What The F Is Going On? with Mark Steel

In Part 1 of this episode of What The F Is Going On?*, Mark Steel sits down with the brilliant comedian, author, and force of nature Rosie Jones. Ahead of their respective Edinburgh Fringe shows, the pair dive into early-afternoon gigging schedules, surviving Bridlington seaside life, and the absurd fallout from Rosie’s infamous Greta Thunberg joke on The Last Leg.

Rosie reflects on her ten-year evolution in stand-up—from tackling the "disabled elephant in the room" on stage to navigating the heavy burden of disability representation in media. Plus, a sharp look at societal attitudes, daily microaggressions, and why people need to start listening to disabled people when they offer help.

You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away.

www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod

For tickets to Mark’s Edinburgh Fringe shows go to: https://marksteelinfo.com

For tickets to Rosie’s Edinburgh show go to : https://rosiejonescomedy.com

Support Rosie’s charity here: https://www.rosiejonesfoundation.com/take-action

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel

Follow Rosie @josieRones
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In this special Live episode of What The F Is Going On?, Mark is joined by BAFTA-winning writer, comedian and creator of Alma's Not Normal, Sophie Willan.

From growing up in Bolton to breaking into television, Sophie tells the extraordinary story of how Alma's Not Normalfinally made it to the BBC, why working-class voices are still fighting to be heard, and how comedy can reveal more truth than drama ever could.

Along the way, Mark and Sophie discuss community, class, mental health, social mobility, Margaret Thatcher's legacy, Andy Burnham, and why understanding people's lives is impossible without understanding the communities they come from. There are also brilliant stories about eccentric locals, unforgettable family members, comedy, swearing, Taskmaster, and why Paul Hollywood's bread shows make Sophie irrationally angry.

A funny, thoughtful and passionate conversation about class, compassion and the stories we choose to tell.

For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to:

⁠www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠

For media, press & guest enquiries please email ⁠mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk⁠

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel

Follow Sophie @Sophiewillan
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Join us this Wednesday 29th for a live recording of the podcast at our studios in West London.

Mark will be joined by actress Sophie Willan for a live streamed interview in front of a small audience for this special live event.

Tickets can be purchased here: ⁠https://www.tickettailor.com/events/westdigitalstudios/2303628⁠

In Part Two, Mark and Andy explore the history of political satire, from Peter Cook and Spitting Image to Mock The Week and modern comedy. They discuss whether satire still has the power it once did, how politicians become caricatures, the fallout from the Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross controversy, Boris Johnson, censorship, comedy audiences, and what happens when culture becomes afraid to take risks.

For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to:

⁠www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠

For tickets to see Andy on tour go to : https://www.andyparsons.co.uk/

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel

Follow Andy @mrandyparsons

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Mark is joined by comedian Andy Parsons for a conversation that starts with Ben Stokes, cricket curfews and Gareth Southgate, before expanding into a much bigger question: why Britain seems permanently disappointed with itself. They discuss entitlement, national identity, satire, Mock The Week, the changing media landscape, Andy Burnham, football, and whether politicians are now too managed to ever become cultural figures in the way they once did.

You can hear the second part of the interview in next week's episode – but if you can't wait, why not join us on Patreon? For £4 a month you can listen or watch the whole interview straight away.

www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod

For tickets to see Andy on tour go to : https://www.andyparsons.co.uk/

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel

Follow Andy @mrandyparsons
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In Part Two, Gary Younge reflects on growing up black in Britain, covering Nelson Mandela's election in South Africa, interviewing some of the world's biggest figures, and why identity politics is so often misunderstood.

Mark and Gary discuss racism, history, statues, representation, Maya Angelou, teaching children about race, and why asking better questions matters far more than finding easy answers.

For Ad-free episodes, Extended cuts, Early access & bonus content go to:

⁠www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod⁠

For media, press & guest enquiries please email mikey@carouselstudios.co.uk

Follow What The F*** Is Going On? @wtfisgoingonpod

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel

Follow Gary @garyounge

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices