What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel

Mark is joined by writer and journalist Margaret Renn in this special extended episode. Together, they discuss Margaret’s new book “Paul Foot: A Life in Politics” and the life of Paul Foot, one of Britain's most outstanding journalists and socialist campaigners. If you enjoyed this interview then please buy a copy of Margaret’s new book, it’s well worth a read so head down to your local book shop and buy a copy, but if you really must use amazon then you can buy it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paul-Foot-Politics-Margaret-Renn/dp/1804291900 Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod Follow What The F*** Is Going On? Bluesky/X @wtfisgoingonpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Bluesky/X @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Follow Adam @AdamRutherford Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Arthur Smith in this special extended episode, as they discuss his 1991 stage play “An Evening With Gary Lineker”, Arthur’s time teaching in France & many more fascinating stories from Arthur’s life. 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 Bluesky @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Follow Arthur on bluesky @arfursmith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we revisit this special episode recorded in front of a live audience at Leicester Square Theatre. Mark is joined by Seann Walsh, Angela Barnes and Elliot Steel as he tries to make sense of the current mess that we're in. Plus there's Mike Concrete being forced to make an apology to an Irish farmer – and a woman that Mark heard on a phone-in show complaining about all the boats that are coming here... 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Seann Walsh @seannwalsh Follow Angela Barnes @AngelaBarnes Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Andy Zaltzman, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of the threat of nuclear war , Farmers inheritance tax –  and Elliot tells us about his recent altercation at a bus stop. Plus we hear an exclusive extract from the late John Prescott and Mike Concrete speaks to a climate change activist  Go to https://www.andyzaltzman.co.uk to get tour tickets and more from Andy. 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Follow Andy @zalzcricket Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by author John O'Farrell, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of why the left keeps seeming to lose, The resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury –  and Elliot explains the recent controversy over referee David Coote. Plus Britains most patriotic man Nigel boulevard shares his thoughts on good old fashioned British fireworks and Mark overhears a woman on a phone in who is not happy about the Archbishop of Canterbury’s resignation. If you want to buy John’s new paperback you can grab a copy here: https://www.waterstones.com/author/john-ofarrell/53371 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Follow John O’Farrel @mrjohnofarrell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by writer Matthew Norman, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of everything that’s happened in the last few days in this US election special. Plus we hear from a woman on a phone in who Is especially shocked and astounded at the re-election of Donald Trump. Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Scott Bennett, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Trump’s accusations of The Labour Party’s “Foreign Interference”, Celebrities putting themselves on islands  –  and Elliot makes an interesting link between this podcast and socialism. Marks new tour show “The Leopard In My House” is on sale now so head over to www.marksteel.info for tickets. 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Go to www.ScottBennett.co.uk for Scott’s tour tickets and more  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Rosie Holt, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of the removal of hereditary peers in the House of Lords, How the new government has effected everybody  –  and Elliot shares his thoughts on deleting Twitter/X. Plus, We hear from George Galloway giving his views on Keir Starmer’s “gift” tickets to Taylor Swift and Mike Concrete talks to the winner of the Warehouseman of the Year Award. 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Follow Rosie @rosieisaholt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by screenwriter and novelist Frank Cottrell-Boyce, to discuss being the UK Children's Laureate  , His role in the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, Working with Tony Wilson on 24 hour party people  –  and growing up in Liverpool. 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Frank on twitter @@frankcottrell_b Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by cartoonist and writer Martin Rowson, as he tries to make sense of the history of visual satire & print making  , Drawing Tony Blair’s degeneration over the years   –  and his new book "A Dead Cat On Your Table" with Peter York. If you want to get your hands on a copy of Martin's book "A Dead Cat On Your Table" with Peter York you can order it here: https://subscribe.bylinetimes.com/product/a-dead-cat-on-your-table/?mc_cid=8f2cc3598c&mc_eid=27707f12ef 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Martin on Twitter/x @MartinRowson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Phil Ellis, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Kier Starmer’s use of a corporate box at the Emirates Stadium  , Phil Ellis’ disaster gig at Blackpool Pleasure beach  –  and Elliot shares his views on the reality television this country needs. Plus, We hear from deceased Yorkshire cricketer Fred Trueman about the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.  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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Follow Phil @ThePhilEllis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Sally-Anne Hayward, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of how men sound to women, using Stoicism to learn to not get annoyed at people  –  and Elliot shares his views on stupid people that use twitter. Plus, Mark hears a woman on a phone in show who is angered by immigrants eating cats and dogs – and ex-MP George Galloway shares his thoughts on Tupperware’s bankruptcy 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Follow Sally @sallyannecomedy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Esther Manito, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of the 40 minute mark – spending cuts for the elderly and Elliot’s views on why Mark gets overwhelmed choosing soap. Plus, Mark overhears a woman in a cafe who is concerned about the scrapping of the winter fuel allowance – and an exclusive Bible reading from Russell Brandiloquent. 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Follow Esther Manito @esthermanito  Plus, Please do what you can to support Esther’s half marathon for Palestine by following this link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/esther-manito-1724402429607?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Festher-manito-1724402429607&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Miles Jupp, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of wether Mary Poppins was a radical left wing film – coping with scary medical surgeries and Elliot’s views on people with ADHD. Plus, broadcasting legend Mike Concrete interviews Tony Pardew who is starting scheme to help kids get fit – and an interview with Nadine Boris about Angela Rayner dancing in Ibiza with a DJ. 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian and singer Lloyd Griffith, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of hitchhiking in Grimsby; hair transplants – and Elliot’s take on Andrew Tate. Plus, George Galloway gives his thoughts on the reunion of the Gallagher brothers – and we hear from Britain's most patriotic man Nigel Boulevard. 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Lloyd Griffith @lloydgriffith Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by Shappi Khorsandi for a special extended interview all about ADHD.  Join us this week as we discuss everything from what it’s like living with ADHD, how to recognise symptoms and self diagnosis. Shappi’s new book “Scatter Brain: How I finally got off the ADHD rollercoaster and became the owner of a very tidy sock drawer” will be out on paperback on September 5th.  PLUS Shappi is on tour with her brand new show Scatter Brain tickets can be found at:https://shappi.co.uk/comedian/live-dates/ 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel Follow Shappi Khorsandi @shappikhorsandi And visit our website www.whatthefisgoingonpodcast.co.uk for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Gráinne Maguire, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of lead and Zinc mining in Navan; Support for Sinn Féin in Ireland – and Elliot’s housing situation at The Edinburgh Festival. Plus, broadcasting legend Mike Concrete interviews the political editor for The Irish Times – and a woman who Mark overheard in a cafe is unhappy about the fires in Greece. 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Matthew Norman @GrainneMaguire Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Paul Mccaffrey, as he tries to make sense of this weeks far-right rioting, the cost of watching Judo at the olympics & annoying the anti-trans community on Twitter/X. This week Elliot Steel is busy performing his new show in Edinburgh but we have Nigel Boulevard at the end of his tether with two tier policing – and a woman that Mark heard on a phone-in show who is sick of all these immigrants at the olympics. 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Paul Mccaffrey @paulmccaffreycomedian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are revisiting this classic episode with Seann Walsh, Covering everything from getting PTSD after going on a dance show, to what it's like growing up with a father who's a heroin addict – and whether it's a suitable subject for comedy. Plus, why Mark would argue that (whether he thinks he is or not) Seann is actually a political comedian – and a disturbingly accurate impression of Stewart Lee doing a Michael McIntyre routine. It's a fascinating and very funny full-length interview – not to be missed! 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 Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Follow Seann Walsh @seannwalsh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices