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

Mark is joined by actress, presenter and agony aunt Maria McErlane along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Iran v Israel; New York v Donald Trump; Rishi Sunak v Smoking – and Liz Truss v Reality!   Plus, Nigel Boulevard, Britain's most patriotic man, goes to Belgium for a conference – and there's an exclusive extract from Liz Truss's book “50 Days To Crash The Economy...”   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Maria McErlane @mariamcerlane Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by actress and impressionist Jan Ravens, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Liz Truss, Gillian Anderson playing Emily Maitlis in Scoop – and whether the Israeli Defence Force should be forced to leave Gaza and deal with the Post Office management instead.   Plus, money saving expert Martin Sunak surprises some small business owners on a helpline – and a woman who Mark overheard in a cafe isn't happy about the recent solar eclipse!   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Jan Ravens @thatjanravens Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by columnist and political commentator Matthew Norman, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of profiteering landlords, surreal conversations in a spa – and what happened when Elliot gave Mark a nicotine pouch to help him produce saliva!   Plus, our very own George Galloway MP shares his thoughts on Paddy McGuinness joining Radio 2 – and broadcasting legend Mike Concrete demands answers from a 99 year old woman about her scone recipe!   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Matthew Norman @MatthewJNorman Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by Robin Ince - comedian, writer and broadcaster - for a special extended interview, as he tries to make sense of the rise of conspiracy theories and the challenges faced by rational thought.   It's a hilarious and wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from Naomi Klein and Donald Trump to Robin Askwith, star of Confessions of a Window Cleaner!   Mark and Robin discuss whether it's worth arguing with anti-vaxxers and flat-Earthers, and reveal some of the tricks that psychics use to con their audiences. But the most heated argument of all revolves around a Trotskyist interpretation of the 70s American detective series Columbo!   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Visit Robin Ince's website http://robinince.com/mainpage/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by broadcaster Dan Norcross of Test Match Special fame, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of people who are obsessed with the Royals, overrated classic films – and the so-called war on motorists.   Plus, our very own George Galloway MP shares his thoughts on Beyonce's new country album – and there's deceased Yorkshire cricketer Fred Trueman on the rumours of another Tory Party leadership contest.   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Dan Norcross @norcrosscricket and his podcast @zeroduckspod   Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by author and comedy writer John O'Farrell, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Diane Abbott and the Tory donor, Lee Anderson blaming everything on the Wokerati – and what Bob Geldof said about John's Live Aid musical.   Plus, our very own George Galloway MP shares his thoughts on the Oscars – and Lieutenant Colonel Sir Ambrose Chislehurst-Adobe gives his inside take on the Kate Middleton photoshopping scandal.   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow John O'Farrell @mrjohnofarrell and his podcast @wearehistorypod   Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Justin Moorhouse, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Jeremy Hunt's budget; the waterfall that could bring peace to Gaza – and whether boxer Ryan Garcia was kidnapped by the illuminati and forced to watch a Satanic ritual!   Plus, our very own George Galloway MP shares an exclusive extract from his first day back in Parliament – and a woman who Mark overheard in a cafe gives her views on the Budget...   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Justin Moorhouse @justinmoorhouse   Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by Journalist and Author Susie Boniface, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of the UK nuclear test veterans' campaign for justice and the disastrous "Willy Wonka Experience" in Glasgow George Galloway is in full flow at a debate in St George’s Church, Liz Truss teaches us how to boil an egg properly and again we’re delighted to have an extract from the post-Brexit diaries of Britain’s most patriotic man, Nigel Boulevard If you want to get extended interviews, ad free episodes, extra sketches and an opportunity to ask Mark what the f*** is going on?? then sign up to our patreon for as little as £2 a month  https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Susie on twitter/x @fleetstreetfox AND To get involved with the Susie's Jaffa Cake challenge all information can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jaffa-cake-challenge   Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian, actor & presenter Nick Hancock  , along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of pissing during the cricket, Tucker Carlson's interview with Putin & audience chatter at gigs. There's the return of Mike concrete speaking to Astronaut Tim Hill and Mark hears a woman on a phone in complaining about immigration. If you want to get extended interviews, ad free episodes, extra sketches and an opportunity to ask Mark what the f*** is going on?? then sign up to our patreon for as little as £2 a month  https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Nick Hancock on twitter/x @Nickhancock AND make sure to check out Nick’s podcast “The Famous Sloping Pitch podcast” link here: https://podfollow.com/1581433476/view   Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A special bonus extended conversation with last week's guest Caroline Quentin. It seemed a shame to not the share the entirety of this fantastic interview so please enjoy this special episode. Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by author and actress Caroline Quentin , along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Horticulture, British Gas and memory loss. Plus there's the return of Martin Sunak with his money saving tips and Mark overhears a woman in a cafe talking about the closing of The Body Shop. Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Caroline @Quentyquestions Buy her book "Drawn to the garden" right here on amazon now!! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drawn-Garden-Caroline-Quentin/dp/0711290555/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1708105439&refinements=p_27%3ACaroline+Quentin&s=books&sr=1-1   Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Mick Ferry, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of King Charles's cancer, Rishi Sunak's bet with Piers Morgan – and why Coronation Street was full of radical lefties in the 1970s!   Plus, the return of broadcasting legend Mike Concrete – and (pass the PopCon...) it's The Liz Truss Guide To Valentine's Day!   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Mick Ferry @MickFerry   Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is back! He's joined by comedian Sooz Kempner, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of the Tories imploding, Keir Starmer equivocating – and Laurence Fox self-destructing!   Plus, our very own George Galloway stars as the guest presenter on Winterwatch – and there's a welcome return for Nadine Boris!   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Sooz Kempner @SoozUK   Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark gives an update on his recovery and introduces another chance to hear one of most popular WTFIGO episodes of all time.    Angela Barnes and John O'Farrell from the We Are History podcast join Mark Steel for a special extended interview, to answer the question “What The F*** Was Going On?” Mark talks to Angela and John about everything from tipping points in history, to whether 'good' and 'bad' people exist – and if so, whether we can safely put Hitler and Stalin in the latter category!    Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow We Are History Podcast @wearehistorypod   Follow Angela Barnes @AngelaBarnes   Follow John O'Farrell @mrjohnofarrell   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest host Seann Walsh is joined by Rosie Holt and Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of the Rwanda scheme, the Post Office scandal – and how Mark's recovery is going after his cancer treatment.    Seann also learns how to pronounce Rwanda – although he has insisted that we point out to you that he does in fact know that it's hot there!   Plus, a caller on a phone-in show is sick of the Post Office scandal, Jeremy – and there's a woman that Mark overheard in a cafe complaining about Blue Monday.   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Seann Walsh @seannwalsh   Follow Rosie Holt @RosieisaHolt   Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Mark recovers from the side-effects of his recent cancer treatment, here's another chance to listen to our most downloaded episode of all time...   In this special extended interview, Mark talks to LBC presenter James O'Brien about everything from Brexit to Jeremy Corbyn – and from Katie Hopkins to our very own talk-show host Mike Concrete.    James and Mark discuss how to change people's minds, how to deal with trolls on social media, and (in a still-to-be-pitched TV game show called Challenge Suella) how to fit a billion people into Britain.   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow James O'Brien @mrjamesob   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by comedian Scott Bennett for a special extended interview, as he tries to make sense of his ongoing cancer treatment.  Mark somehow manages to see the funny side of coughing fits, industrial scale mucus production – and an assortment of drugs and paraphernalia that would put Walter White to shame!   Honest, heartwarming and hilarious, we guarantee it's the funniest conversation you'll hear about cancer and chemotherapy this Christmas!   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Scott Bennett @scottbcomedyuk    and the 'Brew With The Bennetts' podcast @BWTBpod   https://scottbennettcomedy.co.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by music journalist Simon Price, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Shane MacGowan's genius, Rishi Sunak's amnesia – and Elliot's worst ever gig!   Plus, Mike Concrete interviews a campaigner for the Welsh language, and – Rejoice! – it's The Liz Truss Guide To Christmas.   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Simon Price @simon_price01   Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by columnist and political commentator Matthew Norman, along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Boris Johnson at the Covid inquiry, Rishi Sunak's latest immigration rules – and how Matthew's hypochondria could solve the NHS's problems!   Plus, sympathetic financial advice from money-saving expert Martin Sunak – and a live session at the Covid Inquiry is interrupted by Nadine Boris.   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon:   https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Matthew Norman @MatthewJNorman   Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark is joined by the wonderful Maria McErlane (actress, presenter, agony aunt)along with Elliot Steel, as he tries to make sense of Joe Biden, the Covid inquiry – and Maria's life story, as told through a series of bicycles!   Plus, a woman who Mark overheard in a cafe is upset at the situation in Gaza – and the broadcasting legend that isn't Mike Concrete interviews a grief counsellor.   Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod   Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Twitter @wtfisgoingonpod   Follow Maria McErlane @mariamcerlane   Follow Elliot Steel @elliotsteelcom and his podcast @BtecPhilosoph   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices