Best Chris Swinney Podcasts (2025)

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

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7m 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…

1
'I like it when people underestimate me': Lib Dem leader Ed Davey 47:39

41m 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

1
Life after Labour: Zarah Sultana on Palestine, Farage and 'Your Party' 47:57

6d 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…

1
137- St. Louis Guitar Shops (Lloyd) 1:12:01

12d ago1:12:01

1:12:01

It is not everyday that you get to go to a stellar guitar shop. It is not everyday that you get to go with a friend. It is not everyday that you get a great story and it is not everyday that you get VIP treatment… and today all of this came true and it came true at nearly all six guitar shops in the St. Louis area. But why was I in St. Louis? Did I…

1
Gaza, Trump and me: UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher 48:43

13d 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

27d 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…

1
Free Speech Tsar: Arif Ahmed on how to avoid the 'abyss' of political violence 44:57

1M 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…

1
Bridget Phillipson on life as education secretary 43:47

1M 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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136- In Ear Monitoring Systems: Trusting Your Gig to a Belt Pack - (John) 56:08

1M ago56:08

56:08

Today on the Tweed Couch we are counseling on “Inear Monitoring Systems: Trusting Your Gig to a Belt Pack” There is no doubt that how well you hear yourself and others affects how well you play the show. Of course the method you chose to hear yourself can vary. Some use floor wedges, some use inears, and some just play with the sound system cranked…

1
Preparing Farage for Power: Danny Kruger on defecting to Reform UK 43:29

1M 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…

1
Lucy Powell: People have lost sense of Labour's values 42:22

2M 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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135- Guitar Road Trip to South Paw Guitars - (Swags) 1:09:24

2M ago1:09:24

1:09:24

I love going to guitar shops. It's fun to go, enjoy, play, and experience what is out on the market. I cannot think of a single shop I go to that doesn't have at least 1 guitar that inspires me when I pick it up. Of course this is usually out of a selection of 50 to 1000 guitars of my choosing because I am right handed. My buddies Barber and Swags …

1
'Build Baby Build': The new housing secretary, Steve Reed 36:55

2M 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…

1
134- Lifest 2025 (Owen & Eli) 1:11:54

2M ago1:11:54

1:11:54

If you have been listening to the podcast for a while then you know that each year my family and I head up to Oshkosh, WI to run what, I understand to be, the largest Christian Music Festival in the world. Of course, each year is filled with new stories about artists, staff, volunteers, setup, tear down, shenanigans, and the awesome gear we see! Bu…

1
China, Russia and us: Tony Radakin on four years as Chief of the Defence Staff 49:53

2M 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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133- PRS DGT & Meeting David Grissom (Owen) 50:39

3M ago50:39

50:39

A few months ago I went on a quest to find the perfect PRS DGT. I took my 17 year-old cork sniffer along and was incredibly surprised by the outcomes and results. While we planned to make this podcast about our tonal quest, our plans changed when our local guitar shop (Tone Shop Guitars) sent an invite to a free David Grissom clinic. The stars alig…

1
The Friedrich Merz One 34:03

4M 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

1
The Josh Babarinde One 33:33

4M 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…

1
The Keir Starmer Prime Minister One 46:31

4M 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…

1
Trump's America: The Scott Perry One 31:27

4M 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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132- Gibson Designer Guitars - Explorer, Flying V, Firebird (Barber) 49:11

5M ago49:11

49:11

I remember seeing the Edge and James Hetfield with an Explorer. Billy Gibbons and Jimi Hendrix with a Flying V. Johnny Winter and Allen Collins with a Firebird… Such fascinating tones from such fascinating players. Of course I wouldn’t call these guitars traditional by any stretch of the imagination. Simply put… they look awkward, clunky, and like …

1
The Douglas Alexander One 43:09

5M 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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131- Frontman vs Side Player (Lloyd) 58:20

5M ago58:20

58:20

Nothing can beat a charismatic frontman. Then again, there are some Side Players that give them a run for their money. I mean… who is Bono without Edge? Freddie Mercury without Brian May? Roth or Haggar without Eddie Van Halen? Robert Plant without Jimmy Page? Anthony Kiedis without John Frusciante? Bon Scott or Brian Johnson without Angus & Malcol…

1
The Mel Stride One 37:41

5M 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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130- Guitar Shows (Owen) 52:57

5M ago52:57

52:57

I am fortunate enough to live in an area that not only has amazing guitar shops, but 1-2 times a year guitar shops from around the nation will come to buy, sell, trade, and showcase musical gear all under 1 roof. Occasionally you’ll see a celebrity. Get a chance to listen to some live music. And possibly touch a true holy grail piece. I grew up goi…

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The Jacinda Ardern One 33:32

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

1
The Joe Biden One 29:41

6M 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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Bonus: The Rishi Sunak Lessons from Downing Street One - Part 2 1:01:28

8M 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

8M 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

9M 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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The Heidi Alexander One 41:41

9M 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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The Charlie Taylor One 40:20

9M 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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The Zia Yusuf One 48:06

9M 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…

1
The Chris Philp One 41:50

10M 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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The Kim Leadbeater One 42:32

10M 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…

1
The Rachel Reeves Chancellor One 34:30

10M 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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129- 2024 Premier Guitar Mystery Stocking (Jason) 1:09:04

11M ago1:09:04

1:09:04

This has been a fun annual event to do each year. I enjoy the anticipation, the fun in the forums, and the chance to get something I normally would not pick out myself. I would also say that I am a consumer of Premier Guitar’s content and for me this is a small way to support what they do. Of course, not all people feel this way. Many believe it to…

1
The Nick Clegg One 50:24

11M ago50:24

50:24

Nick Robinson speaks to Sir Nick Clegg about life as Mark Zuckerberg's right hand man at Meta and the transition from Westminster to Silicon Valley. He responds to challenges on regulation of social media companies and issues a warning about the political power of Elon Musk. Producer: Daniel KraemerBy BBC Radio 4

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The Husam Zomlot One 48:47

12M ago48:47

48:47

The Head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK reflects on a childhood in a Gaza refugee camp and how hope is what keeps him going. Update: This episode has been edited to remove a brief exchange suggesting that an interim finding by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found it plausible that genocide had been committed in Gaza. The ICJ actuall…

1
128- Are You A Guitar Player or Collector (Jason) 1:08:55

12M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

As you just heard in the intro, Jason is now a licensed therapist in Texas. Although this podcast has never been about true scientific therapy and the advice here was never meant to treat anything but an entertainment deficiency. My hope was always that you left here encouraged, happier, and motivated to be a better person and musician… then in whi…

1
The Daisy Cooper One 38:04

12M ago38:04

38:04

The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats reflects on her journey from campaigning as a child against nuclear weapons and scratchy jumpers, to being at the heart of the third-largest party in parliament. Producer: Daniel KraemerBy BBC Radio 4

1
The Mark Rowley One 43:30

1y ago43:30

43:30

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner reflects on the decision to rejoin the UK's largest police force when it was in crisis. Sir Mark Rowley sits down with Nick Robinson to outline the challenges the Met faces under his leadership, as well as how he decided as a teenager that policing was his mission. Producer: Daniel Kraemer…

1
The Darren Jones One 41:13

1y ago41:13

41:13

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury sits down with Nick to chart his rise to the heart of Starmer's government. How did a Bristol boy, whose parents sometimes went without meals to ensure he had food, end up at the Chancellor's side, in charge of the purse-strings of the government? Producer: Daniel Kraemer…

1
The Rupert Soames CBI One 38:18

1y ago38:18

38:18

How did Churchill's grandson end up at the top of British industry? Rupert Soames - Chair of the Confederation of British Industry - sits down with Nick Robinson to talk about this Labour government's first budget, which he claims did not offer enough "bang for the buck" Producer: Daniel KraemerBy BBC Radio 4

1
The Kemi Badenoch for Leader One 48:13

1y ago48:13

48:13

What shaped the views and principles that Kemi Badenoch hopes will help her win the race to become next leader of the Conservative Party? Nick Robinson sits down with the former Business Secretary near the end of her party's leadership contest. Producer: Daniel KraemerBy BBC Radio 4

1
The Matt Goodwin One 43:27

1y ago43:27

43:27

The academic and author Matt Goodwin sat down with Nick Robinson in the aftermath of the riots that spread across the UK in the summer, to discuss whether there are 'legitimate grievences' that lay behind the violence, or just 'hate-fuelled mob violence sparked by misinformation.By BBC Radio 4

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The Tzipi Hotovely One 44:26

1y ago44:26

44:26

The Israeli Ambassador sits down with Nick Robinson on the week of the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack.They discuss what lies behind her worldview, the mindset of Israelis and the actions of her government.By BBC Radio 4