It Could Be Said: Recent Episodes
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Luke Middup
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Luke Middup talk about whatever they damn well want to. But usually the latest developments in the whacky worlds of British and International Politics
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to try and make sense of the breaking news about the BBC crisis, with the corporation's Director-General and Head of News quitting due to...erm...saying Donald Trump urged people to storm the Capitol. They then look at the American election results, which were a good day for Democrats but may not as good a one as people. Then they finish by looking ahead to Rachel Reeves's budget.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Liuke Middup join you from a pit of despair called last Sunday as they consider the potential death of American democracy in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's mourder, and the growing popularity of Nigel Farage in Britain
A youthful Simon Alvey, a middle-aged Will Cooling and an old Dr Luke Middup return to talk all drama of a traumatic week in Labour politics. Yes it's our reshuffle emergency podcast...delayed by two days because Luke wanted to watch the Scotland game.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk sport! Yes the world of politics is still too depressing to talk about so we discuss the start of the football season, England falling at the final hurdle in the cricket but vaulting over it in the women's football, and esports!
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return with a monster podcast as they catch up on the news. They discuss the football, Jeffery Epstein and Donald Trump, the cancellations of the Late Show, the formation of a new political party involving Jeremy Corbyn, and the continued war in the Middle East.
Dr Luke Middup and Will Cooling return to talk about the problems facing Rachel Reeves and the wider Labour Government. We do this by looking at what we do in her position and how she compares to her predecessors.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return in a surprisingly good mood considering much of the episode is given over to war in the middle east & Starmer's planned disability cuts. They also talk the race to be NYC Mayor, England vs India in the cricket, and much more!
Will Cooling & Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Elon Musk and Donald Trump falling out, Labour surprising everyone in Hamilton & what's up with Kemi Badenoch. They also start with some football talk and slip in a mini-review of Clarkson's Farm Season 4
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return after two months off from podcasting for a freewheeling discussion even by our standards. We begin with Will and Luke bemoaning the mess that Sir Keir Starmer is making off being Prime Minister before we veer off into talking about the SEVENTIES! Then Simon joins us and we quickly pivot to talking about Canadian and Australian politics.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling & Dr Luke Middup return to talk Donald Trump's tariffs! They talk the sheer scale and recklessness of the announcement, the impact on both America and the wider world, and what on earth happens next.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about Rachel Reeves's Spring Statement. In particular they discuss in detail the impact of the government's cuts to disability benefits.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup talk the latest developments in the deepening crisis over the American Government's attitude to Ukraine.
Simon Alvey is happy because of trains. Will Cooling is happy due to morbid drama full of dull rooms and badly fitted suits. Dr Luke Middup is happy because of football. We are all so happy. No sadness or worry over here. No siree. The Bad Orange Man cannot reach us in our happy place. Maybe if we keep talking about other things he'll go away.
If a week is a long time in politics then a weekend is a long time in whatever Donald Trump thinks he's doing. Join Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup for a group therapy session about an America that keeps threatening to break bad. Recorded Sunday 2nd February 2025, so a day before Trump backed or a month before he doubled down. Who knows, who cares, its just the global economy he's playing with.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to look back at 2024 through the prism of the weekend's biggest news stories including the Labour Government trying to avoid openly arguing with an aggressively racist and conspiratorial Elon Musk, the Tory Party struggling to find a role having lost over two hundred MPs, and whether Labour can improve public services and regain the initiative.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk through the biggest news in global politics including Joe Biden's pardon of his son Hunter, the unusually sleepy Irish elections, the growing crisis in France and the ballad of Louise Haigh's work phone.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return for the podcast they hoped they'd never have to record; breaking down the re-election of Donald Trump as American President. They took their experiences on the night, thoughts about why it happened, and what comes next.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Kemi Badenoch's victory in the Tory Leadership election, the budget, and the soon to be over neverending story that is the American Presidential Elections.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the shock departure of Sue Gray from her role as Chief of Staff, the latest twist and turns in the Tory Party Leadership race, and much more besides!
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup meet to celebrate the 79th anniversary of Britain winning the Battle of Britain, the sixteenth anniversary of the implosion of Lehman Brothers, and much more besides! Given the party atmosphere, this super long episode looks at such exciting topics as football regulation, tory leadership elections, struggling new labour ministers, and whatever Donald Trump is.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the far right rioting across England and Northern Ireland, and what it means for the affected communities, particularly British Muslims. They then discuss the issue of Twitter becoming a playpen for the far-right, the latest developments in the American elections, and whether Labour has been playing fast and lose with the nation's finances.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Middup talk what may be the craziest week in American political history. Joe Biden becomes the first president of the modern era to not seek the renomination, and drops out in a uniquely public and late moment. Before that we've had his predecessor and would be successor narrowly dodge an assassin's bullet, name his vice-presidential nominee and deliver his acceptance speech. This is a week that will on for decades.
We also talk Euro 2024.
A very tired Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup gathered on Saturday 6th July to unpick the general election results. They weren't quite the epic bloodletting some of the MRPs promised, but they delivered a brutal defeat to the Tory Party and the most left-wing parliament in British history. They review the election night coverage before unpicking what the results mean for each party, and why Luke hates the new Prime Minister so much.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return with a super soaraway elections preview! They talk about the mechanics of watching elections night, including when to nap and what to eat, before looking at the latest polls, and making their predictions. Oh and Luke gives us the five safest Tory seats in Britain!
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to cover the latest goings on in the election including the Tory betting scandal, latest polling, lacklusture manifestos, Nigel Farage on Ukraine, environmentalism run amok, and whether Simon is a Urban Progressive
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk yet another bad week in the general election for Rishi Sunak as Nigel Farage reenters frontline politics, he loses the debate to Sir Keir Starmer, gets shouted at for misusing government statistics, and then offend people by leaving the D-Day commemorations early. We look at how the Tory Party's campaign imploded over a week and what the future may hold.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the first full week of the election campaign. Recorded before Nigel Farage's return to frontline politics on Monday, we look at the arguments over Diane Abbott, the Tory's new pensions policy, Will's article on Tory polling, and what is going on in America.
Simon Alvey returns from Northern Ireland to catch up with Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup about the election. Together they discuss RIshi Sunak's shock announcement and the even more shocking state of the Tory Party's campaign, with Michael Gove's resignations, Sunak's gaffes and the National Service policy all getting a good kicking. We also discuss some of our expectations for the campaign.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the surprise announcement of an election on Thursday 4th July. We discuss why Rishi Sunak decided upon a snap election, the amateurish announcement and Labour's response. We then look at the implications across the nation and what our early thoughts on the shape of the campaign and result.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk a disappointing end of the season for Harry Kane and the slow start to the longest election campaigns in British and American history. They also discuss whether devolution has been a success.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about Ipswich's promotion to the premier league, Clarkson's Farm and a new First Minister in Scotland. They turn their minds to the local elections, looking at the big mayoral races, council elections, and even the odd references to Police and Crime Commissioners.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to do a deep dive into Humza Yousaf's no-good, awful Thursday as his gambit to preempt the end of his coalition with the Greens may very well bring his premiership to a premature end.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup manage to fill a cute little podcast to capacity as they discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and American Congress, the return of Liz Truss ahead of the local elections, the growing problems afflicting the SNP, and the latest developments in the Football League.
Simon Alvey and Will Cooling return to talk about the utter destruction that is predicted for the Tories in the latest MRP modelling, and to what extent we should take the prospect of a Tory wipeout. We then get Will's updates on the latest developments in Northern Ireland before Simon gives his thoughts on Matthew Parris's advocacy for euthanasia as a means to place social pressure on disabled and elderly people to end their lives prematurely. They then talk about their sides battling for promotion from the Football League and what their respective clubs mean for the local area, before Will asks Simon what would happen if the American Civil War had ended delivery.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss a range of topics including the shock resignation of Jeffrey Donaldson as DUP Leader following his arrest on Thursday, Matthew Parris's article advocating for the mass euthanasia of the old and disabled, the Guardian's expose of gentlemen's clubs not allowing women to join, and the state of the Tory Party following the budget. They then discuss what videos Luke watches on the internet and the comics and cartoons Will watched as a child in "culture" corner.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the latest developments in British politics. Before that however they discuss Notts County's current fortunes in the football league, Zone of Interest, and The Wild Men. They then discuss the chaos in parliament over the SNP's motion about Gaza, Lee Anderson's Islamophobic remarks, and the broader situation in Israel/Palestine.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to look ahead to the election that we're all dreading; the rematch between Presidents Biden and Trump. We marvel at how Trump has managed to destroy his primary opposition and explain why the Democrats can't quit Joe! Luke then gives an update on Palestine/Israel and Ukraine.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the year in British politics. They look at how Rishi Sunak has been brought crashing down to earth both by the Tory Party's crushing unpopularity and his own mistakes before considering how Sir Keir Starmer's Labour and the other political parties are seeking to capitalise.
This podcast was recorded on the 11th December.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about a lot! We discuss Doctor Who's latest Davros retcon, the theological problem of moral evil, what bits of All Out War are still relevant in 2023, and the return of David Cameron to Government.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to not discuss the reshuffle because that happened after this podcast was recorded. We instead discuss whether Donald Trump could become President again, the chaos that has engulfed the House of Representatives, the impact of climate change on South and East Asia, and the conflict in the Middle East
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about the Department of Work and Pensions latest attempts to promote disability inclusion and Suella Braverman's recent comments about immigration and multiculturalism. They then close with thoughts on classical music, comic books, and controvesial referee decisions in football.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to recap a crazy week in British politics as they touch upon the beginning of the Lib Dem Conference, Liz Truss's latest comeback, Rishi Sunak trying to prove himself an Action Man by explaining why we can't do things, whether he actually is Scrooge McDuck and what the future holds for Sir Keir Starmer
We're back from our summer holidays as Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup do a tour of various news stories including the mini-reshuffle, the state of Britain's schools, whether the death penalty should be brought back, what the future holds for Nadine Dorries, and why Labour are destined to disappoint us.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup surpass themselves by not getting past the introductions in this 90minute podcast! After looking forward to Notts County, Ipswich Town and Leicester City's new season we discuss Tottenham Hotspur trying to sell a player to a Russian player and whether we're all being too quick to condemn players for going to Saudi Arabia. We then close with looking at the future of the Commonwealth Games after another host has dropped out.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup talk about the NHS, Ukraine, Ben Wallace, University Admissions, and By-Elections and at no point do they say Keir Starmer is a wrong-un for his pro-child poverty policy.
Well he is you know, and the mainstream media, such as It Could Be Media, won't tell you. So make sure you don't listen to these corporate sellouts, and oppose Sir Keir Starmer's attempt to make a Labour Government increase child poverty. But don't let tory bastards like Simon, Will and Luke hear you fight for the ordinary man. They kept the story out of the discussion to distract you from what's really important. Or they had gone on to long and knew that story would still be live next week. Ah fuck it! Trust no-one! Other than those who tell you to trust nobody else of course!
Will Cooling is joined by Liam F. Doom and Chris Linay to discuss the first two tests of the men's Ashes. We discuss the controvesial stumping of Johnny Bairstow, some bizarre performances in the field by England across both Tests, the forthcoming chances to both line-ups ahead of the third test, and whether England can keep the series alive up until the Oval. We then look at The Women's Ashes, the schedule for the 2024 summer, and finish by considering who is likely to emerge from the World Cup Qualifiers.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup are somehow able to still podcast after the shocking revelation that Boris Johnson lied to someone. They look at his bizarre resignation, the brual condemnation delivered to him by the House of Commons Priviledges Committee, and what the future holds for him. They also talk Nadine Dorries's non-resignation and Caroline Lucas planning to stand-down at the next election. The podcast does start on a sombre note, as the three of us, all of who graduated from the University of Nottingham, reflect on the tragic events of Tuesday morning.
Will Cooling is joined by Liam Doom to discuss The Ashes! We break down the big outstanding issues with England's line-up as we ponder whether Moeen Ali is the right replacement for Jack Leach, could Ben Stokes open or Ben Foakes squeezed in, and who should bowl at Edgbaston. We then look at how THE WORLD CHAMPIONS line-up before making our predictions for the series. We end with brief thoughts about the state of Irish cricket. We'll be doing another Ashes podcast in a couple of weeks, but in the mean time you can find more from Liam on Twitter at @lfdoom
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup emerge blinking from their silo to discuss things that may go mad without enough sunlight. We look at the latest developments in Artificial Intelligence and what it might me for the future of war, politics and pop culture. We then look at the Northern Ireland Local Elections where nationalists became the largest designation for the first time in the province's history, and what that might mean for the province's future. Finally we look at the latest arguments between Taleban and Iran.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the coronation of Notts County as a football league club once again, the impending coronation of Leicester City as a football league club once again, the coronation of environmentalist protestors as silly boys, the coronation of everyone other than the Tories as the winners of the local council elections, and the likely coronation of Keir Starmer as Prime Minister in the next eighteen months. Oh and also King Charles had a big party in London.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return from their holidays to discuss politicians behaving badly. We look at the crisis that has engulfed the Scottish National Policy with several senior officials arrested as the police investigate their expenses and the party scrambles for a new auditor. We then turn to Dominc Raab being forced to resign after being identified as having bullied several civil servants, and Diane Abbot having the whip withdrawn after sending an anti-semitic letter to The Observer
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about Humza Yousaf's new Scottish Cabinet, when the next election will be, the future of Jeremy Corbyn as a MP, and whether Donald Trump is going to prison. We will also talk the Tetris movie, old politics documentaries, and Alan Clark being a terrible human being.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk SCOTLAND! We break down/gloat about the SNP Leadership Election Results, which have settled nothing after a bitter and unedifying leadership contest. We look at what the future holds for the two candidates who have a future, and where this leadership election ranks in the list of most destructive and most fun leadership elections.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the newly reformed and rebranded Northern Ireland Protocol. They cover what it means for both Northern Ireland and Great Britain, including whether this is proof that Rishi Sunak is on the comeback trail. We then talk who Isabel Oakeshott shivved harder by taking Matt Hancock's WhatsApp Messages to The Daily Telegraph; Hancock himself or News International. They then finish by talking about Sue Gray joining the Labour Party as Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff.
Will Cooling, Simon Alvey and Dr Luke Middup assemble to discuss the latest goings on in Scotch politics. They consider whether it was problems within or outwith the SNP that prompted Nicola Sturgeon's shock resignation, and what the future holds for Scotland and the cause of Scottish Independence.
Liz Truss is back in the news! Dominic Robb is still being investigated! No one knows who's running CCHQ. Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup try to make sense of it all, but fail, because the Tory Party is a headless chicken that we're all strapped too. ARRRRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Simon Santos, Will Santos, and Dr Luke Santos try something different on this podcast as they do a POT LUCK Lightning Round. That's right - with no one story dominating the headlines, they each bring two news stories that they spring upon their unsuspecting co-hosts. This is tacking not preparing before speaking to bold new heights. In less than two hours we discuss the violent scences from Brazil, the constitutional arguments of Scottish Gender Recognition Act reforms, China's evolving stance on covid, the future of The Artists Currently Known as George Santos, the Northern Ireland protocol, and Boris Johnson's possible comeback.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Will's surprisingly controvesial article on Northern Irish politics, Rishi Sunak's uninspiring pledges on public services and Kevin McCarthy long, dark (repeated fourteen times) night of the soul
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup ring in the New Year by looking back at their christmas and the big British political stories of the year.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup decide not to talk politics but instead discuss the football as they prepare for the big England game. They discuss Notts County, Football Manager, big England matches and much more!
A High Anglican, Cultural Methodist and A Recovering New Atheist walk into a podcast to discuss the latest census results, make fun of Sam Bankman Fried, the forthcoming public sector strikes and the mess that the Scottish National Party has found itself in it. We also discuss INTERGENERATIONAL FAIRNESS!!!
Like guests at a dinner party with an argumentive couple, the podcast keeps trying to change the subject. Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup explore why they feel so unenthused about the change of Prime Minister and its efforts to repair the damage caused by Liz Truss. After tangents that included Barrack Obama, Alec Douglas-Home and Lincoln's steep hill they officially change the topic with looks at the recent problems facing Twitter, Sam Bankman-Fried and FIFA.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about how Will correctly predicting that Liz Truss would have resigned by the next podcast. Well done Will. They also touch upon how Simon was very early to highlight George Canning's record as shortest reigning Prime Minister. Bravo Simon. Luke then talks about what he got wrong about Liz Truss. Very of honest of you Luke.
We also discuss how to get more houses built in Britain, the last days of Liz Truss's premiership, and the opening stages of the Tory Leadership election.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about how Will correctly predicting that Liz Truss would have resigned by the next podcast. Well done Will. They also touch upon how Simon was very early to highlight George Canning's record as shortest reigning Prime Minister. Bravo Simon. Luke then talks about what he got wrong about Liz Truss. Very of honest of you Luke.
We also discuss how to get more houses built in Britain, the last days of Liz Truss's premiership, and the opening stages of the Tory Leadership election.
Look...what do you want us to say? She's shit, she's not going to do anything of any use, she can't smile convincingly let alone string a sentence together, she should have the self-awareness and common decency to resign.
Before Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup state the obvious to everyone accept the Libyan lobbyist in Number 10 they talk the scandal that has engulfed Sir Nick Clegg and fun facts about Prime Ministerial history.
Then we all talk about the grotesque freak that is the Tory Party as if its humane and intelligent. More fool us.
Look...what do you want us to say? She's shit, she's not going to do anything of any use, she can't smile convincingly let alone string a sentence together, she should have the self-awareness and common decency to resign.
Before Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup state the obvious to everyone accept the Libyan lobbyist in Number 10 they talk the scandal that has engulfed Sir Nick Clegg and fun facts about Prime Ministerial history.
Then we all talk about the grotesque freak that is the Tory Party as if its humane and intelligent. More fool us.
The It Could Be Said chapter of the Anti-Growth Coalition meets in their virtual townhouse to pour over a grizzly conference for Liz Truss. Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup discuss why the new government is struggling so badly and what might happen next.
The It Could Be Said chapter of the Anti-Growth Coalition meets in their virtual townhouse to pour over a grizzly conference for Liz Truss. Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup discuss why the new government is struggling so badly and what might happen next.
Liz Truss's terrible, no good, awful week provokes Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup to alternate between righteous indignation and hysterical laughter for two hours
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to finall talk the arrival of our new Trussian overlord! We look at the formation of her new Cabinet and her initial appearances. We then move to the courageous mini-budget of her new Chancellor that seems to have backfired spectacular.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to finall talk the arrival of our new Trussian overlord! We look at the formation of her new Cabinet and her initial appearances. We then move to the courageous mini-budget of her new Chancellor that seems to have backfired spectacular.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return for their 200th episode spectacular. After manipulating the episode schedule all summer to celebrate 200 episodes with breaking down the election of a new Prime Minister...we don't talk about that. Instead we look back on five years of podcasts, complete a quiz, and look back on the week of national mourning for The Queen. Thank you to everyone who has listened over the years and here's to many more fun if meandering conversations about politics.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to look back at the death of Queen Elizabeth II. They look back at her life and impact, the initial rollout of King Charles III, and the implications of a historic week
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the ongoing energy crisis and even more volatile tory leadership election. In between those discussions, Will half-argues with everyone about Ukraine and Covid.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return with an unusually chilled out podcast as they talk about the first two weeks of the football season and Donald Trump's latest bout of legal troubles
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the latest infighting within both major political parties, the scary winter that may be coming for the UK, the chaos in Barcelona FC and the warning signs from China
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to welcome our soon to be Trussian overlord. We review the rather funny slow motion car crash that is Rishi Sunak's campaign, as he becomes ever more desperate to turn the tide. Then we talk the Labour Party latest cries for attention before discussing Joe Manchin and Shakira.
Simon Alvey and Will Cooling return to talk the latest in the Tory Leadership Election plus tangents on climate change, the Forde Inquiry, Sir Alex Douglas Home, Bangladesh, and much more.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup are joined by Cllr Lewis James Brown to discuss the Tory Leadership Election. They look at the first two rounds of voting, the remaining runners and riders, and what the future holds.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to look at the latest developments in the Tory Leadership race. They discuss the rules of the leadership election, the candidates who failed to make it to even the first round, and what is annoying both of us about the leadership election. We also briefly talk about Sir Beer Karma not only evading Durham Police but also his one mistaken call for a VONC.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the implosion of Boris Johnson's Government in the craziest week in British political history. We look ahead to the Tory Leadership election before ending on Elon Musk and Shinzo Abe.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk what seems to be the latest piece of Boris Johnson escapology as he is still standing after his Chancellor and Health Secretary resigning due to his mishandling of the economy and the Chris Pincher allegations. We look in detail at a weird day in British politics, and what may happen next.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Will's article on the Northern Ireland Protocol in City A.M, the Supreme Court overturning its prior decisions on Roe vs Wade and Case to end the federal right to abortion in America, and two by-election defeats that would be chastening for anyone other than Boris Johnson
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup to run the rule over the second half of the Platinum Jubliee weekend including Will's thoughts on Paddington, Luke's love of the Coronation Ceremony and Simon's contemporary music knowledge. Then they look at Boris Johnson suriviving a snap Vote of No Confidence and what the future holds for him and his government.
Simon Alvey, Dr Luke Middup and Will Cooling return to talk the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and the worth and future of the monarchy. Before that they take a detour into discussing the media landscape in Britain and afterwards the look at what the future holds for Boris Johnson.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup have the house to themselves this podcast, with Simon Alvey not there to keep them in check. So begins a rather agreeable yet frenzied look at Sue Gray's report and Rishi Sunak's mini-budget, with more references to the 70s than BBC4.
Simon Alvey returns from holiday to discuss with Statler and Waldorf the results of Thursday's elections, the looming changes to Senedd elections, the surprise/disappointing escalation of The Durham Dinner Affair, and why Waldorf hates Lisa Nandy.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to break down the election results! Will and Luke swap updates about Northern Ireland and Scotland where nationalists won convincing victories as parties aligned with the English Tories went backwards from a 2017 high watermark. They then go into the weeds of the English and Welsh results, slowly realising how badly the Tories had done. They even talk about Sir Beer Karma.
A plague stricken Will Cooling returns to discuss with Dr Luke Middup the latest developments in the War in Ukraine, the French Elections, the forthcoming Local Elections in Great Britain and Northern Ireland Assembly Elections, and briefly about the resignation of Neil Parish MP
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the rematch of the century as Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen enter the second round of the French Election. Brave Luke's disinterest and Will's shaky French to hear our discussion about how the French far-right secured its highest ever vote share in the first round and whether it has a real shot of taking the Presidency. We then talk Rishi Sunak's awful week and the continuing war in Ukraine.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about so many things including Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars, Joe Root and the Royal Family refusing to quit after loses in the West Indies, the poor reception to Rishi Sunak's Spring Statement and what it means for the fight against inflation, and the latest developments in the War in Ukraine.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Dr Luke Middup return to look at the second week of the war in Ukraine, which has not gone as well as expected for the Russian invaders. We look at the latest military developments, the impact of sanctions on Russia and the wider world, what the war means for London and the EU, and why a No Fly Zone would be insanity.
Dr Luke Middup, Simon Alvey, and Will Cooling return to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and Russia resisting Putin's aggressive war of choice.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about lots and lots of things, including the latest developments in Partygate, Cressida Dick's shock resignation as Metropolitan Police Commissioner, the collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive, the SNP getting itself into a mess on pensions, and the looming crisis in Ukraine.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling, and Luke Cooling return to talk Sue Gray, the pending police investigations whole Sue Gray and nothing but the Sue Gray.
Simon Alvey, Dr Luke Middup and Will Cooling return to talk the chaos that has ingulfed the Conservative Party. We talk the wine fridges, Dominic Cummings, bad interviews, bad PMQs, defections to the Labour Party, and much more!
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss so much messy drama. Boris Johnson and boozy parties in Downing Street, Jacob Rees Mogg trashing unionism, Prince Andrew being stripped of his titles, and a Chinese spy ring in Westminster. Plus a film recommendation from Will and a book recommendation from Luke.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the meaning of Christmas and then look at what the year in coronavirus meant.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to look at the mess that the Tory Party has gotten itself into. They breakdown the stunning LibDem victory in North Shropshire, the ongoing scandal surrounding Christmas parties and just how close Johnson is to being removed as PM
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the joys of Berlin, Football Managers and Sofas. They then talk the migrant crisis across the channel and Nicola Sturgeon's mid-life crisis
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the deaths of Colin Powell and David Amass, before giving their thoughts on the BBC's documentary on New Labour
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Notts County's very own Dr Luke Middup return to not talk about the party conferences. They talk about Newcastle United, ethics of international trade, when Gordon Brown was at his hottest, the supply chain crisis, the ideal brexiter immigration policy, and whether the British Greens should be doing better. But they do not talk about the party conferences....except for the brief moments that they do.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup reunite after a month away to begin their catch up on the news now that Will has returned from Canada. They talk the National Insurance increase, Cabinet Reshuffle, GB News's implosion, AUKUS military alliance and the fallout from the conviction of Sarah Everad's murderer.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about the implications of the new SNP-Green pseudo-coalition in Scotland and the Government proposing to increase National Insurance to fund social care. It gets spicy towards the end as Will and Simon discuss whether the key dividing line in British politics is between the generations.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup for show so good, it would definitely be worshipped as a god by ancient Egyptians. They discuss who was first Early Modern English Monarch before discussing the furry fiasco in Afghanistan before looking at the broader situation there. They end by discussing the paralympics and where disability equality is in 2021
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup reunite to discuss the staggeringly quick takeover of Afghanistan by th Taliban. We discuss how the takeover happened so quickly and what it means for Afghanistan, whether President Joe Biden was right to withdraw American fores, and what this says about the role of Britain in the world. We finish by looking at the imminent deal between the SNP and Greens, which will see Green MSPs enter government for the first time.
Will Cooling and Simon Alvey return to discuss coronavirus AGAIN! But after beig weirdly positive about the current situation with the delta variant they do something else unusual and talk about Simon's recently holidaying around England. We talk the strengths and weaknesses of various English cities, whilst trying to identify what makes a city work. We talk the importance of transport links and pedestrianisation, the quality of British museuems, what makes for a good selection of bars and restaurants, and much more.
Simon Alvey is on the train somewhere so Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup are left to fend themselves. They discuss a troubled Freedom Day before looking at what Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer are up to.
Will Cooling, Dr Luke Middup, Steve Harwood and Rich Fann assemble to review Black Widow and the final episodes of Loki. Before they have a long discussion about whether the cinema model can survive. A freewheeling discussion that also includes several detours into what is wrong with Civil War and a big debate about recasting superheroes
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss what should be England's national anthem, the resignation of Matt Hancock as Health Secretary, the future of the DUP and George Galloway's latest tilt at by-election success
Will Cooling, Steve Harwood and Rich Fann return to talk SEX, SUPERHEROS AND SHIPPING! We give our initial thoughts on the first few episodes of Loki, the revelation that they are bisexual before talking more broadly about recent discussions about sex in superheroes. We cover so much, but it includes Captain Marvel's hidden lesbian lovestory, Anthony Mackie vs Shippers, Disney and THE NOT GAYS, would Batman give head to Catwoman, and what is Marvel's problem with Black Widow. AND MUCH MORE including a rant about Disco Infero!
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Boris Johnson being a Catholic, Dominic Cummings being a vindictive prat, Tories being culture warriors and much more!
Will Cooling, Steve Harwood and Luke Middup to talk Wandavision. Will is grumpy, Steve is intrigued and Luke is confused.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss a wide range of topics. We cover Eurovision, UK-Australia trade deal, the crisis of Northern Irish Unionism, Israel-Palestine and the delayed reckoning over Princess Diana's 1995
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk in detail about the Super Thursday and what on earth Keir Starmer is playing at
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to wish Happy Birthday to Northern Ireland, and provide non-expert analysis of the troubles facing the DUP. They then look ahead to a double round of local elections on Thursday.
Will Cooling is joined by Rich Fann, Steve Harwood and Dr Luke Middup to discuss Marvel's Disney+ series. Falcon and Winter Soldier. We discuss its handling of Sam Wilson becoming Captain America, race relations in America, how well the politics of the GRC vs Flagsmashers conflict was handled, and much more!
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Luke Middup wallow in nineties nostaglia. Tory Sleaze! 9/11! European Surper League! It's all here baby!
Will Cooling is joined by Dr Luke Middup, Steve Harwood and Rich Fann for the very first IT COULD BE CONTENT!!! We spend nearly two hours talking about Zack Synder's Justice League - we talk our thoughts on the Whedon Cut, the changes made, how it compares to the MCU and the DC Comics, what it did well and what it did badly, and whether its time to restore the Synder Cut!
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Alex Salmond's latest attempt to secure revenge on Nicola Sturgeon and/or return to the frontline of Scottish politics, with the launch of the new Alba Party. They also talk the rise in support for Welsh Independence, the problems with Liverpool City Council and their favourite micro-parties.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss...a lot. The main topic is an hour long discussion about the issues raised by the murder of Sarah Everard, and how to improve the police and society's handling of violence against women. We also discuss Zack Synder's Justice League, Hartlepool's forthcoming by-election, latest UK-EU squabbles, and the CENSUS!
Simon Alvey , Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to celebrate Rangers winning the Scottish Premiership, discuss how the latest episode in the argument between Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond has impacted the SNP, and what to make of Rishi Sunak's perfectly sized budget.
In a fiesty podcast; Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Luke Middup set out to talk about Keir Starmer but instead discuss coronavirus, Scottish Nationalism, Welsh devolution and the future of the Green Party. He has a nice chin though
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to look at the newest news in coronavirus including what's going on with the National Football League, Labour's new vaccination programme and the European Union's no good, terrible week. They then discuss Russel T Davies new series - It's A Sin.
Simon Alvey. Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to look back at 2020 and then review the breaking news in a month that felt more like a continuation of The Worst Year Ever than the hoped for fresh break. We talk Coronavirus, American Politics and much, much more.
They've checked the text, they've checked it twice, Michel Barnier and David Frost have agreed a deal! Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Luke Middup are here to talk about the Brexit deal - how we got to this point, how the political parties are responding to the deal, and what is actually in the deal.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return for our 150th Episode! Sadly David Frost and Michel Barnier were late delivering the cake, so instead we gather round to talk about the Honey Monster who stole Chrismtas. We hope you all our listeners have a Merry Christmas!
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return for a podcast that features a long talk about what made Diego Maradona an exceptional footballer, what's going on with coronavirus and who the best sportsmen are.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about the fallout from the election of Joe Biden as the next President of the United States of America, including what it means for Britain. Then they talk a crazy week in British politics, with the Prime Minister's most senior advisor finally leaving Downing Street.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup are joined by Will's wrestling podcast buddies Rich Fann and JP to discuss the American elections. We look at the likely election of Joe Biden as the next president of the United States of America, how his position has strengthened since election night, the deplorable behaviour of President Trump, what the stronger than expected hispanic vote for Trump tells us, how President Biden will deal with a finely-balanced Congress and whether Chris Jericho is an arsehole!
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the fallout from the Equality and Human Rights Commission's report on Labour Anti-Semitism, how worried we should be for the forthcoming US Elections and what to make of the new national lockdown.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk ALL THE CRAZINESS going on in America. We talk the infamous first debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, Trump falling ill with coronavirus, the second debate being cancelled and THE FLY.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the death of American democracy AGAIN as a Supreme Court justice dies in an election year AGAIN. They then discuss the British Government being caught out by a surge in coronavirus cases AGAIN. Coronavirus even causes the rare occurence of Will and Luke to shout at each other AGAIN.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup are back to look at the Brexit eruption caused by the Government bringing forward legislation to unpick the Withdrawal Agreement they signed only nine months ago. We then talk Left Out, the new book about Corbyn's period in charge of the Labour Party.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Luke Middup return to talk the latest resignation of an Irish Agriculture Minister before breaking down the debacle that was the Government's handling of GCSE/A-Level exams and the triumph that was the Democratic National Convention.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the latest developments about Coronavirus in the UK, the change in leadership for the Scottish Tories, who Joe Biden will pick as his nominee for Vice-President, and the life of John Hume.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to eventually dissect why Dr Middup was right. What was he right about? You'll have to wait until near the very end of the episode as before we discuss deep breath Notts County, Huawei, YouTube, Tick Tock, how Will and Luke met each other, Jeremy Corbyn and Labour's legal difficulties, Arlene Foster's latest mistake, Fianna Fial running into difficulties already, Chris Grayling vs Julian Lewis and SNP lies about the UK Internal Market. After all that, and Luke Middup's victory lap, we answer a question TOO HOT for George Galloway.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return for a lightening round where we cover the bars reopening, the Liberal Democrat leadership election, Sinn Fein's recent troubles, David Starkey not so recent troubles, John Bolton's hawking his conscience round for profit, and the latest developments in Hong Kong. We then end by answering the most important question of all....
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about why Keir Starmer was right to fire Rebecca Long Bailey (note that this was recorded just before Starmer appointed the new Education Secretary), formation of a new Irish Government and when contemporary politics begins
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about the week of protests that have engulfed the UK following the murder of George Floyd in America the week before. They talk the Britain First/EDL protest in London on Saturday 13th June, before looking back to the Black Lives Matter protests across the country the weekend before. They talk Edward Colston's statue being brought down in Bristol, and also debate Winston Churchill, Joe Chamberlain, Cecil Rhodes and James II. They also look at the wider issues this moment raises, including the legacy of the British Empire and the prevelance of racism in the UK.
Books mentioned during this episode:
Histories of the Hanged: Britain's Dirty War in Kenya and the End of Empire Paperback - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Histories-Hanged-Britains-Testimonies-Rebellion/dp/0753819023
Six Minutes in May: How Churchill Unexpectedly Became Prime Minister - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Six-Minutes-May-Churchill-Unexpectedly-ebook/dp/B01N7P46OZ/ref=sr_1_2?
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Longer-Talking-White-People-About/dp/1408870584/ref=sr_1_1?
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup for another bumper podcast. We talk briefly about the situation in America before we look at the latest chaos surrounding Coronavirus and review The National Theatre's presentation of This House.
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk Dominc Cummings for over an hour before talking Keir Starmer, Brexit, Happiest Political Moments and Scotland's lockdown before Will starts effing and jeffing about Boris Johnson's press conference
It's not flash its Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup looking back at the 2010 General Election. We talk through the three big parties performance plus The Notorious D.U.F.F.Y. We also talk VE Day and the importance of STAYING ALERT!
Simon Alvey, Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about why Simon loves Normal People so much, the themes that it raises about Ireland, Mental Health and Sexual Consent and then what other things we're watching during lockdown.
Will Cooling, Simon Alvey and Dr Luke Middup once again converge on the podcast sphere to talk the latest craziness in North Korea, Keir Starmer having his first proper week as Leader of the Oppposition and our memories of Prime Minister Questions.
Will Cooling, Simon Alvey and HRH Dr Luke Middup talk about Vince McMahon's wild week, Wisconsin's strange week in the centre stage, Keir Starmer's debut as labour leader and handling of coronavirus and the weird document about labour's approach to anti-semitism.
Will Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvery return to talk for NINETY MINUTES about the Coronavirus! We talk abouthow we're finding the lockdown, how that announcement came about, the problems with the media and Dominic Cummings, which of us want to be part of a group called Kyle Walker's Sex Party, troubles in Scotland, and FOOTBALL!
Will Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to sing the Coronavirus blues. They breakdown the latest news before sharing things to make quarantine more bearable.
Will Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to talk so many topics. We talk the collapse of Flybe, MBS tightening his grip over Saudi Arabia, the latest from the Democrats' Super Tuesday and the Rishi Sunak's Budget.
Will Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to talk the Nevada Caucus and Bernie Sanders ongoing march to the Democratic Party nomination, Priti Patel's week in the Home Office, arguments over the future of SNP and EU budget.
Will Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to success other people's politics! We talk the recent Irish elections, a scandal in Scotland and the latest Democratic fiasco in America. There's also the uneventful reshuffle to talk about too.
Will Cooling, Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return the night before Brexit Day to discuss our impending exit from the European, chickens coming home to roost for John Bercow, insight into Rebecca Long Bailey's lack of insight and much more
Will Cooling, Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to talk about the Iran Crisis, Labour Leadership and the Royal Irish Constabulary
Will Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey meant to revivew 2019 and the DECADE. But instead they rambled a lot about Brexit and the Labour Leadership. Which when you think about it, is an apt reflection of 2019
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to look at the first days of the new Government and the labour leadership
Will Cooling joints Luke Middip in Scotland to talk the last week of the election campaign and preview the results night
Will Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to talk EVERYTHING! We break down the manifestos, Andrew Neil, BBC and YouGov.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Prince Andrew, Prime Ministeral Debates and initial thoughts on the Liberal Democrats and Labour Manifestos.
Will Cooling, Dr Luke Middup and Simon Alvey return to discuss the second week of the General Election campaign. We talk how the parties are doing, the forthcoming debates, pacts between parties and the situation in Wales and Scotland.
Will Cooling talks with the Godfather of British Comics Pat Mills. We talk the upcoming release of his classic late 1980s series Third World War. We cover the importance of politics in pop culture, the launch of Crisis, multinationals and the exploration of food, why Finn could once again capture the zeitgest like he did in the 1990s, the decline of the Brithsh comics industry and much more!
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup are a long-running cartoon which is sagging in the ratings. They did a contest to.find a voice for the present character and our friend Simon Alvey won. He's hoping his wicked and righteous attitude doesn't grate, otherwise he'll have to go back to his home planet.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to break down all the twists and turns that led to the calling of General Election 2019. They also have a group therapy session about the danger of losing Brexit and Will goes to his happy place.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Boris Johnson's new Brexit deal. We talk his path to a deal, the DUP's nonsensical objections to it and whether Johnson can get it through Parliament
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk the Supreme Court defeating Proroguation, Tom Watson and the other remainers being defeated at labour party conference, and the Liberal Democrats becoming self-aware about their Remain position. Will then gives his views of Johnson's comments in the house
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup try to make sense of the craziest week in British political history
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Donald Trump's weird week, Pronce Andrew looking guilty and Boris Johnson's trips to Europe.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss President Trump's attempts to buy Greenland, Will's conspiracy theories over the death of Jeffery Epstein, the doomed attempts to form a Government of National Unity, and what exactly is Boris Johnson trying to achieve
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Boris Johnson becoming Prime Minister. We look at his early performances in the role, the new cabinet and the party's likely strategy. We also look at the weird response from labour to the most diverse cabinet of all time, and the new Lib Dem leader.
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to celebrate England's victory in the Cricket World Cup and nervously discuss what a future Boris Johnson premiership may look like. We also discuss the latest bad behaviour of Iran and Donald Trump
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss growing tensions with Iran, the fallout of Donald Trump being accused of being inept and insecure by the British Ambassador to America and the latest from the Tory leadership race
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss Tory Leadership, Theresa May and Iran. We also celebrate our 100th episode!
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about the first round results of the Tory Leadership Election before laughing at Change UK and Chukka Umunna
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to discuss the implosion of Change UK and the race to replace Theresa May.
Will Cooling is joined by Wrestling Observer's Markus Gronemann to look back at WXW 16 Carat Gold
Will Cooling and Dr Luke Middup return to talk about the craziness around Brexit this week