Best David Symonds Podcasts (2025)

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David Gendell - Battles at Annapolis 53:06

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10h ago53:06

53:06

David Gendell discusses his book, Battles at Annapolis: Two Remarkable Football Games in the Army-Navy Rivalry, with Preble Hall host, Stephen Phillips. The book covered the only two Army-Navy games played on the Naval Academy grounds. The first in 1893 was held on Worden Field, the second in 1942 at Thompson Field (Now Lejuene Hall), during World …

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Show 367. Kirsty Wark - LIVE 1:03:38

12h 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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Craig Symonds - Annapolis Goes to War 48:56

7d ago48:56

48:56

Craig Symonds, Professor Emeritus of History at the U.S. Naval Academy, discusses his latest book, Annapolis Goes to War: The Naval Academy Class of 1940 and its Trial by Fire in World War II.By U.S. Naval Academy Museum, Dr. Stephen Phillips

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Show 366. Sadiq Khan - LIVE 1:05:39

8d 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

15d 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

22d 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

29d 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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Mike Fink: Intrepid's Fighting Squadron 18 - Flying High With Harris' Hellcats 1:01:27

1M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

In this, our 250th episode of Preble Hall, the United States Naval Academy Museum's own Education Specialist Sondra Duplantis interviews Mike Fink, author of Intrepid's Fighting Squadron 18 Flying High With Harris' Hellcats. Join us for an exciting journey as Fink takes us into the ready rooms, cockpits and battle spaces of the "Two-a-Day 18" and t…

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Show 362. Ed Miliband - REPLAY 1:26:14

1M 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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Will Wright & U.S. Naval Academy's 150th Anniversary Postal Stamp 24:43

1M ago24:43

24:43

In this episode of Preble Hall, Dr. Stephen Phillips interviews Will Wright, USNA Class of 1995, and a member of the offshore sailing team. They discuss the U. S. Postal Service stamp issued for the U.S. Naval Academy's 150th Anniversary that depicted Swift, one of the Academy's offshore sailing boats with Will and other midshipmen in Swift's crew.…

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Show 361. Oliver Coppard 59:51

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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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Marc Leepson - Unlikely War Hero 43:51

4M ago43:51

43:51

In this episode, Marc Leepson discusses his book The Unlikely War Hero, A Vietnam War POW's Story of Courage and Resilience in the Hanoi Hilton. This book is a biography of Doug Hegdahl, a Sailor that fell off of USS Canberra (CA 2) into the Gulf of Tonkin. Hegdahl was captured by the North Vietnamese and landed in the Hanoi Hilton with other Ameri…

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Show 390. John McTernan 45:54

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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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Admiral James Stavridis and The Admiral's Bookshelf 36:27

4M ago36:27

36:27

Admiral James Stavridis discusses his latest book, The Admiral's Bookshelf. Published by the Naval Institute Press, it is third in a series following The Leader's Bookshelf and The Sailor's Bookshelf. He and host Stephen Phillips discuss works from Stavridis' collection that inspire, each connected to a theme. The books discussed include The Old Ma…

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Show 388. Gregor Poynton 56:20

4M 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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From Ironclads to Admiral, John Lorimer Worden 1:37:26

5M ago1:37:26

1:37:26

John Quarstein and Robert Worden join Dr. Stephen Phillips to discuss their book, From Ironclads to Admiral: John Lorimer Worden and Naval Leadership. This important work is a detailed biography with emphasis on Worden's service on USS Monitor and other ironclads during the Civil War. Equally interesting is Worden's time as Superintendent at the U.…

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Show 387. Jason Stockwood 50:02

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

7M 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

7M 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…

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Show 376. Dr Sharon Lockyer 42:14

7M ago42:14

42:14

Dr Sharon Lockyer The live comedy industry is worth around £1bn annually to the UK economy, yet it doesn't get included in government conversations about the arts. As a result, it doesn't receive the financial support that other arts forms routinely get. To understand why, and to explain the wider impact of live comedy on society, Matt is joined by…

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Special episode with Richard Herring and Mark Steel in partnership with Cancer Research UK 1:21:44

7M ago1:21:44

1:21:44

This very special episode is brought to you in paid partnership with Cancer Research UK. At the end of last year, myself, Richard Herring and Mark Steel sat down to have a frank, raw, funny and open conversation about something that has affected us all - cancer. We were later joined by Dr Sam Godfrey, the Science Engagement Lead at Cancer Research …

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Show 375. Ava Santina-Evans 50:51

7M ago50:51

50:51

Ava Santina-Evans Ava is the star of PoliticsJOE, an online platform which covers politics in a different way to other media. It's hugely successful and in this entertaining and insightful interview, Ava explains the decisions behind that popularity. This takes in everything: from Labour and trade union issues, to the appeal of Trump, and the appea…

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Show 374. Gavin Esler 1:02:39

7M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

Gavin Esler What can Trump's opponents learn from him? How should the BBC respond to Elon Musk? What should Change UK have done differently? All these questions and more are discussed with a true broadcasting titan. This is quality from start to finish. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 10 February: Rachel Reeves 10 March: Alastair Campbell 31 …

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Show 373. Sam Carling 49:14

7M ago49:14

49:14

Sam Carling Sam is one of the brightest and most prominent members of the 2024 intake... and he's only 22. How has Sam become an MP so early in his life, what politicised him and what does the future hold? Remember where you were when you first heard from Sam, he's a man going places. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 10 February: Rachel Reeves…

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Show 372. Tonia Antoniazzi 45:20

8M ago45:20

45:20

Tonia Antoniazzi England are due to play Afghanistan at cricket next month. The decision to honour the fixture has caused uproar. Under the Taliban, women are banned from playing sport. Tonia is leading the campaign to get England to pull out of the fixture. If you want to help, find her on social media: @ToniaAntoniazzi Plus we discuss other vital…

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Brian Dickinson: Calm in the Chaos 58:22

8M ago58:22

58:22

Brian Dickinson joins Dr. Stephen Phillips on Preble Hall to discuss Brian's book, Calm in the Chaos, True Tales from Elite U.S. Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmers and the Navy’s SAR Swimmer community to include the history of its development and some historical examples of this important mission. Listeners can follow Brian at: Https://briandickinson.ne…

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Show 371. Replay: Christmas Special with Jess Phillips and Sarah Wollaston 1:25:55

8M ago1:25:55

1:25:55

Replay: Christmas Special with Jess Phillips and Sarah Wollaston Keep the dream alive with this classic from 2018. Jess Phillips and Sarah Wollaston are on phenomenal festive form in this Christmas cracker of an episode. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-ma…

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Show 370. Replay: Christmas Special with Ed Balls and Alastair Campbell 1:29:01

8M ago1:29:01

1:29:01

Replay: Christmas Special with Ed Balls and Alastair Campbell. The year is 2016. Ed Balls has just done Strictly. Alastair Campbell is yet to launch his podcast. This is the barmy Christmas Special we all need. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ …

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Operation Unified Assistance with Dr. John Sherwood 55:29

8M ago55:29

55:29

On the 20th anniversary of the Boxing Day Tsunami, Dr. Stephen Phillips discusses the U.S. Navy's humanitarian response, Operation Unified Assistance, with Dr. John Sherwood. This and other humanitarian responses are discussed in great detail in Sherwood's book, A Global Force for Good: Sea Services Humanitarian Operations in the Twenty-First Centu…

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Show 369. Alex Burghart 55:33

8M ago55:33

55:33

Alex Burghart Politics. History. Food. What more do you want for Christmas? Alex Burghart is the Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and fills in for Kemi Badenoch at PMQs. More importantly, he has a deep fat fryer and he's keen to experiment. This is the indulgent Christmas special we all needed. FOLLOW Alex on X: @alexburghart THE POLITIC…