Planet Normal

In wake of co-pilot Pearson’s shock visit from the police on Remembrance Sunday, the rocket reflects on the principle of free speech in our country. Allison explains what happens when the journalist becomes the story…

Elsewhere Liam gives his take on why the Harris campaign failed to reach many voters in the US election after his trip across the pond last week.

Also Joining your co-pilots on the rocket this week to discuss her arrest following a tweet about the Southport killings, is Bernadette Spofforth.

And your co-pilots weigh in on the latest news from the COP29 conference.

Co-pilot Pearson is off on a special mission this week so Liam is joined in the cockpit by resident part time co-pilot, Tim Stanley.

As the news breaks of Donald Trump’s victory in the US Liam and Tim dissect the news tsunami from across the pond.

As the rest of the world comes to terms with what just happened, Tim describes why we shouldn’t be that surprised at the result, and Liam gives his economic prognosis.

Whilst back on UK soil, the Tory party welcomes a new leader but what do your co-pilots make of Queen Kemi?

Also boarding the rocket to discuss the fate of UK farming in wake of Labour’s first Budget is farmer Richard Payne, who delivers a harsh prognosis for the future of the profession.

As Labour unveils their first budget in 14 years, the rocket beams in for a bumper Budget special with not one but two stowaways! But what do the rocket’s incumbents make of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s first big fiscal challenge.

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss explains why she thinks Chancellor Rachel Reeves might have ‘turbo charged taxes’ and could be about to ‘crash the car into the wall’.

Chief Economist at Net Wealth and former Chief Economic Advisor to Boris Johnson Dr Gerard Lyons, outlines the good, the bad and the uglier sides of the Budget.

Elsewhere on the podcast Allison explains why she has declared her allegiance to one particular candidate in the nearly finalised Tory leadership contest….

This episode was recorded live at the Battle of Ideas Festival in London on 20th October 2024

In this very special episode of Planet Normal, the rocket beams in live from the Battle of Ideas Festival featuring not one, but two very special stowaways..

Sociologist and social commentator, Professor Frank Furedi shares his thoughts on how we can tackle what he calls the ‘madness’ of political correctness.

Writer and comedian, Andrew Doyle also explains why we need to prioritise the value of free speech in our society.

And your co-pilots weigh in on the government’s recently unveiled plans for NHS and prison reform, and it’s safe to say they’re not sold.

There’s also a healthy dose of Velma stats and a Scooby accompaniment!

The countdown to Labour's first Budget is on, but what do your co-pilots make of the new Chancellor's plans? Brace yourselves it's another news Tsunami…

Liam isn’t convinced Labour’s plan for growth will strengthen up the public finances and believes a more prudent approach to spending is needed.

Allison agrees and is concerned if they increase National Insurance on employers it will lead to less investment and fewer jobs.

Joining your co-pilots for this week’s voyage is former Downing Street advisor and journalist Andy Coulson. The former News of the World Editor shares his thoughts on the first 100 days of the Labour government and reflects on his time at Belmarsh prison where he first formed the idea for his podcast ‘Crisis, What Crisis?’.

And your co-pilots weigh in on Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s endorsement of weight loss drugs…