Strong Message Here

Strong Message Here

https://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/m0024cp6.rss
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Armando Iannucci hosts the programme that gives you a cast-iron guarantee to be laser-focused on decoding the baffling world of political language.Each week he'll be joined by a guest to crack open the political phrasebook and attempt to demystify the doublespeak. Why does everything now have to be 'turbo-charged'? What's the difference between a 'pledge' and a 'mission'? Why has my local MP been 'weaponised' and should I be worried?You'll be treated to a crash course in the dark arts of...
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Episode List

Get Real (with Hugo Rifkind)

Mar 5th, 2026 9:45 AM

Journalist and Times Radio presenter Hugo Rifkind joins Armando this week.In another breakneck week, we look at the language of reality in politics. Are plumbers more 'real' than economists? Can Trump really 'manipulate reality'? And has he been watching Shrek?We also look at the parallels between Marco Rubio and the general in Dr Strangelove, Tony Blair powering down when talking to Alan Partridge, and whether 'Epic Fury' really means what Pete Hegseth thinks it does.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

History Will Judge You (with Stewart Lee)

Feb 26th, 2026 9:45 AM

Stewart Lee joins Armando again this week. With a by-election on, we look away from the present day and think about how history will judge politicians.Some of the language in the recent Tony Blair documentary piques Armando's interest, and we also look at how Boris Johnson and Gordon Brown use language (or lack thereof) to cement their own post-premiership legacies.We also look at the politic-speak creeping into Royal statements, Gerry Adams on a trampoline, and the furore over language at the BAFTAsGot a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

For the Sake of Transparency (with Natalie Haynes and Michael Gove)

Feb 19th, 2026 9:20 AM

Armando is joined by Natalie Haynes and Michael Gove to discuss the true meaning of transparency.With his experience as both a politician and a journalist, Michael Gove gives his insight into how transparency can often mean the opposite. He also explains the perverse incentive for ministers to go out and defend tricky positions, and what it feels like to have your private communications laid bare in an inquiry.And with Natalie on the show, we look at historical examples of turbulent leadership, and find out who has the dubious honour of being 'the Liz Truss of ancient Rome'.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Psychodrama (with Stewart Lee)

Feb 12th, 2026 9:45 AM

Stewart Lee joins Armando to examine the language around political pyschodramas. We've discussed political language becoming maximalist, but it also gone into warp speed?Looking at whether 'stumbling' is in fact a good thing, we also manage to find new names for Wes Streeting, Peter Mandelson and Andrew (you know which one).We also find time to discuss the fake news that has been stinking up the White House, jellyfish anuses and slapstick.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

You've Let Your Country Down (with Emily Maitlis)

Feb 5th, 2026 9:45 AM

Has a man once described as 'teflon' finally run out of spin? Peter Mandelson suggests he needs to run an investigation into himself, but to do an investigation into his language, Armando is joined by host of the News Agents, Emily Maitlis.We discuss revelations in the Epstein files, and why it brings to mind Dickens. Are we wiser to the language of political scandal than we used to be? And is it impossible to spin a story in the modern media environment. We also look at why it's so frustrating, if politically wise, how often political figures suffer bouts of selective amnesia.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies and Sasha Bobak. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

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