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It's Bloody Complicated - A Compass Podcast

Compass
Labour Party
Green Party
Autism
Keir Starmer
Politics
Communism
Socialism
Progressive Alliances
Elections
France
New Popular Front
United Kingdom
France Insoumise
European Politics
Marine Le Pen
Parenting
Climate Change
Public Services
Public Ownership Of Water
Neurodiversity

Hear from the widest range of voices in the progressive movement. Every week, host Neal Lawson, speaks with progressive thinkers, writers and politicians from the UK and beyond about current affairs and how to build the Good Society. Visit compassonline.org.uk to learn more about Compass.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes156Founded6 years ago
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Society & Culture

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Latest Episodes

Where and how we live has always been political – but with the right to buy, the explosion of the private-rented sector, and ever-increasingly demand for affordable, social, and council housing, it’s rarely felt this existential.

With the Renters’ R... more

The Labour Government find themselves in a difficult moment. On the eve of their 2025 Conference, they are faced with the knowledge that their ‘decade of national renewal’ currently seems stuck in first gear.

A series of events have rocked public co... more

It's clear that this Labour Government are in a bit of trouble. Already floundering in the polls off the back of a year in which their promise of 'change' in 2024 hasn't lived up to expectations, they have now been rocked by a series of scandals and ... more

Investigative journalist, author, commentator and activist – George Monbiot has come to define the intellectual left in many of his own ways over the past three decades.

From the rights of indigenous peoples the world over to climate activism to opp... more

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Recent Guests

Rachael Maskell
MP for York Central and Labour politician advocating for community interests
Labour Party
Episode: Labour's Autumn of Discontent | ep. 133
Jeremy Gilbert
Professor of Culture and Political Theory at the University of East London and co-author of 'Hegemony Now'
University of East London
Episode: Labour's Autumn of Discontent | ep. 133
Mark Perryman
Political commentator and author, known for his work on Labour politics
None
Episode: The Starmer Symptom with Mark Perryman
George Monbiot
Guardian journalist, author, and campaigner
The Guardian
Episode: In Conversation with George Monbiot | ep. 132
Jonathan Bartley
Former co-leader of the Green Party
Green Party
Episode: The Green’s New Deal: Reaction to Zack Polanski’s Victory in the Green Party Leadership Election with Jonathan Bartley
Mark Drakeford
Former First Minister of Wales and Labour Party politician
Labour Party
Episode: In Conversation with Mark Drakeford | ep. 131
Caroline Lucas
Former leader of the Green Party and MP for Brighton Pavilion
Green Party
Episode: In Conversation with Caroline Lucas | ep 130
Roz Savage
MP for South Cotswolds, environmental advocate, and founder of The Sisters network
Liberal Democrats
Episode: The Future of the Lib Dems with Roz Savage MP and Cllr Carl Cashman
Carl Cashman
Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Liverpool City Council, and former councillor on Knowsley Council
Liberal Democrats
Episode: The Future of the Lib Dems with Roz Savage MP and Cllr Carl Cashman

Host

Neal Lawson
Host and Director of Compass, he engages various progressive thinkers and politicians in thoughtful discussions about current affairs and building a fair society.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 64 ratings
  • Poetry and Orwell Prize

    I thought, as a person who derives much from reading poetry, this episode was superb and the discussion was both enjoyable and thought provoking.

    Thanks to all involved at Compass.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PineGroveCharlie
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • The kind of country I want to live in!

    Thanks so much for the work you do. I’ve listened to a few podcasts now and am very interested in a Universal Basic Income for the UK and particularly for Scotland. The presenters and speakers are excellent and so passionate and knowledgable about the topics discussed. Keep doing what your doing Compass and together we can build a better country where citizens can live with dignity and fairness for all. Would highly recommend this podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CathScotland
    United Kingdom5 years ago
  • It’s bloody complicated

    A very wise and approachable forum for debate within progressive politics, expertly chaired and blessed with sensible questions from the listeners.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Radicalcentre
    United Kingdom5 years ago
  • So Informative, So Enjoyable

    I just love the Compass podcasts and have so much respect for Neal and Grace who present and co-ordinate them. The most recent one on the Corbyn era and its legacy was just so useful to helping those on the Left, be it the soft or hard, to understand a way forward. Neal chaired the discussion and debate so well. His proposal about the need for pragmatism and for being outward looking seems to me to be so wise. Millions should be listening to this wonderful series of podcasts. Thanks Compass.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PineGroveCharlie
    United Kingdom5 years ago
  • Thought provoking, engaging views on how to build a good society

    I listened to this series of podcasts while spending days re-decorating my flat and thought these are among the best conversations on what we need to do to create a good society. The speakers are all engaging but it is the conversation that happens between the presenters and the audience that makes them particularly good. Some really intelligent questions and very open ended and thoughtful responses. Somehow each week a really friendly as well as inclusiving and engaging atmosphere is created. S... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JuliaJ16
    United Kingdom5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many find the show to be an essential source for new ideas aimed at creating a good society, emphasizing optimism in political discourse.
Episodes often feature knowledgeable guests, contributing to engaging and informative dialogues addressing contemporary societal challenges.
Reviewers commend the quality of moderating and the inclusive format of discussions, which resonate with listeners eager for meaningful conversations about politics.
Listeners appreciate the insightful discussions that combine thought-provoking viewpoints on progressive politics, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Starmer Symptom with Mark Perryman
Q: What would you highlight as key chapters in your book that listeners should look out for?
I would emphasize contributions from thinkers like Danny Dorling on inequality and Andrew Sims on the climate emergency.
The Starmer Symptom with Mark Perryman
Q: Do you believe that you can conceive of a Labour Party beyond Labourism?
Yes, with the right grassroots organization and ideas replacing factional control, there is potential for change within the Labour Party.
The Starmer Symptom with Mark Perryman
Q: Can you help listeners understand what you mean by the term Labourism?
Labourism reduces politics to the House of Parliament and has a disdain for ideas, failing to recognize the role of social movements.
The Starmer Symptom with Mark Perryman
Q: Tell us about yourself, about your political baggage, history, background, journey, so we can locate the book effectively.
My foundational experience was the Anti-Nazi League, influenced by Stuart Hall and David Widgerie.
Labour's Autumn of Discontent | ep. 133
Q: Where do you think new leaders will actually come from?
Jeremy Gilbert asserts that organic leaders will emerge from the trade union movement, community politics, and the radical NGO sector, all of which have been suppressed in recent years.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About It's Bloody Complicated

What is It's Bloody Complicated about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content covers a broad array of progressive political themes, emphasizing social justice, environmental issues, and the intricacies of contemporary governance. Discussions frequently involve prominent figures from various political parties, such as Labour and the Green Party, seeking to explore and analyze their strategies and ideologies. This podcast is particularly distinctive due to its emphasis on creating a united front among diverse progressive factions to address the rise of populism and far-right politics. Potential listeners can expect insightful commentary on pressing societal challenges and thoughtful dialogues about forming a more equitable society.

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Which podcasts are similar to It's Bloody Complicated?

These podcasts share a similar audience with It's Bloody Complicated:

1. Bold Politics with Zack Polanski
2. The New Statesman: politics and culture
3. Byline Podcast
4. Radical with Amol Rajan
5. Macrodose

How many episodes of It's Bloody Complicated are there?

It's Bloody Complicated launched 6 years ago and published 156 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on It's Bloody Complicated?

Recent guests on It's Bloody Complicated include:

1. Rachael Maskell
2. Jeremy Gilbert
3. Mark Perryman
4. George Monbiot
5. Jonathan Bartley
6. Mark Drakeford
7. Caroline Lucas
8. Roz Savage

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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