Politics On the Couch

Lucy speaks to TalkTV Political Editor Peter Cardwell about the psychology of the latest bullying allegations within Westminster.

Lucy speaks to Tim Marshall, British journalist and leading authority on world affairs, about the psychology of China, what might solve the Arab-Israeli conflict, and how space will be the new political battleground.  

Lucy speaks to body language expert Judi James, about Boris's body language at the Privileges Committee, and what she would have advised him (and Harriet Harman) to do differently. 

Lucy chats to Reaction Editor Maggie Pagano about the psychological impact of Jeremy Hunt's Budget -and why it wasn't the story we shuld have been paying attention to. 

Lucy talks to businessman and cross bench peer Lord Digby Jones, about what should be in The Budget, windfall taxes, and whether the electorate have become infantilised.

Lucy talks to the Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski about life in Ukraine today, the psychological impact of the war, and what Ukraine needs most of all - and its not weapons.

Lucy Beresford speaks to Sam Olsen, Co-Founder and CEO of The Evenstar Institute about China balloon drama, and the psychology of President Xi and the Communist Party. 

Lucy Beresford speaks to Business Editor Martin Vander Weyer about why the recent high of the FTSE100 matters, how the voter might react to the recent Rishi-uffle, and why the UK needs more high street banks. 

Lucy Beresford chats to Lord Vaizey about culture, whether the Parthenon Sculptures should be returned to Greece, and whether there is too much willy-waving between global cultural institutions.

Lucy talks to writer and broadcaster Mihir Bose about the overlap of sports and politics, the power of sport to create a non-racial world, and whether Nadhim Zahawi would kick a ball better than Ronaldo.

Lucy Beresford speaks to Lord Darroch, former British Ambassador to the US, about the UK's relationships with the world for 2023, Davos, the importance of diplomatic back-channels, and to which country he would send Rishi Sunak tomorrow to make the biggest impact. 

Lucy Beresford speaks to Nigel Nelson, Political Editor of the Sunday Mirror and Sunday People about 'bank manager' leaders, when the next election might be, and what 'New Year, New You' mantras Sunak and Starmer ought to adopt for 2023. 

Lucy speaks to CityAm Editor Andy Silvester about whether World Cups can affect general elections and stock markets.

Lucy Beresford speaks to journalist Marie Le Conte about how art and culture - even I'm A Celebrity - help us deal with uncomfortable, or traumatic experiences. 

Lucy speaks to Professor and author Matt Goodwin, about the origins of the current migrant crisis, the psych of the British voter on this issue, and provides a scoop on the latest polling which will not make happy listening for Conservative voters. 

In this week's episode I talk to Sarah Elliott, Spokeswoman for Republicans Overseas UK and Chair of The Hamilton Society about the US midterms, the pysche of the American voter, and what the elections might mean for the UK's relationship with the US. 

In a week of big reset vibes (new PM, new cabinet, new moon, partial solar eclipse, Diwali), Lucy Beresford talks to Conservative MP for Cities of London & Westminster Nickie Aiken, about the arrival of Rishi Sunak, why her Comprehensive school background makes her a Conservative, and her work in government highlighting issues around the Menopause and IVF.

Lucy Beresford talks to Political Analyst and journalist Michael Crick about the Tory party meltdown, why MPs are procrastinating, the historical precedent for a coup, and Michael's prediction for the timing of the next general election.

Welcome to On the Couch, the weekly political podcast from Reaction hosted by broadcaster and psychotherapist Lucy Beresford. In each episode, Lucy is joined by Reaction editor, Maggie Pagano, and former parliamentary candidate, Mark Fox - and sometimes a special guest or two - to take a deep dive into the world of politics.   With the economy in crisis, they discuss whether Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng were really to blame for the mayhem and whether that the departure of her chancellor would restore some credibility with the financial markets and voters. And why the new PM has learnt to her cost that you can never buck the markets.  Shock, horror they also suggest the Tories could still win the next election - if they are smart. Hang on to your hats.