What The F Is Going On? with Mark Steel

In the second half of our conversation with Paul Holden, we dive into Keir Starmer's downfall, his unprecedented acceptance of freebies, and the dark money that funded his rise to Prime Minister. Paul brings his 20 years of experience investigating grand corruption—which famously included exposing South Africa's Jacob Zuma and facing death threats—to unpack the Labour Party's secret slush funds.

We discuss Starmer's fragile political project, his approach to politics as a barrister defending a daily brief, and the absurd smear campaign that attempted to frame Paul as a Russian spy to kill his reporting. Grab your copy of Paul’s book here: https://orbooks.com/catalog/the-fraud/.

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

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This week, investigative journalist Paul Holden joins the show to discuss his explosive book, The Fraud, detailing the ruthless internal campaign to capture the Labour Party. Paul has spent 20 years investigating grand corruption worldwide, including exposing former South African President Jacob Zuma, which forced him to leave the country due to death threats.

In part one, we explore how a right-wing faction led by Morgan McSweeney worked with the media to undermine Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. We discuss the cynical weaponization of antisemitism, the creation of fake online identities to target Jewish activists, and the fabricated story of a brick thrown through Angela Eagle's window. Pick up Paul’s book here: https://orbooks.com/catalog/the-fraud/.

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 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
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In the second half of our conversation with Russell Warfield, we look at the future of the Green Party as a mass political movement and what it actually takes to challenge entrenched wealth. Russell draws on his extensive background—having worked for the Greens for five years, run the comms for the London 2021 elections where Zack became an AM, and played a central role in Zack's 2025 leadership campaign—to answer listener questions.

We dive into Keir Starmer's resignation, whether Zack Polanski should run in the upcoming by-election, and the tension between local community action and electoral discipline. We also debunk the myth of Green NIMBYism and take a quick detour into the muddy, bizarre reality of "Faragefest." Grab your copy of Russell's book here: https://www.plutobooks.com/product/the-green-socialist/

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? with Mark Steel on Instagram @wtfisgoingonpod

Follow Mark Steel @mrmarksteel

Follow Russell @Rmwarfield

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This week, communications strategist Russell Warfield joins the show to discuss the shifting landscape of UK politics and the dramatic rise of the Green Party. Russell worked for the Greens for five years, ran the comms for the London 2021 elections where Zack Polanski became an Assembly Member, and played a central role in his 2025 leadership campaign.

In part one, we explore how the Green Party's enduring anti-capitalist principles and recent surge in membership directly influenced the Labour Party, arguably paving the way for Andy Burnham’s premiership. We also unpack the intense, coordinated media backlash the Greens faced and what it signals about their growing threat to the political establishment. Pick up Russell’s new book here: https://www.plutobooks.com/product/the-green-socialist/

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 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 Russell @Rmwarfield
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We're taking a small break this week as Mark recovers from the Edinburgh Fringe and we transition into our exciting new format starting next week.

In the mean time please enjoy this classic episode with the fantastic Adam Rutherford.

Mark is joined by scientist, writer, and broadcaster Adam Rutherford in this special extended episode. Together, they discuss eugenics, Charles Darwin, Francis Galton, nature versus nurture, how right wing Americans influenced Hitler and many other fascinating topics.

If you enjoyed this interview then please buy a copy of Adam’s book “Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics”, It would make an excellent Christmas gift and can be ordered on amazon right now using this link: ⁠https://www.amazon.co.uk/Control-History-Troubling-Present-Eugenics-ebook/dp/B08WC6493L⁠

Get ad-free extended episodes, early access and exclusive content on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/wtfisgoingonpod

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

Follow Adam @AdamRutherford
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