This week, Nish & Coco catch up on the Labour Party Conference, and react to Andy Burnham’s promises to break with the politics of the past, and build a sustainable future…but what about the present? 

We’re also starstruck in the studio as we’re joined by Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor to discuss their latest book, ‘End Times Fascism: And the Fight for the Living World’. They talk about the consequences of a dangerous alliance of tech bros, Christian fundamentalists, and ethno-nationalists, wary of the so-called “great replacement”. 

But there’s also hope in community organising, action, and championing the natural world; staying grounded, while the billionaires plan their exit to space. Nish wanted to call this episode “gay porn and soup”... you will have to listen to find out why! 

USEFUL LINKS
Buy Naomi & Astra’s book: End Times Fascism : Naomi Klein, : 9780241816288 : Blackwell's 

Read Jane Bradley’s reporting for the New York Times into Nigel Farage and Reform UK’s links to one of America’s most influential conservative Christian groups, the ‘Alliance Defending Freedom’: They Helped Topple Roe v. Wade. Now Their Sights Are Set on Britain. - The New York Times 

Join the National March for Palestine on the 10th October: https://palestinecampaign.org/events/national-march-for-palestine-save-the-date/ 

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Pod Save the UK is an Intelligence Squared production for Crooked Media.

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This week, Nish & Coco are left reeling from the news that Tom Watson is the latest in a long line of politicians swapping the ballot box for big tech bucks. They consider the implications of Palantir’s cosy relationship with former government officials, and ask where the line is with lobbying. 

Also, we’re joined by 33.3% of the hosts of Crooked’s new podcast, ‘Still Counting’ - Galen Druke. He demystifies all things polls, explaining the methodology in the madness and how much we can learn from all these numbers. Plus, have you ever wondered who’s the most optimistic about fighting a bear? 

And, Coco & Nish reunite with Nikesh Shukla, ten years after the publication of The Good Immigrant. They consider the role identity politics has played in the last decade, and how we can stay optimistic–and active–members of our communities during increasingly scary times. 

USEFUL LINKS
Read the Nerve’s excellent reporting on Palantir poaching government officials: https://www.thenerve.news/p/palantir-revolving-doors-peter-thiel-transparency-corruption-risk 

Listen to Still Counting: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/still-counting/

Buy Nikesh’s book (10th anniversary edition)! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Immigrant-writers-reflect-contemporary/dp/1837266220 

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Pod Save the UK is an Intelligence Squared production for Crooked Media.

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This week, journalist and friend of the show Will Hayward joins to unpack a landmark summit between the leaders of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. With pro-independence parties joining forces and declaring that “Westminster’s time is coming to an end” – bold words, but what does it really mean? 

Plus, Jordan Stephens, musician, writer and one half of Rizzle Kicks, joins Nish and Coco to discuss the rise of hyper-masculine figures online, and whether human connection can offer a healthier model and an alternative to the politics of division.

USEFUL LINKS
Subscribe to Will Hayward’s substack here
Watch Jordan Stephens ‘In Search Of Peace’ here 

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This week, there’s a lot of news! Nish & Coco react to the announcement of sanctions on the West Bank, after Ed Miliband accuses Israel of turning a blind eye to the “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians by illegal settlers. As Andy Burnham wrote in the Guardian, it’s time for Britain to ‘stand for something’...finally.

Also, are we taking the threat of the far right seriously enough? Following a series of anti-migrant ‘protests’ by a self-styled ‘Patriot Army’ helmed by yet another ‘Tommo’, Nish & Coco ask why we don’t call out these radicalised groups for what they are. And despite Nigel’s best efforts to distance himself from the balaclava-wearing vigilantes, Reform UK knows that this is the support they need to make it to Number 10. 

And, the King of enshittification, Cory Doctorow, joins us to talk about the AI bubble and why it’s going to burst. Meanwhile, these tech bros are blowing smoke up each other’s share prices, and we’re all inadvertently part of the marketing machine. Cory tackles the ‘collective action problem’ and what we can actually do to change the narrative. Just because there’s a huge pile of s**t, doesn’t mean there’s automatically a pony underneath it… 

There's an Early Day Motion in Parliament calling for a national moratorium on new AI data centres, put forward by Richard Burgon, the MP for East Leeds. You can ask your local MP to support the new national moratorium. You can also read up on the campaign and sign Global Action Plan’s petition: . 

USEFUL LINKS

Check out http://noleedsdatacentre.com/ and sign their petition. 

Buy Cory’s book! The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI: How to Think About Artificial Intelligence Before It's Too Late | Verso Books

Andy Burnham’s Guardian op-ed: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/sep/08/uk-sanctions-israel-two-state-solution-middle-east-palestinians-andy-burnham  

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This week, Nish is back from his fringe frolics, and joins Coco to talk about parliament’s return from summer recess. The revolving door continues as Keir Starmer resigns, Nigel Farage gets sworn in (again) and Andy Burnham tests his stamina with nearly three and a half hours’ worth of questions in the commons. With Zack Polanski rumoured to run in St Pancras and Holborn, how might the next by-election (another one?!) play out?

Also on the pod, we’re joined by journalist and historian Taj Ali. He unpacks what we can learn from grassroots organising and community resistance in the 1970s, shares reflections from the worst racist violence in over a century, and explains why the white working class has more in common with the South Asian community than they might think. Also, PSUK exclusive: fellow Luton native Stephen Yaxley-Lennon eats halal? 

Content note: the conversation between Nish, Coco and Taj is a full and frank discussion of racism, and includes the use of a racial slur that’s historically been used towards the South Asian community. 

USEFUL LINKS
Taj’s book is out on the 15th September: https://www.foyles.co.uk/book/come-what-may-were-here-to-stay/taj-ali/9781526177582?srsltid=AfmBOoqg8Daxime9FB1T9FFCKNn6tUFY2bAbY75ybjQm_J4PKibB_KX4FB0 

Anti-racist RADAR: https://antiracistradar.co.uk/ - report an incident of racism here. 

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Pod Save the UK is an Intelligence Squared production for Crooked Media.

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This week, we take a minute to remember dear Dolly Parton (Comrade Dolly!); an extraordinary force of nature, talented musician, incredibly generous person and fierce ally, whose kindness and positivity inspired millions across the world–we’ve lost one of the good ones. 

Meanwhile, Coco gets the lowdown from Cody about his latest video being flagged for bullying (billionaire Mark Zuckerberg?!) during Meta’s child privacy trial. Since we recorded this episode, Meta has settled for $17bn, agreeing major changes to its platforms including usage limits and nighttime blocks. 

Also, Reform is at it again, unveiling a policy to prioritise social housing for ‘British born workers’ and married couples. But…you have to keep your gardens tidy? Coco & Cody discuss what sits at the heart of this latest divisive declaration. 

And: are we living in a Corrupted Kingdom? Robert Barrington thinks so. As the former head of Transparency International and professor of Anti-Corruption, he joins us to talk about why we’re reluctant to use the ‘C’ word in the UK, and what we can do to safeguard against corruption across all aspects of British society. 

USEFUL LINKS
https://www.transparency.org/en 
https://antislapp.uk/

Buy Robert’s Book! https://www.waterstones.com/book/corrupted-kingdom/robert-barrington/9781805223153 

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This week, it’s Coco & Cody Dahler while Nish is away at the Fringe! With the recent, shocking news of Jason Arday’s death, they’re joined by broadcaster and writer Natasha Devon to reflect on the role of legacy media, and where the line is drawn between public interest and pile ons. 

Also: is Britain living through a ‘nuance drought’? Coco, Cody, and Natasha wrestle with the decline of the ‘critical friend’ perspective, and ask how we can bring back the grey area when people are encouraged to pick a side–not just in politics, but wider society. 

And when pain is preferred to certainty, is Farage the devil we know? They discuss ideological fault lines, false binaries, social media bans, and burning everything down…

USEFUL LINKS
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised during this episode, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org 

Pre-order Natasha’s book here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-nuance-drought/natasha-devon/9781837733170 

Petition demanding a public inquiry into Jason Arday’s death: https://goodlawproject.org/petition/jason-arday-letter/ 

‘Farage Fest’ AI music video: https://x.com/reformparty_uk/status/2089464382925205526 

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This week, it’s just Nish, Coco, and you! You asked, they answered – thanks to everyone for their questions! Nish and Coco discuss how to stay positive amidst all the current political noise, how hopeful they are about our new Prime Minister, and what their favourite films have been this year…Plus, should we publish the faces of people who earn over a certain amount of money in the UK? 

Also: you listen to Nish & Coco every week, now we want to hear from you! We’re launching an audience survey to hear about what you like, dislike, and want to see more of from PSUK. Guests! Live shows! Topics! Explainers! And did we mention there’s a prize draw? You’ve got to be in it to win it - so fill out the survey here: https://forms.gle/fWp9xXb6tcWhPxSm8 

USEFUL LINKS
Audience survey here: https://forms.gle/fWp9xXb6tcWhPxSm8 

Nish’s ultimate taskmaster episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENMjwuvNZsA 

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This week, as Britain enters its fourth heatwave amidst blazing wildfires across Europe, Coco & Nish are joined by Climate scientist and educator Simon Clark to ask: is this the new normal? They discuss rising temperatures, online misinformation, fire clouds(!) and which policies the UK government could be championing to both mitigate and adapt to a warming climate–listen up, Andy! 

Also on the show: as Exeter proposes 150 job cuts which are expected to fall disproportionately on the humanities, Nish speaks to his friend and staff member at Exeter University, Dr Peter J Riley. They dig into the value of a humanities degree and what we’re missing when we make everything about money. 

And: Coco & Nish reflect on the UK’s first week with Burnham at the helm, as Labour leads Reform in the polls for the first time in almost 18 months. Is it too early to be optimistic? 

Plus - bonus content! We bring you a clip from a conversation with actor Siobhan McSweeney and Gazan student Mahmoud Hasanain as they discuss the government’s renewed scheme to evacuate Gazan students to study at UK universities–but only if they have fully-funded places. Siobhan, along with many other well-known faces from stage and screen, is auctioning off personal items in a bid to raise funds to support these students. You can catch the full episode on YouTube, and bid online here - until Friday 7th August!   

Plus: you listen to Nish & Coco every week, now we want to hear from you! We’re launching an audience survey to hear about what you like, dislike, and want to see more of from PSUK. Guests! Live shows! Topics! Explainers! And did we mention there’s a prize draw? You’ve got to be in it to win it - so fill out the survey here: https://forms.gle/fWp9xXb6tcWhPxSm8 

GUESTS 
Simon Clark 
Dr Peter Riley

USEFUL LINKS
Audience survey here: https://forms.gle/fWp9xXb6tcWhPxSm8 

University Cuts 
Petition to stop redundancies at Exeter University: https://www.change.org/p/stop-redundancies-at-the-university-of-exeter-706befbf-8195-4b87-a96c-13666e695878 
Exeter UCU: https://www.instagram.com/uniexeterucu/ 

Climate Crisis
DeSmog: https://www.desmog.com/2026/04/30/reform-uk-nigel-farage-millions-donations-fossil-fuel-interests-climate-science-deniers/ 
Matt Hughes and Nick Ames - Uefa accuses Fifa of ‘enriching themselves and their friends’ over World Cup sell-off
Share Action: https://shareaction.org/ 
Cool Earth: https://www.coolearth.org/ 
Fossil Free Media: https://fossilfree.media/ 

Gaza Auction: https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/ScholarshipsForGaza 

Keir’s goodbye video: https://www.tiktok.com/@keirstarmer/video/7664565924204203286?lang=en-GB 

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Pod Save the UK is an Intelligence Squared production for Crooked Media.

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This week, Nish & Coco do a deep dive into the beginnings of Burnham’s Britain. He’s only been Prime Minister for a few days, but Andy has already pledged to end rough sleeping, cut electricity bills, and cap bus fares, as his new ‘cost of living government’ takes shape. 

They’re joined by Anoosh Chakelian, the New Statesman’s Britain Editor, who has interviewed Burnham several times over the last decade. Is he the flip-flopping, people-pleasing Prime Minister his critics say he’ll be, or do these early signals from No.10 suggest a clean break with the politics of the past? 

Anoosh, Coco & Nish talk through cabinet picks, what Trump might make of ‘Red Ed’ as foreign sec, and how social care reform–if done right–could be good for us all. All eyes on the seventh Prime Minister in a decade…

Plus: you listen to Nish & Coco every week, now we want to hear from you! We’re launching an audience survey to hear about what you like, dislike, and want to see more of from PSUK. Guests! Live shows! Topics! Explainers! And did we mention there’s a prize draw? You’ve got to be in it to win it - so fill out the survey here: https://forms.gle/fWp9xXb6tcWhPxSm8 

GUESTS 
Anoosh Chakelian 

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Pod Save the UK is an Intelligence Squared production for Crooked Media.

We’ll be filming another mailbag episode next week so get in touch! Contact us via email: [email protected] if you want to share questions, thoughts, or general musings! 

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This week, with Andy Burnham’s coronation just days away, Coco & Zoe dig into why the whole thing felt like such a foregone conclusion, and unpack what we might expect from Burnham’s summer season.

Speaking of Burn-ing, the UK is literally on fire… so why are some politicians urging us to drop net zero targets altogether as we swelter through another heatwave? 

Also on the show: CEO of Women’s Aid, Farah Nazeer, joins to talk about their World Cup campaign, ‘The Other Kick Off’, and how we need cultural and structural changes to meaningfully move the dial on domestic abuse and violence against women and girls. Plus, as the news of Ann Widdecombe’s death shocks us all, Coco & Zoe discuss the reality of being a woman in the public eye. 

Content note: This episode contains discussions of rape, sexual assault and domestic abuse.  

GUESTS 
Farah Nazeer 

USEFUL LINKS
Women’s Aid 
Refuge 
Research Digital Misogynoir Report — Glitch
Women’s Aid Reveals ‘The Other ‘Kick Off’ Time Thousands of Women Dread During the World Cup 

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Pod Save the UK is an Intelligence Squared production for Crooked Media.

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