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What The F Is Going On? with Mark Steel

WTF Productions
Labour Party
Comedy
Mental Health
Boris Johnson
Donald Trump
Brexit
Jeremy Corbyn
Green Party
UK Politics
NHS
Cancer
Immigration
Racism
Rishi Sunak
John Mcdonnell
ADHD
Covid-19
Israel
Elliot Steel
Social Media

The world’s a mess, politics is ridiculous, and nobody seems to know what’s going on. Join Mark Steel as he sets out to make sense of the chaos — and maybe even figure out how we can fix it. Each week, Mark sits down with brilliant guests from comedy, politics and culture for funny, honest and occasionally furious conversations about modern life. Featuring guests including Miles Jupp, Jeremy Corby... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes229Founded5 years ago
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ComedySociety & Culture

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Artwork for What The F Is Going On?

Latest Episodes

This week Mark is joined by comedian, actor, cricket obsessive and national treasure Alan Davies for a conversation that covers childhood trauma, football VAR, council bureaucracy, working-class warehouses, stand-up comedy in the 80s, Peter Snow in a... more

This week Mark continues his conversation with Rachel Millward. If you haven't heard the first part then do go back and listen now but for the rest of you here is the second half of the interview.

Want to get access to the full video interview befor... more

The morning after the local elections, Mark is joined by Green Party deputy leader Rachel Millward to ask the only question anyone in British politics can answer right now: what the f**k is going on?

As Labour and the Conservatives collapse into thi... more

Mark is joined by journalist and columnist Matthew Norman as they discuss the rise and influence of Peter Mandelson, New Labour’s ruthless relationship with the media, how political standards have collapsed over the past 30 years, Mandelson’s reputat... more

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Recent Guests

Rachel Millward
Deputy Leader of the Green Party
Green Party
Episode: Ep 183 with Rachel Millward Pt 1: Labour Came FOURTH!
Nigel Boulevard
Satirical persona host uses on show
Fictional persona for segment on Reform UK funding
Episode: Ep 182: What The F Is Going On With Peter Mandelson?
Mothin Ali
Very special guest, Green Party member
Green Party
Episode: Ep 181 with Mothin Ali (Part 2): We’re Here to Replace Labour
Emma Warren
Author of Up The Youth Club, historian of youth work
Author, Up The Youth Club
Episode: Ep 180 with Emma Warren Pt 1: This is what happens when you take away youth services!
Dr. Julia Grace Patterson
Medical doctor and campaigner focused on NHS and doctors' welfare
Every Doctor (campaign group)
Episode: Ep 179 with Dr Julia Grace Patterson
Ali Milani
Political commentator and former UK parliamentary candidate from Iran
British-Iranian activist and public figure
Episode: What the F is going on in Iran? 🇮🇷 With Ali Milani
Laura Smyth
Cancer survivor, comedian, and guest on the episode
Episode: Ep 177 with Laura Smyth (Part 1) : Gigging is so real, we are very lucky
Dawn Butler
A special guest, discussing her background, politics, and activism
Labour Party
Episode: Ep 176 with Dawn Butler (Part 2) : Now Is The Time For A Revolution
Robin Ince
A comedian known for his thoughtful insights into mental health and societal issues
Episode: Ep 175 with Robin Ince (Part 2)

Host

Mark Steel
Host of What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 1.7k ratings
  • Just love it

    This is one of my favourite podcasts. Such good, varied guests.

    When Mile Jupp is a guest I just laugh out loud no stop.

    Please please do a separate podcast with the two of you, or at least have Miles on once a month !!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    gdrtf cry
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Highly recommend

    Great range of guests who make you think about the world and what is wrong with it. However, it is also, at times, funny and positive!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Becky H-F
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • One of his best podcasts

    The episode with writer and political commentator Ali Milani was one of the best from Mark Steel. Can also recommend the book The English Job written by Jack Straw If you want to understand Iran

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Wallerds
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Really appreciated the cancer episode

    I Hope you will do more. Also really appreciated the interview with Robin Ince.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AliMacleod
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Always entertaining

    Mark Steel is always an entertaining and engaging host who helps bring sanity and humour to topical stories with interesting guests. His two episodes with Miles Jupp were quite a departure from the normal format, but were an utter joy.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    simonb3366
    United Kingdom2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Some critics note shifts toward more opinionated or polemical content in certain episodes.
Fans praise a varied roster of guests and humorous yet insightful conversations.
Many appreciate the long-form interview format and memorable guest moments.
Listeners value the balance of hard political critique and warmth in tone.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#111
United Kingdom/Comedy
Apple Podcasts
#244
Israel/Comedy

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ep 180 with Emma Warren (Part 2): We've Abandoned A Whole Generation!
Q: Why were youth clubs so central to communities over the years?
They provided safe, communal spaces where young people could learn, express themselves, and build resilience, while also offering structured activities like sports and music that fostered belonging and identity.
Ep 176 with Dawn Butler (Part 2) : Now Is The Time For A Revolution
Q: Could you ever stand for higher office like prime minister or mayor of London?
There's openness to leadership roles, including mayoral ambitions, but the emphasis is on ensuring changes reflect public needs and party roots, rather than chasing headlines.
Ep 176 with Dawn Butler (Part 2) : Now Is The Time For A Revolution
Q: Do you think Labour should shift its policy emphasis to appeal to a broader electorate?
Yes, but not at the expense of core values; the focus should be on policies that improve everyday life (housing, minimum wage, public services) while staying true to social justice principles.
Ep 176 with Dawn Butler (Part 2) : Now Is The Time For A Revolution
Q: What attracted you to the Labour Party?
Her family background and upbringing, plus the experience of community struggle and social injustices, shaped a commitment to Labour's values and the idea that collective action can create change.
Ep 174 with Matt Forde (Part 1)
Q: What is the connection between your impressions and your political commentary?
Matt highlights that being an impressionist gives him unique insights into the insecurities and quirks of various political figures, allowing for deeper comedic interpretations.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About What The F Is Going On?

What is What The F Is Going On? about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A sharp, often humorous interview format that brings together political analysis, culture, and personal storytelling. Guests span Green and Labour politics, media, healthcare, and entertainment, with conversations frequently tackling policy shifts, social justice, and the state of modern politics in the UK. The host's style blends wit with probing questions, producing long, in-depth chats that illuminate both policy details and human experiences behind political issues. Noteworthy is the show's willingness to mix serious critique with lighthearted banter and pop-culture references, making complex topics approachable for engaged listeners who enjoy candid discourse and diverse viewpoints.

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Which podcasts are similar to What The F Is Going On??

These podcasts share a similar audience with What The F Is Going On?:

1. Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4
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3. Strong Message Here
4. The Bugle
5. Page 94: The Private Eye Podcast

How many episodes of What The F Is Going On? are there?

What The F Is Going On? launched 5 years ago and published 229 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 What The F Is Going On??

Recent guests on What The F Is Going On? include:

1. Rachel Millward
2. Nigel Boulevard
3. Mothin Ali
4. Emma Warren
5. Dr. Julia Grace Patterson
6. Ali Milani
7. Laura Smyth
8. Dawn Butler

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