The Two Matts

The Matts are joined by Peter Hyman and Shuab Gamote on the day they launch their incredibly impactful, important and moving report into the plight of one million NEETs in Britain - that’s young people Not in Education, Employment or Training. It’s a remarkable piece of work; a total eye-opener into a generational crisis which urgently needs a solution. The personal stories Peter and Shuab encounter are truly remarkable - and their conclusions are a clarion call for radical change to a trajectory which shames this nation. Download the report here and subscribe to The New World in time for their cover story next week hereProduced by Matt Withers

The Matts speak with Misan Harriman, the chair of Britain’s largest arts and culture institution, the Southbank Centre. Misan has been under persistent attack from much of the UK’s right wing media - all for something he didn’t say. It’s an extraordinary and ugly case study in how the press in Britain work. But, perhaps, in Misan Harriman they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. Enjoy the podcast - but prepare to have your blood boil.Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

The Matts answer listeners’ questions including: where is the outrage over Nigel Farage’s ethical void; why do people who think they were sold a pup on Brexit now vote for the puppy salesman; should the entire cabinet now resign; what is China doing right; why are the Palestine Action 24 being sentenced as terrorists; and can the Matts suggest a short list of cultural destinations for a very special birthday celebration? Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

The Matts consider just how much is at stake in the Makerfield by-election, assuming Andy Burnham is allowed to stand. Who will Reform put up against him (we have one idea) and what will Zack Polanski’s move be? Take a chunk of Burnham’s vote or sit it out? And how will Keir Starmer play his cards? If you want to hear two pundits try to work out what the hell any of this will add up to… you’ve come to the right place. Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

Join the Matts as they discuss the omnishambles in Downing Street. Exciting times as they receive the breaking news that Wes Streeting has resigned and the contest to be the next PM is afoot. Who now holds the upper hand? Matt K has surveyed his most influential contacts on who will be PM by Christmas - their answer may surprise you. Certainly, Matt D disagrees. Either way - enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

The Matts answer listeners' questions, including the optimal timetable for a Starmer handover; whether Andy Burnham is trustworthy enough to be PM; if Banksy modelled his statue on Nigel Farage; how you can criticise Israel and avoid accusations of anti-semitism and why the Telegraph is smearing the chair of the Southbank Centre; whether we should be terrified of hantavirus; and, apart from revolutionising telly, introducing billions of us to the natural world and raising awareness of the climate crisis, what David Attenborough has ever done for us. Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

The Matts reflect on a terrible day for both Labour and the Tories and ask what it is going to take to keep Nigel Farage from Downing Street. Three years ago they were mocked for suggesting Nigel Farage could be PM. Now he’s even money favourite to win the most seats at the next general election. What does this surge tell us about Keir Starmer and how Labour need to act if it stands a chance of mounting a serious challenge to a pocket-lining populist like Farage?Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

The Matts sit down with Phil Tinline to discuss his book The Ghosts of Iron Mountain - genuinely one of the most fascinating and consequential stories of our age. Phil tells how a 1967 hoax report into the desirability (or lack of it) of peace in America triggered a culture of conspiracy and paranoia which not only infects American politics today, but sometimes dictates it to a quite surreal degree. It’s a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation... enjoy! And once you’ve listened to the pod, do get Phil’s book The Ghosts of Iron Mountain in paperback, out today!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/

The Matts answer listeners' questions, including whether or not the UK should use the King more; whether we bash Starmer too much; if zoos really are the front line of conservation; and what is the most astonishing object the Matts have beheld? Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/