The News Agents
Daily News
Emily Maitlis, Jon Sopel and Lewis Goodall – three of the UK’s top journalists – host an award-winning daily news podcast: The News Agents. They’re not just here to tell you what's happening, but why. Expect astute analysis and explanation of the day's news – and a healthy dose of scepticism and the ability to laugh at it all when needed. Episodes are available every weekday afternoon. You can listen to The News Agents on Alexa, just say "Alexa ask Global Player to play The News Agents" The News Agents is a Global Player Original podcast. For advertising opportunities on this podcast, email: [email protected] You can visit our website here https://www.thenewsagents.co.uk/
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Recent Episodes
Russell Brand the rapist
Nov 05, 2026Russell Brand was today convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. Detective Superintendent Andy Furphy has said today that Brand is a "danger to women", the Met Police have sa...
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The News Agents covers the conviction of Russell Brand on rape and sexual assault charges, marking a dramatic fall for the former superstar comedian. The episode also analyzes the Republican response to Trump's devastating midterm losses, with key figures like J.D. Vance and Ted Cruz beginning to distance themselves from the president. The hosts examine how the Democratic Party is shifting toward a more centrist, pragmatic approach following their sweeping electoral victory.
- Russell Brand Convicted of Rape and Sexual Assault
- The Enabling of Russell Brand and Media Complicity
After a night of electoral disaster, Trump has finally appeared before the world media to offer up his thoughts on...you’ve guessed it...the ballroom. Is he just going to pretend last night didn’t hap...
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In the aftermath of the 2026 midterm elections, Democrats achieved a historic landslide victory, capturing the House and Senate in numbers not seen since Watergate. The scale of their win has left Donald Trump silent for over 10 hours and created deep uncertainty about how Democrats will wield their newfound power - whether focusing on accountability for Trump-era corruption or prioritizing kitchen-table economic issues for voters.
- Historic Democratic Landslide and Stunning Upsets
- Democrats Rediscover Their 'Swagger' with New Generation
The Democrats destroy Trump - what happens now?
Nov 04, 2026As we come off air at 1am the Democrats have just taken the house and the senate - flipping seats in the unlikeliest of places - Texas, South Carolina, Iowa and even Maine. It’s an absolute blue blow...
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In a stunning reversal of fortune, the 2026 midterm elections have delivered a crushing defeat to Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Democrats achieved overwhelming victories across the country, flipping the Senate and House with commanding majorities while winning gubernatorial races in states Trump carried easily just two years earlier. Broadcasting live from Austin, Texas and Washington DC, the News Agents team analyzes this historic repudiation of Trump's presidency, examining how his policies on tariffs, the Iran war, and widespread corruption alienated voters and shattered what seemed like a durable Republican coalition in 2024.
- Trump's Stunned Reaction and Initial Response
- The Scale of Democratic Victory Across America
Piers Morgan on polling day in America
Nov 03, 202659 million Americans have already gone to the polls ahead of election day - but tonight we find out if those predictions of a Blue Democrat wave are actually right. We’re joined by Piers Morgan to ana...
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Recording on polling day from Washington D.C., the News Agents discuss the 2024 U.S. midterm elections with guest Piers Morgan. With 50 million Americans already having voted early and polls suggesting a Democratic wave, they analyze Trump's subdued final campaign messaging, his surprising announcement to end aid to Israel, and what the results could mean for the future of the MAGA movement and the 2028 presidential race.
- Election Day Atmosphere and Democratic Momentum
- Trump's Surprise Israel Aid Announcement
Special Report: Is Texas where MAGA dies?
Nov 03, 2026"If we lose Texas, we lose America." Those are the words of Ken Paxton, Trump's scandal-plagued candidate for the Texas Senate seat. He shouldn't be having to issue that warning. Texas has always been...
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This special episode from Texas examines the 2026 midterm elections through the lens of James Tallarico's historic Democratic Senate campaign against Republican incumbent Ken Paxton. The reporting explores how both parties are transforming in what may be the beginning of a post-Trump political era, with particular focus on populist messaging, the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk, emerging data center politics, and shifting Hispanic voter allegiances in traditionally Republican Texas.
- The Tallarico Phenomenon: Democrats Embrace Populism
- Elon Musk's Texas Takeover: The Battle Against Billionaire Influence
The News Agents are in Washington DC to begin their week of midterms coverage - and there's a huge story out of Michigan - as Democrat Haley Stevens switched sides this weekend to support the Republic...
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The News Agents visit Washington DC and Michigan just two days before critical midterm elections, focusing on a stunning political betrayal that could reshape the Senate race. Democrat Hayley Stevens shocks the party by endorsing Republican Mike Rogers over progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's must-win Senate race, triggering fierce debate about antisemitism, Islamophobia, and the future direction of the Democratic Party. The hosts analyze new polling showing Democrats leading in seven key Senate races, while exploring the deep cultural and political divisions defining this election.
- Hayley Stevens' Shocking Betrayal in Michigan
- The Controversial Campaign Advertisement
What happens if Trump loses these midterms?
Oct 30, 2026Trump's popularity is at record lows. What impact will this have on Americans going to vote in the midterm elections next week? Today we lay out the races to watch on Tuesday night, and ask whether Co...
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This episode of The News Agents focuses on the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, examining the stakes for Donald Trump's presidency if Democrats gain control of Congress. Hosts Jon Sopel and Emily Maitlis are joined by Miles Taylor, Trump's former DHS Chief of Staff turned whistleblower, to analyze key Senate and House races, Trump's campaign tactics, and what a potential shift in congressional power could mean for investigations, foreign policy, and Trump's remaining time in office.
- Trump's Approach to Election Integrity and Miles Taylor's Background
- The Stakes: What's on the Ballot
At just 11 years old, James McClean was making petrol bombs on the streets of Derry. Years later, he would be playing in the Premier League. Growing up in the shadow of the Troubles, McClean's journe...
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James McClean opens up about his extraordinary football career, from growing up during the Troubles in Derry to playing in the Premier League. He discusses the poppy controversy that defined much of his career, his best relationships with managers like Martin O'Neill, and his current difficult situation at Derry City. McClean's candid reflections reveal a fiercely principled player who has faced death threats and abuse but refuses to compromise his beliefs, while also sharing the joy he found at Wrexham and his concerns about life after football.
- Growing Up in Derry During the Troubles
- Early Career and Relationship with Martin O'Neill
The turn out of Arab voters in Israel’s election this week was unprecedented - 800 thousand, or 15 percent, of the country went to the polls. Many were driven there to oust Benjamin Netanyahu from pow...
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This episode examines two major political stories: the chaotic aftermath of Israel's election where Netanyahu claims Arab voters 'stole' the election despite legitimate turnout, and UK Chancellor John Healey's gaffe about welfare cuts that was immediately contradicted by his own Treasury. The hosts draw parallels between Netanyahu's tactics and Trump's 'stolen election' playbook, while also covering Obama's Cheesecake Factory jab at Trump's taste.
- Netanyahu Claims Israeli Election Was 'Stolen' by Arab Voters
- The Racist Undertones and Political Strategy Behind Netanyahu's Claims
Burnham's first Budget: 'Is that it?'
Oct 28, 2026If the Chancellor wanted to deliver a quiet budget then this was probably it. Even the opposition couldn’t find that many big ticket items to criticise, leaving Kemi Badenoch plaintively asking: "is t...
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A budget defined by constraint and global uncertainty, as Chancellor John Healy delivered limited measures totaling just £6 billion in changes despite 98 separate announcements. The real story emerged in Prime Minister's Questions, where Andy Burnham's increasingly bold stance on Brexit and Europe overshadowed the budget itself, raising speculation about an early election to secure a mandate for deeper EU re-engagement.
- A Budget Hemmed In By Global Forces
- The Economic Straitjacket: Debt and Political Constraints
Is Andy Burnham all over the place on Brexit?
Oct 27, 2026Andy Burnham clearly likes talking about Brexit. This weekend, he said he would welcome an "honest discussion" about the prospect of returning to freedom of movement with the EU. Yesterday, he was rei...
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This episode focuses on Prime Minister Andy Burnham's willingness to openly discuss Britain's relationship with Europe, including potential rejoining of the single market or EU itself. The hosts examine whether this represents genuine policy direction or political thinking-out-loud, and interview former Chief Secretary Darren Jones about the upcoming budget and his time in the Starmer government.
- Andy Burnham's Bold Stance on EU Relations
- Freedom of Movement and Cabinet Division
How Trump cost his mates their elections
Oct 26, 2026It has been a busy weekend of election watching with some stupendous results. In Belgrade , the Russian friendly Aleksandar Vucic conceded defeat when a grass roots student movement on an anti corrupt...
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A comprehensive election analysis covering recent victories in Serbia and Brazil, where progressive movements and young voters mobilized through social media to defeat incumbent strongmen. The episode examines how the left has learned to harness digital organizing, discusses the upcoming Israeli election where Netanyahu faces his toughest challenge, and explores Trump's increasingly racist rhetoric in Michigan's Senate race ahead of US midterms.
- Young Voters Reshape Elections in Serbia and Brazil
- Trump's Influence Backfires in Latin America
Blockers: Inside Musk’s War on the US Government
Oct 23, 2026On January 20 2025 Donald Trump marked the first day of his second term as president by signing an executive order creating a new taskforce: the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Led by Musk...
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Michael Lewis discusses his new book 'Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State,' which examines the rise and fall of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the federal civil servants who resisted its efforts to drastically cut government operations. The episode explores how DOGE's chaotic approach failed to achieve its goals, the bravery of career bureaucrats who blocked illegal actions, and the broader implications for American democracy and institutional integrity.
- The Rise and Fall of DOGE
- Elon Musk's Motivations and Management Failures
Could this election spell the end of Netanyahu?
Oct 22, 2026Next week some 7 million Israelis will go to the polls to decide the future of their country and whether to boot out Benjamin Netanyahu - a man who has dominated their country for nearly three decades...
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This episode of The News Agents examines the upcoming Israeli general election, with Netanyahu facing a tight race amid corruption charges and coalition-building challenges. The hosts also cover escalating protests in Albania against Prime Minister Edi Rama's government, sparked by controversial development projects including a Trump-linked luxury hotel, and briefly touch on J.D. Vance's awkward campaign rally moment.
- Netanyahu's High-Stakes Election Battle
- Gaza and October 7th: The Missing Issue
Why is Trump obsessing over men’s muscles?
Oct 21, 2026There has always been a flamboyance to Donald Trump. His language, his hair, his addiction to the gay Anthem YMCA - but in recent weeks his chat on the campaign trail has become much more explicit. To...
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The News Agents discuss Donald Trump's increasingly unfiltered comments about male physiques at campaign rallies, featuring insights from former Trump administration official Miles Taylor. They also cover the diplomatic implications of Trump emissary Steve Witkoff calling Putin a 'humanitarian,' Ukraine peace negotiations, and Reform UK's response to an ITV undercover documentary.
- Trump's Pattern of Comments on Male Physiques
- Miles Taylor Reveals Trump's Behind-the-Scenes Behavior
Trump sides with Putin AGAIN
Oct 20, 2026Four years of war, an estimated 450,000 deaths – and yet Donald Trump says Russia’s actions in Ukraine have been “fine”. The US president continues to unravel, on camera, as his personal ratings plum...
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This episode examines Donald Trump's increasingly pro-Russia stance on Ukraine, his erratic behavior as approval ratings plummet to 31%, and features an interview with Jacob Weisberg about his book 'Profiles in Cowardice,' which critiques American leaders who capitulated to Trump's demands rather than defending core democratic principles.
- Trump's Softening on Russia and the Ukraine War
- Trump's Racist Rally Rhetoric and Declining Approval
Why is France on the verge of a nervous breakdown?
Oct 19, 2026After the horrifying scenes of violence and destruction all over France this weekend the Prime Minister has this morning called for partial curfews. Are these protests organic frustration amongst the ...
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This episode examines widespread civil unrest across France, where hundreds of thousands have taken to the streets in protests that have turned violent, featuring rioting, looting, and police clashes. The hosts discuss whether this represents a uniquely French phenomenon or signals broader discontent across Europe, while also exploring immigration policy through an interview with Labour MP Mike Tapp and highlighting a viral moment from the US midterm elections involving a Muslim candidate confronting bigotry.
- France Descends into Chaos: Protests Turn Violent
- La France à Macron: A Decade of Discontent
Will the racism in Reform topple Nigel Farage?
Oct 16, 2026The day he was elected for the first time as MP for Clacton, Nigel Farage promised to root out the "few bad apples" from Reform. Farage told the country: "We’ll never have any of their type back in th...
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The News Agents discuss ITV's undercover investigation into Reform UK, which reveals systematic issues with racism, misogyny, and far-right sympathies within the party. The investigation shows senior party officials defending racist candidates, a white supremacist dating website scandal, and evidence of a toxic culture toward women. The hosts also examine Donald Trump's handling of the Ukraine war and his preferential treatment of Putin over Zelensky, plus a brief look at Katie Zakaria's stumbling performance as White House Press Secretary.
- Reform UK's Broken Promise on Bad Apples
- The David Lammy Racism Case and Farage's Response
Manchester United’s Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid has left plenty to unpack — not least Lisandro Martinez’s explosive post-match comments. Mark Chapman and Nedum Onuoha react to the bigge...
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This episode of The Sports Agents covers multiple topics including the Rugby League World Cup format, Champions League matches featuring Manchester City and PSG, and a deep dive into nicotine pouch addiction in football. The main focus is an extensive discussion with former Premier League player Fraser about his addiction to snus/nicotine pouches, the culture of peer pressure in dressing rooms, and the broader issue of addiction among professional athletes.
- Rugby League World Cup 2026 and Tournament Format
- Manchester City's Collapse Against PSG
ITV spent a year undercover with various elements of the Reform party. Last night, they published a taste of what is to come in the full programme this Sunday. The misogyny, racism, bigotry and stupid...
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This episode of The News Agents examines a damaging ITV undercover investigation exposing racism, misogyny, and bigotry among Reform Party councillors. The hosts discuss whether these views represent isolated incidents or the party's core character, featuring an interview with Tim Montgomery who recently left Reform. The episode also covers the White House's intervention in UK politics regarding the Chagos Islands deal.
- ITV's Undercover Investigation Exposes Reform Councillors
- The Mask Slips: Public Versus Private Personas