Oh God, What Now?

Latest Episodes:

Live in Brighton with Rafael Behr: Part Two Jun 11, 2022

Show notes

Is the nation due a vibe shift? With the Conservative Party in disarray, it would appear the times are a-changing… Plus, the Jubilee weekend has raised questions over the future of the monarchy. Dorian, Ian, Alex, Ros and special guest Rafael Behr mull over the state of the UK and how it might change in the near future.

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Alex Andreou, Ian Dunt and Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees, Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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Live in Brighton with Rafael Behr: Part One Jun 10, 2022

Show notes

With Johnson clinging on to power after a dramatic week in Westminster, the panel unpacks VONC aftermath live in Brighton. What next for the embattled PM – can he linger around like a foul political stench for much longer? Dorian, Ian, Alex, Ros and special guest Rafael Behr mull over the latest drama in the first half of our latest in-person outing – from Hove, actually.

“The Conservative Party has been in the grip of a personality cult.” – Ros Taylor
“Johnson will try to pacify everyone and fail.” – Alex Andreou
“Being in control and having a plan takes hard work, and that’s an element he’s not willing to put in.” – Alex Andreou

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The Brady Crunch Jun 03, 2022

Show notes

As Johnson says he won’t quit thanks to a newfound sense of responsibility, we assess the chance of him being ousted. No confidence letters to 1922 Committee chair Graham Brady are reportedly nearing the magic 54 number. Will that happen? Then, what next? Plus, with Platty Joobs upon us, we discuss the panel's thoughts on a Royalist shindig. Guardian sketch writer John Crace is our special guest.

“The idea that Johnson might do the decent thing or feel a note of shame… he’d need a character transplant for that.” – John Crace
“You have to be a very anaemic Tory MP to think this can be allowed to rumble on forever.” – Ian Dunt
“It’s getting harder to imagine the Tories winning the next election, whoever is in charge.” – Ros Taylor

Presented by Alex Andreou with Ian Dunt and Ros Taylor. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees, Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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“We’ve Hosted a Party by Mistake” – Plus guest Francis Fukuyama May 26, 2022

Show notes

Fifth birthday edition! Let the PM who has not accidentally arrived at a party during a pandemic lockdown cast the first stone... The panel unpacks Johnson’s latest partygate excuses now the hottest report of the year has dropped. Plus, special guest Francis Fukuyama gives his take and joins to discuss his latest book Liberalism and Its Discontents. And a special OGWN Backstage Confidential in the Extra Bit…

“People weren’t just having a quick drink, this was people getting drunk to the level they were vomiting.” – Naomi Smith
“We live in an age where there is so little accountability. Entire Governments would’ve fallen over this, let alone just the people at the top.” – Naomi Smith
“The key words in the report were ‘we seem to have got away with it’… and they will.” – Ros Taylor
“It’s no secret that Johnson’s tactic is to draw out every scandal until the public gets tired of it.” – Naomi Smith
“To play this term out with Johnson in charge, purely because nobody else wants the job, it feels like the last days of Rome.” – Ros Taylor
“Liberalism was invented due to the European wars of religion, and India is heading down that path.” – Francis Fukuyama
“Ukraine has been one of the biggest disasters in authoritarian decision-making history.” – Francis Fukuyama

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Naomi Smith and Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees, Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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Dude, Where’s My Society? May 20, 2022

Show notes

The panel unpacks our eternally wise Government’s ingenious cost of living fix – simply try to be richer! How did certain politicians come to suggest better jobs and working more as quick fixes to escape poverty? Is the old “no such thing as society” mantra rearing its head? Plus, the Article 16 standoff goes on, who were the charlatans who signed up to this dodgy deal?

“What Rishi Sunak actually does with his money is give fuck-off donations to his old private school.“ – Ros Taylor
“The Bank of England doesn’t have many levers it can pull, and raising interest rates is quite a painful one.” – Ian Dunt
“As an MP, even visiting a food bank you’re a tourist in a strange land.” – Alex Andreou
“When you’re poor, a trip to the dentist can knock your finances out of orbit for a year.” – Alex Andreou
“Big Dog is not under immediate pressure, so Big Dog does not need to act.” – Ros Taylor

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Aloo Aloo Aloo, What’s Going on Keir, Then? May 13, 2022

Show notes

As Starmer goes bhuna or bust, we discuss his big gamble and the ongoing curry furore. Lib Dem MP Layla Moran joins us to discuss who’s pushing the story and whether Keir’s response was the right move? Plus, the panel unpacks the local elections, now the dust from the ballot boxes has settled. And, what are the big things we should be worried about from the Queen’s Speech?

“Johnson is a great asset for the Labour Party.” – Naomi Smith
“What Keir Starmer is in fact doing is what I think most people would hope most politicians would do in this situation.” – Layla Moran
“The Durham Police get to decide who gets to be leader and deputy leader of the Labour Party." – Ros Taylor
"The media mudslinging affects all politicians." – Layla Moran
"The government hasn't made new laws, just scrapped old ones." – Ros Taylor
"It's just 38 bills of awfulness." – Layla Moran

Come to OGWN Live in Brighton with special guest Rafael Behr on Weds 8 June: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/oh-god-what-now-live-in-brighton

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Neil Kinnock on How to Fight the Good Fight May 06, 2022

Show notes

Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock talks Westminster sleaze, Starmer’s fighting spirit and tussles with the ultra-left. He and the panel unpack the rot in Government and the decline in standards – which he suggests could undo Johnson in the long run. Neil also reflects on his own time heading up Labour, while addressing what the party needs to do now and for the future.

“Keir Starmer is not Kinnock, or John Smith, or Tony Blair. He is in fact Keir Starmer.” – Neil Kinnock
“I think that Keir was probably born mature.” – Neil Kinnock
“Keir is not a warrior but a consistent relentless fighter, and that’s why he’s a forensic lawyer. That’s why in his case, he says: ‘Don’t get mad, get even.’” – Neil Kinnock
“Labour leaders most of the time have to manage their parties to an extent that other party leaders don’t have to do.” – Neil Kinnock
“Compromise for a realistic political leader is like oxygen for human beings.” – Neil Kinnock
“If you live in the real world, as you must, a life without compromise is unlivable.” – Neil Kinnock
“It’s no good Labour leader’s whinging about mistreatment from the press.” – Neil Kinnock
"Labour has a galaxy of meaningful policies, but no overall mission.” – Neil Kinnock
"Blair's fall from esteem was almost Greek in dimension." – Neil Kinnock
"Elections are won and lost over years, not weeks." – Neil Kinnock

https://www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ian Dunt and Ros Taylor. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees, Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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NSFW (Not Safe For Westminster) Apr 29, 2022

Show notes

As Boris Johnson’s teflon covering is scratched away, we chart a potential path to his political demise. The panel analyses the latest x-rated scandal in the Commons, that newspaper article and the Prime Minister’s turmoil. Plus, we look at Elon Musk’s controversial Twitter takeover. Sir Anthony Seldon, political historian and author of The Impossible Office? The History of the British Prime Minister, is this week’s guest.

“Boris Johnson has passed the supposed point of no return in his leadership about 97 times.” – Sir Anthony Seldon
“Tories love power, that’s why they’re the longest serving party in history, whereas Labour are more purist.” – Sir Anthony Seldon
“This drip, drip of partygate information has helped Johnson, but harmed the Conservatives.” - Alex Andreou
“After the past few years the public expect politicians to break the law and get away with it.” – Minnie Rahman
“To be a successful leader you need to appreciate history… arrogance will only lead to your downfall.” – Sir Anthony Seldon
“All his life Johnson has played his own game, by his own rules and got his own way.” – Sir Anthony Seldon
“The cost of living crisis feels like a Tory crisis, and that’s where Labour's political opportunity is.” – Minnie Rahman

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

Presented by Naomi Smith with Alex Andreou and Minnie Rahman. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees, Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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The Lunatics Have Taken Over the Asylum System Apr 22, 2022

Show notes

We unpack Johnson’s latest partygate pseudo-apology and analyse the Government’s controversial Rwanda asylum plans. Might the PM’s hubris finally catch up with him? The panel also casts an eye to France as the nation’s presidential election comes to its climax, with veteran correspondent John Lichfield joining as this week’s guest.

“The Conservatives are looking around thinking: 'This is a party absolutely stacked with shite.'” – Ian Dunt
“If the worst Johnson can do is compare Starmer to Corbyn, then he's in a pretty terrible state.” – Ian Dunt
"The Rwanda plan is designed to rile up people like us." – Ian Dunt
“France is, very dangerously, becoming split in three ways” – John Lichfield
“The French have written off Boris some time ago as someone not to be taken seriously.” – John Lichfield
“I think Macron is going to be re-elected, and that is an extraordinary exploit.” – John Lichfield
“I don’t think anyone is actually going to get sent to Rwanda… the plan has so many holes in it I just can’t see it working” – Arthur Snell

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Arthur Snell and Ian Dunt. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Alex Rees, Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant Producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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The Crime Minister Apr 14, 2022

Show notes

Johnson becomes the first PM to be convicted of a crime when in office. We look at the times Britain HAS changed its PM during a war, the fines that are coming – and how Johnson is now hiding behind the Ukrainian people so he doesn’t get No Confidenced. Aussi, la merde frappe le ventilateur in the French elections. And Penny Mordaunt, Tank Girl. Labour MP for Leeds NW Alex Sobel is our special guest.

“You don’t have to be a Non-Dom to be a Chancellor – but it helps, right?” – Naomi Smith
“The question is, where is the bottom of the Tories’ moral compass? How low can Johnson go?” – Alex Sobel
“My own father died during COVID and I wasn’t able to touch him – because I, like everyone else except our leaders, followed the rules.” – Naomi Smith
“I would be willing to put my hand on my heart and say that Rishi Sunak will never be Conservative Party leader.” – Alex Sobel
“Populism is the promise that the harshest possible laws will apply to everyone else. That is the Le Pen offer.” – Alex Andreou
“Everyone forgets that the main reason Sunak became Chancellor was simply because he was compliant.” – Alex Sobel

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Naomi Smith and Alex Andreou. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Assistant producer: Elina Ganatra. Audio production Alex Rees. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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