The Great Unravelling: Recent Episodes
Ben Kelly and Mat Walker
An irreverent podcast out every fortnight with writer and political commentator Ben Kelly and his long-suffering friend Mat Walker. Over a few drinks these fed up, nearly middle-aged dads discuss current affairs and social issues before veering off course and bollocking on about their jaded, pandemic tainted lives and unravelling minds. Previously known as The Sceptic Isle Podcast.
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Summer special featuring Deadpool & Wolverine, new TV show Fantasmas, Kevin Costner’s marriage ending passion project Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, revisiting Tim Burton’s Ed Wood and preview of the upcoming cinema releases.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com
Ben and Mat disagree on the merits of Inside Out 2, play 'Furiosa or Fake-iosa', Jim from The Office's new film, IF, tiny little dragons in the pond and why Ben might be moving to Copenhagen.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com
Ben reviews Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and smartphone biographical comedy-drama, BlackBerry. Also a controversial call-to-arms to combat the scourge of your local pub.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com
John Ford's quintessential classic Western, The Searchers starring John Wayne. That's right, a stone cold classic. But in Ben's view, how well has this really old film stood the test of time?
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com
Ben reviews Alex Garland's dystopian thriller Civil War and Dev Patel's revenge beat 'em up in the classic style, Monkey Man. But which is best?
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Ben and Mat review Dune: Part two. Is it any good? What on earth is it about? Which of the starry cast are the best at acting? All of this and more. Plus Ben nearly drowns at the swimming baths
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com
Sorry this is a bit out of date, current affairs wise. Anyway, remember that whole thing in the House of Commons the other week? Yeah, that. Let's talk about that like it's just happened.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com
Ben and Mat discuss the prospect of tax cuts at a time when our public services are under more strain than ever.
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Ben and Mat welcome in the new year and discuss the prospect of a new government. Ben reviews 13 years of the Tories. We also take a dive into the depths of Ben's chocolate box - which classics have survived Christmas undevoured?
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Ben and Mat run down our favourite things of the year. Yes, things. We didn't think it was helpful to be specific.
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Ben and Mat attempt a discussion that cannot be tied to a specific point in time. Podcasting in the void.
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Guess what Ben's still angry about...
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Ben wishes Labour would be more bold with fresh policies to capture the public imagination. Also pond update, the actors strike's unseen UK impact and listener correspondence.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com
Ben and Mat check in on summer activities including a father son bonding trip to that there London, digging a pond and the joy of summer finally ending.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com
Ben and Mat chat IRL on a range of important and engaging subjects including making fake phone calls, talking to yourself and sprint triathlons.
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Ian Dunt returns to the podcast to talk to Mat and Ben about his new-ish book 'How Westminster Works...And Why It Doesn't'
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Louise Calvey from campaign group Refugee Action talks to us about the reality of the government's 'Stop the boats' policy.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com
The government has dropped it's house building targets during a housing crisis. Meanwhile Labour have gone on the attack, pledging to prioritise house building and Ben is a bit excited. We also discuss Mat's news, mental health check-in and some jokes.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com
Ben and Mat chat to writer and broadcaster Sam Delaney about his book 'Sort Your Head Out: Mental health without all the bollocks'. They discuss the value of recognising your own trauma, how to share your mental health struggles with others, the stresses of modern fatherhood and plenty more other s**t.
Sam Delaney on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DelaneyMan
The Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com
Ben tells Mat why he should read 'Sort Your Head Out: Mental health without all the bollocks' by Sam Delaney and trails some exciting future podcast news!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegreatunravelling.substack.com
Back after a break, Ben and Mat catch up for the benefit of the dear listeners. Ben's been using his gardening leave wisely and we revisit the epic saga that is Bengeons and Dragons.
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The Retained EU Law Bill is passing through its final stages in the Commons. Ben gives us the lowdown on what he thinks is "the last reckless and desperate move from the Brexit headbangers that have done so much to derail their own political project due to their own dogmatism and ignorance." He has a monologue and everything. Plus the usual other shit.
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Ben and Mat catch up after the festive period, including a truly traumatic pantomime experience for Mat and the value of setting realistic goals for the year ahead for your MENTAL HEALTH. Also some fart talk.
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Merry Christmas! Ben and Mat step into Christmas with an update from Ben on his son's fluctuating belief in Santa, conversing with strangers in the pub, film recommendations for this year's festive period and a Christmas quiz. Ben and Mat also exchange gifts.
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Ben and Mat discuss their Christmas trees this year before revisiting another of 2021's popular Christmas episodes, this time running down their top 5 Christmas songs whilst even more drunk than they were on the films one.
Ben's frankly excellent Christmas Spotify playlist for your Christmas pleasure:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5RIBFoxICRcZqzgVo3B6ps?si=26a2c9ab6acb4933
Ben and Mat check in on each other in the lead up to Christmas and listen back to last year's well loved, though a tad excitable Top 5 Christmas Films episode.
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Freddie Poser from PricedOut and particle accelerator physicist Luke Dycks join Ben and Mat to discuss the perennial political hot potato that is housing and the NIMBYism that keeps the fire burning. Also it's Ben's birthday and this is what he's chosen to do to celebrate.
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Ben and Mat discuss public information campaigns and why there should be one for the looming winter energy crisis.
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Ben and Mat discuss how post Brexit rules are hammering our creative industries and what needs to be done. Also flooding the bathroom and a Jurassic Park related regret.
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Ben was recently banned from driving. This is the story of why and the consequences of his actions. DISCLAIMER: Two close friends often make light of things where others might not.
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Ben was recently banned from driving. This is the story of why and the consequences of his actions. DISCLAIMER: Two close friends often make light of things where others might not.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ben and Mat welcome Financial Times journalist, Jemima Kelly to discuss the devaluation of truth in the modern world. What responsibilities do journalists have in a world where lies are weaponised and the truth is up for debate? How complicit are we, the general public in the lies in which our leaders deal? Jemima has the answers in this very enjoyable and lively chat with two dimwits.
Recorded: 7th July 2022
Ben and Mat welcome Financial Times journalist, Jemima Kelly to discuss the devaluation of truth in the modern world. What responsibilities do journalists have in a world where lies are weaponised and the truth is up for debate? How complicit are we, the general public in the lies in which our leaders deal? Jemima has the answers in this very enjoyable and lively chat with two dimwits.
Recorded: 7th July 2022
Ben and Mat respond to readers letters and Ben talks us through his hatred for flies.
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Ben wants to know where Labour's ideas are. Currently sniping from the side lines like a disapproving uncle while the Conservative party eat themselves, Keir Starmer will likely be campaigning on solutions to the same problems facing Rishi and Liz (who it turns out Ben proper loves). But what will those solutions be?
Also Ben getting banned from Twitter and what luxury items is it worth spending that bit more on? Give us your wonderful opinions at thegreatunravellingpodcast@gmail.com
Ben and Mat discuss Bad news, Sentient AI, Dad Thrillers etc
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Or 'How we learned to stop worrying and love immigration'. Also worst jobs and witness Ben squirm in the latest instalment of Bengeons and Dragons.
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Ian Dunt joins Ben and Mat again for the second part of our chat, this time covering Ian's love for comic books. Ian really really loves comic books.
The Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IanDunt
Ian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
Ian Dunt (columnist, author and podcast host) returns to discuss liberalism in the UK with Mat and Ben. That is if he can take Ben seriously enough to have a grown-up conversation.
This is the first part of a two-parter - the second part will be out next week on the subject of Ian's other passion, comic books.
Ian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IanDunt
The Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
Specialist in international refugee law and Director of Stand For All, Dan Sohege joins Ben and Mat to discuss the UK's refugee policy in response to the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian refugees are being treated under different rules to other refugees - why is that? How is the response going? Mood amongst the public seems very supportive of taking people in, but does the new Nationality and Borders Bill reflect this attitude? Also usual other shit.
Dan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stand_for_all
Special bumper other shit episode featuring beaver news, Ben's review of his son's stage debut and the latest instalment of Bengeons and Dragons.
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Author, journalist and Head of Lifestyle Economics at the Institute of Economic Affairs, Christopher Snowdon joins Ben and Mat to discuss the end(?) of the pandemic, bad covid takes, even worse Ukraine takes and the wonders of snooker.
Chris on twitter: https://twitter.com/cjsnowdon
The Great Unravelling on twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
Birth rates in Britain are declining and this could lead to economic and social issues down the line. Who better to hear talk about why women are not having more kids then two middle aged white blokes?
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Ben gives us the rundown on how bloody expensive everything is in this country and how shit that is, especially for the young folk (boo hoo). Also out of date condiments, Mat's recommendation dump and the next instalment of Bengeons and Dragons.
The Great Unravelling on Twitter
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Ben talks about how Britain's approach to drugs policy and it's enforcement by authorities is muddled and confusing with no sign of improvement. Also is Ben being a bad parent? And part one of special new feature segment, 'Bengeons and Dragons'.
The Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
We list our top 5 Christmas songs. Some real corkers here too. Hopefully no nonces too.
Ben's Christmas Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5RIBFoxICRcZqzgVo3B6ps?si=bacf4e1803744bff
The Great Unravelling on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
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Ben and Mat list their top 5 favourite Christmas films and in true Christmas fashion get drunk and argue over them.
The Great Unravelling on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
Ben and Mat go for a walk up a hill, chat shit, go to some pubs.
The Great Unravelling on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
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Is our NHS being privatised (again)? No, argues our guest Kristian Niemietz, Head of Political Economy at the Institute of Economic Affairs. As the Health and Care Bill passes the House of Commons, Kristian argues that this is all scaremongering and that the impending privatisation of the NHS is a great myth that has existed since its foundation. We also discuss beer and sausages… Because, you know, he’s German.Kristian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/K_NiemietzThe Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
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Ben wants to talk about how the pessimistic predictions around rising Covid-19 rates in the UK have been proven to be nothing more than doom mongering. At least for the time being anyway... Also men's health update, James Gandolfini and Bob Mortimer.
https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
Global supply chain issues seem to have hit the UK harder than most. Well, why could that be? Ben and Mat discuss that, the futile drive to get people back into the office, whether to hire moving companies or not when moving house and remembering 90s TV programmes.
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Ben and Mat discuss assisted dying, or assisted suicide, or maybe murder? Also Norm Macdonald died. We tried to keep this one light, anyway.
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The use of live facial recognition technology by the police and private companies represents a threat to our privacy, freedom of expression, and rights of association. Well, that's what Ben thinks anyway. Also, Grease is the Word, least favourite American imports and Ben's drinking again.
The Great Unravelling on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/unravelpod
Ben's article in The Spectator:
https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/can-facial-recognition-tech-be-stopped-
How racist is Britain? Have we made any progress? What role does social media play in amplifying fringe voices? How closely do those voices portray societal attitudes to racism in reality? And how was Ben's camping trip? Mat and Ben are joined by Sunder Katwala, Director of non-partisan think tank, British Future.
British Future is an independent, non-partisan thinktank and registered charity, engaging people’s hopes and fears about integration and immigration, identity and race.
https://www.britishfuture.org/
Sunder on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/sundersays
The Great Unravelling on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
The UK has the third largest prison population in Europe and the suicide rate in our jails is twice the European average. Meanwhile the PM launches his latest plan to get tough on crime in the shape of fluorescent jacketed chain gangs. Ben's proposes that perhaps we should try a more multi-layered approach to policy. Also we get the latest on Ben's abstinence progress.
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Ian Dunt (author, political journalist and broadcaster) provides the guest monologue on this episode where Ben and Mat discuss drugs policy in the UK. Ben talks us through his journey from legalise to penalise and back again, as well as his own love affair with drugs. And what is the best drug he's had? Also Mat went to the football.
https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
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Like many of us during lockdown, Ben's booze intake has become a problem that he can longer ignore. We discuss that and hear accounts from our dear listeners of their experiences with the good stuff. Also a good amount of toilet talk was had and though Ben is now officially a person of note (on Twitter) he is vowing not to leave the little, less important people behind.https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
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Ben and Mat discuss the UK housing crisis with PricedOut Director and YIMBY campaigner, Anya Martin. What makes the UK's housing market so incredibly dysfunctional compared to other countries and what can be done about it? Also featuring a guest monologue kindly contributed by Head of Political Economy at the Institute of Economic Affairs, Kristian Niemietz.
Anya on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnyaMartin8
Kristian on Twitter: https://twitter.com/K_Niemietz
The Great Unravelling on Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnravelPod
Ben and Mat chat to Telegraph columnist Madeline Grant about how she got into the world of politics. Also compare nerd notes, The Simpsons, Airfix, Harry Potter, Lego, James Bond, jigsaws...
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Boris says lockdowns are a thing of the past and that this latest rollback of restrictions will be irreversible. Ben is desperately hoping that is the case whilst in the meantime losing himself in the role-playing psychological murder mystery game, Disco Elysium.
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Ben and Mat learn how the pandemic has played out in the Czech Republic. Our man in the know, and good friend Sam Pearson-Moore guides us through his experience there over the past year. How similar has it been to our waking nightmare in the UK? Warning: this episode also doubled up as a reunion of sorts and thus entails some not very sober discourse and more obnoxiousness that usual.
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Ben and Mat discuss the intellectual decline of the Right in Britain and how the culture war is making us all dumber. Also ever wondered how James Gandolfini and Bob Mortimer might sound together in musical form?
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Ben and Mat are joined by former Brexiteer, now Bregretter and renowned Brexitologist (sorry) Roland Smith. Roland shares his story with us and attempts to explain how it feels to get it so so wrong. His Brexit husband, Ben tries not to talk over him too much.
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After such a build up, how was Ben's Christmas? Doubtless it was everything it promised to be. Mat and Ben discuss that, how 2021 has been basically as shite as 2020 so far, dinosaur trivia and trail some imminent content plans for The Great Unravelling podcast.
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This episode is mostly about how Ben loves Christmas. Also refreshingly it features absolutely no Covid-19 chat. Join us in thoroughly forgetting that this year ever happened and step into Christmas.
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Prof. Jonathan Van-Tam warns Covid-19 is here to stay whilst Boris predicts we'll be hugging and kissing strangers before spring is out. Opinions are like arseholes, so they say, but how will our little society have changed once the virus is under control? Ben and Mat try not to make a tonne of predictions but fail before segueing into some good ol' dead dad chat.
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Good news, everyone! The vaccine is on it's way to save us from this awful virus and set us free from our homes. Not so though for those anti-vaxxers who have immediately seized the opportunity to discredit it. Ben and Mat discuss combatting scepticism around vaccinations and how pervasive the lack of trust in the Covid-19 vaccine seems to be right now. Also witness Mat using Donald Trump footage to torture Ben - how long will he hold out?
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Ben and Mat clumsily discuss attitudes towards immigration in the UK and some of the common misconceptions around the subject. Thankfully they also have specialist in international immigration law Dan Sohege involved to supply actual authority and make sure we're not just talking shit. Also playing chicken with trains and Sassy Justice.Sam Bowman (Director of Competition Policy at the International Center for Law and Economics) kindly provides this weeks monologue.Dan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stand_for_allSam on Twitter: https://twitter.com/s8mb
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Ben and Mat attempt to discuss the cultural catastrophe the fucking pandemic has caused for the live music industry, but get too excited by actually seeing each other in the flesh for the first time in 9 months, get very drunk and mostly forget that was the meant to be the point. We hear Ben's account of his own personal experience of rock n roll excess and Mat has a message for a particular listener.
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Ben and Mat discuss the new book “How to be a Liberal” with its author Ian Dunt. So, how do you be a liberal? What is liberalism? And why is it under threat? Find out right here.
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New podcast name, same old shit. Ben and Mat can't escape the inevitable all consuming subject which is the impending LOCKDOWN. Ben has a good old moan about the minor inconveniences he's experiencing, before being interrogated as to whether he's been cooking 'owt' for his family recently.
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Mat and Ben discuss Ben's journey from Brexiteer to er... non-Brexiteer then what makes a great breakfast and our inability to make new friends.
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Ben and Mat discuss the recent exam grades fun and attempt to talk with authority on the subject of algorithms. Ben says "boom" a lot for some reason, gets quite angry with Mat and becomes incredibly motivated about the prospect of Christmas, despite it being August.Mat's shameless music plug: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3iDfnt9tnfCmIWmV8v7sxT?si=jgz9sFKUQL2ir5hDOt4AoQ
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Ben neglects his Content responsibilities and thus he and Mat are left rudderless. They struggle on regardless taking in Goathland, American politics, booking bouncy castles during lockdown and a very personal embarrassing moment for Ben.
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Ben and Mat discuss how the Covid-19 enforced working from home practices may be here to stay. Come for the working from home chat, stay for the bathroom cleaning tips and references to onanism.
How To Remove Mould From Silicone Sealant In Bathroom Shower: https://youtu.be/pXDFPkMKef0
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Ben and Mat discuss dodgy parenting in lockdown. Featuring a funeral for a stick insect and whether our kids are watching too much TV.
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Ben and Mat discuss the end of the lockdown and what it means to be emerging back to normal life. Also pubs of course and the usual other shit.
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Ben and Mat discuss the impact the lockdown is having on the nation's mental health and then some other shit.
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We love our pubs, but will social distancing ruin them?
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