Politics Unpacked
Times RadioHugo Rifkind unpacks the the politics of the day - and the stuff that's even more important - with the brightest brains from the Times and Sunday Times.
You can listen to Hugo on DAB, smart speaker or app 10am-1pm Monday to Friday. If you like what you hear, then read more at www.thetimes.com/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 1856 | Founded | 12 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | NewsPolitics | |||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
Rachel Reeves has told Labour MPs she'll survive Wednesday's budget, and be back for years to come. Is it set to be worse than previous budget disasters, including George Osborne's 'omnishambles' in 2012?
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day ... more
It’s been a year since Rachel Reeves told the CBI she'd steer clear of extra borrowing or new tax rises. After a weekend spent defending her position, is the Chancellor really in control?
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne an... more
The Times today reveals the guidance on transgender people using single-sex spaces like toilets and changing rooms. It's been sitting on the government's desk - are ministers trying to avoid a political backlash?
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of... more
Kemi Badenoch presses Keir Starmer over whether the government would "break another promise" by freezing income tax thresholds. With Starmer deferring to the chancellor’s plans next week, will it truly be “a Labour Budget with Labour values”?
Hugo R... more
Key Facts
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Recent Guests
Host
Reviews
- Pound Shop James O’Brien
Some good guests but struggles to overcome the unlikeable host and fails to maintain political balance.
Apple Podcasts3NedValentine
United Kingdoma month ago - Getting Worse
I think unfortunately Hugo struggles as a host. He is not a natural and often struggles to hide a dismissive / sneering edge when considering ideas outside his natural world view, despite undeniably trying. Another bug bear is his increasing insistence on rushing guests. It’s a podcast format but for some reason if there is an interesting debate or discussion between guests he will inevitably interrupt and intervene before the discussion has played its course. This doesn’t make for a positive li... more
Apple Podcasts2Windsor391United Kingdom2 months ago - Really going downhill
This podcast is really going downhill. The guests are probably better suited to opining for the guardian. The latest gems (paraphrased): “just chuck a couple of extra % on income tax, who looks at their payslips anyway” & “I saw the English flag and felt I didn’t belong here”… not balanced with any comments on the Palestine flag.
Not what I expected at all, out of touch, more of a Labour Party vocalist group.
Apple Podcasts3JiB8590United Kingdom3 months ago - Usually exceptional political podcast
Great topical podcast with a balance of challenge, discussion and humour. Hugo is just amazing and is a must listen. I can take or leave Ed Vazey as he is sycophantic beyond belief at times - otherwise just essential listening
Apple Podcasts5MartyFartyUnited Kingdom4 months ago - All gone a bit far right
Oh no. Been listening to this all year and really enjoy it and today (10/07/25) it feels like it’s gone all a bit hardcore right wing for me. Not sure who the American presenter is but she’s pretty repulsive, but maybe all buoyed and frothy-mouthed with a member of the EDL (I mean Reform) in the studio. If this is where this show lands now I’m done.
Apple Podcasts1Nathan C UKUnited Kingdom5 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #208 | United Kingdom/Top Podcasts |
Apple Podcasts | #15 | United Kingdom/News/Politics |
Apple Podcasts | #28 | United Kingdom/News |
Apple Podcasts | #245 |  Canada/News/Politics |
Apple Podcasts | #93 |  Australia/News/Politics |
Apple Podcasts | #153 |  Italy/News/Politics |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Politics Unpacked
What is Politics Unpacked about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Content focuses on the intricacies of contemporary politics, highlighting pressing issues such as immigration policy, political leadership, and party dynamics in the UK. The discussions frequently feature prominent political figures and delve into significant events, showcasing personal anecdotes and expert analyses to bring depth and nuance to the political landscape. A distinctive aspect is the blend of humor with serious political discourse, which helps engage a diverse audience and facilitate in-depth conversations among hosts and guests alike.
Where can I find podcast stats for Politics Unpacked?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Politics Unpacked. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Politics Unpacked and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
How many listeners does Politics Unpacked get?
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What are the audience demographics for Politics Unpacked?
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How many subscribers and views does Politics Unpacked have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Politics Unpacked?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Politics Unpacked:
1. How To Win An Election
2. Political Fix
3. The New Statesman: politics and culture
4. Coffee House Shots
5. Political Currency
How many episodes of Politics Unpacked are there?
Politics Unpacked launched 12 years ago and published 1856 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Politics Unpacked?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Politics Unpacked?
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What guests have appeared on Politics Unpacked?
Recent guests on Politics Unpacked include:
1. Luke Sullivan
2. Michael Binion
3. Alice Denby
4. Isabel Hardman
5. Tina Gowdoon
6. Anna Mahalova
7. James Johnson
8. Steve Swinford
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.