The Two Matts

What is England? What is Englishness? The Matts are joined by Tom Baldwin and Marc Stears, authors of a fascinating new deep dive into the question of nationalism, called England: Seven Myths That Changed A Country And How To Set Them Straight. It’s a wide-ranging conversation on their journey from Runnymede to Hull via Plymouth, […]

Have the Matts ever been victim to a honeytrap? What is a ‘Police and Crime Commissioner’ and should we bin off first names for MPs? This and more discussed in this weeks Q&A.

The Matts get philosophical about smoking and what a ban means for Britain. Whisper it… but has Rishi Sunak done something not completely crap for once? Or is his proposed age-related ban on smoking the start of a slippery slope towards big government invading the rights of its citizens? Also: the magnificence of Salman Rushdie’s […]

In this Q&A episode, Matt and Matt take on questions from you on poverty in the media, Trump’s stance on abortion and Harold Wilson’s love life.

How did we get to the point where troubled children have been damaged by a health system that should have protected them? How did the dogma of trans activists subsume standard medical practices? And how do those who cynically cheered them on from the sidelines sleep at night? The Two Matts discuss the Cass Report, […]

How time flies when the world is on fire… a quarter of 2024 has already passed so the Matts check global progress against their expectations at New Year. It’s a grim reality check as Gaza and Ukraine go from bad to worse and Trump appears to be gaining ground on the White House. On the […]

Have the Tories hit rock bottom.. or could things get even worse? The Matts gameplay their options with outcomes ranging from disastrous to cataclysmic. In the second half, they examine the role of satire in society and ask the question: Have we all lost our sense of humour? Subscribe to the New European and get […]

The Matts discuss Owen Jones resigning from the Labour Party, ponder the need for an upper chamber in the UK parliament, debate the influence of unions, discuss Donald Trump’s latest rhetoric and briefly touch on the identity of the next James Bond. Happy Sunday!

Rachel Reeves’ speech on the future of the economy was dense with ideas which will affect all our futures under a Labour government. What did she mean and why does it matter? The Two Matts do a deep dive into one of the most interesting and important speeches from Labour since it lost power. Also […]

Did Deggsy do well for Liverpool? Why is no-one intervening in Gaza? Can you ban “extremism”? And is Fargo better than The Big Lebowski? The Two Matts take the big questions of our times head on.

The inside track on how Princess Kate and the Royal press offices messed up so badly – and how some of the most famous photographs ever were faked. But first: another week of shambolic governance courtesy of the Conservative Party. Racism, misogyny, dodgy contract relationships and abject failure of leadership. In other words, just another […]

Are ultra-processed foods the new cigarettes? Is there a solution to rough sleeping? And should the fact GB News lost £75m last year cheer us up or scare us even more? All this and more on the Two Matts regular Q&A episode. Enjoy!

Join us for our first transatlantic podcast as Matt d’Ancona in Manhattan and Matt Kelly in London dissect the extraordinary events of this week’s Super Tuesday and what it all means for the seemingly inevitable presidential showdown between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. And we get Matt d’Ancona’s verdict on the big Broadway production An […]

Beer with Tucker Carlson or George Galloway? Mob rule, Lee Anderson and Liz Truss v Rishi Sunak and is Ofcom doing a great job regulating GB News… (take a wild guess)?

In conversation with the Two Matts, the man who knows Keir Starmer better than most – his biographer Tom Baldwin sheds light on a complex politician and what we might expect from him as PM, including the truth about his attitude to Europe and Brexit.

Garbage “food”, Liz Truss and the deep state, anti-semitism and “legitimate concerns about racism” – all explored

Remember the war in Ukraine? The one that used to be front page news every day for a while? It’s TWO years since Putin launched his full scale invasion and after a brief period of delusional confidence that Ukraine was going to see him of it appears, for the moment at least, he is winning. […]

Why are politicians terrified of the Daily Mail? Should Labour pin its colours to the proportional representation mast? Is Jez Butterworth a genius? And what’s the secret to effective communications? Find out ASAP…

Unravelling and deciphering the chaos within Labour’s response to anti-semitism – the eternal conflict simmering, and now once more raging, within the party’s ranks. What does it mean for Starmer’s momentum towards Number 10… and does his response to this give a clue to the kind of prime minister he will be? The Matts find […]

Were we too hard on Laurence Fox? Why does the US back Israel? And is it segue or segway? All these and more in our soaraway Sunday Q&A episode.

What is it about Keir Starmer and pledges? His latest u-turn is a big one: the central plank of his economic reboot of Britain’s economy into a global green leader. Where does it leave him in terms of political credibility and, more importantly perhaps, in terms of his vision for taking a moribund national economy […]

The brass neck of The New European, why tens of thousands of people in the UK are dying before their time, shouldn’t we stop Instagram harming our children and what superpower would the Two Matts like Elon Musk to implant into their brains? All this and more in the liveliest podcast Q&A in town…

If Laurence Fox is just the monkey, then who is the organ grinder and why is he pumping millions into causes and individuals so conspicuously damaging Britain? The Two Matts ask some uncomfortable questions of the people funding culture wars. Also… will Rishi Sunak’s fasting regime endear him to the millions of Brits who can’t […]

This week the Two Matts tackle division in Ireland, independence in Scotland and personal abuse from Julia in South London.

When more than a million people came out in cities across Germany to protest against the far-right AfD party it was an indication of how perilous that nation’s political situation has become. New European columnist Tanit Koch joins the Two Matts from Bonn to explain the origins of the crisis and what it means for […]

The Matts discuss the Scottish National Party’s political strategies, ponder the what-if scenario of a centrist incursion into the Tory party and delve into data protection issues. Plus: some podcast plugs and Oscar tips.

It seems certain that Trump will become the Republican nominee for President. We take a deep breath and let that sink in – along with all the horrendous consequences for American democracy and the inescapable reality that this was not a blip in 21st-century politics but a taste of how things will be… forever. Also […]

In this week’s Sunday Q&A The Two Matts are asked whether Sunak is wrong-footing Labour, if the English people or press are royal obsessed, and what books we should be reading.

Has justice been done in the appalling scandal of the Post Office’s prosecution of subpostmasters? Not by a long chalk. The convictions may be overturned, the compensation cheques arranged… but what about punishing those responsible? The Two Matts anticipate the next phase of this sorry saga – and try to understand the mindset of Post […]

Should Liz Truss have had an honours list? Are think tanks fit for purpose? And is Dave Chappelle still funny? All of these and more are answered by the Two Matts in this Sunday Q&A episode.

How bad can it be? Well… pretty bad is the answer. 2024 is shaping up to be a seismic year in so many ways – but the Two Matts aren’t all doom and gloom (just mostly). Will the 14th Amendment change the course of US history? Will Keir Starmer find the recipe to restore trust […]

The Two Matts review the year through the prism of people: going through their heroes, villains and the dearly departed. Who will make the list? Tune in to find out…

Why is the New European suing Michelle Mone? The full story unfolds here… together with what we think it might mean for future writ-happy individuals trying to silence honest reporting. Plus we are joined by the brilliant Zoe Gardner who looks back at an appalling year for the demonisation of migrants and forward to 2024 […]

Is a thirty-five day suspension for one MP really enough? Are ID cards a good idea or an invasion of privacy? And ‘Slow Horses‘ or ‘The Crown‘. All these questions and more are answered in this edition of The Two Matts, with Matt Kelly and Matt d’Ancona. Thanks to these wonderful people for their questions […]

Is Nigel Farage ‘hard right’ or ‘far right’? The Two Matts pass judgement on James Cleverly, celebrate the cultural highlights of 2023 and give their alternative choices for Person Of The Year.

You asked the questions and we’ve responded… Matthew d’Ancona and Matt Kelly don’t hold back over proportional representation, immigration, benefits and the power of Elon Musk.

The Two Matts discuss the legacy of the former Secretary of State, who died this week. How will he be remembered? As one of the most effective diplomats of our times… or a mass-murdering war criminal who should have died in The Hague? Or is the answer, just possibly, a bit more nuanced than that? […]

Happy Sunday – the Two Matts are back in the mailbox to answer your questions. #ama

How to spot an actual fascist in your midst! The Two Matts explore a fascinating checklist that sends shudders down their spines … and sheds light on the persistent rise of right wing populists from Geert Wilders in Holland to Javier Milei in Argentina to Nigel Farage in… as James Cleverley would say… a sh*thole […]

In this Q&A episode, Matt Kelly and Matthew d’Ancona answer questions on Jordan Peterson, the EU, podcasting, and politics. Can the use of humour counter charlatans and populists? Does the EU need to undergo reformation before the UK rejoins, and who should you vote for? Thanks to Roland, Keith, Andrew, J.Wells and Micheal for their […]

First half… a sharp dissection of the asylum that has become UK politics. How did Rishi Sunak manage to make Suella Braverman look like the competent one? In the second half, the Two Matts are joined by the inimitable Dom Joly whose new book on conspiracy theories is a treat. Well, that’s the rumour we […]

Braverman out, Cameron in. What does it all add up to? In the first ever Two Matts emergency podcast, Matt and Matt get inside the head of Rishi Sunak (the things they do for you!) and work through his thinking and the consequences.

Matthew d’Ancona and Matt Kelly answer important questions on the possibility of civil war in America if Trump wins the election, the introduction of mandatory ID in the UK, the impact of right-wing media on British political discourse, their favourite George Michael songs and the new John Lewis advert. Questions come from Ben Valentine, Dave, […]

On a question of statesmanship over Gaza between Barack Obama and Suella Braverman, who do the Two Matts think comes out on top? Go on, take a wild guess. Also: Is Nadine Dorries locked in a paranoid fantasy or is there a kernel of truth in the conspiracy theories she’s packed into her new book? […]

Steph, Andrew, Nigel and Jim pose all the important questions, from voter ID to The Beatles.

He’s the leader of a new brand of right wing politics… but has he actually got anything to say? The Two Matts spend an evening with Jordan Peterson – and it’s an experience they’ll never forget. Plus – who’s worst? Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson or Matt Hancock? And what should we do with politicians with […]

Ben, Rob, Mike, Mo, Jane and Andrew pose all the important questions, from WhatsApp to biscuits.

In a competition for lousiest leader, it’s a toss up between Elon Musk and Rishi Sunak. Matt d’Ancona argues Sunak might actually be the worst Tory leader since the referendum – and that’s a pretty high bar! Meanwhile – how did the late, great Bill Kenwright summarise life at Everton FC to Matt Kelly? It […]

Clarissa, Sanjay, Zack and Louise have questions – and The Two Matts have answers. Hopefully in the right order. Have a question? Email us at 2matts@tnepublishing.com

When it comes to exerting influence on the world stage, there was only two real leaders in Israel this week and neither was Rishi Sunak. Joe Biden brought statesmanship and rhetorical magnificence, while Mo Salah became perhaps the most viewed appeal for humanity the world has ever seen. The Two Matts are also joined by […]

Atrocity in Israel … and what does the reaction in the UK say about our shared humanity? Warning: we discuss some of the graphic violence perpetrated by Hamas. And the Two Matts are joined in the second half by esteemed education campaigner and journalist Fiona Millar who hands Keir Starmer his report card on how […]

Two Matts, one shark… and a car battery. Which would you choose? Plus, more trivial questions that have arisen from the Conservative Party Conference. Have a question to stump the Two Matts? Email us now at 2matts@tnepublishing.co.uk LISTENER OFFER: get Rory Stewart’s new book Politics On the Edge, (worth £22 ) FREE when you subscribe […]

Michael Wolff’s gripping new book The Fall chronicles in extraordinary detail the final years of Rupert Murdoch’s grip on worldwide news media. Wolff is a master of his craft – shedding light on legends in their own lifetimes – most notably Murdoch and Donald Trump. Today, in a fascinating trialogue, he faces The Two Matts, […]

With Rupert Murdoch exiting stage left, Matt K recalls the time he saved his life .. or at least spared him from a broken nose. Also – what will be the long term fall out from the Russell Brand expose and has Keir Starmer moved in a positive direction on Europe … or is it […]

Take your pick… Sleepy Joe Biden or Doo-Lally Don. Had the world ever faced a lousier toss-up for title of Leader Of The Free World? Meanwhile… what actual planet is Elon Musk on. All this plus Chanel and devil dogs in this week’s Two Matts Have a question to stump the Two Matts? Email us […]

Concrete proof this government is unfit for purpose – but what are the real scandals the media should be talking about when it comes to education in Britain? And what does the Rolling Stones new album teach us about music and rebellion? All that and more from podcastings very own top boys, Matt and Matt… […]

If Grant Shapps was the answer… what on earth was the question? Also – why Iain Duncan Smith has won Hypocrite of the Decade award… and the 2 Matts tackle the big sports story of the week: Luis Rubiales and the Spanish FA. Get Rory Stewart’s new book, Politics On the Edge, FREE when you […]

Is the death of Prighozhin a milestone in the eventual fall of Putin? What did we learn from the fact that Elon Musk has got a direct line into the Russian leader? And do Lucy Letby’s awful crimes reveal anything about the nature of evil? Plus a VERY special limited offer for new subscribers to […]

Will Trump turn the tables on Georgian prosecutors and make his trial the most watched campaign show in history with devastating consequences for democracy. Meanwhile… where are the devastating consequences for Michelle Mone, the Tory peer who profiteered from Covid? Also – which Matt flunked his A-levels? And which Matt is suddenly a football fan […]

Suella Braverman, Lee Anderson, Rishi Sunak … are we falling into their trap by focussing on asylum seeker barges and taskforces against “dodgy lawyers” while the real story of this government’s abject incompetence is ignored? And talking of absolute cults, the Two Matts say goodbye to two giants of culture – Jamie Reid and William […]

Prosecution or persecution? Donald Trump is dragging American politics deep into uncharted waters and if you thought 2016 represented a low point in western democracy, then you ain’t seen nothing yet. On the upside, the Two Matts both loved Barbie but over Oppenheimer they had something of a fall out. Which seemed appropriate.

What’s driving the sudden reversal on green policies from both Sunak and Starmer… and how did Gregg Wallace become one of the all time great satirists? All this and more in this week’s meaty Two Matts discussion.

Caroline Lucas changed British politics when she became the UK’s first Green MP in 2010. Now she’s bringing her Westminster career to a close.. the Two Matts sit down with her for an extended interview about integrity in politics, why Keir Starmer needs to show more courage, and how spending time with the dying has […]

Matt and Matt dissect the drama of the Huw Edwards saga… and find themselves at odds on both how he has been treated and the role of The Sun in this sorry tale of our times

In which The Fourth Matt is revealed, Zuckerberg takes it to Elon and the Matts celebrate The Boss.

London is a political mess and Paris is on fire … the Two Matts explore this tale of two cities. Have the Tories abandoned the capital… and why do French police shot dead so many more than cops in any other European country? Plus how a former hot dog salesman marched on Moscow.

The Brexit Referendum is now 7 years ago, and Matt & Matt rake the coals searching for the glimmer of good news in amongst the procession of bad. Spoiler alert: They fail. Also discussed: the incredible contrast between five rich people in a submarine and 700 poor people in a boat on the Med. And, […]

Missed us? The New European Podcast returns at The Two Matts, now with editor Matt Kelly and editor-at-large Matthew d’Ancona discussing the week’s political developments. New episodes every Friday.