Strong Message Here

Your Next Listen: Top Comment

While Armando takes a well-earned break, former Strong Message Here guest and BBC social media investigations correspondent Marianna Spring introduces her podcast, Top Comment.From chasing pickpockets to unmasking predators, vigilantism has become one of the biggest trends on social media. On this episode Matt and Marianna discuss how the age of streaming has added a new layer of risk to content like this, with the potential for devastating consequences including reputational damage and even legal repercussions.Also this week, as national media fangirls over Andy Burnham's TikTok persona, we ask what the new prime minister is doing right online. Is social media now the ultimate test of a politician's authenticity, and could cosying up to influencers set a dangerous precedent in terms of transparency and accountability for those in positions of power.Plus - Clavicular can't run in those little high heels, and the foxes have their say!If you enjoyed this episode, you can listen and subscribe to Top Comment on BBC Sounds, with new episodes released every Thursday. Top Comment is hosted by Marianna Spring and Matt Shea. The series producer is Laurie Kalus. The social producer is Sophie Millward. The technical producer was Ben Andrews. The editor is Justine Lang. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.If you want to get in touch about something that's popped up on your feed, our email address is topcomment@bbc.co.uk or you can send us a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.

Doing Politics Differently (with Phil Wang and Pierre Novellie)

This week, Phil Wang steps in for Armando, and is joined by comedian Pierre Novellie to discuss 'doing politics differently'.Digging into the language of Burnham's speech, we examine what he means by 'place', and whether we will see an end to 'punch and judy politics'.Elsewhere, we look at Badenoch's attack mode, America's 250th celebrations and why politicians struggle to p-p-p-pick a favourite biscuit.Stay tuned to the end to hear from Armando, and find out what they 'Putin' the chicken over in Georgia.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James RobinsonProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

A Swift Transition (with Matt Forde and Ria Lina)

Armando is under the weather this week, so in true World Cup style, we have called up a super sub.Matt Forde steps in to host, and Ria Lina joins him to discuss the big news of the week.Is it a bit rich of the Labour Party to claim they don't want to 'exaggerate small differences'? How does Starmer sell his achievements, and is there anything we can learn about how Burnham uses language?In the longer version, we also look back at some of Starmer's best bits, and whether Manchesterism is an ideology, or just good brandingArmando will be back next week, but in the meantime, if you have got a strong message for the show, email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Katie Baum & Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

It's All Signed (with Stewart Lee)

Stewart Lee joins Armando to look at the detail, or lack thereof in the US and Iran deal.What is a memorandum of understanding? Does the language of UFC apply to this deal? And are Shoreditch hipsters running Iran's social media campaign?It's by-election day, and while broadcast rules prevent us from discussing the events in Makerfield, there's no rule to stop us discussing the broadcasting rules themselves. Outgoing Ofcom chair Michael Grade has been vocal about the state of broadcast journalism in the UK, so we take a close look at his recent language.Elsewhere, we talk Ghibli Grandads, soiled underpants, and 'the Islington of the Mind'.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.

Fanning the Flames (with Hugo Rifkind)

Hugo Rifkind joins Armando, fresh from interviewing a highland cow, to discuss the phrase 'fanning the flames'.Can a politician ever avoid politicising an issue? How is that different from weaponising? And does journalism have a role in fanning the flames, and prolonging political arguments?Elsewhere, Armando explains the power of the power nap, Pete Hegseth conflates D-Day with immigration, and we ask if Keir's curse is having an eminently rhyme-able name?Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Rich Evans 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.