Oh God, What Now?

Latest Episodes:

Have I Got No News For You Apr 08, 2022

Show notes

Dorries decides to sell Channel 4 (definitely not out of revenge), it’s two years of Keir, and populism wins again with Orbán. Guest Matt Forde, comedian and host of The Political Party podcast, joins us to look at how Labour has shifted under two years of Starmer and where it goes next. Plus, we look at what’s behind Nadine Dorries’ decision – and what will come of another Orbán victory in Hungary?

“Starmer didn’t want to be in a position where he had to remove the whip from Corbyn, it didn’t make his life easier.” – Ian Dunt
“For the first time since Gordon Brown, Labour has the better candidate to be Prime Minister.” – Matt Forde
“Labour might not be 20 points ahead of the Tories, but they are 25 points ahead of where they were under Corbyn.” – Ros Taylor
“I think he [Johnson] has totally underestimated how livid people are… I think he is totally out of touch with the anger and the hurt.” – Matt Forde
“Channel 4 is an easier target than the BBC. People are less attached to it, and Dorries is less afraid to take it on.” - Ros Taylor

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

Presented by Alex Andreou 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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Party, All the Fines? – with guest Emily Thornberry Apr 01, 2022

Show notes

With Partygate fines being dished out, special guest Emily Thornberry joins us to discuss Government scandals and sleaze. The shadow attorney general weighs in on Boris Johnson’s position, as it appears evermore untenable. Plus, we discuss the Labour’s future prospects, hopes for change …and the Tories eternally wading into the war on woke.

“You can’t have some rules for some people and no rules for other people. We don’t have gods among us.” – Emily Thornberry
“Of course the British people want to help people, but we don’t have a government that can step up to that.” – Emily Thornberry
“We have to win so many seats back and to do it in one leap is going to be difficult.” – Emily Thornberry
“You can be as radical and beautiful as you want to be, but if you don’t get elected, you’re no use to anybody.” – Emily Thornberry
"If Labour isn't the party for the disempowered and marginalised, then why are we here?" – Emily Thornberry

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

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

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Last Chancellor Saloon Mar 25, 2022

Show notes

We analyse whether there was anything but jam tomorrow from the chancer Chancellor in his Spring Statement. During a historic cost of living crisis, has Rishi Sunak come anywhere close to meeting the moment? Plus, as scandals surrounding Boris Johnson and his Government resurface, we dive into the sleaze. Will Davies, a professor in political economy and co-author of Unprecedented?: How COVID-19 Revealed the Politics of Our Economy, is this week’s guest.

“This statement struck the wrong note for the challenge we as a country are facing.” – Alex Andreou
“It is useful for Johnson to draw a line between himself and Europe, and the EU can get more done without Britain.” – Ros Taylor
“Johnson will no doubt want to use Ukraine in any way he can to distract from partygate.” – Will Davies
“Sunak had the choice of doing right by the country or right by the party, and he chose the latter.” – Alex Andreou

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

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

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From Russia With Funds Mar 18, 2022

Show notes

Government shortcomings amid Ukraine’s invasion are clear, with questions over refugee support and Russian influence in British politics. The panel discusses oligarch controversy, issues for those trying to flee to Britain and global shifts the present crisis is sparking. Guardian columnist and The Long View presenter Jonathan Freedland is our special guest this week.

“You can’t deal with this on your own, of course not. It has to be European solidarity.” – Jonathan Freedland
“If you’re mixing at parties with celebrities and politicians, you’re going to have gossip on them.” – Naomi Smith
“We’ve seen a realignment of the world into dictatorship vs democracy.” – Jonathan Freedland
“Russians are the first victims of Putinism, they’ve been both gagged and blindfolded, and we need to liberate them.” – Jonathan Freedland

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

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

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Slava Ukraini – OGWN Live in London Mar 11, 2022

Show notes

Live in London… How will Putin’s Ukraine gamble play out? Has Johnson got away with Partygate? Which pundit wins the Worst Take on Ukraine award? Ian, Dorian, Ros, Minnie (live debut!) and special crossover guest Arthur Snell of Doomsday Watch/The Bunker discuss these issues and more before a brilliant live audience at the Leicester Square Theatre.

Text the word SUPPORT to 70150 to send £10 to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ros Taylor, Minnie Rahman, Arthur Snell and Ian Dunt. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production Alex Rees. Theme music by Cornershop. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Special thanks to Jess Davies and all at the Leicester Square Theatre. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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🇺🇦 Ukraine: A Nation’s Bravery 🇺🇦 plus guest Anna Soubry 🇺🇦 Mar 04, 2022

Show notes

As Ukrainian resistance awes the world, can EU sanctions stop Russia – or are the risks of confronting Putin just too great? Plus the Government’s cruel refugee policy, unexplained oligarch wealth, and the ignominy of Stop The War. This week’s special guest is former Conservative MP, defence minister and Change UK leader Anna Soubry.

“Ukraine has made people realise what the nature of a refugee really is.” – Anna Soubry
“The financial assault on Russia is economic warfare of the highest order.” – Ian Dunt
“Parliament voting against airstrikes in Syria in 2013 was a dreadful mistake. It showed Putin he could essentially do what he wanted.” – Anna Soubry
“There are two frontlines. There’s the battle in Ukraine and the financial assault on Russia.” – Ian Dunt
“This is almost a betrayal… We have spent eyewatering amounts of money on nuclear weapons and it turns out that the bully can win anyway?” – Ann Soubry
“Zelenskyy puts himself in the public eye and in harm’s way, exactly the way Putin doesn’t.” – Naomi Smith

Find resources to help the Ukrainian people here: https://ukrainewar.carrd.co/

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

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

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A Crime Against Freedom Feb 24, 2022

Show notes

**This episode was recorded prior to Russia's assault on Ukraine on Thursday.**

Putin pounces. Ukraine in peril. COVID sidelined at home.

Romeo Kokriatski, managing editor of New Voice of Ukraine, joins us from Kyiv to talk about the horror posed by Russia’s aggression. Plus, comedian and creator of The Room Next Door Michael Spicer joins us to discuss what’s going on domestically, as Boris Johnson tries to ignore his way out of the pandemic.

“Putin is a dictator, he doesn’t need a reason to do anything.” - Romeo Kokriatski
“Russia’s demands were completely unacceptable. It would leave NATO countries on Russia’s borders completely undefended.” - Romeo Kokriatski
“Apart from the US, Britain can hurt Russia the most, yet we aren’t fulfilling our obligations.” - Ian Dunt
“Covid is not the same as a cold. How are people meant to protect others if they don’t know they have it?” - Minnie Rahman
“There’s been a running narrative of ‘when will they get this right?’ about this government.” - Michael Spicer
“As long as this Government is in charge, there will always be material for comedy.” - Michael Spicer

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Ian Dunt and Minnie Rahman. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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Ukraine in the trenches, Britain on the benches Feb 18, 2022

Show notes

Russia insists troops are being withdrawn from the Ukrainian border, but is there a genuine deescalation? What happens next? We assess the crisis and Britain’s reaction to it. Plus, with our institutions in disarray as the Government remains embroiled in scandal, what needs to change? Former diplomat and civil servant Alexandra Hall Hall is today’s special guest.

“I find it so frustrating that Russia is spinning this narrative that NATO’s actions are somehow provocative.” - Alexandra Hall Hall
“This situation is the best opportunity for Boris Johnson to perform his ‘wannabe Churchill’ routine.” - Alexandra Hall Hall
“There has been a hollowing out of the ethos of the senior civil service.” – Alex Andreou
“In order to deliver Brexit, so many conventions were trampled upon.” – Alexandra Hall Hall

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

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

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When Will the Bubbly Burst? Feb 11, 2022

Show notes

As Boris Johnson is busted with bubbly, will new No.10 arrivals come to his rescue – or are they too late to the parties? Journalist and author Marie Le Conte joins us from sister podcast The Bunker to discuss the latest ins and outs at Downing Street and the mini Cabinet reshuffle. Plus, while the PM loses friends at a rapid rate, a constant ally remains in the form of Nadine Dorries. We ask, what’s her deal?

“Like Matt Hancock, this rambling scandal will disable Johnson – but it’ll be something else that gets rid of him.” – Alex Andreou
“It doesn’t matter if Johnson apologises about the Savile smear. The point is, in the country the moral line has held.” – Ian Dunt
“The penalties for accusing someone of lying are far worse than the lying itself, and that cannot stand.” – Ian Dunt
"Johnson has built a parliamentary party of morons, and surrounded himself with the worst of them." - Alex Andreou
"Dorries' behaviour is so bizarre that people have to come up with explanations, but the basic answer is she's shit." - Ian Dunt

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

Presented by Naomi Smith with Alex Andreou and Ian Dunt. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Lead Producer: Jacob Jarvis. Producers: Jacob Archbold and Jelena Sofronijevic. Audio production by Alex Rees. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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Blame and Shame Feb 04, 2022

Show notes

Boris Johnson remains consistent in at least one regard – he continues to disappoint yet fails to surprise with his actions. With the PM’s bluster having backfired of late, journalist and author of Just Boris: A Tale of Blond Ambition Sonia Purnell joins us to discuss his position. Meanwhile, questions have been raised over “dirty money” from Russia “flowing into” London. How does this tie in with our politics – and place on the world stage?

“Boris was driven by the agenda of his own career. He had to be number 1 and of course the most powerful person in the country is the Prime Minister.” - Sonia Purnell
“It’s getting hard to defend the system.” - Ian Dunt
“Tory MPs have essentially desensitised themselves, and there are no boundaries to what they will defend.” - Ros Taylor
“Johnson is not a nice, cuddly teddy bear. There is a loss of control when he’s under threat.” - Sonia Purnell
“For the Tory party to change, you have to hurt it at the ballot box.” - Ros Taylor

www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow

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

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