194: Hot Cheeks and Cheesecake

The team (with Justine Smith) discuss the long, long failure in the media to notice Russell Brand telling the world who he was; with extra reports on the calls for help from Samaritans volunteers and the ‘Dirty COP’ climate conference happening in Turkey.For more on Russell Brand, including Helen’s encounter with him at the New Statesman, try Episode 88, Brand Management.The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123.

Who has the best campaign trail zingers? In Detroit, Barack Obama roasted Donald Trump's taste in interior decor — while the current POTUS picked a fight with . . . Norway? Plus: the AI hacking threat, and the secret celeb who wants an injunction.

A unique tribute to Lord Archer, plus we mark Ian Hislop’s 40 years as editor of the mag, and look ahead to what autumn holds in British politics. 

Andy, Helen and Adam discuss Labour’s big pitch on the decades-old problem of social care; Piers Moron and Earl Spencer’s running beef; and the scammers preying on self-published authors.

The team and Richard Brooks discuss Reform UK's new sugar-daddy, the likelihood of AI wiping out the world (just 10%) and the Men In Black coming to a port near you. 

Guest Saba Salman discusses the Green Party's latest appearance in Private Eye, Helen Lewis on Donald Trump's completely professional relationship with an attractive young aide, and Adam Macqueen on the BBC's doomed future without Amol Rajan. 

As the summer draws to a close, Ian, Helen, Adam and Andy discuss the best books about journalism and writing ever, er, written, covering everything from Vesuvius to Rwanda to Elton John.Further Reading The Faber Book of Reportage, edited by Professor John Carey Tickle The Public - 100 Years of the Popular Press by Matthew Engel We Wish To Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families by Phillip Gourevitch Towards The End Of The Morning by Michael Frayn  Scoop by Evelyn WaughStick It Up Your Punter! by Peter Chippindale & Chris HorrieMother Tongue by Bill BrysonNew Grub St by George Gissing

Summer special! The team discuss the Conservatives’ new policy on convicted Neo-Nazis (pro), the AI data centres hoovering up power and water, and the extraordinary story of Professor Jason Arday.

The team discuss how Andy Burnham’s social media is annoying the ‘lobby’; the mad debate over North Sea drilling continues; and how to make the new PM funny. 

The team (with guest Jane Mackenzie) discuss Nigel Farage's by-election gamble, the latest military procurement disasters, and the lowdown on Prince Harry’s trial against the Mail.