Best Shortbread Media Podcasts (2025)

1
Can Farage capitalise on Labour's struggles 41:22

3d ago41:22

41:22

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the current political landscape in the UK, focusing on the Labour Party's challenges, the upcoming spending review, and the rise of Reform UK under Nigel Farage. The conversation highlights the internal dynamics within Labour, the pressures from backbenchers, and the implications o…

1
Can a Government ever get credit for a U-Turn? 55:05

11d ago55:05

55:05

Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner discuss the U-turn on winter fuel payments for pensioners, the implications of this decision, and the broader context of UK politics. They reflect on the Labour Party's performance, the economic situation, and the upcoming EU-UK reset deal, highlighting the challenges and pressures faced by the curren…

1
What could make or break UK/EU talks next week? 44:52

17d ago44:52

44:52

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, host Calum Macdonald, along with Kirsty Buchanan, Jo Tanner and Mark Simpson, delve into the current political landscape surrounding the UK-EU relations, particularly focusing on the upcoming summit and the implications of Keir Starmer's leadership. The discussion covers various topics including mig…

1
The Poisoned Isle - When The British Government Used Anthrax In Scotland [REVISITED] 14:25

20d ago14:25

14:25

To celebrate our new partnership with The Big Light, we have revisited and remade one of the podcast's most popular episodes. This is The Poisoned Isle as you've never heard it before. Brand new episodes soon! It is 1942. On Gruinard Island, in a bay about halfway between Gairloch and Ullapool, a flock of sheep are dying for the war effort. Don't f…

1
What's Next? The Impact of the Local Elections 46:07

24d ago46:07

46:07

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner discuss the recent electoral successes of Reform UK, the challenges faced by the Labour and Conservative parties, and the shifting political landscape in the UK. They explore the implications of local election results, the strategic responses of the ma…

1
100 Days of Trump... with Amy Koch and Chris D Jackson 55:32

1M ago55:32

55:32

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, we're joined by Amy Koch who was the first female Minnesota Senate Majority Leader and was at the Inauguration of Donald Trump … she is currently a Republican strategist... and Chris Jackson who was chairman of his local Democratic Party in Tennessee, and was appointed by Joe Biden’s campaign to the…

1
Politicians and Women... plus Local Elections 37:49

1M ago37:49

37:49

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding gender identity and its implications for politics in the UK. They analyse the responses from key political figures, including Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch, and the broader impact on public opinion and trans rights. The conversation highli…

1
What is a woman? 47:50

2M ago47:50

47:50

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Maconald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, consider the Supreme Court ruling regarding the legal definition of a woman, which is based on biological sex. The discussion explores the implications of this ruling for trans rights and women's rights, the political responses from various parties, and…

1
How the UK can cope with Trump's tariffs 45:08

2M ago45:08

45:08

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, host Calum MacDonald, along with guests Kirsty Buchanan, Jo Tanner, and Lord Harrington, delve into the implications of Donald Trump's tariffs and the ongoing trade war. They discuss the immediate and long-term impacts of these tariffs on global economies, particularly focusing on the UK and US rela…

1
A Wee Update from Michael... 2:12

2M ago2:12

2:12

Just a wee update from Michael on what's been happening in my life and what to expect from the next era of this podcast, which will now be known as Scottish History Out Of Order. Listen to Hunting The Whisky Bandits nowBy Be Quiet Media / The Big Light

1
Trump's Tariffs and the Assisted Dying Bill 51:05

2M ago51:05

51:05

Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, assess the implications of President Trump's impending tariffs on the UK economy and the global market. They discuss the political strategies surrounding these tariffs, the potential impact on trade relations, and the broader economic consequences. The conversation also transitions to the assisted dyi…

1
Sonia Khan | Campaigning for Change 21:23

2M ago21:23

21:23

This conversation considers the challenges faced by individuals dealing with brain tumours, focusing on Sonia Khan's personal journey with her husband Dan's diagnosis and treatment. It highlights the emotional and financial struggles, the need for better healthcare strategies, and the role of social media in providing support and information. The d…

1
Rachel Reeves' Economic Gamble: Will It Pay Off? 42:30

2M ago42:30

42:30

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts delve into the recent Spring Statement delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, analyzing its implications for the UK economy. They discuss the halving of the growth forecast, the government's economic strategies, and the potential political fallout from welfare cuts. The conversation highli…

1
Is the Government wrong on benefits cuts? 53:54

2M ago53:54

53:54

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts consider the recent overhaul of the UK welfare system, discussing the implications of proposed benefit cuts and the political dynamics surrounding them. They explore the challenges faced by individuals reliant on welfare, the impact of mental health on employment, and the reactions from th…

1
Live from Parliament: CoppaFeel 37:48

3M ago37:48

37:48

1
The Road to Peace? With Mike Martin MP 41:58

3M ago41:58

41:58

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the significant political upheaval caused by Donald Trump, particularly in relation to Ukraine and NATO. We're joined by Mike Martin, Liberal Democrat MP, member of the Defence Select Committee and senior visiting fellow of War Studies at Kings College London. We explore the implic…

1
Donald Trump: The Ultimate Pied Piper 46:55

3M ago46:55

46:55

Calum, Kirsty and Jo discuss the once in a generation challenge of peace. Sir Keir Starmer has announced an increase in defence spending, and now he's off to see President Trump in Washington. What is the best he can hope to achieve? Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c…

1
Banning Phones for Kids | This Week In Parliament 42:00

3M ago42:00

42:00

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, delve into the pressing issues surrounding online harms, particularly focusing on the risks posed by social media to children. We're joined by Jess Asato, Labour MP for Lowestoft. They discuss the need for stricter regulations, the role of parent…

1
Is the 'special relationship' over? 48:20

3M ago48:20

48:20

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts are joined by Sir David Manning to discuss the significant shifts in global politics following President Trump's pursuit of a Russia/Ukraine peace deal. They explore the implications for NATO, European security, and the dynamics of US-UK relations, while also addressing the internal tensio…

1
Kemi Badenoch: Fighter or Engineer? 56:25

4M ago56:25

56:25

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner delve into the current political landscape in Westminster. They discuss the leadership styles of Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch, focusing on Starmer's perceived lack of principles under pressure and Badenoch's recent performance at PMQs. The conversatio…

1
Trump Turns up the Volume 52:58

4M ago52:58

52:58

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, delve into the current political landscape, focusing on key issues such as Donald Trump's controversial proposal for Gaza, the ongoing Chagos Islands dispute, and insights from a new book on Keir Starmer's leadership. The conversation highlights …

1
Growth... (and a Podcast relaunch) 48:01

4M ago48:01

48:01

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and - joining the podcast for 2025 and beyond - Jo Tanner, discuss Rachel Reeves' recent speech on economic growth, focusing on the controversial Heathrow expansion and the Labour Party's growth strategy. The conversation explores the implications of the speech, the …

1
Southport - the politicians respond... plus President Trump 1:05:11

4M ago1:05:11

1:05:11

Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss the recent Southport stabbings and the subsequent national inquiry into the failures of the Prevent strategy. They analyze the political implications of the tragedy, the responses from key political figures, and the broader societal impact of such events. Then we turn to the inauguration of President Trum…

1
Labour's Rishi Sunak 35:55

5M ago35:55

35:55

Kirsty and Calum are back to assess Labour's start to 2025. Rachel Reeves is the Chancellor but for how long? Tulip Siddiq is the former anti corruption minister forced out of office as she's under investigation for corruption and denies wrongdoing. Plus, why can't Keir Starmer manage the curve balls of politics? Support the podcast by becoming a m…

1
The Post Office Scandal...with Lord Arbuthnot 45:47

5M ago45:47

45:47

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum McDonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss the ongoing issues surrounding the Post Office inquiry, the WASPI women, and the broader implications for political accountability and integrity. They are joined by James Arbuthnot, a key figure in the campaign for justice for sub-postmasters wrongfully pro…

1
Syria 39:15

6M ago39:15

39:15

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, host Calum MacDonald and guest Kirsty Buchanan engage with Ambassador Peter Ford, who shares his insights on the current situation in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime. The conversation explores the implications of the regime's collapse, the rise of ISIS and Al-Qaeda, and the consequences…

1
The Prime Minister's not-reset-reset 38:40

6M ago38:40

38:40

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss Keir Starmer's recent speech outlining the Labour Party's new foundations, missions, and milestones. They delve into the six specific milestones set by Starmer's government, analysing their feasibility and the implications for public accountability. The co…

1
Unpacking the Assisted Dying Bill 45:16

6M ago45:16

45:16

Calum and Kirsty are joined by former Special Advisors Nikki Da Costa and Sam White to discuss the process to come regarding the much-talked-about Assisted Dying Bill - what's in store? Who can say what? And who will say what? Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv…

1
John Prescott... with Adam Boulton 24:54

6M ago24:54

24:54

This conversation reflects on the life and legacy of John Prescott, a significant figure in British politics and the Labour Party. The hosts, Calum MacDonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Adam Boulton, share personal anecdotes and insights about Prescott's character, his role in the New Labour movement, and his impact on political discourse. They discuss h…

1
Can Wes Streeting fix the NHS? 55:25

7M ago55:25

55:25

In this podcast episode, former Health Department Special Adviser, Ed Jones, joins Isabel Hardman - Assistant Editor of The Spectator and author of Fighting for Life - The Twelve Battles that Made Our NHS, and the Struggle for Its Future - along with Calum and Kirsty to discuss the current state of the NHS under the Labour government, focusing on W…

1
Trump Elected, Starmer and Badenoch 38:45

7M ago38:45

38:45

Donald Trump is set to return to the White House, having promised action on issues including immigration, the economy and the war in Ukraine. He looks likely to enjoy plenty of support for his political agenda in Congress after his Republican Party regained control of the Senate. In his victory speech, Trump vowed: "I will govern by a simple motto:…

1
The Budget 1:36:20

7M ago1:36:20

1:36:20

In our first ever crossover episode with the Holyrood Sources podcast, we assess the implications of the UK Government budget. The first section of both podcasts features former advisers from across the political spectrum. The podcasts then return to their own list of guests and commentators and analysts. Search Holyrood Sources to listen to our si…

1
Labour in the USA, Prisoners Released, The Budget 26:24

7M ago26:24

26:24

Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss various pressing political issues in the UK, including prison overcrowding, the Labour Party's involvement in US elections, and the upcoming budget. Kirsty shares insights from her experience in the Ministry of Justice, emphasising the complexities of the criminal justice system and the need for reform. T…

1
Salmond, Budget previews, UK & US Polling 49:09

8M ago49:09

49:09

Calum and Kirsty discuss recent budget leaks and their implications, the ongoing political controversy surrounding Taylor Swift's concert, and reflect on the legacy of Alex Salmond following his passing. They explore the impact of Salmond on Scottish politics and the broader UK landscape, emphasising his unique ability to engage with diverse audien…

1
BE MORE NORMAL! Tory Leadership Contest latest 47:37

8M ago47:37

47:37

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss the mounting expectations surrounding the upcoming UK budget, the implications of Sue Gray's resignation, and the unexpected twists in the Conservative leadership contest. They explore the challenges facing the party, including issues of unity and direction, and the p…

1
The Four Tories 53:00

8M ago53:00

53:00

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan delve into the current political landscape, focusing on the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing Conservative leadership contest in the UK. They analyse the speeches of the four candidates vying for leadership, discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and the…

1
Political Forecast: What Lies Ahead for Labour? 49:57

8M ago49:57

49:57

Calum and Kirsty are joined by Jo Tanner who's nursing some Lemsip after Labour Party Conference. We delve into the recent Labour Party conference, exploring its significance, the challenges faced by the new government, and the public's perception of their performance. Kirsty and Joe provide insights into the conference atmosphere, the handling of …

1
The PM in the Oval Office... with Lord Darroch 54:22

9M ago54:22

54:22

Lord Darroch, Kim Darroch, joins to discuss Sir Keir Starmer's visit to the United States. The UK's former ambassador to the US says it's significant as it is his first visit to the White House. The purpose of the visit is to discuss various international issues, including Ukraine and Gaza. There is speculation about a potential meeting between Sta…

1
The Phoney War? No Pain No Gain 45:31

9M ago45:31

45:31

In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald discusses the current political landscape with Kirsty Buchanan and Theo Bertram. They touch on topics such as Keir Starmer's speech, the challenges facing the Labour government, and the upcoming budget. They also discuss the recent trip to Germany and the future of UK-EU relations. The main them…

1
Labour's Growth Minefield 43:57

10M ago43:57

43:57

In this conversation, Calum and Kirsty discuss various challenges and potential obstacles that the Labour government may face in achieving their growth agenda. They touch on topics such as the employment rights bill, train drivers' pay, and a recent Supreme Court ruling on environmental impact assessments. Kirsty highlights the importance of workin…

1
The Riots: Who Do We Point To? 48:23

10M ago48:23

48:23

Calum and Kirsty are joined by John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair to discuss who is to blame for the riots across the country, who should have done more to prevent them to get this far and who could lead us from them. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See ac…

1
Life in the Lords, Rachel Reeves' Strategy and Tory Leadership... with Ayesha Hazarika 47:45

10M ago47:45

47:45

Baroness Hazarika - Ayesha Hazarika, former Labour adviser - joins Calum and Kirsty Buchanan, former Special Adviser to Theresa May, to discuss the politics and policy of the moment. We consider why far-right thugs were able to stage a mini riot in the aftermath of the stabbing attack in Southport in which three young girls died. We also reflect on…

1
The Scientist & The CIA - MK ULTRA & The Sleep Room [REVISITED] 15:00

11M ago15:00

15:00

It is 1959. You're at the mercy of Dr Ewen Cameron, his Sleep Room at the Allan Memorial Institute in Montreal, Canada, and Subproject 68 of something you'd never heard of called MKULTRA. This episode is a remake of an episode we first put out in 2021. The original will stay on our feed as it works in a different way to this one. CW: This episode c…

1
The King's Speech 33:44

11M ago33:44

33:44

In this conversation, Calum and Kirsty discuss various topics including the King's speech, the challenges of delivering on government promises, and the European political community meeting at Blenheim Palace. They highlight the importance of the first 100 days of a government in setting the tone and managing expectations. They also discuss the pote…

1
Election Eve 44:28

11M ago44:28

44:28

The conversation discusses the upcoming general election and the expectations for the results. It highlights the lack of excitement and momentum in the campaign, as well as the messaging and strategies of the different parties. The conversation also touches on the challenges and complexities of implementing policies and delivering on promises. It c…

1
Polling, Kids' Takes and Energy... with Adam Bell 48:55

12M ago48:55

48:55

Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss various topics related to the upcoming election. They talk about the length of the campaign, the impact of polling, and the challenges faced by the Conservative Party. Kirsty also shares her experience at her son's school and discusses the views of children on politics. Adam Bell, former Energy SpAd and n…

1
Economy Pledges... with Giles Wilkes 40:56

12M ago40:56

40:56

The conversation discusses the recent TV moment where Beth Rigby questioned Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak individually. It explores the lack of inspiration and vision from both leaders and the sense of distrust and cynicism among the public. The conversation also touches on the manifestos of the Labour and Conservative parties, highlighting the Cons…

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