Strong Message Here
Armando Iannucci hosts a programme that decodes the baffling world of political language. Each week, he and a guest crack open the political phrasebook to demystify doublespeak, exploring terms like 'turbo-charged' and 'weaponised'. The show offers a crash course in the dark arts of political language from insiders who are both baffled and beguiled by it. Listen on Thursdays on BBC Radio 4 at 9.45am, with an extended version on BBC Sounds.
Episodes
I Wasn't Even Listening (with Natalie Haynes)
Armando is back from a summer break to look at the use and abuse of political language.Joined by friend of the show, Natalie Haynes, they mournfully fell the Keir Starmer Metaphor tree, and find a suitable replacement for the Andy Burnham era.Elsewhere, they discuss the undercover operation on Reform, and the language of the fallout, 'perv glasses' and a corbyn-eqsue 'Strong Message Here' for the
Your Next Listen: The People Have Spoken
While Armando is still on his summer break, Ian Smith introduces his Friday Night Comedy series, The People Have Spoken.It's time for the people to speak. In this episode, Fed Up With War!, broadcast on 21 August, Ian Smith is joined by Harriet Kemsley and Ashley Storrie to take on the headlines and work out what is going on, and, together with a live Edinburgh Fringe audience, solve the biggest p
Doing Politics Differently (with Phil Wang and Pierre Novellie)
This week, Phil Wang steps in for Armando, and is joined by comedian Pierre Novellie to discuss 'doing politics differently'.Digging into the language of Burnham's speech, we examine what he means by 'place', and whether we will see an end to 'punch and judy politics'.Elsewhere, we look at Badenoch's attack mode, America's 250th celebrations and why politicians struggle to p-p-p-pick a favourite b
A Swift Transition (with Matt Forde and Ria Lina)
Armando is under the weather this week, so in true World Cup style, we have called up a super sub.Matt Forde steps in to host, and Ria Lina joins him to discuss the big news of the week.Is it a bit rich of the Labour Party to claim they don't want to 'exaggerate small differences'? How does Starmer sell his achievements, and is there anything we can learn about how Burnham uses language?In the lon
It's All Signed (with Stewart Lee)
Stewart Lee joins Armando to look at the detail, or lack thereof in the US and Iran deal.What is a memorandum of understanding? Does the language of UFC apply to this deal? And are Shoreditch hipsters running Iran's social media campaign?It's by-election day, and while broadcast rules prevent us from discussing the events in Makerfield, there's no rule to stop us discussing the broadcasting rules
Fanning the Flames (with Hugo Rifkind)
Hugo Rifkind joins Armando, fresh from interviewing a highland cow, to discuss the phrase 'fanning the flames'.Can a politician ever avoid politicising an issue? How is that different from weaponising? And does journalism have a role in fanning the flames, and prolonging political arguments?Elsewhere, Armando explains the power of the power nap, Pete Hegseth conflates D-Day with immigration, and w
There's Been An Under-Discussion (with Natalie Haynes)
Natalie Haynes joins Armando to look at the differing language used when discussing the benefits and risks of the AI revolution.Is it just 'a thing' which is beyond debate? What does non-zero actually mean? And we examine the language of Tony Blair's argument, by taking it to its logical conclusion.In the longer version, you will also hear the ramification of shouting at Harold Pinter, Peter Thiel
That's Not for Me to Say (with Munya Chawawa)
Fresh from a trip to America, Munya Chawawa joins Armando to discuss the political art of saying nothing.Munya recently looked at the parallels between Trump and Wrestling, and talks about how the language and theatre of WWE has inspired Trump's political style. They then turn to Andy Burnham's tightrope walk, and his desire to be clear and direct, whilst also avoiding the elephant in the room - w
A Febrile Atmosphere (with Tom Peck)
How do you capture the atmosphere of the commons? Parliamentary sketch writer for The Times, Tom Peck, joins Armando to discuss his most detested political buzzwords.We look at why people get so bloodthirsty in politics when 'the herd moves', who 'an anonymous source' might be, and whether Keir Starmer can draw a pig.In other news, we look at the demise of PearTree Productions, Ed Davey's wetsuit
We Can't Go On Like This (with Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ayesha Hazarika)
This week, we look at the language of embattled leaders, and some triumphant ones.Joined by Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ayesha Hazarika, we pore over the speech of Starmer's life - the third such event we have covered on this programme. Is rhetoric the right tool in his father's hand-me-down toolbelt for him to deploy in times of crisis?He says he gets it, but do we believe him? We look at the paral
Technological Republic (with Stewart Lee and Carole Cadwalladr)
What is the Technological Republic?Armando, Stewart and founder of The Nerve, Carole Cadwalladr, discuss the language and posture of the manifesto released by Palantir's Alex Karp last year.We look at how Tech bros frame those who block their progress, their effusive language about their products, why they might reflect on linguistic parallels with George Orwell's works.Armando also describes Will
Game On (with Natalie Haynes)
Ready Player One?Natalie Haynes joins Armando once again to talk about the rise of prediction markets, and how they might affect political language. We also look at the respective war memes from the US and Iran, and how they are taking their cues from video games.Elsewhere, we discuss the Arc de Trump, Armando's bag of filth, and whether a Sphinx might look good on the White House lawn.Got a stron
The Process Was Followed (with Tim Shipman)
Tim Shipman steps out of a busy week in Westminster to talk Armando through the language of political crises.Whether "time will tell", or "the matter has been dealt with", we decode what these phrases you will hear from politicians this week really mean. Looking at recent examples, from Brexit to Partygate and beyond, what causes these crises, and how does the communication - and indeed the messen
Only the Fake News Would Come Up with This (with Amol Rajan)
Politicians have their own podcasts, the Government has launched a YouTube channel. It seems our political class want to bypass traditional media to get their message out. Why is that? How does it affect political language?As he prepares to take his own steps into a new media landscape, Amol Rajan joins Armando to discuss this and more. We also hear about misleading news headlines, Trump's 'doctor
Righteous Targets for Violence (with Hugo Rifkind)
Hugo Rifkind joins Armando for a chat about the religious language in politics.After a quick detour round the far side of the moon, we find out Trump's favourite bible passage (sort of), why the Pope has rebuked Pete Hegseth, and if invoking a higher power can be used to dodge accountability.In the extended version, we also look at how parties in the UK trade in religious language, why how AI is g
Deep Disillusionment in This Country (with Stewart Lee)
This week, Armando is joined again by Stewart Lee to look at how political actors use language.Wes Streeting says there is a 'deep disillusionment in this country', and says there is a “growing sense of despair about whether anyone is capable of turning this country round". Why is that? And does politicians speaking in that way confound our misery? We look at Sarah Pochin's comments about black an
That's a Great Question (with Stewart Lee in Laugharne)
Stewart Lee joins Armando at the Millennium Hall in Laugharne.Is AI too sycophantic? Should we worry about how military-grade AI is being sold in start-up jargon? Let's ask the best AI there is, Armando Iannucci.In another episode in front of an audience, Armando and Stewart treat us to a dramatic reading of a Chat GPT interaction. We also hear whether the Metaverse is an unwelcome template for AI
We're Here to Listen (with Stewart Lee in Laugharne)
Armando is joined by Stewart Lee at the Millennium Hall in Laugharne.Taking the audience's most loathed political soundbites, we discuss 'existential threats', 'let me be clear', and 'we're working very hard'.We also hear about Armando's train driver getting caught in an infinity loop, treating Nicky Wire with the greatest of respect, and whether feeling in your bones or gut indicates your politic
You Don't Have to Worry (with Marina Hyde)
Marina Hyde returns to join Armando for a positive look at some positive language.Pete Hegseth tells us not to worry about the Strait of Hormuz, Trump tells us the 'war' is 'already won' - is this inspired by The Power of Positive Thinking? Or by Noel Edmonds?Elsewhere we discuss guessing shoe sizes, tie-dye thinking, and whether we have the stomach for a culture war about badgers on bank notes.Go
I Understand the Anxiety (with Ria Lina and Coco Khan)
Armando is joined by Ria Lina and host of Pod Save the UK, Coco Khan, to look at the political language around anxiety.How do we engage with difficult headlines? Can we switch off an just read about the rugby? Is AI starting to feel as anxious as us? and are we more sympathetic because of the personal language it uses?We also discuss the origins of international women's day, the death of the publi
Get Real (with Hugo Rifkind)
Journalist and Times Radio presenter Hugo Rifkind joins Armando this week.In another breakneck week, we look at the language of reality in politics. Are plumbers more 'real' than economists? Can Trump really 'manipulate reality'? And has he been watching Shrek?We also look at the parallels between Marco Rubio and the general in Dr Strangelove, Tony Blair powering down when talking to Alan Partridg
History Will Judge You (with Stewart Lee)
Stewart Lee joins Armando again this week. With a by-election on, we look away from the present day and think about how history will judge politicians.Some of the language in the recent Tony Blair documentary piques Armando's interest, and we also look at how Boris Johnson and Gordon Brown use language (or lack thereof) to cement their own post-premiership legacies.We also look at the politic-spea
For the Sake of Transparency (with Natalie Haynes and Michael Gove)
Armando is joined by Natalie Haynes and Michael Gove to discuss the true meaning of transparency.With his experience as both a politician and a journalist, Michael Gove gives his insight into how transparency can often mean the opposite. He also explains the perverse incentive for ministers to go out and defend tricky positions, and what it feels like to have your private communications laid bare
Psychodrama (with Stewart Lee)
Stewart Lee joins Armando to examine the language around political pyschodramas. We've discussed political language becoming maximalist, but it also gone into warp speed?Looking at whether 'stumbling' is in fact a good thing, we also manage to find new names for Wes Streeting, Peter Mandelson and Andrew (you know which one).We also find time to discuss the fake news that has been stinking up the W
You've Let Your Country Down (with Emily Maitlis)
Has a man once described as 'teflon' finally run out of spin? Peter Mandelson suggests he needs to run an investigation into himself, but to do an investigation into his language, Armando is joined by host of the News Agents, Emily Maitlis.We discuss revelations in the Epstein files, and why it brings to mind Dickens. Are we wiser to the language of political scandal than we used to be? And is it
Are You a Stupid Person? (with Natalie Haynes)
Was Andy Burnham blocked from running in the Gorton and Denton by-election because Labour need to save resources for elections they ‘must have’? Was the Tory briefing that referenced the defecting Suella Braverman’s mental health really a ‘first draft?’Armando and Natalie examine this and more, to find out if politicians in the UK are echoing Donald Trump’s words as they ask us to take these at fa
U-Turns and Turncoats (with Stewart Lee)
With the backdrop of tariffs and territorial land grabs, Stewart and Armando look at the political language of U-turns and turncoats.With politicians having to advocate for a position they used to be in direct opposition to, we ask if political language exists in a quantum state inside Robert Jenrick's head, or, failing that are we really expected to believe defectors like him have had a damascene
Elections Aren't Won on Twitter (with Phil Wang and Marianna Spring)
Is Keir Starmer stuck in 2016? BBC's Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent Marianna Spring joins Phil Wang and Armando to look at the evolving language of social media.How do politicians navigate the new online world, both when trying to get their central message across, and in responding to crises? With the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, we examine how the nor
Regime Change (with Natalie Haynes)
New Year, and Venezuela is under new management. The fallout from the "extraction" of Maduro has thrown up some interesting political language. Why aren't the US calling it 'regime change'? Why is Starmer damned if he does or doesn't say anything? and is Trump the first politician to use the word 'literally' correctly?In the extended version, we also look at Natalie's pedometer, Armando as the Eld
Listeners' Strong Messages (with Stewart Lee)
It's New Year's day, so Armando and Stewart are dipping into the very real, physical listeners' mailbag.In a loose and end-of-term episode, with some adult humour, we talk about the misuse of the phrase 'bad apples', Stewart thanks Armando for his leadership, and are treated to unexpected, slightly fruity, film reviews of 'Who Dares Wins' and 'Cats'. We also hear about Armando's ambassador for 'pa
Words of the Year (with Natalie Haynes)
As the year comes to a close, Natalie Haynes joins Armando to discuss and dissect the words of 2025.Looking at official lists, and conjuring up some of their own, they set about breaking down the language that defined another frenetic year. We find out what links all of the official words of the year, and why we can learn a lesson from Austria when choosing them. Armando also denies he writes Pete
Civilisational Erasure (with Stewart Lee)
Is 'Civilisational Erasure' upon us?This week, Armando is joined again by Stewart Lee to look at this phrase, and others from the US' new National Security Strategy. Would this kind of language have been unthinkable even a few years ago?We also look at other elements of the strategy, and whether it's time to forget the idea that Trump is playing '3-dimensional chess' with his language. Outside civ
AI Hallucinations (with Stewart Lee and Sarah Wynn-Williams)
This week, Armando is joined again by Stewart Lee to discuss the language around AI.They are also joined by public policy expert and author of Careless People, A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism Sarah Wynn-Williams. For legal reasons, Sarah is not allowed to say anything negative about Meta, so we discuss lots of other areas around tech and AI.We look at hallucinations - what are
Spooking the Markets (with Natalie Haynes and Stewart Lee)
It's budget week, Armando is joined by two members of the Strong Message Here commune, Natalie Haynes and Stewart Lee.How do markets get 'spooked'? Who has the broadest shoulders? And what does 'a Labour Budget with Labour values' actually mean?We discuss how taxes get their nicknames, why we know so much about the budget ahead of time these days, and whether Rachel Reeves could've taken inspirati
Moral Failure and Deadly Negligence (with Sara Pascoe and Matt Winning)
António Guterres has said that missing the 1.5 degree climate target is "a moral failure and deadly negligence". Is he right?Dr Matt Winning joins Sara Pascoe and Armando to discuss the language around climate change. Is it proportionately alarmist, or does it just scare us? Are we numb to the jaw-dropping headlines?Matt has some ideas of how to communicate these complex ideas more succinctly, and
The Buck Stops Here (with Ria Lina and Sophy Ridge)
This week, Armando is joined again by comedian Ria Lina, and Sky New's new breakfast host, Sophy Ridge.In the week with 2 big resignations at the BBC, news journalism and accuracy are under the spotlight. We discuss the pressures on live broadcasting, editing, and deciding what stories make it to air. When is something worthy of coverage? These decisions are made all the time, but how? We also dis
Be Vigilant (with Phil Wang)
This week, Armando is joined by Phil Wang to look at the use and abuse of political language.Defence Secretary John Healy says we need to 'be vigilant', and Reform councillor Laila Cunningham says 'Labour want us to shut up and die' - we look at how the public and the police respond to horrific events, and at our relationship with the police.We also discuss chocolate getting worse, Nigel Farage st
In Hindsight (with Ria Lina and Tim Shipman)
This week, Armando is joined again by comedian Ria Lina, and Political Editor of The Spectator, Tim Shipman.We're looking back at looking back. In a week where a scandal-hit Prince renounces his titles and the Chinese spy case continues to pose questions of language for the government, people's previous decisions are being put under the spotlight, we look at how public figures respond to the reper
The End of the Age of Terror and Death (with Stewart Lee)
One one hand, the world is going to hell, on the other, the age of terror and death has ended, so which is it? Stewart Lee joins Armando to take a look at this maximal approach to political language.How do you do moderate politics with caps lock on? What's the smart way to diffuse complex arguments about politics? And given the details still to be worked out in the Isreal Gaza peace process, is th
Repetition, Repetition, Repetition (with Natalie Haynes)
Did you know Keir Starmer's dad was a toolmaker? Of course you did, because he repeated it every time he was in front a microphone for years. Armando is joined by Natalie Haynes to discuss the use of repetition. How it can be an effective rhetorical technique for the likes of Cicero and Tony Blair, but grates when coming from others? We also look at the language of the recent Tory Party conference
The Battle for the Soul of the Country (with Adam Fleming)
Armando is at the Labour Party conference (well, in a portakabin in a car park nearby - the glamour!), and is joined by Newscast's Adam Fleming to chat all things conference.Has message discipline killed the party conference? Or does their own momentum still make them newsworthy? Looking at conferences past, we look at what makes them an interesting part of the political calendar, and how language
Hurty Words (with Stewart Lee)
Stewart Lee returns to the show, to join Armando in discussing 'hurty words'. With Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, and in the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder, free speech is in the spotlight again. Those who railed against 'cancel culture' are now getting into 'consequence culture'. We also discuss how Marvel's superheroes might respond to the actions of their new owners, and whether you can pray in your
Phase 2 (with Ria Lina)
In the first episode of the new series, Armando Iannucci and guest co-host, Ria Lina look at the use and abuse of political language. The political summer is often called 'silly season', but with global conflict and rising tensions at home, Armando and Ria look at the language that defined recent months including Keir Starmer's "Phase 2" and the word "plastic".Armando’s erstwhile partner in de-baf
Strong Recommend: Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
In the last of our summer mini-series, Helen brings a book by Terry Pratchett. To Helen's surprise, this is a blind spot for Armando, who hasn't read any despite being told to do so many times. Where do you start with such an extensive back catalogue? What makes Pratchett's satire so timeless? and has Helen found a new Pratchett super-fan in Armando?Strong Message Here will return next week. If yo
Strong Recommend: Tehran (Apple TV+)
Armando has been watch Tehran on Apple TV. This multi-language show about spy agencies in Iran and Israel sheds gives you a glimpse in to life on the ground in these countries that you can't get from headlines alone. Like the Post Office scandal in the UK, why does it sometimes take a dramatisation to mobilise the public, and bring about change?Join Helen and Armando over the summer for more cultu
Strong Recommend: Elden Ring
If you're interested in fantasy, and fancy taking on a responsibility equivalent to a part-time job, Helen recommends Elden Ring. A wildly popular Japanese video game which allows you to live in a world created by George RR Martin. With place and character names reminiscent of Lord of the Rings, we ask why that is the accepted register of fantasy. Could it be the detail and care which Tolkien gave
Strong Recommend: The Contestant
In 1998, a Japanese man was filmed in solitary confinement for our entertainment. Naked as the day he was born, which led to his suggestive nickname, the Japanese people were gripped by Tomoaki Hamatsu's journey. Today, can we see how reality TV has infected our storytelling and our language? Whether it's someone in Big Brother proudly declaring they'll 'say it to your face' or an Apprentice-host-
Strong Recommend: Shamanism, The Timeless Religion by Dr Manvir Singh
What is xenising? And why do authority figures do it? Can we trace Farage back to the shamans of the past? Helen recommends Dr Manvir Singh's book Shamanism: The Timeless Religion, which helps inform a discussion around ritual and our desire for formality, and even otherness, from authority figures.Helen and Armando also debate whether ayahuasca retreats are ego trips, or enlightening experiences,
Strong Recommend: The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
Fancy trying a new author, but don't know where to start? Armando recommends a short novel by Penelope Fitzgerald, and Helen shares a tip on how to try on a new author for size before committing.Join Helen and Armando over the summer for more cultural recommendations, available weekly on BBC Sounds.Production Coordinator: Sarah Nicholls
Executive Producer: Pete Strauss
Sound Editing: Chris Maclean
Strong Recommend: Evita at London Palladium
Helen has been to the theatre recently, so you don't have to! Jamie Lloyd's production of Evita has a moment in it which can be enjoyed by anyone who happens to be near the venue at about 9pm most nights across the summer. You can enjoy the showstopper yourself, whilst also adding to the experience of those in the venue who are missing out.Join Helen and Armando over the summer for more cultural r
Strong Recommend: Shakespeare's Richard II
This week, it's Armando's term to recommend something, and he makes the case for a little known up-and-coming writer, William Shakespeare. Richard II doesn't get its due among the other historical plays. Armando wonders why? It's full of drama and it's written in verse, what's not to love? Helen also discusses it in the context of the time, and what made it such a brave piece of writing.We also di
Strong Recommend: Every Living Thing by Jason Roberts
This week, Helen picks a book she's enjoyed recently. Jason Roberts' book from this year, Every Living Thing, details Carl Linnaeus and Du Buffon's attempts at taxonomy.The naming conventions of various parts of our world have informed so much of our lives. From what we call different animals and plants, to how relatively arbitrary classification of human races may have helped justify the slave tr
Strong Recommend: The Ballad of Wallis Island
To start off this mini-series, Armando picks a film he's enjoyed recently. Tim Key and Tom Basden's hit film The Ballad of Wallis Island started life as a short film, and has won plaudits for its offbeat, funny and warm story. How do films get made, when is the British film industry at his best, and what makes a film like this so special?Join Helen and Armando over the summer for more cultural rec
We Haven't Always Told Our Story as Well as We Should
This week, Helen and Armando look back at a year of the Labour government. What language has come out of if, and why is it struggling to define itself?Looking at phrases from the year, like "The tepid bath of managed decline" and "National Health Recovery Mission Champions", does their language connect, and are their opponents any better?Strong Message Here will be back on Radio 4 in September, bu
The New Brexit
This week, Helen Lewis is back! In the longer edition, you can hear what Helen has been up to in her absence, before Helen and Armando set their sights on the language around Net Zero.They ask, Why has it taken long for them to cover it on the show? Is it being framed in a relatable enough way? And, does it suffer from being part of an 'omnicause'?Listen to Strong Message Here every Thursday at 9.
Delivering for Ordinary People (with Marina Hyde)
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci decodes the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, Helen Lewis is still away, so Journalist Marina Hyde steps in to join Armando. They discuss what an ordinary person might be, and examine if politicians use them as cover? Why is it always that things 'ordinary people' are saying 'on the doorstep' just so happen to be the exact things they wanted to
I Regret Some of My Posts (with Sara Pascoe)
This week, Helen Lewis is still away, so comedian Sara Pascoe steps in to join Armando. They reminisce over their first meeting on the set of a classic episode of The Thick of It - which was also in a radio studio - and then go on to discuss politicians on both sides of the Atlantic having thunderous breakups, and then making up in record time. Musk regrets his posts about Trump, and Zia Yusuf ret
Weird Turkish Barber Shops (with Stewart Lee)
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci decodes the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, Helen Lewis is away, so comedian and writer Stewart Lee joins Armando to look at Robert Jenrick's flashy video in which he takes aim at 'weird Turkish barber shops', among other things. They discuss how the way politicians, entertainers and journalists are changing and overlapping, and Armando recall
An Announcement President (with Jon Stewart)
This week, we have a very special guest, Jon Stewart! Jon joins Armando and Helen to discuss whether Trump is the political equivalent of Miles Davis, the quaintness of UK politics compared to the US, Jon does a flawless Margaret Thatcher impression and they answer the age old question... are escalators the most emasculating form of travel?Listen to Strong Message Here every Thursday at 9.45am on
The Island of Strangers and the Manacled Gimp of Brussels
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, we're looking at inflammatory language. From Immigration to EU deals, we've heard talk of of 'betrayal' 'surrender' 'invasion' and of course 'an island of strangers'. When is this hyperbole appropriate and when is it egregious? And, can we ever forgive Boris Johnson for the
Yes or No?
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, Helen and Armando take a step back and look at whether we're seeing the death of nuance in political debate. Is everything boiled down to 'yes or no' questions? What are the shibboleths of modern politics, and does the language you use, or decline to use, put you firmly on o
I Want My Country Back (with Phil Wang)
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, following Reform's announcement they will remove all flags from all council buildings under their jurisdiction - other than the Union Flag and the St George's Cross - Helen and Armando are joined by Phil Wang to discuss Britishness, Englishness, Scottishness, Irishness, Wels
The Official Language of the United States
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, a look over the pond at Trump's first 100 days. How have his administration used language to further their agenda? From the Gulf of America, to Making Showers Great Again, Helen and Armando examine how the US government is finding linguistic tricks to set the terms of debate
How Much is a Pint of Milk? (with Rob Burley)
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.Helen Lewis and Armando Iannucci are joined by the BBC's former Live Political Editor to discuss the art of the political interview. What's a valid question? What's a cheap gotcha?They also discuss Paxman's beard, the best political interviews and how to get the most out of a politicia
Liberation Day (with Soumaya Keynes)
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, Helen and Armando are joined by economist and journalist for the Financial Times, Soumaya Keynes. They take a look back on Liberation Day - what exactly was America being liberated from? What was the response in China to the tariffs? and Soumaya wades into the murky waters o
Three Word Slogans (with Cleo Watson)
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, Helen and Armando are joined by author, broadcaster and former adviser to Theresa May and Boris Johnson, Cleo Watson. Taking a look back at the three word slogans that defined politics in recent years, especially those that relate to Cleo's time in number 10. Why are they so
Fist Emoji, Flag Emoji, Fire Emoji (with Ava Santina Evans)
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.Following the remarkable security breach dubbed 'Signalgate', Helen and Armando are joined by political editor of Politics Joe, Ava Santina Evans, to discuss how casualness has crept into political communication. Is it a threat? Is it just cringe? And why oh why do we still use the suf
Seizing the Narrative (with Stephen Bush)
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.Are Labour telling a good enough story? Who is the best storyteller in politics? How do you establish a narrative to take control of events, rather than let events define you? To answer these questions, Helen and Armando are joined by Associate Editor and Columnist for The Financial Ti
Britain Isn't Working
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, the Government announced their plans for welfare reform, so we take a look at the language around welfare, around benefit claimants, and how it's changed over the years. Gone are the 'strivers vs shirkers' of the 2010s or even Peter Lilley's infamous 'little list' of the ear
Be Quiet, Small Man
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, Musk has been threatening a former astronaut (no, not the one he threatened the other week - another one), Trump has been talking tariffs, and Rupert Lowe took on his party's 'Messiah', Nigel Farage. What does all this tough talk mean in politics? Does projecting strength al
In the Public Interest?
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.Hot mics, leaks, tell-all books. We find out a lot about how politicians talk in private. How does it differ from their public pronouncements? And are politicians less careful about how they come across in public these days? Helen and Armando survey the lay of the linguistic land.Liste
Everybody's Miserable
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.Farage says everybody is miserable, Trump says everything is a 'disaster', and Liz Truss chimed in saying Britain is a 'failed state', so Helen and Armando are trying to find out why those who claim to be patriots are keen to talk the country down. And why Starmer and Reeves' downbeat
The Threat from Within
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, JD Vance sent European leaders into a tailspin with an inflammatory speech at the Munich Security Conference, and Kemi Badenoch made an attention-grabbing speech at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship. Looking at them side-by-side, what does it tell us about the languag
Build, Baby, Build!
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, Starmer has suggested that Britain adopt a 'Build, Baby, Build' strategy. Sound familiar? We thought so too, so Helen and Armando are looking at why politicians copy their opponents. Is it a sign of strength or weakness, and do the public think it sounds convincing?Listen to
Flying a Kite and Rolling the Pitch (with Rob Hutton)
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.Why do we know what's going to be in a political speech before it happens? What is 'kiteflying' and 'pitch rolling'? To find out, Helen and Armando are joined by sketch writer for The Critic, Rob Hutton, who has been at more political announcements than he's had hot dinners. What's the
Trump Derangement Syndrome
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, Trump has truly settled back into the White House, but is it different this time around? Helen and Armando take a look at how this unique politician uses language to get his way. We also look at Trump Derangement Syndrome - a favourite phrase of the new President to describe
Free Speech Is Back!
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, Helen and Armando take a deep dive into Mark Zuckerberg's statement which explains the new rules around fact checking and free speech on his Meta platforms. Is free speech really back? Or should we be worried that fact-checkers are a thing of the past? Listen to Strong Messa
A Lawyer, Not a Leader
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, after a well-earned week off, Helen and Armando are back to break down how political attacks work. After Kemi Badenoch landed a blow on Keir Starmer calling him 'a lawyer, not a leader', we look at what makes a political attack potent, and crucially, what makes them flop.Lis
Listeners' Strong Messages
Comedy writer Armando Iannucci and journalist Helen Lewis decode the utterly baffling world of political language.This week, Helen and Armando are delving into the email inbox to find out which political phrases have been driving our listeners to distraction.Strong Message here will be back on the 16th January at 9.45am on Radio 4 and then head straight to BBC Sounds for an extended episode.Have y
Words of the Year
In a year where Labour secured a 'loveless landslide' in the UK and Trump sealed his return to the White House, Helen and Armando will be 'laser-focused' on their 'mission' to skewer the use and abuse of political language. From 'freebies' to 'fascism', 'weird' to 'working people', all of the strong messages that helped Make 2024 Great Again will be put under the microscope.A witty, illuminating e
