The Online World is SO Unregulated | Sharon Gaffka

Is Society Moving Backwards or Forwards? | Bimini

Jul 7, 202649 minSummary

In this episode of Bold Politics with Zack Polanski, recorded live at the Crosswise Festival, drag legend and activist Bimini Bon Boulash joins the host for an expansive conversation on the state of modern society, politics, and the digital landscape. Reflecting on their shared history as online activists during the early days of social media, the two discuss how algorithmic influence has shifted online spaces from centers of community to engines of division and polarization. Bimini shares insights on their journey from journalism student to public icon, emphasizing the importance of political literacy and human connection in an era increasingly dominated by AI and commercialized discourse. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges facing LGBTQIA+ youth, the importance of community-led grassroots efforts—such as Bimini’s upcoming charity project in Great Yarmouth—and the evolution of drag as a political tool. Reflecting on the impact of their own platform, Bimini highlights the necessity of authentic, compassionate storytelling over the sensationalism often found in reality television and mainstream media. Ultimately, the episode serves as a thoughtful reflection on how individuals can reclaim kindness, maintain their authenticity, and foster genuine community in a rapidly changing world.

Why The War On Drugs Is A Huge Failure | Kojo Koram

Jun 30, 202644 minSummary

In this episode of Bold Politics with Zack Polanski, guest Kojo Koram, a professor of law and political economy, provides a critical analysis of the global war on drugs. Koram challenges the assumption that prohibition is a common-sense policy, arguing instead that it is a century-old experiment that has consistently failed to reduce drug use or associated deaths. He points to the UK's rising drug mortality rates and mass incarceration as evidence that the current system is ineffective and outdated. The discussion explores the complex transition from criminalization to legal regulation. Koram clarifies the crucial distinction between mass commercialization and ethical regulation, citing international examples like Swiss heroin prescription models and Germany’s cannabis social clubs. He emphasizes that the UK is lagging behind in this global shift and warns against a future where drug markets are controlled solely by profit-driven corporations rather than public health priorities. Furthermore, he highlights the historical role of racial prejudice in shaping drug laws and discusses the urgent need for a regulatory framework that prioritizes social equity, community ownership, and the protection of producers in the Global South.

How The British Empire Changed The World | William Dalrymple

Jun 23, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of Bold Politics with Zack Polanski, historian William Dalrymple offers a critical examination of the British Empire and its lingering effects on the modern world. The conversation centers on the notable absence of colonial history in the British education system, which Dalrymple argues leaves the public and government officials dangerously uninformed about the roots of contemporary global crises. Dalrymple highlights how the rapid, often negligent, withdrawal of Britain from its colonies—most notably India in 1947 and Palestine in 1948—directly contributed to long-standing, unresolved conflicts. He explores the historical parallels between the partition of India and the events leading up to the Nakba, emphasizing Britain's role in creating geopolitical fault lines that persist today. Beyond politics, the episode touches on the economic impact of the empire, explaining how the looting of Indian wealth and the slave trade provided the capital that fueled Britain’s Industrial Revolution. Ultimately, the discussion serves as an urgent call for a more honest and thorough engagement with this history, suggesting that understanding these past injustices is essential for navigating the complexities of the present.

Elon Musk Calls Zack A Scumbag | Nish Kumar

Jun 17, 20261h 3mSummary

In this episode of Bold Politics with Zack Polanski, guest Nish Kumar joins the host to discuss the increasingly volatile nature of modern political discourse. The conversation centers on the influence of tech moguls like Elon Musk and the societal consequences of platform algorithms that prioritize divisive content. Polanski reflects on his recent public clash with Musk, who labeled him a scumbag and a traitor, framing the insult as a symptom of a larger, systemic problem where social media giants evade the regulatory responsibilities of publishers while reaping massive financial rewards. The hosts delve into the critical issue of media literacy, lamenting the erosion of traditional journalistic guardrails. They explore how the public, lacking a clear demarcation between satire, opinion, and factual news, often falls prey to misinformation. The discussion highlights the personal impact of this environment, including the proliferation of fabricated stories and online abuse. Ultimately, Polanski and Kumar emphasize the need for a more robust regulatory framework to curb the influence of tech oligarchs, while debating the tactical challenges politicians face when engaging in hostile online and televised media spaces.

Why The System Fails Carers In The UK

Jun 9, 202638 minSummary

In this episode of Bold Politics with Zack Polanski, the host shifts focus from professional policy experts to individuals with profound lived experience as carers. Polanski is joined by JC, Edward, and Isabelle, who share their personal journeys navigating the UK care system. The conversation highlights the emotional and physical toll of caregiving, often described as an invisible labor that frequently impacts the carer's own mental health and identity. A central theme of the discussion is the dysfunction within the current system, which guests describe as siloed, non-human-centered, and difficult to navigate. The participants recount exhausting experiences with repetitive administrative tasks, being gaslit by services, and a lack of coordination between hospitals, GPs, and social care providers. Edward shares his experience as a young carer, emphasizing the need for greater awareness in schools and workplaces, while JC and Isabelle highlight the inadequacy of current financial support and the lack of professional recognition for their expertise. The guests and host agree that systemic reform—including proper funding for social care, better discharge planning, and genuine investment in the wellbeing of carers—is essential to address what is ultimately a structural failure.

How Billionaires Avoid Tax | Gabriel Zucman

Jun 2, 202639 minSummary

In this episode of Bold Politics with Zack Polanski, host Zack Polanski sits down with economist Gabriel Zucman to discuss the urgent need for a global tax reform to address the growing concentration of wealth. Zucman highlights the stark reality that billionaire wealth has exploded over recent decades, with the super-rich often paying significantly lower effective tax rates than the average citizen. This disparity exists because the ultra-wealthy are able to structure their assets through holding companies to avoid traditional income taxes. Zucman argues that our modern tax systems are incomplete and proposes a revolutionary, yet straightforward, solution: a mandatory minimum annual tax of two percent on wealth for those holding over one hundred million in assets. He frames this as an anti-avoidance measure that restores equality before the law, rather than a punitive policy. Furthermore, Zucman addresses concerns regarding business investment and capital flight, explaining that such a tax would be pro-growth and that nations can implement exit taxes to prevent the super-rich from simply moving to low-tax jurisdictions. The discussion underscores that tackling extreme wealth is essential for funding public services and securing the future of democratic society.

What Does A Green Coalition Look Like? | Ernest Urtasun

May 26, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of Bold Politics, host Zack Polanski sits down with Ernest Urtasun, the Spanish Minister of Culture and a prominent voice in the green eco-socialist movement. The discussion centers on the practical realities of governing as part of a coalition and the necessity of maintaining a distinct political identity while working alongside traditional social democratic partners. Urtasun shares insights into Spain’s recent, assertive approach to international affairs, including the government’s commitment to international law regarding the conflict in Palestine and its refusal to allow Spanish soil to facilitate unauthorized military interventions. The conversation extends to the rise of the far right, with both men agreeing on the importance of progressive solidarity and the need to reconnect with voters by addressing tangible issues like the cost of living, housing inequality, and public service funding. Furthermore, they explore the complexities of a just climate transition, arguing that environmental action must be inseparable from social justice. Urtasun also highlights his ongoing efforts as culture minister to establish European-wide regulations on artificial intelligence, focusing on securing fair compensation, transparency, and authorization for creative professionals whose work is utilized by large technology corporations.

It’s Time to Decriminalise Sex Work

May 19, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of Bold Politics, host Zack Polanski sits down with Audrey, an active sex worker and campaigner with the grassroots organization Decrim Now, to navigate the complexities of sex work and the urgent case for decriminalization. The discussion cuts through common misconceptions, reframing sex work as a form of labor rather than an identity, and emphasizing the necessity of viewing it through the lens of workers' rights and protections. The conversation covers the structural issues—such as austerity, the cost-of-living crisis, and barriers to traditional employment for disabled and marginalized people—that drive many individuals toward the industry. Audrey highlights why existing legal frameworks, such as the Nordic model and partial criminalization, often exacerbate dangers for workers by forcing them into isolation or preventing them from seeking help due to fear of arrest. By contrasting the failures of these models with the successes seen in places like New Zealand and Belgium, the episode makes a compelling argument that true safety can only be achieved by removing criminal penalties and empowering sex workers to organize collectively. It is an insightful look at how law, policy, and human rights intersect in the lives of vulnerable communities.

We Need To Democratise The UK Economy | Danny Sriskandarajah

May 12, 202637 minSummary

In this episode of Bold Politics, host Zack Polanski sits down with Danny Sriskandarajah, Chief Executive of the New Economics Foundation, to explore the need for a more democratic and resilient UK economy. The discussion centers on the historical shift away from the protections and safety nets established in the mid-20th century, which Sriskandarajah argues has been undermined by decades of privatization, financialization, and deregulation. The conversation highlights the distinction between markets—which are described as efficient tools for human interaction—and the current, perverse manifestations of market ideology that prioritize asset extraction over human flourishing. Sriskandarajah introduces the concept of the foundational economy, advocating for a shift in focus toward activities that support everyday life, such as community-owned services. He highlights the potential of mutuals and cooperatives, like credit unions, as sustainable alternatives to the dominant models of profit-driven corporate and state management. Finally, the pair examines the limitations of current economic frameworks, such as the Office of Budget Responsibility, proposing more transparent and nuanced approaches to public investment that recognize the long-term societal benefits of addressing inequality and poverty.

The British Housing System Is Broken | Kwajo Tweneboa

May 5, 202656 minSummary

In this episode of Bold Politics, host Zack Polanski sits down with prominent housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa to discuss the deepening crisis within the British housing system. Drawing from his own traumatic experience—growing up in social housing and losing his father while living in squalid, damp-ridden conditions—Tweneboa highlights how the housing sector has failed millions of people. The conversation explores the systemic failures across social, private, and leasehold sectors. Tweneboa argues that the issue is not just about a lack of supply, but a profound lack of human decency and accountability from both local councils and private landlords. He identifies the "Right to Buy" policy and decades of underinvestment as primary drivers of the current shortage of social homes. The discussion further examines the affordability crisis, with Tweneboa advocating for rent stabilization models to address the extortionate costs currently facing private renters. Ultimately, the episode serves as a powerful call to action, emphasizing that safe, accessible housing is a fundamental human right. Both participants agree that a bottom-up approach, centered on building high-quality council housing and enforcing strict accountability, is essential to meaningful reform.