In today's episode, Tom covers the French Prime Minister's resignation after losing a vote of confidence in Parliament, the far-right rally in London, and also previews an interview Lily has conducted with her Dad about a school shooting in their home town of Evergreen, Colorado. To help discuss the political trouble in France, Tom is joined by Dr Charles Devellennes, a senior lecturer at the University of Kent. Listen to Lily's interview with her Dad: Evergreen Strong: Lessons from Tragedy, Healing Together, and Building a Better Future You can also listen to Tom's previous interviews with Dr Charles Devellennes in the French Political Dispatch Part 1 and Part 2. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Tom, Lily or Sidd, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom ,@lilymott3 and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
In this episode of The Political Dispatch, Sidd, Tom, and Lily take a look at the sudden appearance of St George flags popping up across England, Reform UK’s recent party conference in Birmingham, the recent resignation of Angela Rayner (followed by a cabinet reshuffle), and the sacking of the UK’s Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Tom or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom and @lilymott3. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
In this episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom and Lily take a deep dive into one of the most significant democratic reforms in recent UK history: lowering the voting age to 16 years-old. From the role of education and political literacy to questions about maturity, motivation, and turnout, Tom and Lily examine the opportunities and concerns posed regarding the potential expansion of the franchise in the UK. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Tom or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom and @lilymott3. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
In this episode, Tom, Lily, and Sidd discuss the evolving and often contentious relationship between Donald Trump and the media. The Political Dispatch team explores recent shifts in the U.S. media landscape, from the cancellation of a top-rated late-night show to the defunding of public radio and changes to the White House press corps. This episode was recorded on 29th July 2025 You can also check out previous episodes related to this topic: Meta, Musk, and the Politics of Social Media: https://thepoliticaldispatch.podbean.com/e/meta-musk-and-the-politics-of-social-media/ Lessons in Democracy: https://thepoliticaldispatch.podbean.com/e/lessons-in-democracy/ Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
In this episode, Tom, Lily, and Sidd examine a year of unprecedented conflict across Asia. Join the hosts for a sweeping international news bulletin, from the nuclear standoff between India and Pakistan to the escalating war in Gaza, the renewed civil conflict in Myanmar, and a dangerous confrontation between Israel and Iran. With tensions rising in the South China Sea and new border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, this episode explores the structural forces driving Asia’s descent into instability, and what it means for the future of global peace and security. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
In this episode, Tom, Lily, and Sidd reflect on the UK’s higher education system at a pivotal moment, as over 800,000 students, including the three of them, graduate from universities across the country. Join the hosts for a deep dive into the financial crisis facing UK universities, as well as a personal reflection on their experiences studying at the School of Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC) at Cardiff University. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
In this special anniversary episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom, Lily, and Sidd reflect on one year of podcasting, one year of international politics, and one year of conversations that tried to make sense of it all. From elections and education to Gaza, AI, Star Wars, and everything in between, the team revisits the moments, guests, and episodes that have shaped the show since it launched. We’re so grateful for everyone who’s listened, shared, and supported us this past year. Here’s to more stories, more interviews, and more Political Dispatches to come. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
In this episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom, Lily, and Sidd sit down with Chad Mott, a history and government teacher from Evergreen, Colorado, to talk about the state of public education in the US and what it’s like to teach the next generation of voters in 2025. From students' attitudes on America’s role in the world, to the impacts of the Trump administration on the education system, the conversation explores how high school classrooms are responding to the political tensions shaping the country today. And a little disclaimer... Chad also happens to be Lily’s dad. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
Over 2,000 miles from the UK, Gaza is starving, cut off by an Israeli blockade. In this episode of the Political Dispatch, Tom speaks to Zoe Daniels from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), to discuss the situation on the ground in Gaza. Everyone at the Political Dispatch echoes what the IRC and so many other organisations are calling for: an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of aid into Gaza. The content of this episode is distressing. Listener discretion is advised. You can find out more about the IRC’s work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt) on the IRC’s website: https://www.rescue.org/uk/country/occupied-palestinian-territory-opt You can view the IRC’s emergency watchlist here: https://www.rescue.org/uk/article/10-crises-world-cant-ignore-2025 Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
In this episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom, Lily, and Sidd mark 10 years since Ireland became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote. They explore how a conservative, Catholic nation transformed so rapidly, examining the role of activists, the decline of Church influence, and the landmark 2015 referendum. Join the team as they reflect on the global impact of Ireland’s vote, as well as the progress and challenges that remain. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
In this episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom interviews Fr Damian Howard, the Senior Catholic Chaplain at Oxford University, to talk about the life and legacy of Pope Francis. Tom and Fr Howard discuss the impact of the Jesuit order on Pope Francis’s early life, his early career in Argentina and the papacy. As well as talking about what distinguished the 266th pontiff from his predecessors, Tom and Fr Howard discuss the role the Conclave plays in choosing a new Pope. Please note: this episode was recorded on 1st May, before the election of Pope Leo XIV. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
To celebrate May 4th, Sidd, Lily and Tom travel to a galaxy far, far away to explore the politics of Star Wars. The franchise’s creator, George Lucas, didn’t just draw on the mythology of Joseph Campbell or the cinematic style of Akira Kurosawa. He also held up a mirror to the politics, economics, and society of 1970s America. The Political Dispatch team discuss the influence of the Vietnam War and Watergate on Lucas’s early writing, how the prequel trilogy reflects the anxieties of the War on Terror, and how a once-great democracy can backslide into tyranny. If you’re celebrating Star Wars Day on May the 4th, here are some of Tom’s recommended viewings: Andor and Rogue One, which explore the rise of the Rebellion in the years leading up to A New Hope The Mandalorian, the hit TV series starring Pedro Pascal as a bounty hunter who discovers a mysterious alien child. The series is set five years after Return of the Jedi Star Wars Visions, Season 2, Episode 9: Aau’s Song, a touching animated tale about a child whose voice holds dangerous power And finally, Tom’s top three Star Wars films: The Empire Strikes Back A New Hope Rogue One Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom for a deep dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in global elections. From deepfakes to ballot scanning, The Political Dispatch team breaks down how AI is shaping elections. With examples from South Korea, India, the United States, and beyond, they explore AI's impact on accessibility, efficiency, and disinformation—and what it all means for the future of democracy. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom for political news from around the world. In this episode, The Political Dispatch team focuses on Serbia, Turkey, and Canada. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom for Part 2 of a special two-part series exploring what life is like in the United States now that Donald Trump has returned to office. This episode features Amelia Southern Uribe and Bryson Austin, who are two new members of Be the Change. Media Network and the hosts of the upcoming podcast The Ozark Agenda. If you have not listened to Part 1 of this series, please listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other podcasting platforms. This episode explores the key differences between Trump’s first and second administrations and what they mean for the future of the United States, as well as guidance for those feeling hopeless or disillusioned in America today. This episode was recorded on March 19, 2025, and aired on March 28, 2025. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. To get connected Amelia or Bryson, please find them on Instagram, as well: @ameliasouthernnn and @iambrysonaustin. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom for Part 1 of a special two-part series exploring what life is like in the United States now that Donald Trump has returned to office. This episode features Amelia Southern Uribe and Bryson Austin, who are two new members of Be the Change. Media Network and the hosts of the upcoming podcast The Ozark Agenda. This episode delves into the political climate, policy changes, and social impact of Trump’s second term. From firsthand experiences on the ground to an international perspective on US politics, the team unpacks what this new chapter means for democracy, activism, and everyday life. This episode was recorded on March 19, 2025, and aired on March 21, 2025. Stay tuned for Part 2 on March 28, 2025! Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. To get connected Amelia or Bryson, please find them on Instagram, as well: @ameliasouthernnn and @iambrysonaustin. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom as they dive into Channel 4’s Gen Z Trends, Truth and Trust report, exploring the key themes shaping the views of young people in the UK. From a fragmented media landscape and declining trust in institutions to gender divides and shifting political ideologies, the team unpacks what the findings mean for society, democracy, and the future of news consumption. This episode was recorded on February 16, 2025 and aired on February 21, 2025. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
Join Tom Spare for a solo deep-dive into Donald Trump’s inaugural address as the 47th President of the United States. Donald Trump is now the second president in US history to serve two non-consecutive terms. President Trump now holds another distinction: at 78 years and 220 days old, he’s the oldest person to assume the office, taking the title from his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump is also the first convicted felon to hold the presidency. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Tom, please find him on Instagram: @sparetom. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
Join Sidd, Lily and Tom as they delve into some of the most pressing current events shaping the digital and political landscape, including Meta’s controversial decision to remove third-party fact-checkers, Elon Musk’s growing influence in global democracies, and the wider implications of online political speech. This episode was recorded on January 9, 2025. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.
At the end of December, Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away at the age of 100. In this episode, Sidd, Lily and Tom discuss the life, political career, and legacy of the peanut farmer’s son who became President and redefined the post-presidency career. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati. For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.