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What The F Is Going On? with Mark Steel

What The F Is Going On? with Mark Steel

WTF Productions 230 Episodes Aug 17, 2026

Mark Steel hosts a weekly podcast where he tries to make sense of the chaotic state of the world and politics. Each episode features conversations with guests from comedy, politics, and culture, including Miles Jupp, Jeremy Corbyn, Caitlin Moran, and others. The discussions are funny, honest, and occasionally furious, aiming to answer the question: 'What the f is going on?'

Episodes

Ep 190 with Rosie Jones Pt 2: I’m Underestimated Every Day
Ep 190 with Rosie Jones Pt 2: I’m Underestimated Every Day Aug 17, 2026 3080 The hilarity and hard truths continue in Part 2 as Mark Steel and Rosie Jones dissect everything from music legends to British political absurdity. Mark recounts the agonizing heartbreak of missing Dolly Parton at Glastonbury to perform for 30 people, while Rosie shares her love for Carry On films and pitches a modern, queer reboot featuring Hannah Waddingham. Things take a serious yet furious-
Ep 190 with Rosie Jones Pt 1: My Disability Is Not The Most interesting Thing About Me!
Ep 190 with Rosie Jones Pt 1: My Disability Is Not The Most interesting Thing About Me! Aug 10, 2026 2943 In Part 1 of this episode of What The F Is Going On?*, Mark Steel sits down with the brilliant comedian, author, and force of nature Rosie Jones. Ahead of their respective Edinburgh Fringe shows, the pair dive into early-afternoon gigging schedules, surviving Bridlington seaside life, and the absurd fallout from Rosie’s infamous Greta Thunberg joke on The Last Leg. Rosie reflects on her ten-yea
Ep 189 with Sophie Willan (Live in London)
Ep 189 with Sophie Willan (Live in London) Aug 3, 2026 3784 In this special Live episode of What The F Is Going On?, Mark is joined by BAFTA-winning writer, comedian and creator of Alma's Not Normal, Sophie Willan. From growing up in Bolton to breaking into television, Sophie tells the extraordinary story of how Alma's Not Normalfinally made it to the BBC, why working-class voices are still fighting to be heard, and how comedy can reveal more truth than
Ep 188 with Andy Parsons Pt 2: Mock The Week Changed Comedy
Ep 188 with Andy Parsons Pt 2: Mock The Week Changed Comedy Jul 27, 2026 2723 Join us this Wednesday 29th for a live recording of the podcast at our studios in West London. Mark will be joined by actress Sophie Willan for a live streamed interview in front of a small audience for this special live event. Tickets can be purchased here: ⁠https://www.tickettailor.com/events/westdigitalstudios/2303628⁠ In Part Two, Mark and Andy explore the history of political satire, f
Ep 188 with Andy Parsons Pt 1: Sport Is Never Just Sport
Ep 188 with Andy Parsons Pt 1: Sport Is Never Just Sport Jul 20, 2026 2563 Mark is joined by comedian Andy Parsons for a conversation that starts with Ben Stokes, cricket curfews and Gareth Southgate, before expanding into a much bigger question: why Britain seems permanently disappointed with itself. They discuss entitlement, national identity, satire, Mock The Week, the changing media landscape, Andy Burnham, football, and whether politicians are now too managed to eve
Ep 187 with Gary Younge Pt 2: History Isn’t What You Think
Ep 187 with Gary Younge Pt 2: History Isn’t What You Think Jul 13, 2026 3928 In Part Two, Gary Younge reflects on growing up black in Britain, covering Nelson Mandela's election in South Africa, interviewing some of the world's biggest figures, and why identity politics is so often misunderstood. Mark and Gary discuss racism, history, statues, representation, Maya Angelou, teaching children about race, and why asking better questions matters far more than finding easy ans
Ep 187 with Gary Younge Pt 1: Immigration was never the problem!
Ep 187 with Gary Younge Pt 1: Immigration was never the problem! Jul 6, 2026 3451 Gary Younge joins Mark for a conversation about what has gone wrong with British politics. They discuss Andy Burnham's leadership, Labour's collapse, the rise of the Greens, Gaza, immigration, the media's failure to ask difficult questions, and whether politicians have become more interested in protecting institutions than changing people's lives. Along the way they ask who really holds power, wh
Ep 186 with Susie Mccabe Pt 2 : Scottish People Can’t Relate To Posh Etonians
Ep 186 with Susie Mccabe Pt 2 : Scottish People Can’t Relate To Posh Etonians Jun 29, 2026 3183 This week Mark continues his conversation with Susie Mccabe  In part two, Susie McCabe talks openly about growing up gay in Glasgow, coming out in the 90s and the realities of working-class family life in Britain. Alongside deeply personal stories about being thrown out after coming out and living with her gran, Susie and Mark also tear into David Cameron, class politics, Scottish identity and
Ep 186 with Susie Mccabe Pt 1: I am unapologetically Glaswegian!
Ep 186 with Susie Mccabe Pt 1: I am unapologetically Glaswegian! Jun 22, 2026 2743 Mark is joined by brilliant Glaswegian comic Susie McCabe for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about Glasgow pubs, estate boozers, working-class culture and the strange beauty of chaos. From naked men singing Dexys Midnight Runners in Birkenhead pubs to old women confronting police officers outside Glasgow bars, this episode is packed with incredible stories, brilliant observations and a hug
Ep 185 with Nick Hancock Pt 2  : Football Now Feels Manufactured
Ep 185 with Nick Hancock Pt 2 : Football Now Feels Manufactured Jun 15, 2026 2556 This week Mark continues his conversation with Nick Hancock. In part two, Mark Steel and Nick Hancock continue their brilliant conversation about football, corruption and the strange way sport reflects society itself. From FIFA’s greed to Simon Cowell manufacturing pop stars, the pair explore what happens when money takes over the things people genuinely love. There’s also chat about podcasts,
Ep 185 with Nick Hancock Pt 1: The World Cup Is Going To Be A F***ing Circus!
Ep 185 with Nick Hancock Pt 1: The World Cup Is Going To Be A F***ing Circus! Jun 8, 2026 3162 Mark is joined by legendary broadcaster and comedy icon Nick Hancock for a furious, funny and gloriously nostalgic deep dive into the World Cup. From crying over England’s defeat in 1970 to the magic of crackly late-night commentary, Nick and Mark relive the tournaments that shaped their lives before turning their attention to what modern football has become. FIFA, Trump, halftime shows, dynamic p
Ep 184 with Alan Davies Pt 2: I Spent Years Pretending I Was Fine
Ep 184 with Alan Davies Pt 2: I Spent Years Pretending I Was Fine Jun 1, 2026 2974 This week Mark continues his conversation with Alan Davies. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview. Want to get access to the full video interview before anyone else? why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen to the whole interview straight away – and you'll also be able to watch it! ⁠ht

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