yours now! You can sign it by clicking here. There is also another pro-gun petition in the lower house, which you…

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Why Sweden's Moderates are sending mixed messages on work permit immigration 15:18

7d ago15:18

15:18

In this week's episode we talk about Christmas and how to celebrate like a Swede. We also discuss why prominent Moderate Party politicians are arguing amongst themselves about the merits of government policies that are forcing immigrants with jobs to leave the country. For Membership+ subscribers we look at the economic forecast for Sweden in 2026,…

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Predictions for the year ahead 40:09

6d ago40:09

40:09

Is the New Statesman too soft on Wes Streeting? Are the Lib Dems an unserious party? Plus our journalists make their predictions for what will happen in 2026, and listen back to their guesses from last year… Oli Dugmore is joined by Anoosh Chakelian and Rachel Cunliffe. SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalis…

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How do you raise boys in a culture of misogyny? 46:36

6d ago46:36

46:36

Do we have a cultural problem when it comes to teaching boys about sexual violence? The Labour government certainly thinks so with its new strategy. Home Office minister and former podcaster Jess Phillips tells Beth in this episode why the strategy has taken so long and how she's changing the focus towards prevention. But will their new approach wo…

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“BIGGER THAN 1996”: NSW set to pass new laws that would kill off the shooting sports in that state 45:27

7d ago45:27

45:27

NSW PREMIER CHRIS MINNS is recalling Parliament this week to pass new gun control laws after aligning himself with lunatics. The proposed laws include a 3-gun ownership limit, the elimination of recreational hunting licenses affecting 700,000 Australians, banning home firearm storage, prohibiting junior shooting programs (ending future Olympic path…

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Misogyny is a "national emergency" 23:06

7d ago23:06

23:06

After being pushed back not once, not twice, but three times, the government's long-awaited strategy to halve violence against women and girls has been revealed. Measures include training teachers to spot signs of misogyny in the classroom and police forces introducing specialist rape and sexual offence investigation teams. But do they go far enoug…

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Do Singaporeans REALLY Want A NEW GOVERNMENT?? 41:44

7d ago41:44

41:44

Election Prep, media bias, and viral moments?? In today's episode, we're joined by Gerald Giam and Jamus Lim (Workers’ Party) for a candid conversation on the pressure, trade-offs, and rewards of being in an opposition party in Singapore! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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How the Media Turned Bondi into a Blame Game Over Guns, Protest and Migration 1:16:30

8d ago1:16:30

1:16:30

In their final regular episode for the year, Os and Scott discuss the aftermath of the Bondi shooting and how the media has united in an attempt to blame Anthony Albanese and push forward controversial plans that would restrict criticism of the Israeli government. They discuss the latest in the investigation into the shooting, and how revelations t…

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Jimmy Lai’s Hong Kong show trial 27:25

8d ago27:25

27:25

Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s most famous media tycoon and a British citizen, could be sentenced to life in prison. What does his case say about the political climate in Hong Kong, and how might it affect relations between the East and West? Oli Dugmore is joined by Katie Stallard. SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper jour…

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Sweden in 2026: Will immigration be a big election issue? 3:41

10d ago3:41

3:41

Voters in Sweden will decide next year whether to keep the current coalition government bolstered by the far-right Sweden Democrats or switch to a more left-leaning alternative. The Local’s Nordic editor Richard Orange caught up recently with Jonas Hinnfors, a political science professor at Lund University, to get his predictions for the year ahead…

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If Canada Moves Too Slowly on Stablecoins, Here’s What’s at Risk 20:48

9d ago20:48

20:48

Canada can’t fall behind in the digital currency revolution. We famously adopted the bank machine before the US, and outpace most countries in digital adoption. On this episode of the C.D. Howe Institute Podcast, senior policy analyst Peter MacKenzie and fellow-in-residence Mark Zelmer tell host Michael Hainsworth why Stablecoin isn’t just a crypto…

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Can Andy Burnham be the next Prime Minister? 20:00

9d ago20:00

20:00

Speculation surrounding a leadership challenge to Keir Starmer is rife. Andy Burnham, Manchester Mayor, is in the mix as a challenger. But can he find the necessary seat in parliament, and what hurdles does he face? Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Ethan Croft and George Eaton to discuss. SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and …

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Are Jews safe? 32:08

10d ago32:08

32:08

The "evil" mass shooting at Bondi Beach was the latest in a rising number of antisemitic attacks. 16 people died in the attack in Sydney, Australia. They were Jews who had gathered to celebrate the first night of Chanukah. Among them, a holocaust survivor and a ten-year old girl. Antisemitic attacks are on the rise. In this year to September, Austr…

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BONDI SHOOTINGS: and why NSW Labor’s “tough new gun laws” could cost it the next state election 3:05

11d ago3:05

3:05

NSW PREMIER, Chris Minns means has foreshadowed changes to NSW gun laws following the tragic shooting deaths of 15 people, plus one of the perpetrators, at Bondi. In addition to the glaring question of why he won’t address the cultural melting pot that caused the event, we have a deeper look at what this means for shooters in NSW, and elsewhere. We…

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The Bondi Attack: How Misinformation and Politics Engulfed a Tragedy 43:45

10d ago43:45

43:45

In this special episode, Os and Scott discuss the Bondi terror attack and the media and political reaction. They start by stepping through the details of the shooting on Sunday before discussing how it was covered by the media, on live TV, online and in print. Then they discuss the role played by social media and how this was one of the examples of…

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What the ABC's New Line-Up Says About Its Future. Plus, the Dark Arts Behind a Political Scandal 34:37

11d ago34:37

34:37

Os and Scott kick off by stepping through the recent media coverage of the growing political entitlements scandal and look at who could behind the stories targeting Annika Wells and other senior politicians. They also discuss the revelation News Corp spiked a story about Wells because of their campaign supporting the teen social media ban. Next, th…

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BETRAYED: Meet the SFFP MP who caused senior figures in his party to quit 3:08

12d ago3:08

3:08

THE SHOOTERS, FISHERS & FARMERS PARTY in Tasmania is in turmoil after MP Carlo Di Falco backed a billion-dollar football stadium he explicitly promised to oppose during the election. His sudden reversal delivered the government the deciding vote and triggered the resignation of senior party figures, tearing the SFFP apart. Supporters and volunteers…

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Conservatives lose another MP — and a Secret Santa gift 48:49

12d ago48:49

48:49

'Twas the evening before the Liberal holiday party, when all through the House… Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. And then, a Christmas surprise that sent the Conservatives awry: Markham—Unionville MP Michael Ma announced he was crossing the floor to join Prime Minister Mark Carney. His move brings the Liberal government within one sea…

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Is Britain complicit in genocide? 57:42

12d ago57:42

57:42

Journalist Peter Oborne claims both Labour and Conservatives have fallen short on their response to Israel's war in Gaza. -- Peter Oborne is a journalist, author and commentator. He was the political editor of The Spectator, a commentator for the Daily Telegraph and now writes for Middle East Eye. A long-time conservative, Oborne joins Oli Dugmore …

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How can Sweden get better at integrating immigrants? 29:31

14d ago29:31

29:31

In this week's episode we talk about why immigrants in Sweden are often lumped into categories and what needs to be done to forge real connections, and we look at what Indian readers are telling us about their relationship with Sweden. Also, after the United States released a national security strategy that sent shockwaves through Europe, we examin…

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You asked, we listened ... to Liz Truss' podcast 18:33

13d ago18:33

18:33

In this week’s episode of You Ask Us, one listener wonders, is the media infatuated with Zack Polanski? And another challenges our journalists to listen to the Liz Truss podcast. You ask, we deliver. Anoosh Chakelian is joined by Rachel Cunliffe. SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS: ⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2 LISTEN AD…

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Does Starmer need his mates more than ever? 44:45

13d ago44:45

44:45

Westminster is restless, and the team are digging into why. Beth, Ruth and Harriet discuss the growing unease inside Labour, as somebody new joins the cabinet table. We also go over the damning findings of Baroness Amos's interim report into maternity care in England, featuring deeply personal accounts from women affected by systemic failings, incl…

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Why Major Projects Take So Long to Build in Canada - And How to Fix It 20:26

14d ago20:26

20:26

Canada needs new infrastructure fast – but major projects still take years or decades. Why? Host Michael Hainsworth speaks with economist David Jones about what’s slowing us down and how projects under the Building Canada Act could speed things up.

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Wes Streeting is "pretty frustrated, tbh" 28:42

14d ago28:42

28:42

Wes Streeting denied plotting to oust Keir Starmer. Ailbhe Rea met the Health Secretary to learn what he's really thinking. *** Ailbhe writes: Labour is in danger of presenting itself as the “maintenance department for the country”, he says. “The problem with that kind of practical, technocratic approach is that if someone else comes along and says…

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What NO ONE Tells You About Having a Baby... (ft. Bert and Lulu) 39:01

14d ago39:01

39:01

WATCH THIS BEFORE HAVING A BABY. Bert and Lulu opens up about life after an “unplanned” kid. Does having a baby cost you your relationship? Am l really a good parent? What are the most important questions to ask your partner BEFORE trying for a baby?? - If you’re thinking of starting a family, check out the parenthood support measures available at …

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The Two Huge Stories the Media Missed, the Scandal Engulfing Parliament and a Hollywood Update 1:03:40

15d ago1:03:40

1:03:40

Os and Scott kick off by analysing the latest incendiary statements by Israeli politicians and their threat to execute Palestinian political prisoners if the world moves ahead with Palestinian statehood. They also discuss why the Australian media is so uninterested in covering the story, even as Israel continues to breach its ceasefires in Gaza and…

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Natalie Fleet MP: I won't report my rape 41:40

15d ago41:40

41:40

If you are raped in London today, you could be waiting until 2030 for a trial. Justice secretary David Lammy has stated that 60 per cent of rape victims drop their cases whilst waiting for the trial. Rape Crisis estimates 1 in 6 women go to the police. Oli Dugmore is joined by Labour MP Natalie Fleet, who has written for the New Statesman on the fi…

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'I hate to be stereotypical but the light in northern Sweden is amazing' 3:44

17d ago3:44

3:44

In this week’s episode of Sweden in Focus Extra, we hear from the Umeå-based Canadian writer. Mandy Pipher about what it's been like moving to Umeå in northern Sweden. Mandy wrote recently in an article for The Local about the ignorance and prejudices people from Norrland often face about a region that makes up more than half of Sweden’s surface ar…

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Nigel Farage wants to be American 27:38

17d ago27:38

27:38

Why does the Reform leader spend so much time in the US? Freddie Hayward has been speaking to him to find out. -- Winston Churchill had an American mother. Boris Johnson was a dual citizen. But if Nigel Farage makes it to Downing Street, he’ll have closer ties to the US than any other British PM. That’s the argument of our correspondent Freddie Hay…