Danielle Stephens

Jonathan Freedland speaks with New York Times journalist Jonathan Swan about how Donald Trump’s second term differs from his first. The episode argues that former political and legal restraints have weakened, enabling Trump to consolidate executive power and reshape the economy, immigration policy and the presidency itself, with potentially significant consequences for the United States and the wider world.

Donald Trump’s second term is portrayed as markedly more powerful and less constrained than his first, with former political and legal checks on his authority weakened or absent. New York Times journalist Jonathan Swan discusses with Jonathan Freedland how Trump has consolidated executive power across the economy, immigration policy and the presidency itself, and what this could mean for the United States and the wider world.

Cameroon’s 93-year-old president, Paul Biya, has not been publicly seen for weeks after spending 59 days in Switzerland, prompting a government spokesperson to affirm that he is alive and will return soon. The podcast examines who is governing the country in his absence, why public discussion of his health is constrained, and what succession could look like as Cameroonians consider the country’s next chapter.

Calvin Duncan spent 28 years in a Louisiana prison for a murder he did not commit before being exonerated. At 64, he sought an administrative position intended to help inmates access criminal records, but Republicans allegedly prevented him from taking office, ending his brief political career. Guardian journalist Olly Laughland examines Duncan’s life, the racial and criminal-justice injustices he experienced, and what the episode suggests about political conditions in Trump’s America, which he characterizes as “competitive authoritarianism.”

An archived 2019 investigation, introduced by author Maya Goodfellow and read by Lucy Scott, examines how increasingly complex, costly and restrictive procedures create barriers for people seeking to enter or remain in the UK. It argues that government hostility is reflected throughout the immigration system and its everyday transactions.

Donald Trump has announced a landmark nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia while pursuing efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. The discussion examines what the agreement contains, why it matters for Saudi Arabia, Iran and the wider Gulf, and the domestic political challenges it may face in the United States.

Mark Lawson and Nosheen Iqbal examine the BBC’s financial difficulties as licence fee payments decline faster than expected. They discuss the broadcaster’s public value, the BBC’s advertising campaign defending its existence, director general Matt Brittin’s warning that the organisation is in “real jeopardy,” and possible alternatives to the current licence fee model in an increasingly competitive media market.

A year after an asylum seeker staying at Epping's Bell Hotel was arrested for the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl, Tim Burrows returns to the Essex town to examine the violent protests that followed. The report explores the involvement of local residents, far-right activists and counter-protesters, Elon Musk's intervention, the effects on residents, and what happened to the hotel and its asylum-seeking occupants as Epping recovered from the unrest.

The Politics Weekly America discussion examines US strikes on Iran and Donald Trump's declaration that a fragile ceasefire had ended. It also considers Trump's renewed threats to take Greenland and his claims of love and unity at the NATO summit in Ankara. Jonathan Freedland and Susan Glasser assess the difficulty of making diplomatic progress while Trump revisits confrontational policies and cycles through similar international crises.

The podcast examines the US strikes on Iran and Donald Trump’s declaration that a fragile ceasefire had ended, alongside his renewed threats to take Greenland. It also considers Trump’s more conciliatory presentation at the NATO summit in Ankara, where he emphasized “love” and “unity,” and asks whether meaningful diplomatic progress is possible while he repeatedly revives old conflicts and threats.

The podcast reviews an extraordinary World Cup match in which Cape Verde pushed Argentina to extra time before Argentina advanced to face Egypt in the round of 16. Egypt eliminated Australia on penalties after a strong performance from Harry Souttar ended in heartbreak when he missed in the shootout. The episode also covers Colombia’s victory over Ghana, previews Saturday’s matches, and answers listener questions.

Jonathan Freedland speaks with The Atlantic’s Yoni Appelbaum about the United States’ 250th anniversary and argues that Donald Trump is making the celebrations about himself. The discussion also examines why many Americans are feeling less patriotic as the anniversary approaches.

Jonathan Freedland speaks with The Atlantic’s Yoni Appelbaum about the United States’ 250th anniversary and argues that Donald Trump is turning the national celebration into a vehicle for his own image and politics. The discussion examines American history, patriotism and why many Americans feel less patriotic as the anniversary approaches.

France’s dominant World Cup performance against Sweden raises questions about whether any team can challenge them, with Mbappé, Barcola, Dembélé and Olise leading relentless attacks. Haaland’s late goal sends Norway into the last 16 to face Brazil, while Mexico continue to look formidable. The panel previews upcoming matches, including England versus DR Congo, and answers listener questions.

France strengthened their status as World Cup favourites by beating a much-changed Norway 4–1 and preserving a 100% tournament record, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring a hat-trick. Senegal moved close to the round of 32 after a 5–0 victory over Iraq, while Cape Verde reached the knockout stage at their first World Cup after drawing Saudi Arabia for a third consecutive match. The episode also previews the final group fixtures, including England without Reece James, alongside listener questions and discussion.

The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington, DC, must be drained again after efforts to maintain its water in an “American flag blue” shade failed. Donald Trump blamed vandalism, but the costly project has become an embarrassment that raises questions about the administration’s management and its fixation on political image.

The episode reviews World Cup matches including Ecuador’s late comeback win over Germany, which sends Ecuador through to the last 32, and Paraguay’s 0-0 draw with Australia, which secures Australia’s progression and likely Paraguay’s as well. It also covers the USA–Turkey match, the Netherlands winning Group F, Japan and Sweden qualifying after a 1-1 draw, Brian Brobbey scoring again, and Tunisia conceding a notable own goal. The hosts preview the next six matches and answer listener questions.

The Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington, DC, will have to be drained again after efforts to keep its water “American flag blue” failed. Donald Trump has attributed the problem to vandalism, while Jonathan Freedland and Arwa Mahdawi discuss whether the costly project exposes the administration’s fixation on image and its inability to avoid political and practical realities.

Donald Trump has signed a 14-point agreement with Iran aimed at ending a war he helped start and is now turning his attention back to peace efforts in Ukraine. Jenna Amatulli discusses with Guardian journalist Andrew Roth whether the Iran deal can succeed and how realistic Trump's renewed focus on Ukraine is.