What The F Is Going On? with Mark Steel

This week, communications strategist Russell Warfield joins the show to discuss the shifting landscape of UK politics and the dramatic rise of the Green Party. Russell worked for the Greens for five years, ran the comms for the London 2021 elections where Zack Polanski became an Assembly Member, and played a central role in his 2025 leadership campaign. In part one, we explore how the Green Party's enduring anti-capitalist principles and recent surge in membership directly influenced the Labour Party, arguably paving the way for Andy Burnham’s premiership. We also unpack the intense, coordinated media backlash the Greens faced and what it signals about their growing threat to the political establishment. Pick up Russell’s new book here: https://www.plutobooks.com/product/the-green-socialist/ You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away. www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod  Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel   Follow Russell @Rmwarfield  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're taking a small break this week as Mark recovers from the Edinburgh Fringe and we transition into our exciting new format starting next week. In the mean time please enjoy this classic episode with the fantastic Adam Rutherford. Mark is joined by scientist, writer, and broadcaster Adam Rutherford in this special extended episode. Together, they discuss eugenics, Charles Darwin, Francis Galton, nature versus nurture, how right wing Americans influenced Hitler and many other fascinating topics.  If you enjoyed this interview then please buy a copy of Adam’s book “Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics”, It would make an excellent Christmas gift and can be ordered on amazon right now using this link: ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Control-History-Troubling-Present-Eugenics-ebook/dp/B08WC6493L⁠  Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on instagram @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Adam @AdamRutherford Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode, Mark sets out to answer some questions from his patreon supporters and rant about the state of the world. From harrowing festival flashbacks to the sheer madness of modern politics, Mark covers it all before his laptop battery inevitably gives out. For your chance to ask Mark questions in his next Ask Me Anything session PLUS Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to: ⁠www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ For media, press & guest enquiries please email ⁠mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk⁠ Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The hilarity and hard truths continue in Part 2 as Mark Steel and Rosie Jones dissect everything from music legends to British political absurdity. Mark recounts the agonizing heartbreak of missing Dolly Parton at Glastonbury to perform for 30 people, while Rosie shares her love for Carry On films and pitches a modern, queer reboot featuring Hannah Waddingham. Things take a serious yet furious-turned-hilarious turn as Rosie recalls her encounter on Question Time with Matt Hancock, who tried to equate his dyslexia with physical disability. To wrap up, Rosie gives an eye-opening, jaw-dropping account of her real-life disability benefits assessment that inspired her Channel 4 sitcom Disability Benefits. For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to: ⁠www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ For tickets to Rosie’s Edinburgh show go to : https://rosiejonescomedy.com Support Rosie’s charity here: https://www.rosiejonesfoundation.com/take-action For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod  Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel   Follow Rosie @josieRones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part 1 of this episode of What The F Is Going On?*, Mark Steel sits down with the brilliant comedian, author, and force of nature Rosie Jones. Ahead of their respective Edinburgh Fringe shows, the pair dive into early-afternoon gigging schedules, surviving Bridlington seaside life, and the absurd fallout from Rosie’s infamous Greta Thunberg joke on The Last Leg. Rosie reflects on her ten-year evolution in stand-up—from tackling the "disabled elephant in the room" on stage to navigating the heavy burden of disability representation in media. Plus, a sharp look at societal attitudes, daily microaggressions, and why people need to start listening to disabled people when they offer help. You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away. www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod For tickets to Mark’s Edinburgh Fringe shows go to: https://marksteelinfo.com For tickets to Rosie’s Edinburgh show go to : https://rosiejonescomedy.com Support Rosie’s charity here: https://www.rosiejonesfoundation.com/take-action For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod  Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel   Follow Rosie @josieRones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special Live episode of What The F Is Going On?, Mark is joined by BAFTA-winning writer, comedian and creator of Alma's Not Normal, Sophie Willan. From growing up in Bolton to breaking into television, Sophie tells the extraordinary story of how Alma's Not Normalfinally made it to the BBC, why working-class voices are still fighting to be heard, and how comedy can reveal more truth than drama ever could. Along the way, Mark and Sophie discuss community, class, mental health, social mobility, Margaret Thatcher's legacy, Andy Burnham, and why understanding people's lives is impossible without understanding the communities they come from. There are also brilliant stories about eccentric locals, unforgettable family members, comedy, swearing, Taskmaster, and why Paul Hollywood's bread shows make Sophie irrationally angry. A funny, thoughtful and passionate conversation about class, compassion and the stories we choose to tell. For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to: ⁠www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ For media, press & guest enquiries please email ⁠mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk⁠ Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel   Follow Sophie @Sophiewillan  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us this Wednesday 29th for a live recording of the podcast at our studios in West London. Mark will be joined by actress Sophie Willan for a live streamed interview in front of a small audience for this special live event. Tickets can be purchased here: ⁠https://www.tickettailor.com/events/westdigitalstudios/2303628⁠ In Part Two, Mark and Andy explore the history of political satire, from Peter Cook and Spitting Image to Mock The Week and modern comedy. They discuss whether satire still has the power it once did, how politicians become caricatures, the fallout from the Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross controversy, Boris Johnson, censorship, comedy audiences, and what happens when culture becomes afraid to take risks. For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to: ⁠www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ For tickets to see Andy on tour go to : https://www.andyparsons.co.uk/ For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod  Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel   Follow Andy @mrandyparsons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Andy Parsons for a conversation that starts with Ben Stokes, cricket curfews and Gareth Southgate, before expanding into a much bigger question: why Britain seems permanently disappointed with itself. They discuss entitlement, national identity, satire, Mock The Week, the changing media landscape, Andy Burnham, football, and whether politicians are now too managed to ever become cultural figures in the way they once did. You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away. www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod For tickets to see Andy on tour go to : https://www.andyparsons.co.uk/ For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod  Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel   Follow Andy @mrandyparsons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Part Two, Gary Younge reflects on growing up black in Britain, covering Nelson Mandela's election in South Africa, interviewing some of the world's biggest figures, and why identity politics is so often misunderstood. Mark and Gary discuss racism, history, statues, representation, Maya Angelou, teaching children about race, and why asking better questions matters far more than finding easy answers. For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to: ⁠www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod  Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel   Follow Gary @garyounge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Younge joins Mark for a conversation about what has gone wrong with British politics. They discuss Andy Burnham's leadership, Labour's collapse, the rise of the Greens, Gaza, immigration, the media's failure to ask difficult questions, and whether politicians have become more interested in protecting institutions than changing people's lives. Along the way they ask who really holds power, why politicians seem terrified of the bond markets, and whether the biggest problems in Britain are being blamed on entirely the wrong people. You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away. www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Follow Gary @garyounge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Mark continues his conversation with Susie Mccabe In part two, Susie McCabe talks openly about growing up gay in Glasgow, coming out in the 90s and the realities of working-class family life in Britain. Alongside deeply personal stories about being thrown out after coming out and living with her gran, Susie and Mark also tear into David Cameron, class politics, Scottish identity and the absurdity of Westminster attitudes towards Scotland. Funny, raw and brilliantly honest. Want to get access to the full video interview before anyone else? why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ We're currently sponsored by BT - behind brilliant things! Search 'Why BT' to find out more or click on the following link: https://www.bt.com/broadband/why-bt For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Follow Susie @susiemccabecomic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by brilliant Glaswegian comic Susie McCabe for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about Glasgow pubs, estate boozers, working-class culture and the strange beauty of chaos. From naked men singing Dexys Midnight Runners in Birkenhead pubs to old women confronting police officers outside Glasgow bars, this episode is packed with incredible stories, brilliant observations and a huge amount of affection for the people and places that shaped them. We're currently sponsored by BT - behind brilliant things! Search 'Why BT' to find out more or click on the following link: https://www.bt.com/broadband/why-bt You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away. www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Follow Susie @susiemccabecomic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Mark continues his conversation with Nick Hancock. In part two, Mark Steel and Nick Hancock continue their brilliant conversation about football, corruption and the strange way sport reflects society itself. From FIFA’s greed to Simon Cowell manufacturing pop stars, the pair explore what happens when money takes over the things people genuinely love. There’s also chat about podcasts, nostalgia, modern sport becoming spectacle over substance and Nick’s gloriously furious thoughts on Gianni Infantino. Funny, furious and full of football philosophy. We're currently sponsored by BT - behind brilliant things! Search 'Why BT' to find out more or click on the following link: https://www.bt.com/broadband/why-bt Want to get access to the full video interview before anyone else? why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by legendary broadcaster and comedy icon Nick Hancock for a furious, funny and gloriously nostalgic deep dive into the World Cup. From crying over England’s defeat in 1970 to the magic of crackly late-night commentary, Nick and Mark relive the tournaments that shaped their lives before turning their attention to what modern football has become. FIFA, Trump, halftime shows, dynamic pricing, water breaks for adverts and football losing its soul – nothing escapes Hancock’s wrath in an episode packed with football nostalgia, anger and brilliant one-liners. You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away. www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod We're currently sponsored by BT - behind brilliant things! Search 'Why BT' to find out more or click on the following link: https://www.bt.com/broadband/why-bt For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Mark continues his conversation with Alan Davies. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview. Want to get access to the full video interview before anyone else? why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ We're currently sponsored by BT - behind brilliant things! Search 'Why BT' to find out more or click on the following link: https://www.bt.com/broadband/why-bt For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Follow Alan @alandaviescomic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Mark is joined by comedian, actor, cricket obsessive and national treasure Alan Davies for a conversation that covers childhood trauma, football VAR, council bureaucracy, working-class warehouses, stand-up comedy in the 80s, Peter Snow in a BBC toilet, and why comedians instinctively know when someone is “not really a comic”. Alan talks candidly about the deeply personal experiences behind his memoirs Just Ignore Him and White Male Stand-Up, including grief, abuse, anger and the strange way comedy became both an escape and a substitute family. Along the way there are stories about Barry Manilow on the motorway, being buried under coat hangers in a van, fights in comedy clubs, the glory days of the circuit, and why every workplace secretly survives because everyone is covering for each other. We're currently sponsored by BT - behind brilliant things! Search 'Why BT' to find out more or click on the following link: https://www.bt.com/broadband/why-bt You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away. www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Follow Alan @alandaviescomic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Mark continues his conversation with Rachel Millward. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview. Want to get access to the full video interview before anyone else? why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ We're currently sponsored by BT - behind brilliant things! Search 'Why BT' to find out more or click on the following link: https://www.bt.com/broadband/why-bt For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Follow Rachel @millward_rachel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The morning after the local elections, Mark is joined by Green Party deputy leader Rachel Millward to ask the only question anyone in British politics can answer right now: what the f**k is going on? As Labour and the Conservatives collapse into third and fourth place, Rachel explains why the Greens believe they’re becoming the real opposition — and why the political establishment seems terrified of it. From housing developers and billionaire wealth to Reform, immigration, rent controls and whether Keir Starmer has completely lost the plot, this is a conversation about a country that feels like it’s breaking apart in real time. We're currently sponsored by BT - behind brilliant things! Search 'Why BT' to find out more or click on the following link: https://www.bt.com/broadband/why-bt You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away. www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Follow Rachel @millward_rachel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by journalist and columnist Matthew Norman as they discuss the rise and influence of Peter Mandelson, New Labour’s ruthless relationship with the media, how political standards have collapsed over the past 30 years, Mandelson’s reputation for power, spin and survival, the blurred lines between journalism and politics, and why modern British politics now feels closer to oligarchy than democracy. They also get into the psychology of political operators, media manipulation, Reform’s growing influence, and why things may still get worse before they get better. Also we are pleased to announce the return of George Galloway, Nigel Boulevard and the phone in woman. For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to: ⁠www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ For media, press & guest enquiries please email ⁠mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk⁠ Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Mark continues his conversation with Mothin Ali. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview. Want to get access to the full video interview before anyone else? why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! ⁠https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Follow Mothin @mothin.ali Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices