Oh God, What Now?

Latest Episodes:

The End of the Peers Show Dec 09, 2022

Show notes

Keir is striking fear into peers with plans to ditch the Lords – but why not look at electoral reform first? The panel picks apart Labour’s plans for reform. Plus, with major strikes inbound – is this a new winter of discontent? Can the Government succeed in the Grinch narrative, or does that show just how weak our ministers are?

“Just as trickle down economics has failed, trickle down democracy has failed.” – Naomi Smith
“I think Starmer is going to be quite boxed in by the economic situation. But what he could do that is different is something constitutional on the Lords.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“The Tories are a very divided party, that’s why Sunak is having to drop bills or dilute them.” – Naomi Smith
“With Gordon Brown it was never going to be pithy, but it’s amazing seeing a politician believe in things.” – Ayesha Hazarika

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Presented by Andrew Harrison with Hannah Fearn, Naomi Smith and Ayesha Hazarika. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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The Battle of the Brexits Dec 06, 2022

Show notes

As Jacob Rees-Mogg et al keep telling us the sunlit uplands of Brexitville are just over the horizon, we pick apart their broken promises. What’s fallen to the wayside on the way to this broken Brexit apparently nobody voted for? Plus, the panel looks at protests in China and Iran, and the regime change they could effect. And finally, we ask: “Why can’t the left take a compliment?”

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“Countries are naturally going to take advantage of the fact you’re desperate for quick wins. We will be negotiating this stuff forever.” – Ros Taylor
“Britain’s economy was always the wrong economy for Brexit.” – Arthur Snell
“The ripe fruit of Brexit is the soggy tomato at the bottom of the fridge you’re going to throw out.” – Gavin Esler

Presented by Alex Andreou with Arthur Snell, Gavin Esler and Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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Rishi Sunak, Troubled Tough Guy Dec 02, 2022

Show notes

Sunak is trying to act tough on Russia and China but being bullied over wind farms at home. Can he shake off the image of being a weak link? Plus, we discuss the census results – and unpack the reaction to England and Wales being minority Christian nations. This week’s guest is New Statesman’s deputy political editor Rachel Wearmouth.

“You lose credit with the voters and then you lose credit within the party.“ – Rachel Wearmouth
“Conservative MPs are probably looking at a long period in opposition and maybe they don’t fancy it.” – Rachel Wearmouth
“Keir’s boring accountant vibe definitely beats Sunak’s boring carphone salesman energy.” – Alex Andreou
“China is so big, we need some level of engagement and despite the tough guy schtick Sunak is warming Chinese relations.” – Alex Andreou

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Presented by Dorian Lynskey, Ian Dunt and Alex Andreou. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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Coming Over Here, Staffing Our Hospitals Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

The Manston scandal and Braverman’s bluster lay our disastrous immigration policy bare. And just when we need more workers, Keir Starmer comes out against looser rules. Why can’t we talk honestly about this most emotive issue? Plus: will we ever defeat NIMBYism? And Planet Deepfake: why AI-generated images and video will soon outnumber human-made content.

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“When the Chinese government sends soup kitchens to the demonstrations, that’s the sign to go home or you’ll get shot.” – Gavin Esler
“We don’t actually live in a sea of bigotry like politicians think we do.” – Hannah Fearn
“Any content can now be generated perfectly by AI. This is a huge turning point for human communication.” – Nina Schick
“In Glasgow, you’re a Weegee. And if you’re a refugee, you’re accepted as a Refuweegee.” – Gavin Esler
“We will experience more technological change in our lifetime than in the entirety of human history.” – Nina Schick

Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Hannah Fearn, Gavin Esler and Nina Schick. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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Would EU Believe It? Nov 25, 2022

Show notes

What did we learn from the furore caused by whispers of a Swiss-style EU deal? Are we getting ready to mingle with the single market? The gang chats Brexit rumblings while it feels as though the narrative is shifting… Plus, as Labour touts Lords reform – should it top the list of constitutional conundrums? What other changes would the panel prefer to see happen?

“The bloated upper chamber is going to grow.” – Naomi Smith
“Westminster barely works, at any level.” – Ian Dunt “
“Why the hell is our government based in a house?” – Ian Dunt
“Brexit doesn’t predict how people vote anymore.” – Naomi Smith

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Presented by Alex Andreou with Ian Dunt, Naomi Smith and Justin Quirk. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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No Money Mo’ Problems Nov 22, 2022

Show notes

Hunt’s autumn statement has wound everyone up while whispers of a Swiss-style Brexit deal are sparking more Tory fury. How is Sunak going to handle anger from the public and his party? And how will parties to the right of the spectrum capitalise on the current disquiet? Plus, as Dorries looks to pen a Johnson biography we discuss the best and worst books of the political genre. This week’s guest is Rosie Campbell, director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership and professor of politics at King’s College London.

“The public are not stupid, they know everybody is going to be a lot poorer.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“I cannot see a world in which we do something involving a Swiss-style deal.” – Ayesha Hazarika
“I think in the long term the Conservative Party keeps going down this anti-woke agenda.” – Rosie Campbell
“If Farage does enter the fray, I think it does cause problems for the Conservative Party.” – Ayesha Hazarika

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

Presented by Ros Taylor with Ayesha Hazarika and Marie Le Conte. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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The Feel-Bad Austerity Remix Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

Out a day early to JUST beat the fiscal announcement… As Jeremy Hunt’s cuts come in, we look at why austerity has never worked before and won’t work now – and whether the infamous fiscal Black Hole is even real. Plus, Labour activist Michael Chessum of Another Europe Is Possible and Momentum talks about his new book This Is Only the Beginning: The Making of a New Left, from Anti-Austerity to the Fall of Corbyn. And in the Extra Bit… Gerontocracy Now? From Biden to Lula to Putin, why do rocky systems end up with ancient leaders?

Listeners can get 25% off Michael’s book This Is Only the Beginning. Go here and use the code Whatnow_25

https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/this-is-only-the-beginning-9780755641284/

“We are going to have to pay the Truss-Kwarteng Idiot Premium for decades to come.” – Alex Andreou
“There’s huge public support for union action now that we’re in a crisis… You can hear the rumble of the cavalry in the distance.” – Michael Chessum
“This isn’t a fiscal hole. Truss and Kwarteng created a credibility hole.” – Alex Andreou
“Hunt is banking on Keir Starmer making the same mistake that Ed Miliband did… We’re not hearing a clear anti-austerity line from Labour.” – Michael Chessum

Written and presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou and Yasmeen Serhan. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Geburtson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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We’ve Tried Nothing and We’re All Out of Ideas Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

Sunak is performing ex-Prime Minister karaoke, pulling together failed ideas and giving them a go. Has he got anything fresh up his sleeve? Plus star guest Philippe Auclair, football journalist and singer songwriter, joins to discuss the moral perils of the upcoming Qatar World Cup. And finally after a string of seemingly culture averse Culture Secretaries, we ask the panel what they’d do if they took on the job.

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“It’s not just that we’re back to austerity, it’s austerity on austerity.” – Ros Taylor
“Why is rejoining the single market not part of the debate? I despair.” – Philippe Auclair
“I’ve never seen a World Cup that’s been approached in such a way.” – Philippe Auclair
“Hosting the World Cup is not about reputation, it’s about wielding power.” – Philippe Auclair

Presented by Andrew Harrison with Ros Taylor and Ahir Shah. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jet Gerbertson and Alex Rees. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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Gavin, Gavin… Gone Nov 11, 2022

Show notes

Rejected Alan Partridge character “Sir” Gavin Williamson resigns to spend more time with his tarantula. (Poor Cronus). Is Sunak even paying attention to anything that isn’t the economy? Plus, the US Mid-Terms weren’t quite as hellish as expected. UCL politics professor Julie Norman explains what it means for Biden’s next two years and the spectre of Trump II. And the latest on Elon Trussk wrecking Twitter.

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“Gavin Williamson was that embarrassing middle-aged guy who’s never seen any service but wets himself when he meets the SAS.” – Arthur Snell
“I’m pathetically sentimental about the British-French relationship… When it’s not good, it upsets me.” – Ian Dunt
“Biden’s agenda is pretty much done now… Republicans will air all the bad stuff they possibly can from now on.” – Julie Norman

Written and presented by Ros Taylor with Ian Dunt and Arthur Snell. Producers: Alex Rees and Jet Gerbertson. Assistant producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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What’s the point of Rishi Sunak? Nov 08, 2022

Show notes

Rishi Sunak promised stability but here we are, back in a u-turn vortex. If he can’t stop the rot, what’s the point of the new PM? Does he have a political north star? And as Braverman’s shirks blame, we agree the asylum system is broken – just not in the way she thinks. What needs fixing? Plus, Matt Hancock joins the shameful list of reality TV politicians. Seriously? This week’s guest is Satbir Singh, managing director of openDemocracy.

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“If there's one thing we know about Sunak it is he very obviously panics quite quickly.” – Marie Le Conte
“Sunak will piss off several parts of the Parliamentary party no matter what he does.” – Marie Le Conte
“As a country we’ve never been capable of having a sensible debate on asylum.” – Tom Peck
“I feel physically sick hearing some of the things being said by ministers.” – Satbir Singh

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

Presented by Alex Andreou with Tom Peck and Marie Le Conte. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Jet Gerbertson. Assistant Producer: Kasia Tomasiewicz. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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