Best Rachel Avalons Podcasts (2026)

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Show 384. Ryan Wain 58:29

Play Pause

11m 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

3d 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

10d 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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Show 381. Nick Clegg - LIVE 1:38:21

15d 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

24d 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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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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The Matt Forde Focus Group Returns! 0:34

1M 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

1M 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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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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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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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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Show 374. Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah CBE 59:49

2M 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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Show 373. Amy Callaghan 47:35

2M 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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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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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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Show 370. Tom Tugendhat Returns. Again! 52:49

3M 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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Show 369. Lindsay Hoyle - REPLAY 1:12:10

3M 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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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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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

4M 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

5M 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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Show 360. Michael Gove - LIVE 1:23:57

5M 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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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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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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Show 357. Mims Davies 56:56

6M 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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Show 356. Nick Thomas-Symonds 58:22

6M ago58:22

58:22

Nick Thomas-Symonds Nick has just negotiated the UK/EU Trade Deal. So what's in the deal and what impact will it have? And did he have to drink Slovakian red wine to get the deal done? This is a superb behind-the-scenes account of high-level negotiations. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 6 July: Andy Burnham (in Sheffield) https://www.sheffie…

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Show 395. Kemi Badenoch 1:17:13

7M ago1:17:13

1:17:13

Kemi Badenoch The Conservative leader is on top form in this personal and funny interview. Kemi outlines the challenges her party faces in opposing Labour as well as trying to stave off Reform and the resurgent Lib Dems. It's a fascinating hour assessing how the Conservatives move on from their record in government. We tackle all the big questions.…

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Show 394. Guto Harri 1:07:42

7M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

Guto Harri Guto has done it all. From covering domestic and international politics for the BBC, to working for Boris Johnson in Number 10. He's got some great stories from his varied career, including the storm surrounding him taking the knee live on GB News. An optimist, he's drawn to positive characters and despairs at the state of all the major …

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Show 393. Dr Michelle Clement 50:37

7M ago50:37

50:37

Delivery. It's a popular word in politics, but how to Prime Ministers ensure it happens? Michelle is Researcher in Residence at 10 Downing Street and Lecturer in Government Studies at The Strand Group, King's College. She has written a new book 'The Art of Delivery: The Inside Story of How the Blair Government Transformed Britain’s Public Services'…

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Show 392. Alan Rhodes 59:55

7M ago59:55

59:55

Alan Rhodes A few weeks ago Reform took control of Nottinghamshire County Council on a landslide. How did this happen and why didn't Nottinghamshire vote Labour instead? Alan Rhodes has been a Labour councillor in Nottinghamshire for nearly 40 years. He understands the shifting politics of the county and the country. This is a fantastic analysis of…

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Show 391. Wes Streeting - LIVE 1:21:20

8M ago1:21:20

1:21:20

Wes Streeting - LIVE The Health Secretary is on cracking form as he defends Labour's progress so far but demonstrates a clear impatience to deliver change as quickly as possible. We discuss all the big questions: What is Labour getting right? Are the government scared of Reform? What is that cucumber for? It'll all make sense... COME AND SEE THE PO…

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Show 390. John McTernan 45:54

8M ago45:54

45:54

Local Elections Analysis with John McTernan Why were the local elections so bad for Labour and how do they reverse their fortunes? Is there a ceiling on Nigel Farage's popularity? Does Labour lack confidence? This is a dose of mega political strategy with Tony Blair's former Political Secretary. It's electric. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE!…

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Special Announcement The Matt Forde Focus Group 0:39

8M ago0:39

0:39

The Matt Forde Focus Group is my new comedy series for Radio 4 and tickets are now available! We are recording a run though on May 7th at The Bush Hall is London. For tickets visit sroaudiences.com or click on this link The Matt Forde Focus Group See you there! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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Show 389. Julie Bindel 1:07:47

8M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

Following the unanimous Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law, Julie tells us how and why we got here. This is a fascinating history not just of women's rights, but of the distinct needs of the lesbian and gay communities. If you've wondered how this issue became so big and how it's come to dominate so …

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Show 388. Gregor Poynton 56:20

8M ago56:20

56:20

Gregor was elected as the MP for Livingston in Labour's 2024 landslide. It was a full circle moment for the man who'd been the party's organiser in the 2005 Livingston by-election following the death of Robin Cook. He went on to work for Blue State Digital, the team who masterminded Obama's 2008 and 2012 campaigns. This is a masterclass is the art …

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Show 387. Jason Stockwood 50:02

9M ago50:02

50:02

Jason Stockwood Brace yourself, you're about to discover one of the most inspiring voices in politics. Jason is Labour's candidate to be the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire. He's a hugely successful businessman from humble beginnings. But it's the way he talks about life, society and what the country can do, that makes him special. This is audio Red …

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Show 386. Dr Scott Arthur 39:00

9M ago39:00

39:00

Dr Scott Arthur Scott is one the few lucky MPs who topped the ballot for Private Members' Bills. He wants to bring in a Rare Cancers Bill. But what would the Bill do? What difference would it make to someone diagnosed with a rare cancer? COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 12 May: Wes Streeting 9 June: Kemi Badenoch 14 July: Michael Gove Plus mo…

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Show 385. LIVE Anthony Scaramucci 1:25:22

9M ago1:25:22

1:25:22

Anthony Scaramucci - LIVE The Mooch is back and is on barnstorming form. He's full-throttle from the start and gives his expert (and hilarious) view on how other world leaders should deal with Trump. Plus an incredible revelation about what the President was trying to watch online in the Oval Office... COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 12 May:…

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Show 384. Claire Ward 53:12

9M ago53:12

53:12

Claire Ward Claire is the first ever Elected Mayor for the East Midlands. What does running the greatest region in the country involve? How does Claire manage any rivalry or resentment between Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire? Why is being a Mayor better than being an MP? And what does this all mean for Nottingham Forest? SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE…

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Show 383. Eluned Morgan 50:10

9M ago50:10

50:10

Eluned Morgan Eluned is the First Minister of Wales and the first female First Minister of Wales. What challenges does Wales face that other parts of the UK might not? How do leaders create economic growth? And can someone help get Eluned some Oasis tickets? SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE ON STAGE! 31 March: Anthony Scaramucci 12 May: Wes Streeting 9…

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Show 382. Stewart McDonald 55:26

9M ago55:26

55:26

Everyone's favourite SNP politician tells Matt what Nicola Sturgeon's departure from Holyrood means for the SNP and for Scotland. Stewart also reflects on what the party has to do differently if it wants to gain independence. This is a funny, thoughtful and reflective conversation about Nicola Sturgeon's legacy and the future of Scotland. And the f…

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Show 381 Alastair Campbell - LIVE 1:30:05

10M ago1:30:05

1:30:05

Alastair Campbell - LIVE This is an absolute riot. Alastair Campbell is his vulnerable, doubting, bombastic best in one of the funniest episodes of the show ever recorded. How would he contain Trump? What is Labour getting wrong? Has he put on weight? This will all make sense once you've listened. Sort of. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 31 M…

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Show 380. Simon Hart 1:03:44

10M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Simon was Chief Whip under Rishi Sunak and his explosive new book 'Ungovernable' documents the scandalous and tumultuous final term of the Conservative government. So what's his view of his fellow politicians and the system they inhabit? Is it impossible for any Prime Minister to truly get their way? And what's it like being mistaken for Brian Clou…

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Show 379. Mike Tapp 1:01:45

10M ago1:01:45

1:01:45

Mike Tapp Mike is one of Labour's hottest rising stars. Elected in July last year, he's already an accomplished media performer. A former soldier, he is at the vanguard of Labour's patriotic centre. But why does he wake up so early in the morning? Wine. Dogs. The military. This podcast has it all. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 10 March: Ala…

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Show 378. Mhari Aurora 48:30

11M ago48:30

48:30

Mhari Aurora Mhari is a revelation in political broadcasting and in this fascinating chat with Matt she considers some of the big questions facing modern media: What can the 'mainstream media' learn from Joe Rogan? How should they cover Donald Trump? How do you deal with angry taxi drivers? It's all in here! THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 10…

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Show 377 Rachel Reeves LIVE 1:08:16

11M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

What a return! The Chancellor is exceptional form as she discusses Trump, tariffs, the threat of Reform and the inside story of when her hair turned ginger. This interview has it all. The realities of life in government plus invaluable advice for creating the perfect Yorkshire Pudding. Oh and a brilliant story about Gordon Brown's tribute to John P…