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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 Sep 21, 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 193 with Paul Holden Pt 1: The McSweeney Project and the Labour Purge
Ep 193 with Paul Holden Pt 1: The McSweeney Project and the Labour Purge Sep 21, 2026 4010 This week, investigative journalist Paul Holden joins the show to discuss his explosive book, The Fraud, detailing the ruthless internal campaign to capture the Labour Party. Paul has spent 20 years investigating grand corruption worldwide, including exposing former South African President Jacob Zuma, which forced him to leave the country due to death threats. In part one, we explore how a righ
Ep 192 with Russell Warfield Pt 2: The future of the Green Party is this..
Ep 192 with Russell Warfield Pt 2: The future of the Green Party is this.. Sep 14, 2026 3353 In the second half of our conversation with Russell Warfield, we look at the future of the Green Party as a mass political movement and what it actually takes to challenge entrenched wealth. Russell draws on his extensive background—having worked for the Greens for five years, run the comms for the London 2021 elections where Zack became an AM, and played a central role in Zack's 2025 leadership c
Ep 192 with Russell Warfield Pt 1: The Green Threat and the Rise of Polanski
Ep 192 with Russell Warfield Pt 1: The Green Threat and the Rise of Polanski Sep 7, 2026 3324 This week, communications strategist Russell Warfield joins the show to discuss the shifting landscape of UK politics and the dramatic rise of the Green Party. Russell worked for the Greens for five years, ran the comms for the London 2021 elections where Zack Polanski became an Assembly Member, and played a central role in his 2025 leadership campaign. In part one, we explore how the Green Par
Classic Episode with Adam Rutherford
Classic Episode with Adam Rutherford Aug 31, 2026 4794 We're taking a small break this week as Mark recovers from the Edinburgh Fringe and we transition into our exciting new format starting next week. In the mean time please enjoy this classic episode with the fantastic Adam Rutherford. Mark is joined by scientist, writer, and broadcaster Adam Rutherford in this special extended episode. Together, they discuss eugenics, Charles Darwin, Francis G
Ep 191: Ask Me Anything with Mark Steel
Ep 191: Ask Me Anything with Mark Steel Aug 24, 2026 3528 In this special episode, Mark sets out to answer some questions from his patreon supporters and rant about the state of the world. From harrowing festival flashbacks to the sheer madness of modern politics, Mark covers it all before his laptop battery inevitably gives out. For your chance to ask Mark questions in his next Ask Me Anything session PLUS Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early acces
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

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