The Trawl
Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss
SummaryIf the weekly news cycle leaves you feeling like you are trapped in a surreal, high-stakes fever dream, you have found your sanctuary. The Trawl is your weekly antidote to the noise, hosted by commentators Jemma Forte and Marina Purkiss. Each episode serves as a deep dive into the messy intersection of British and global politics, media spin, and the digital chaos that defines our modern era. Rather than just reporting the headlines, Jemma and Marina pull back the curtain on the hypocrisy and absurdity dominating our screens. From unpacking the performative antics of politicians like Nigel Farage and the shifting sands of leadership transitions to tackling uncomfortable truths about the climate crisis, wealth inequality, and the rise of extremist rhetoric, no stone is left unturned. Whether they are dissecting a disastrous diplomatic summit or calling out the normalization of prejudice, the hosts provide a blend of sharp, forensic analysis and much-needed catharsis. The show is fundamentally about accountability. It is an unvarnished space where frustration meets reason, providing listeners with the tools to navigate a landscape of misinformation and manufactured outrage. Expect to laugh at the ridiculous, get fired up about the systemic, and find comfort in the fact that you aren't the only one spotting the cracks in the status quo. If you want a podcast that prioritizes the truth over soundbites, welcome to The Trawl.
Updated Jul 7, 2026
Episodes
Farage Hits the Panic Button... as Football Brings the Joy ⭐
Nigel Farage faces mounting pressure over undeclared funding as England fans celebrate a thrilling tournament run.
Perv Glasses & An Empty Fairground: The Great American Flop
From empty fairgrounds and failed rallies to intrusive AI glasses, we explore the tech and ego fueling the latest flops.
Heatwaves, Hot Air Takes & Farage's £5 Million Problem
The UK swelters through record heat while climate deniers and Farage dodge accountability for their fossil fuel ties.
Trump's Worst Week: Defeated by Iran, Italy & Algae - Then Humiliated at Versailles
Trump suffers a week of global humiliation, from botched Iran deals and algae-filled pools to G7 social isolation.
You're Barred Katie Hopkins: The Pub That Got It Right and the Politicians Who Didn't
East Londoners stand their ground against Katie Hopkins while hypocritical politicians and far-right myths divide us.
Keir We Go Again : Starmer Exits, Footy and Farage
Starmer steps down, Farage is caught faking football fandom, and the search for pragmatism in UK politics begins.
Makerfield Said No - Burnham, Bell Ends & Boarding School
Andy Burnham trounces Reform in Makerfield, putting a firm end to the Nigel Farage by-election threat.
Kids' Social Media Ban & Starmer's Defence Revolt
Labour faces a cabinet revolt over defense cuts while the proposed social media ban for under-sixteens sparks debate.
UFC White House, Tragic Trillionaire and The Art of The Deal 😏
Elon Musk becomes the first trillionaire while Trump turns the White House into a tacky UFC-themed birthday spectacle.
The Belfast Pogroms & the People Excusing Them
Deconstructing the violent Belfast pogroms and the dangerous rhetoric of those justifying mindless racist intimidation.
Ivanka's Island, Trump's Pool & a Very Angry Albania
Trump’s vanity projects and the Kushners’ plan to build a luxury resort on an Albanian island highlight his decay.
Question Time Carnage, Vance Comes for Britain & Pride Fights Back
Reform politicians flail on Question Time while JD Vance and right-wing pundits weaponize tragedy against migrants.
The Cost of Being Young, Job Hunting & Katie Price
Britain’s broken social contract is leaving young people jobless, demoralized, and unfairly blamed for the crisis.
Farage Crawls Out, Riots Break Out & Bartlett's Three Glasses of Wine
Farage exploits a tragedy for political gain while the hosts dismantle the absurdity of performance-based optimization.
Blair & Murrell : Chopsticks, Kettles & Net Zero
From Trump’s bizarre White House loitering to SNP embezzling and Blair’s controversial stance on net zero targets.
Heatwave Britain & Reform's Sexist Summer
Britain struggles through a sweltering heatwave while Reform faces backlash for vetting a candidate boasting of sexism.
The Trawl Meets Tessa Dunlop
Tessa Dunlop discusses the nuances of royal soft power, national identity, and the complexities of Britishness.
The Kentucky Primary That Broke America
Trump is treating the American government like a family business to line his pockets while democracy crumbles.
Flags, Far Right Fury & Terrible Singing
We dissect the far-right rhetoric and atrocious singing at the recent Unite the Kingdom rally in London.
The Makerfield Gamble & Wes Side Story
Andy Burnham takes a massive political gamble in Makerfield as Wes Streeting attempts to derail the Labour leadership.
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