The Two Matts

The New World

Join The New World's Matt Kelly and Matt d'Ancona plus occasional guests for weekly chat on politics and media with a side of cultural stuff. A podcast in the spirit of the award-winning New World newspaper - irreverent, witty, surprising, argumentative ... and annoying all the right people.

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679 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes679

Newest first

Jul 15, 2024 · 37 min
“The shot heard round the world”
The attempted assassination attempt of Donald Trump does not sanctify a man who has thrived on a particularly violent rhetoric his whole political career. As Nigel Farage blames the media, as MAGA Republican Senator JD Vance blames Joe Biden and the Democrats, the Matts look at the unfolding shift in how Trump and his supporters are reacting to the shooting - and what it means for America and the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 14, 2024 · 34 min
Q&A: Brexit, Starmer, and Football Fever
This week The Two Matts examine Keir Starmer's leadership, the Labour Party's Brexit policy, and the political dynamics shaping the country's future. From electoral strategies to European relations and internal political struggles, this episode covers it all. The pair also deliberate over the The Telegraph's editorial stance, the UK's military considerations, and the United Nations. And, perhaps most importantly is football coming home. Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 12, 2024 · 44 min
Is Joe Biden now the most dangerous man in America?
It’s increasingly apparent President Joe Biden is unfit to challenge Donald Trump for the White House. But what can stop him? The Matts consider the predicament facing the United States and the world… with, it’s fair to say, a deep sense of foreboding. Also … can the Three Lions do it? Will it come home? The Matts haven’t got a clue but that doesn’t stop them going on about it for a good ten minutes… enjoy! Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 8, 2024 · 44 min
The UK's Administrator In Chief is off to a flyer
Keir Starmer looked incredibly at ease and confident at the Saturday presser. The Matts can’t remember a smoother beginning and he has recruited some great expertise. But is administrative excellence enough? Also … one question lingers in the air: Where the hell are all the Tories? Enjoy! Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 5, 2024 · 46 min
What a night! What a win! What now?
After their Election all-nighter, the Matts consider the twists and turns of a quite extraordinary election. A massive, historic night for Keir Starmer’s Labour and a shuddering comeuppance for Sunak and the Conservative Party. Well played Ed Davey and a disaster for the SNP. But the rise of Reform and the volatility of the electorate asks big questions about what comes next for British politics. Enjoy! Subscribe to The New European : https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 1, 2024 · 37 min
At last … the election run-in - with special guest Tom Baldwin
It’s the final few days of the election campaign and the Matts are joined by Keir Starmer biographer for deep insight into what’s going to happen in the immediate aftermath of a Labour government. How to combat the rising tide of far right politics, who will the new stars of Labour be, and should Starmer go to the Euro finals of England get through? Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 30, 2024 · 26 min
Q&A: Will Starmer recruit Campbell and the cost of Brexit
Will Keir Starmer involve Alastair Campbell in Number 10? How important is it that Labour provide stability? And how much impact do the media really have on voting outcomes? That and dirty rivers, NHS challenges and should politicians go to Glastonbury? Delve into the latest Q&A episode to find out. Have a question? If you're listening on Spotify you can ask us a question through the app. Alternatively drop us an email 2matts@tnepublishing.com Don't forget to subscribe to The New European: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Join our election night coverage in Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaia0kiEwEjspYO0MD3j Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 28, 2024 · 38 min
Good chaps, bad chaps - how British politics went bent
The Matts are joined by Simon Kuper, FT journalist and author of Good Chaps - an extraordinary book exposing the collapse of morality at the heart of British politics. It’s a terrific conversation shedding light on how things got so bad so fast from Thatcher to Truss … and, as bit of a diversion, we also chat about Paris - another of Simon’s passions and subject of his book The Impossible City, described by Matt K as the second best memoir on Paris he’s ever read. The best? You’ll have to listen to find out. Enjoy! Subscription offer! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Join our election night coverage in Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaia0kiEwEjspYO0MD3j Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 27, 2024 · 1 min
Sign up for the Two Matts' election night Whatsapp channel!
Want some hot takes all through election night? Allow the Two Matts to explain, and hit this link on your phone to get ready for the night (requires Whatsapp): https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaia0kiEwEjspYO0MD3j PS: Whatsapp channels do not share your phone number with others, nor can you comment - you join up and recieve messages and updates in real time from the Matts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 25, 2024 · 47 min
Farage V Johnson and the Daily Mail
What does the election betting scandal say about Rishi Sunak’s qualities as a Prime Minister? And what is going on behind the scenes as Farage and Johnson go toe to toe over Putin and Ukraine … with a fascinating intervention by the Daily Mail. The Matts discuss all this … and revisit Matt K’s mini-adventure to Stuttgart with the Tartan Army this weekend. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 23, 2024 · 29 min
Q&A: Could cultural activism kill the arts and do we need electoral reform?
In this Sunday Q&A, the Two Matts ponder the Tories newfound support for electoral reform, given their historical stance. They also take on the complexities of proportional representation, and the significance of party majorities. Also, are festivals cutting ties with sponsors like Bailey Gifford and Barclays due to activist pressure a problem and what impact will this have on the arts? Want your question answered? You can email 2matt@tnepublishing.com Subscription offer: www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 21, 2024 · 41 min
Rosie Holt MP laughs in the face of Tory electoral collapse
The Matts are joined by comedian Rosie Holt whose alter ego MP has done what many thought impossible; successfully (and hilariously) satirised this Tory government. Rosie talks about her new book and faces into life as a political satirist after the chaos of the Conservatives… “we’re going to have to work a bit harder after this lot have gone”. Before that, after successive weeks of kicking the Tories, the Matts turn their focus to Labour and what has been, so far, a fairly uninspiring campaign. How can Keir do better? Enjoy! Subscription offer: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 17, 2024 · 40 min
General Election Special Week 3: Farage, contracts and Trump
How Farage sucks the oxygen out of the political debate and the media fall for it every time PLUS what would life be like of the Tories get as badly wiped out as polls suggest and as a special treat for listeners, Matt D delivers Donald Trump’s Fathers Day message in full. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 16, 2024 · 26 min
Q&A: Reform's unique setup, super majorities and what we went without
In this Sunday's Q&A, The Two Matts are asked whether a Labour 'super majority' is good or bad drawing on historical results to try and predict the impact of a huge majority. They also dive into the unique structure of The Reform party and its implications, and are challenged on what they went without in their childhood. Subscribe to The New European with this OFFER: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 14, 2024 · 56 min
The Freewheelin’ Dylan Jones
After an opening half dissecting the latest election news, the Matts hook up with Dylan Jones, editor of the Evening Standard and ex-editor of GQ in the UK whose new memoir These Foolish Things is out now - an extraordinary trip through modern British culture taking in some of the biggest names in pop, rock, media and art. And it’s a very personal conversation; Dylan talks about growing up with a violent father and also the rape he suffered aged 17. It’s a must listen for anyone interested in how culture and media intersect. Enjoy! Subscription offer! https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 10, 2024 · 35 min
Sunak’s disaster, Europe’s far-right... and a glimmer of Lib-Dem light
The Matts explore the depths of Sunak’s catastrophic decision to bail from D-Day, trying to understand what might have possessed him… and they question if the gift he’s handed Nigel Farage could have possibly come at a worse time, coinciding as it does with Europe’s far-right gaining collective momentum. On a more hopeful note, they agree Lib-Dem leader Ed Davey is putting a good audition … not for PM, but Leader Of The Opposition. Could he be the voice of conscience standing across the dispatch box holding an all-powerful PM Starmer to account? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 9, 2024 · 27 min
Q&A: Tackling Honours Lists, Farage's Future, and Brexit Silence
The Two Matts dive into Labour's stance on Sunak's honours list and discuss what a truly independent honours system could look like. They debate Nigel Farage's potential to lead the right and the notable silence on Brexit from opposition parties. They also explore gonzo journalism, media influence, and the peculiar phenomenon of 'time slips.' Tune in for a deep dive into current political dynamics and media trends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 7, 2024 · 44 min
“Can you trust Rishi” and other stupid questions
The Two Matts digest the aftermath of the Sunak v Starmer TV debate and find big problems with both candidates … but at least one of them is actually capable of opening his mouth without a lie spilling out. In Part Two, they reflect on the inimitable courage of the D-Day generation … and consider a family story that perfectly illustrates just how much was lost on those Normandy landing stages. Subscription Offer: https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 3, 2024 · 43 min
General Election Special: Week 1 - Farage is back
Welcome to the first Two Matts General Election special podcast - and you join us with the breaking news that Nigel Farage has thrown himself into the campaign in a surprise announcement - taking over the leadership of Reform and running to win the Tory-held seat of Clacton. It’s the worst news Sunak could have wished for - but how should Starmer be feeling? Is the Labour leader fully aware of what he’s up against? The Matts are, as you’d expect, sceptical. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 2, 2024 · 21 min
Q&A: Brexit, Voting Tory, and AI in Medicine
Topics include the impact of Brexit on the UK and the Conservative Party, the reasoning behind voting Tory in this election, what the new portrait of King Charles III says about politics in the country, and the future of AI in various fields such as defence and medicine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.