Bold Politics with Zack Polanski
Bold Politics is a podcast that aims to make hope normal again. Host Zack Polanski speaks with thinkers, activists, and people whose voices deserve to be heard, covering topics from immigration to the economy, inequality to leadership. The show explores what the future of progressive politics can look like.
Episodes
What Does It Mean To Be Patriotic? | Afua Hirsch
What are the British media’s key structural issues? Is it more difficult to have a voice in the current political climate? How do we talk about complex topics without alienating people? What was Keir Starmer like before he entered politics?Is this week’s episode, Zack Polanski speaks to writer, broadcaster and journalist, Afua Hirsch.Bold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires Festival in Sheffield on
Should We Separate Military From Security? | Anna Stavrianakis
Should we be increasing our military spending? What do we actually mean when we talk about our national security? Where does Palantir sit within the UK’s military industrial complex?Zack Polanski talks to journalist, author and arms trade and international security expert, Anna Stavrianakis.Bold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires Festival in Sheffield on July 5th.Pre-order the new book, Hope Is Her
How We Build An Economic Transition For All | Thomas Piketty
How do we become more economically sustainable? What can be done to revive UK manufacturing? How do we stop the wealthy from buying power and influence? What is the UK’s economic responsibility towards the Global South?Is this week’s episode, Zack Polanski speaks to economist and author, Thomas Piketty_____What's your bold idea? Bring it to life with Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bold
How Right-Wing Media Polarises Us | Natasha Devon
Is the media responsible for a lack of nuance in today’s public debate? Should government ministers be leaving social media platforms, or regulating them? Why are online controversies and issues often not reflective of local politics and concerns? What has been the effect of decades of fear mongering over immigration?Is this week’s episode, Zack Polanski speaks to broadcaster, writer and campaigne
Can We Restore Decency To Politics? | Iain Dale
Will Andy Burnham represent a genuine change from Keir Starmer? How much has the hunt for the clip changed British media? Do politicians behave differently when they’re off-mic?Is this week’s episode, Zack Polanski speaks to broadcaster and author, Iain Dale._____What's your bold idea? Bring it to life with Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bold?utm_source=boldpolitics&utm_medium=refe
How We’re Making Things Worse For Migrants
How has government policy made crossing the Channel on small boats more dangerous? What’s it like working with children in Calais? How is the treatment of migrants in Calais mirrored in the UK immigration system? And why do migrants avoid photographers and the press?In this week’s special extra episode, Zack Polanski speaks to Lily MacTaggart, from Humans for Rights Network.Sign the petition to ca
How The Economy Is Rigged Against Women | Daniella Jenkins
Why is women’s work so often neglected within traditional economic theory? How have pensions become affected by gender? Why does the gender pay gap still exist? And what should governments do to deal with these systemic issues?Is this week’s episode, Zack Polanski is joined by Executive Director of Women’s Budget Group, Dr. Daniella Jenkins._____What's your bold idea? Bring it to life with Crowdfu
Is Society Becoming Less Tolerant? | Bimini
How are politicians failing LGBTQIA+ people in the UK? Have we become less accepting of difference in society since Brexit? How much do things get taken out of context on reality tv, and is politics similar? What are the benefits of a well-funded creative industry?Zack Polanski speaks to drag legend and artist, Bimini at Crossed Wires Festival in Sheffield._____What's your bold idea? Bring it to l
Why The War On Drugs Is A Huge Failure | Kojo Koram
What prompted the U.S. to implement the war on drugs? What’s the modern history of the legalisation and regulation of drugs? Why do the media expect simple answers to complex questions around drug policy?In this week’s episode, Zack Polanski speaks to author and professor, Kojo Koram._____What's your bold idea? Bring it to life with Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bold?utm_source=boldpo
How The British Empire Changed The World | William Dalrymple
How did Britain use its empire to accumulate enormous wealth? What role did the British play in the dispossession of the Palestinian people? How does a corporation become more powerful than a state?In this week's episode, Zack Polanski is joined by historian William Dalrymple._____What's your bold idea? Bring it to life with Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bold?utm_source=boldpolitics&a
Elon Musk Calls Zack A Scumbag | Nish Kumar
How is Nigel Farage evading scrutiny? Should social media companies be held to the same standard as broadcasters? Why did Keir Starmer almost immediately start sinking in the polls after his election victory in 2024?Zack Polanski talks to comedian and broadcaster, Nish Kumar._____What's your bold idea? Bring it to life with Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bold?utm_source=boldpolitics&am
Why The System Fails Carers In The UK
What's it like being the main carer for a loved one? Why are kids as young as six years old dealing with the responsibility of looking after a sick parent? How are young carers penalised in the education system for stepping in to do a job that the state should be doing?Zack Polanski speaks to three carers about their unique and real-life experiences providing care for a loved one._____What's your
How Billionaires Avoid Tax | Gabriel Zucman
How do billionaires manage to pay less tax than the average British citizen? What needs to happen for wealth taxes to be implemented? And has wealth inequality become a bigger issue than it was at the start of the millennium? In this week’s episode, Zack Polanski is joined by economist, Gabriel Zucman_____What's your bold idea? Bring it to life with Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/
What Does A Green Coalition Look Like? | Ernest Urtasun
Why did Spain decide to challenge Trump on the International stage? What’s it like being a green minister in a coalition government? How can European alliances and institutions come together to take on the billionaire class?In this week’s episode, Zack Polanski is joined by Spanish Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun._____What's your bold idea? Bring it to life at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/bol
It’s Time to Decriminalise Sex Work
How does UK law make sex workers less safe? Why has the Nordic model of criminalising demand failed so dramatically? In what ways have new online platforms disrupted the sex industry?In this week's episode, Zack Polanski is joined by sex worker and organiser for Decrim Now, Audrey. Decrim Now is a grassroots campaign for the full decriminalisation of sex work.Bold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires
We Need To Democratise The UK Economy | Danny Sriskandarajah
How can we tackle the wealth inequality emergency in the UK? Why is spending on public investment different to spending on tax-cuts? Should more British people join credit unions?This week, Zack Polanski speaks to the New Economic Foundation's CEO, Danny Sriskandarajah.Bold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires Festival in Sheffield on July 5th.Pre-order the new book, Hope Is Here now.Email: zack@bold
The British Housing System Is Broken | Kwajo Tweneboa
Why is Britain’s housing sector in such a bad state? Is the fact 10% of MPs are landlords a conflict of interest when it comes to voting and policymaking? And why have successive governments not built enough social housing?In this week’s episode, Zack Polanski speaks to housing campaigner, Kwajo Tweneboa.Bold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires Festival in Sheffield on July 5th.Pre-order the new boo
The Online World is SO Unregulated | Sharon Gaffka
Are we doing enough to protect our children from harmful online content? How can we do more to tackle violence against women and girls? And what’s it like to take a career break from the Civil Service to go on Love Island?!This week, Zack speaks to campaigner and former civil servant, Sharon Gaffka.Bold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires Festival in Sheffield on July 5th.Pre-order the new book, Hop
Why British History Needs A Retelling | Zakia Sewell
How have folk stories, myths and legends been used to construct notions of identity in Britain? Can celebrating local traditions and customs help strengthen our communities?What role do the arts play in exploring the nuances of British identity and history?This week, Zack Polanski speaks to broadcaster, author and DJ, Zakia Sewell.Bold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires Festival in Sheffield on Jul
The UK Prison Crisis | Shanice McBean & Janey Starling
Does public perception on crime and punishment need to change? Why are women who have been failed by society just being put in prison? How have we gone so far in the wrong direction when it comes to navigating addiction?Zack Polanski speaks to Shanice McBean, co-author of Abolition Revolution and member of Sisters Uncut as well as Janey Starling from Level Up about prison reform, domestic violence
Why we stopped trusting politicians | Cody Dahler
Why are people in power so terrified of social media? How can content creators be more powerful than the billionaire backed mainstream media? How do we platform the stories that show people that it doesn’t have to be this way, and that they’re being ripped off?Zack Polanski chats to author, content creator and satirist, Cody Dahler live from Hackney EartH.Bold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires Fes
How Much Is Trump Costing The UK? | Tessa Khan
How are our energy prices actually set? Is the cost of living crisis going to get even worse because of geopolitical turbulence? What does a just transition to renewable energy look like that doesn’t leave us experiencing price spikes every time there’s a global event that affects fossil fuel supply?Zack Polanski speaks to Tessa Khan, international climate change lawyer, campaigner and founder of
Hope Is Here, It's All Of Us
How did Bold Politics start? How have Labour left behind such a large chunk of voters? Is there about to be a wave of progressive politicians who know how to navigate new media?Zack Polanski speaks to his producer about the podcast's new book, Hope Is Here, It's All Of Us.Pre-order the new book from Bold Politics with Zack Polanski, 'Hope Is Here, It's All Of Us' now!Bold Politics Live is at Cross
How Austerity Made Us Sicker | Dr Amir Khan
Why are record numbers of doctors leaving the UK? How can we stop the further selling off of the NHS? Is our personal health data being used against our best interests?Zack Polanski speaks to full-time GP, best-selling author and resident doctor on breakfast TV, Dr Amir KhanBold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires Festival in Sheffield on July 5th.Pre-order the new book, Hope Is Here now.Email: zack
The Science Of Prejudice | Keon West
What is the psychology behind prejudice? Are some people fundamentally racist in our country? Is there such a thing as "unconscious bias" and how does this manifest on media like reality tv?Zack Polanski speaks to Professor Keon West, author of The Science Of Racism.Get tickets to Bold Politics Live with Zack Polanski and Cody Dahler at Hackney Earth.Bold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires Festival
We Need Water Nationalisation Now | Feargal Sharkey
What is the reason that Labour haven’t nationalised the water industry yet? Why are international investors making economic decisions for our country over our democratically elected politicians? How could we bring back our water system into public hands without spending a penny?Zack Polanski speaks to water campaigner, activist and musician, Feargal Sharkey.Bold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires F
The Green Future | Caroline Lucas
How has the experience changed for women in politics over the last few decades? Why do we allow those in power to get away with telling the story that unlimited growth on a planet with finite resources won’t just end with inequality? Can we build a better, fairer and more equitable society by looking at the fundamentals of life, death and love from a different cultural perspective?Zack Polanski sp
What The F*** Is Going On?! | Mark Steel
Why do we need a ‘coalition of kindness’ in the UK? What are the key reasons that people are still tribally voting for Labour despite being politically abandoned? Are most people voting for their respective political parties from a place of good will for everyone or purely out of selfishness?Zack Polanski speaks to author, activist and comedian, Mark Steel.Bold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires Fe
Why The Rich Get Richer | Faiza Shaheen | Zack Polanski
How can we reimagine wealth taxes so that they’re less a politics of envy and more about just not paying wealthy people to become more wealthy? Why do we accept student loans as a tax on graduates whilst paying huge amounts of interest to asset holders? Where does tax avoidance, the far right and inequality intersect?Zack Polanski speaks to Faiza Shaheen, economist and director of Tax Justice UK.B
The Battle For The Soul Of The Nation | Hannah Spencer | Zack Polanski
Why should a local plumber be representing their community in Westminster instead of elites? What has been the biggest challenges in suddenly being thrust into the political limelight as the bookies favourite to win the by-election in Gorton and Denton? Will Labour give up soon when it’s clear that their vote has collapsed on the doorsteps?Zack Polanski speaks to The Green Party’s candidate MP for
Everyone Deserves Equal Rights | Doris | Zack Polanski
How are migrant workers exploited by big business? What can they do when their hours are cut, their work is increased and their working conditions aren’t good enough? What can unions do to make sure companies are held accountable?Zack Polanski speaks to United Voices of the World member, Doris about her experiences in the first housekeepers walkout since 1979. Get your tickets for Zack Polans
What Happens When You Underfund Education | Daniel Kebede | Zack Polanski
Should we scrap OFSTED completely? Why are SEND provisions so inadequate? Are we really seeing a rise in behavioural issues in schools or are we just seeing austerity play out once more?Zack Polanski speaks to General Secretary of the National Education Union, Daniel Kebede.Get your tickets for Zack Polanski and Caroline Lucas at Bold Politics Live in Brighton.Join Nature's Network and switch to E
Why The Left Can’t Agree On Everything | Zack Polanski | Kieran Andrieu
Should the UK retain diplomatic ties with countries, even if those relations exist purely to place sanctions? What are the first steps to take in approaching any form of international agreement? Are progressives purely factional by nature or can there be a more socialist, democratic future that provides everyone with a voice?Zack Polanski speaks to Novara Media’s Kieran Andrieu.Get your tickets fo
Why Did Starmer Really Block Burnham From Running In Gorton and Denton? | Paul Holden | Zack Polanski
How has Morgan McSweeney architected the Labour Party over the last eight years to control democracy? Who has been funding Starmer’s ascent to Prime Minister? Who really calls the shots in Westminster?Zack Polanski speaks to investigative journalist and author of The Fraud, Paul Holden.Get your tickets for Zack Polanski and Caroline Lucas at Bold Politics Live in Brighton.Join Nature's Network and
Why The System Just Isn’t Working | Nadia Sawalha | Mark Adderley | Zack Polanski
What are the vested interests that keep politicians trying to convince us everything is fine, even when we know it’s not? How did the sixth largest economy in the world slip into such a resource scarcity mindset? What were the tactics that allowed us to be convinced it was those who had less than us in society who were responsible for the growing levels of inequality rather than those with unfatho
Why A Vote For Reform UK Is A Vote For Russia | Carole Cadwalladr | Zack Polanski
Is Nathan Gill just the tip of the iceberg in the Kremlin’s use of agents specifically deployed to destabilise British democracy? What are Nigel Farage’s links to the far right convicted felon, Steve Bannon? How has our data been exploited by politicians, Cambridge Analytica and social media platforms over the last decade? Zack Polanski talks to investigative reporter, Ted Talker and Pulitze
How Antisemitism Is Used To Excuse War Crimes | Rachel Shabi | Zack Polanski
How are Netanyahu and his allies using claims of antisemitism to deflect from Israel’s genocide? How are some of the conversations we’re having around antisemitism potentially perpetuating the racism against Jewish people? How are Jews around the world standing up for the human rights of Palestinians, not in spite of their heritage, but because of it?Zack Polanski speaks to author of Off White: Th
We Deserve Better In 2026 | Gary Lineker | Zack Polanski
Does the BBC need to make some big changes at the top to ensure true impartiality? Should we expect more footballers to be outspoken politically given their platform? Why is it so difficult for politicians to condemn atrocities committed by Israel?Zack Polanski speaks to Gary Lineker about meeting Keir Starmer, how to deal with attacks from the far right and of course, his favourite goal for Spurs
Why The Media Is Looking At Economics All Wrong | James Meadway | Zack Polanski
How are global companies in the middle of supply chains making billions of pounds by profiteering off both the increased cost of living and the impact of climate change on farmers? How does the Bank of England serve owners of commercial banks instead of the British public? What would be the best way for a government to borrow for investment in long term infrastructure without causing investors in
Are Voters Losing Faith In Democracy? | Lewis Goodall | Zack Polanski
How much power does the state have over the restriction of information on social media? Is it possible to have a truly impartial national broadcasting service? Is the UK government legally allowed to create super-injunctions through the courts to cover up their mistakes?Zack Polanski speaks to journalist, LBC presenter and host of Global’s The News Agents with Jon Sopel and Emily Maitlis, Lewis Go
How Rising Inequality Impacted The Trans Experience | Shon Faye | Zack Polanski
How has austerity and the cost of living impacted trans people over the last few decades? How can we encourage freedom of speech whilst still giving people the dignity they deserve? How does our treatment of trans people and refugees reflect the sort of society we want to build?Zack Polanski is joined by author and expert, Shon Faye.Join Nature's Network and switch to Ecotalk, the only network ser
Why There’s No Such A Thing As A ‘Perfect Green’ | Femi Oluwole | Zack Polanski
Are parties on the left too quick to write off potential voters that might disagree with them on minor points? How can we create a more progressive movement that doesn’t subject people to ‘purity tests’? Do we need a strong European Union now, more than ever?Zack Polanski speaks to creator, commentator and anti-Brexit campaigner, Femi Oluwole about diversity, inequality and why he’s just joined th
Why We Deserve Better Than Reeves And Starmer | Marina Purkiss | Jemma Forte
How can we tell a better economic story that shows people they don’t have to accept the status quo of rising inequality? What would a new media landscape look like under the Green Party? How can we make the necessary long term public investment in our infrastructure without causing a short term spike in people’s mortgage prices?Zack Polanski speaks to hosts of The Trawl, Jemma Forte and Marina Pur
How Can The Left Be Louder Than The Right? | NoJusticeMTG | Zack Polanski
Why don’t more progressive voices get booked on political panels? Why are energy prices the perfect example of how systems are stacked against the 99%? Is there any hope left in the Labour Party?Zack Polanski speaks to YouTube streamer and Novara Media commentator, Helena AKA NoJusticeMTG.Join Nature's Network and switch to Ecotalk, the only network service provider that gives all its profits to n
How The Left Can Come Together To Beat Reform | Yanis Varoufakis | Zack Polanski
How we lost the argument on Britain’s relationship with the European Union forever? What is the point in our nuclear weapons if Donald Trump’s America has such power over whether we can use them or not? What has the left learned from the formation of Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana’s Your Party?Zack Polanski speaks to Greek political party leader Yanis Varoufakis about playing a role in the format
How To Platform Socialist Ideas Through Billionaire Owned Channels | George Monbiot | Zack Polanski
How is the government weaponising the housing crisis to excuse the depletion of nature in our communities? How can we mobilise the 99% when the means of communication are owned and dominated by the extremely wealthy 1%? How did we get to a point in capitalism where it became acceptable to trade the social care of children like commodities and assets?Zack Polanski speaks to author, speaker, journal
How An Education System Became A Mental Health Crisis | Natasha Devon | Zack Polanski
How can we encourage active listening and information hygiene to improve the UK’s critical thinking? What are the series of events that led to an overwhelming lack of services for SEND children? How can we improve the quality of life for all genders in society when a lot of the challenges that face them are being perpetuated by completely siloed digital ecosystems?Zack Polanski speaks to Natasha D
Are We Failing The Next Generation? | Jordan Stephens | Zack Polanski
Are young men turning towards misogyny as a backlash to feminism or is it due to a lack of good male role models? How can we reshape our education system to better support SEND children? Is there a direct correlation between serious youth violence and the lack of funding in good community led, creative projects for young people?Zack Polanski speaks to musician, actor, author and campaigner, Jordan
How A Mamdani Win Will Send Shockwaves Around The World | HasanAbi | Zack Polanski
How are progressive politicians finding success by neutralising culture war questions and always bringing the subject back to inequality? What does UK politics look like from the US perspective? How can everyday citizens collectively organise and challenge fascist ideologies when they are being perpetually backed and funded by the billionaires that own the platforms we use every day?Zack Polanski
How Grass Roots Can Turn Into Global Movements | Mikaela Loach | Zack Polanski
What is the story behind the Israeli-funded oil field in the North Sea which, if Labour allow it to go ahead, will create more emissions than the 28 lowest income countries combined? How much has Trump’s second term impacted the fight against climate change? Why is it important to not just focus on social media when campaigning on issues?Zack Polanski talks to activist, campaigner, author and comm
How Can We All Be Better Allies? | Tia Kofi | Zack Polanski
With LGBTQIA+ hate crimes on the rise, how can we build a society that better protects marginalised communities? How do we encourage more people with platforms to use their voices for good? Is drag performance a political act in itself? Zack Polanski speaks to Drag Race UK Vs The World season 2 winner, Tia Kofi.Join Nature's Network and switch to Ecotalk, the only network service provider tha
Are We Looking At The Economy All Wrong? | Richard Murphy | Zack Polanski
How is the Bank of England sending money from the public’s pockets directly to billionaire owners of commercial banks? What is the counter argument to a wealth tax? Should we have a universal basic income?Zack speaks with economist, accountant and campaigner, Richard Murphy.Join Nature's Network and switch to Ecotalk, the only network service provider that gives all its profits to nature restorati
Should We Return To The EU? | Mike Galsworthy | Zack Polanski
What are the progressive arguments for rejoining or remaining independent from the European Union? Is there a self-perpetuating narrative forming around "the rise of the far right across Europe" when so many socialist movements are gaining traction across the continent? How can we bolster news on a local level to ensure that communities are equitably represented on a national level?Zack Polanski c
Why We Should Want Our Politicians To Be Flawed | Chlöe Swarbrick | Zack Polanski
What is the point in seeking environmental justice without seeking social, racial and economic inequality at the same time? What links the core values of Green Parties around the world apart from a commitment to the protection of the planet? Is the global left movement conceding to the right by striving for perfection over equality?Zack Polanski speaks to co-leader of The Green Party of Aotearoa N
The Death Of Two Party Politics | Owen Jones | Zack Polanski
What was the mood like at the latest Labour conference? How do you approach a conversation with someone who is still worried that voting for another party will only "split the vote"? Why are Starmer, Badenoch and the media conflating protests against the Israeli Genocide with the Jewish people? Zack Polanski chats to writer, YouTuber, activist and campaigner Owen Jones at Bold Politics Live.J
How Labour Sold Their Souls To Billionaires | Gary Stevenson | Zack Polanski
Have Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer officially destroyed the Labour brand? How can the left become better storytellers than Nigel Farage and Donald Trump? Will Gary's Economics endorse the Green Party at the next set of UK elections?Zack Polanski speaks to economist and commentator, Gary Stevenson about wealth taxes, inequality and how the current government need to address the ballooning 0.01% or
Why Rachel Reeves Is Obsessed With Growth At Any Cost | Grace Blakeley | Zack Polanski
What are the deeper dynamics behind growth, inflation and wages? Why does the current Labour government create their policies solely based on increasing GDP per capita, regardless of impact on people and planet, instead of focussing on the welfare of the population? Who really holds the power when it comes to unlocking better living standards, increased public services and a higher quality of life
How To Confront The Radicalisation Of Young Men | Jimmy The Giant | Zack Polanski
What is it that attracts disenfranchised young male adults to negative, racist and misogynistic role models? How can we develop our communication skills to open the door to more progressive conversations around contentious issues? Is it possible to be patriotic without promoting nationalistic views?Zack Polanski chats to YouTuber and former Tommy Robinson supporter, Jimmy The Giant about his journ
How To Beat The Anti-Immigration Playbook | Zoe Gardner | Zack Polanski
Why don't people fleeing war or persecution stay in the first safe country rather than the coming to the UK? Would asylum seekers be treated better if we allowed them to integrate properly in society with homes and jobs? Is regional inequality in the North a long-lasting effect of Tory austerity, or is it because of immigration?In this episode of Bold Politics, Zack Polanski chats to migration exp
The Future Of Left Politics | Ash Sarkar
What can future left leaders learn from the Jeremy Corbyn era? How does the UK's imperial history continue to shape our foreign policy? Does protesting actually work?In the first episode of Bold Politics, Zack sits down with activist, commentator and author of Minority Rule, Ash Sarkar, known for her work at Novara Media.Email: boldpoliticswithzack@gmail.comYouTube: @boldpoliticswithzackInstagram:
Bold Politics with Zack Polanski
Bold Politics Live is at Crossed Wires Festival in Sheffield on July 5th.Pre-order the new book, Hope Is Here now.Email: zack@boldpolitics.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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