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What The F Is Going On? with Mark Steel

Ep 182: What The F Is Going On With Peter Mandelson?

What The F Is Going On? with Mark Steel

Carousel Studios

News, Society & Culture, Comedy, Politics

4.7888 Ratings

🗓️ 4 May 2026

⏱️ 72 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

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 reputation for power, spin and survival, the blurred lines between journalism and politics, and why modern British politics now feels closer to oligarchy than democracy. They also get into the psychology of political operators, media manipulation, Reform’s growing influence, and why things may still get worse before they get better. Also we are pleased to announce the return of George Galloway, Nigel Boulevard and the phone in woman.  For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to: ⁠www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠ For media, press & guest enquiries please email ⁠mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk⁠ Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod  Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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proving to be the Super Mario film. It's not something I know a great deal about, really, but luckily

1:07.8

we have with us someone who knows all about it to give their expert view,

1:13.5

George Galloway.

1:15.0

Let me put it to you, Super Mario.

1:19.6

Your frenetic and determined oscillations and implausible, rigid jumping technique

1:26.0

whilst porting your insiduous iconographic red cup that bears such

1:32.4

resemblance to the mager headware of Mr. Trump, exposes you only as a megalomaniac of gargantuan

1:43.3

proportions. It is no coincidence that your diminutive stature

1:49.7

and obdurate gait resemble that of the US-backed Mr. Zelensky, the inveterate Ukrainian,

1:57.8

who, like you, runs hither and thither in clothing designed to make him appear like a common labourer. Furthermore, your inveterate background incantations of of... Dumb to-ling ding-ding-ding-ding-d-d-bom-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-ppong-pum-pum-p-p------------------------ing.

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