The Trawl

Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss

The Trawl is the podcast that dives headfirst into the political chaos, media spin, and social media absurdity of the week - so you don’t have to.

Hosted by broadcasters and political commentators, Jemma Forte and Marina Purkiss, it’s part therapy, part takedown, and always unfiltered.

Each episode, Jemma and Marina trawl through the week’s most viral tweets, jaw-dropping headlines, and rage-inducing soundbites - offering sharp analysis, dark humour, and the occasional expletive. From Westminster to world affairs, they call out hypocrisy, amplify truth, and remind you that you’re not losing your mind - just living through it.

If you’ve ever shouted at the news or laughed through the tears, The Trawl is your people.

Find the trawl on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetrawlpod/ and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590931382660

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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430 episodes
Updated Thursday
Explicit

Episodes430

Newest first

Jul 23, 2025 · 47 min
Coldplay, Crackdowns, Arrests & Cold Truths
Marina Purkiss and Jemma Forte have done the doom scrolling so you don’t have to, bringing you the viral chaos, the political drama, and the bits the mainstream misses. First up, the scandal that broke the internet—yes, that Coldplay affair. It had everything: shock, schadenfreude, and memes so relentless they almost made you forget how painful it must have been for those involved. The ladies have rounded up the funniest, sharpest, and most unhinged takes from across social media. Then they dive into Labour’s latest rollercoaster, including the good things you're not hearing about. One thing that has hit the headlines is the news that sixteen-year-olds will soon get the vote—cue the inevitable outrage about teenagers who “can’t even boil an egg.” Meanwhile, Starmer’s whip-wielding spree has left MPs floating awkwardly between “Labour-ish” and politically homeless, and Diane Abbott’s expulsion has sparked fury about hypocrisy at the heart of the party. Add Corbyn’s growing “Independent Alliance,” and you’ve got a movement that’s starting to look more like a rebellion. Oh, and did we mention pensioners are being arrested for peaceful protest? Yeah. That too. And the latest update from Palestine is heart wrenching but has to be discussed. From Westminster to TikTok, from viral reels to the quiet crises no one’s talking about—Jemma and Marina have trawled it all so you don’t have to. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 18, 2025 · 41 min
Trump Takes Chelsea's Limelight, Superman Takes a Stand, and the Epstein Drama Continues
This week on The Trawl, Marina and Jemma dive into the truly gobsmacking and head-scratching events of the week - so you don’t have to. We start with Trump elbowing his way into Chelsea’s Club World Cup glory, and then it’s onto the swirling chaos of the Epstein files, with GOP evasions, metadata shenanigans, and conspiracy theories so spicy they could be served with fries. Marina breaks her “no implausible movies” rule for the new Superman flick that’s got geopolitical undertones and triggered right-wing meltdowns, while Trump distracts with poetic vendettas against Rosie O’Donnell and sanctions on a UN human rights expert. Plus a sprinkling of some dark comedy, a few celebrity cameos, and the surreal spectacle of American political theatre - and voilà, another episode of The Trawl that’s part therapy, part firecracker. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 16, 2025 · 38 min
Butterflies, Bombs and Right-Wing Bloopers
Jemma and Marina are determined to ensure that The Trawl contains as many 'glimmers' as possible so begin the episode with some positive news about butterflies. Also featured is a heart warming story about raving school kids and the Trawl ladies share what each of them have been doing to mitigate how bleak the news is currently. They do go on to discuss why Rory and Alastair acknowledging that a genocide is occurring on their podcast, feels like a 'moment.' There then follows a heartfelt discussion about how they may or may not vote come the next election, and Marina poses a question which gives them both pause for thought. There are, as ever, some brilliant clips including a particularly powerful one of Jewish US actor, Mandy Patinkin. Then, did you know it's forty years since Live Aid? A certain someone has tweeted something so bizarre about it, it gives rise to lots of Trawl gold. Still, perhaps it's not quite as terrible as Tommy Robinson not knowing that migrants can be white, or Farage posing on the white cliffs of somewhere like a page 7 fella. Under rated clips and posts follow and pudding is a poem which Jemma and Marina adore and find very moving. It's by the brilliant Roger McGough. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 11, 2025 · 50 min
Rachel Weeps as Texas Floods and America Burns
Hold onto your hats Trawlers. Not the cheeriest episode ever recorded but the Trawl ladies do try to provide lightness where possible so begin by reflecting on some of the good things Labour have achieved in their first year, including more free school meals, nationalising steel and rail and recruiting 6, 700 more mental health workers. And yet, does any of it make up for their complicity in the ongoing genocide? The Trawl ladies certainly think not. Marina and Jemma discuss Rachel Reeve's crying in Parliament and the subsequent market fallout and enjoy Jonathan Pie's take as a clip. And then they drag on their waders as it's off to the swampy place that is US politics. Talk turns to Alligator Alcatrez and the amount of money Trump plans to spend on ICE. The figure will blow your minds and point to a very sinister truth. One which Stacy Abrams articulates beautifully. Of course the Trawl ladies talk about the tragic Texas floods and why Musk and Trump's cuts were partially responsible, along with devastating climate change of course. There's a smorgasbord of clips as ever and powerful tweets and threads and Instagram's and all the rest of it. Pudding is truly vintage - a historic vid of a silent movie star who, when it came to fascism in the 40's could no longer stay silent. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 9, 2025 · 42 min
Nobel Peace Farce, Epstein Files Shocker and Arresting an 83 year old Priest
What's the world coming to Trawlers? Yes, the news cycle is astoundingly awful but, as ever, Jemma and Marina nominate themselves to wade through what's happening so they can chat all through with you. They begin by paying tribute to Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva who sadly died in a car crash. For some reason, Trump is very anti finding the Epstein files which, after months and months of painstaking investigation have seemingly disappeared along with the much mooted client list. Hmm, it begs the question, if there weren't any clients, what's Ghislaine Maxwell in jail for? The plot thickens and even some of the most loyal MAGA loons aren't happy as it appears Trump is OK about protecting a paedophile ring. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize. The clip of the two war-mongering fellas will render your speechless but fortunately Marina and Jemma do manage to find some words. Some are quite choice. There are some domestic updates too and some ponderings over Richard Tice's wallpaper and, as ever, the under rated tweets section provides some levity. Pudding is Cody Dahler - Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 4, 2025 · 47 min
Bezos Ties the Knot While America Comes Undone
This week, Jemma and Marina tackle Venice’s most OTT nuptials as Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez say “I do” amidst a spectacle that felt like a Succession spin-off. From helicopters to haute couture and a Vogue cover cameo, the ladies break down the eyebrow-raising moment, including Leo Di Caprio's terrible attempt at camouflage and a Dolce & Gabbana dress that could have Bezos in for a long night. But things turn darker, and dumber, with the U.S. Senate’s passage of the “Big Bullsh*t Bill,” a legislative grenade lobbed straight at America’s most vulnerable. Marina and Jemma break down the grim fallout: Medicaid slashed, clean energy sabotaged, food assistance gutted… all while millionaires snag tax cuts and ICE gets worryingly bloated. And just when it couldn’t get more dystopian - enter Trump and Musk. Again. The MAGA soap opera gets spicier by the day with threats of deportation, party-splitting tantrums, and Elon hinting at a new political party. The ladies are living for the chaos - and if this feud reignites properly, the popcorn’s already in the microwave. There’s also a pudding from satirist Rosie Holt that’s too pitch-perfect to miss. So pull up a gondola - because Jemma and Marina are taking no prisoners. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 2, 2025 · 42 min
Glastonbury Meltdowns and Labour’s Implosions
For days the headlines have been consumed by what Bob Vylan said at Glastonbury. Jemma and Marina discuss. But, before they disseminate all the Glasto fallout and furore, they enjoy some British language discussion. Find out how to end a call you've had enough of and how to be polite while conveying disapproval. Then, find out why Farage has made such an outlandish claim, it's compelled the Albanian Prime Minister to get stuck in. There follow some amazing clips in this episode as various people try to draw the focus of the media storm back to the fact that a ceasefire has been broken, that children are being murdered every day and that it's all on camera. It poses the question, what's a worse crime - incitement to violence or actual violence? And what are The Daily Mail thinking when they misquote on the front page? It's a rollercoaster of an episode and takes in the current chaos within the Labour party as the welfare bill causes a rebellion and some painfully sad clips as the situation in Palestine worsens. Rod Stewart offers some light relief as does the 'under rated' section. And of course there's pudding Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 27, 2025 · 37 min
Reform's Reverse Robin Hood, Labour's Vanishing Backbone and a Socialist Surprise
Right then, strap in Trawlers and let's raise a lukewarm pint of Champagne to the anniversary of the Brexit referendum - because nothing says “taking back control” like spiralling food prices and passport queues longer than a Glastonbury toilet line. Then it’s over to Labour HQ, where the party that once marched for peace now wants to slap a terrorist label on Palestine Action. Because apparently, protesting arms deals is just not cricket. Meanwhile, the welfare bill rebellion gave us a rare glimpse of backbench backbone - blink and you might’ve missed it. And finally, Reform UK’s Robin Hood policy has landed... promising to rob from the rich and give to, well, the rich. Expect right-wing pundits and their sheep to gobble up the policy as they read the headlines, but not much else. Then a quick scoot over to New York where a left-wing candidate offered left-wing policies to left-wing voters…and actually won. Meanwhile, in Labour HQ, there’s probably a task force being assembled to investigate this dangerous correlation between principled politics and electoral success. Expect a report by 2031, just in time to miss the point again. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 26, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
The Trawl Meets: John Nicolson
Jemma and Marina were absolutely thrilled to have ex-SNP MP and broadcaster, John Nicolson on the podcast for a really juicy chat about UK politics. They discussed whether or not Scotland would ever become independent, and what it was like to be a presenter on TV during the 9/11 attacks. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 25, 2025 · 51 min
Bombs, Bluster, and Bad Intel: Mad Men at the Helm
Another week trying to wade through and make sense of an insane news cycle. The Trawl ladies hadn't had Trump bombing Iran on their bingo card but that's exactly what happened last weekend when Trump single-handedly decided that that was the way to win the Nobel Peace Prize. At time of record, Trump's own intelligence reports state that the strikes weren't wholly successful. He says they're wrong, oh, and Iran and Israel don't know what the 'f' they're doing. Super. As ever there are some incredible tweets and clips to share with you and when it all gets too much, Jemma has a new ditty to inflict upon everyone. With Netanyahu continuing to do whatever he wants with no sign that international law means anything to him, and Trump thinking he can make countries do his bidding by posting his orders for them on Truth Social, Marina and Jemma ponder whether it's time for more female leaders to emerge. Emily Maitlis has a view on this too, as does the former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson. There's some White House hilarity involving a very bewildered Juventus team and a look at how the BBC are reporting the news currently. A jam packed Trawl, stuffed full of online riches. Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 20, 2025 · 37 min
👋 Hello WW3! War, Hypocrisy, and Political Absurdity
From the brink of WW3 following Israel’s attack on Iran, to the hypocrisy of Western leaders, Jemma and Marina unpack the realities of war, nuclear tensions, and the unchecked power of certain world leaders. They chat about Netanyahu’s latest warmongering, expose how some leaders operate without accountability (because who needs rules, right?), and call out the West’s Olympic-level hypocrisy when it comes to nuclear policies. Expect sharp analysis, unexpected moments of agreement with Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene (yep, didn’t see that one coming), and some unhinged audience commentary from GB News that’ll make you question reality. And don’t worry, amidst all the doom, there’s levity—because as terrifying as world events are, at least you didn’t throw a birthday party no one showed up to. Tune in, laugh through the pain, and prepare to scream into the void alongside them. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 18, 2025 · 32 min
Parade Flops, No Kings Protests & Squeaky Tanks
This week on The Trawl, Jemma Forte and Marina Purkiss sift through the latest chaos so you don’t have to. As the world teeters on geopolitical uncertainty, they dive into the headlines—from Trump’s embarrassingly sparse birthday parade and the powerful No Kings protests sweeping the U.S., to the chilling political violence in Minnesota. Plus, the G7 Summit gives us Trump fumbling paperwork, awkward diplomatic moments, and his latest baffling rants. With humour, sharp analysis, and just the right amount of outrage, this episode is packed with all the news, all the mess, and all the hot takes you need to hear. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 13, 2025 · 40 min
Burqa Berks Backlash, Labour's Spending and a Brave Flotilla
Marina and Jemma begin the episode with a quick round up/ precis of the recently announced spending plans from Rachel Reeves. There's stuff to like but it's not the most scintillating, partly because it's pretty sensible which doesn't create massive headlines, as it shouldn't. Acknowledging that politics should be dull but that 'dull' doesn't make for a very entertaining podcast, the Trawl ladies decide to set their thoughts to music....who knew they could play the synthesiser? Then, they feel obliged to hark back to when Reform MP Sarah Pochin chose to use her first question at PMQ's as an opportunity to suggest banning the burqa. They wouldn't have given such a stupid question any oxygen only it led to a chain of events that can't be ignored for a number of reasons. It led to a resignation, a back pedal and a very disproportionate amount of coverage. This makes more sense given the recent scoop from Byline who have exposed how the BBC are trying to appeal more to Reform voters..... Jemma and Marina also discuss the flotilla which Greta Thunberg set sail on along with 11 other activists who were trying to break the Israeli blockade which is preventing food getting in for starving Palestinians. On a lighter note, Tommy Robinson and his pals got kicked out of a steak restaurant and lots of under rated tweets were written as a result. Pudding is served by comedian Sam Avery. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 11, 2025 · 44 min
🔥X-Men: Musk vs Trump and ICE Cold in LA: Tantrums and Tear Gas
One of the juiciest Trawls of all time starts in a very dramatic manner. Jemma and Marina want you to dig out the popcorn while they spill the tea on everything that has happened since they last gathered behind their mics. What a time to be alive! Last week, Musk broke the internet as his bromance with Trump imploded in real time via increasingly outlandish tweets between the two billionaires, like toddlers duelling, only with tweets instead of swords. Then, in a huge crescendo no one could have predicted, Musk suddenly declared to the world that Trump is in the Epstein Files. BOOM! And just like that the bromance was over - although now, all incriminating tweets have been deleted and it appears to be vaguely on again. What is it they say about women being too 'emotional' for positions of power? This episode is stuffed with incredible takes and content, it's a veritable smorgasbord of the very best the internet has to offer at times like this. Then the Trawl ladies discuss what is happening in LA, the protests, Trump's over reach with the Federal Guard and how the governor of California is fighting back. They also discuss how ICE are treating people and which clips have affected them the most. Settle in, it's a packed one. Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 6, 2025 · 40 min
Trump and Musk's Bromance Breakdown and Zelensky’s Power Play
When Trump told Zelensky he didn't hold any of the cards, what he didn't know was the Zelensky actually had an entire Royal Flush up his sleeve and that he was demonstrating a rather brilliant Poker Face. Last week Ukraine completed its biggest long-range attack which destroyed 40 Russian warplanes, wiping out a large percentage of their military hardware. It was in the planning for at least 18 months so yeah, there were cards. In other news, Trump wants to hold an investigation into Biden's cognitive decline and has implemented a travel ban on 12 countries. Only Egypt isn't on the list, which is deeply bizarre because he said the ban was due to the antisemitic attack which happened, which was carried out by.....an Egyptian. Then, Jemma and Marina discuss Trump and Musk's very public and very embarrassing and completely inevitable break up and why they personally wouldn't have awarded the billionaire with a 'golden key' for anything he's done. A clip of Professor Scott Galloway talking about him, is the clip of the episode. Lastly, in an unusual Trawl twist, Marina and Jemma end by talking about Kris Jenner's face. Some wonderful funnies finish the ep off and of course, as ever, pudding is served. Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 4, 2025 · 35 min
Reform Council Chaos and Liz’s Latest Trussterf*ck
It's all happening. That said, potholes might not be getting fixed, loft extensions might not be getting signed off and bins might not be getting collected - those things may or may not be happening, but Doge has been announced. Yes, this episode goes into what is happening in various Reform led councils. Firstly, having decided that Musk's Doge has gone 'so well' in the States (spoiler alert, it hasn't, it's failed miserably', Farage has announced the same approach over here. Though they should really be using a different acronym. After all, how can you have a Department of Governmental Efficiency in action when they're not actually in government? Hmm. Anyway, they want to slash millions, billions even, the numbers quoted are huge, although when Lewis Goodall challenges Reform Chairman, Zia Yusef, on his wild figures, Yusef cites an unnamed think tank as his source. Seems reasonable. Pensions will go - not Farage's EU one to be clear, that's staying, obvs - meetings will be reduced and apparently a hit squad of talented experts will be instigating all of this, for free. Meanwhile, the Tories are having a mare. Jenrick is busy doing the media rounds but Marina has found some pretty incredible receipts. And Truss is in Hungary, wanging on about free speech and how she's had to go to Budapest to say what she wants. Each to their own. Some great underrated tweets and clips follow, plus the ladies explore the somewhat biased coverage of the man arrested for driving into the crowds of football fans in Liverpool. he lives in a cul de sac and that, apparently, means a lot. Pudding is by the phenomenal Larry and Paul Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 30, 2025 · 42 min
Farage Drops a Pub Challenge, Labour Drop a Policy and Trump Sulks
This episode begins with Jemma and Marina explaining why they weren't aligned this week for pretty much the first time in Trawl history, though their disagreement was quickly put to rest once they'd consulted listeners and asked what you think. There's a quick goodbye to the MOTD version of Gary Lineker and then, it's straight into what's happening in politics here in the UK. However, before they get round to the newly announced Reform manifesto, they feel it's only fair to check in with Tory HQ. Someone's got to after all. There's not a huge amount to report apart from Kemi Badenoch being roasted by Trevor Phillips, Robert Jenrick turning into a London Underground vigilante with more than a dash of Alan Partridge and one very unaware tweet. Then it's time to break down some of what Farage had to say, only you'll be pleased to note that one clip of Natasha Devon will blow your mind and give you hope. It certainly had that effect on the Trawl ladies and begs the question why getting do Reform get so much airtime? When Farage starts lecturing women on what they should and shouldn't be able to decide about their own bodies, it's time to look at the kind of people who agree with him. Some hilarious takes follow; A bumper under rated clip and tweet section comes next and the clip of Trump being insulted and sulking like a petulant toddler is almost as funny as the one of a regretful Musk who is clearly not allowed to play with the big boys at The White House any more. Leader of the Lib Dems, Ed Davey, makes a good point about how well that's gone for him. Pudding ends the episode where it began with one from the Broken News vaults belonging to brilliant comedians, Larry and Paul. Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 28, 2025 · 33 min
Froth & Fury: From Liverpool outrage to Gaza grief - and how socials are becoming unbearable.
What can we say... Sadly, this pod isn't a laugh a minute, although Jemma does manage to squeeze in a little humour when discussing Marina's social algorithm which has taking scrolling to another level of doom. Jemma landed back from a few days away from the news to the harrowing events in Liverpool and the grim state of affairs that saw Merseyside police rush to declare the ethnicity of the suspect, yet seemingly this wasn't enough to placate the usual suspects who seemingly relish any opportunity to weaponize suffering for their own gain. Talk turns to the tragic events in Washington, where two Israelis were gunned down and Netanyahu's response which is a masterclass in gaslighting and responsibility shirking. The ladies discuss how the dehumanisation of Palestinians and devaluing of their lives has become so prevalent and share one powerful explanation by Israeli journalist, Gideon Levy. And while it was only last week that David Lammy declared suspended trade negotiations with Israel, just wait till you see what our UK trade envoy has been up to. Pudding is from a new contributor – Actor, Caitlin O’Ryan who delivered an incredible poem entitled: Questions for my conscience. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 23, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
The Trawl Meets: Jordan Stephens
Marina and Jemma were thrilled to talk to one half of Rizzle Kicks, writer and communicator extraordinaire Jordan Stephens. They discuss connection, love, heartbreak, what’s happening to men right now and whether or not the patriarchy has entirely ‘benefited’ men. The Trawl ladies find him positive, compelling to listen to and super smart. They hope you do too. Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 22, 2025 · 38 min
The Brexit Reset Meltdown & Trump's Stage 9 Lunacy
It's like 2019 all over again... Yes Trawlers, were debating Brexit all over again following Starmer's EU-UK reset, and as night follows day, all the usual suspects are up in arms crying betrayal. The grift never ends. Marina and Jemma play a game of Brexit bingo where Jemma accurately predicts the all-too expected reactions to what is seemingly a very sensible approach from Labour - indeed the ladies would argue one that is perhaps too sensible and doesn't go far enough. Both Reform and the Tories are doing a great job of disagreeing with almost all trade bodies and showing they're not the parties of business, but perhaps the parties of work-shy charlatans who are too busy holidaying to make it into the House of Commons chamber for the debate. There's some topline discussion of what the reset entails, and a quite incredible response from a prominent Brexiter who proudly announced that actually he likes standing in the longer non-EU queue at passports. Well off you pop then pal, nothing stopping you. There's a quick stop-off in the US to check on Trump's lunacy levels, which it appears have reached stage 9 - which incidentally is the same, made-up stage of cancer that Trump claimed Biden was diagnosed with. A tariff update that exposes Trump's incompetence follows, before some underrated off-piste tweets and a pudding by Munya Chawawa. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.social Created and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss Edited by Max Carrey If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.