Podmasters

Paper Cuts

News EN ↓ 387 episodes

Have you SEEN the state of the papers today?  PAPER CUTS  has. In our thrice weekly podcast, some of Britain’s sharpest commentators and funniest comedians come together to look at the madness, the strangeness, the obsessions, and – occasionally – the brilliance of our national press. Host Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalists and comedians like Jonn Elledge, Grainne Maguire, Jacob Jarvis, Ava Santina, Jacob Hawley, Marcus Brigstocke, Coco Khan and many more. Illustrations by Modern Toss: https://moderntoss.com

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Podmasters

Category

News

Podcast website

www.podmasters.co.uk

Latest episode

Feb 3, 2026

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Episodes

Musk and Trump’s bad bromance – Why did Sue Gray have to go? – The Guardian’s terrible sex tips 07.10.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to, now every Monday and Friday. Today: Elon Musk joins Donald Trump at a rally and all of the papers are cringing. Jonn tries to explain why The Daily Mail is so obsessed with Sue Gray’s employment status. The Guardian shares some rizz-free sex advice that prompts Jan to recite some of her own fiery frissons. And finally – Miranda is troubled by the nation's b...

Did Starmer surrender the Chagos islands? – Cut the Cord! It's time to retire the G-string – Inside Daniel Craig’s midlife fashion crisis 04.10.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to, now every Monday and Friday. Today: The Daily Mail is outraged that Starmer has given up the Chagos islands. The Times introduces Jason to the polycule while Jonn sympathises with Kate Lister’s underwear struggles in The i. Finally, we all bond over Daniel Craig’s mid life style crisis as reported in The Guardian.     Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist...

Kemi Badenoch’s weird maternity pay outburst – Love tragedy for the Mail’s Liz Jones, again – Normcore: ten years of the age of beige 30.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to, now every Monday and Friday. Today: Mums! Kemi Badenoch thinks you’re getting too much maternity dosh – and other political mentalness. Mail loon Liz Jones’s messy love life takes another bad turn and Grainne is “totally here for it.” And the Times celebrates ten years of normcore (quietly).  Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Jonn Elledge and comedian...

Boris Johnson’s book ‘bombshells’ – Meet Britain’s smuggest trad wife – Kiss off! The art of the political smooch 27.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Book it! The Daily Mail shares exclusive excerpts from Boris Johnson’s book. Not for lazy mums. We’re introduced to Britain's smuggest trad wife in Secrets & Lives. Kiss and tell. The Telegraph ranks political smooches from the Clintons to the Starmers.  Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Anniki Sommerville and comedian Jacob Hawley. Come and see...

How Musk made the right wing even weirder – Meghan Markle's redemption tour – Is this Britain's worst mother-in-law? 26.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: A right mess. The Guardian explains how Musk’s twitter takeover has hurt the right. We are not amused. The Sun looks into the conflicting reports about Meghan Markle’s track record as a boss. Monster-in-law. The Daily Mail has found the world’s worst mother in law.  Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by journalist Jonn Elledge and comedian Alistair Barrie...

Tabloid frenzy over Starmer's sausage slip-up – The Philip Schofield comeback nobody wants – Who is behind the Yorkshire poison pen scandal? 25.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Out of the frying pan. The Papers can’t decide how they feel about Starmer’s big speech but the tabloids love his one gaffe. Don’t call it a comeback. The Sun reveals that Philip Schofiled is returning to primetime TV but does anyone want him? Oh yes, wait a minute Mr. Postman. The Telegraph investigates the mysterious poison pen letters hounding a r...

Starmer promises “light at end of tunnel” – Who killed the Cornish pasty? – A lazy guide to looking busy at work 24.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Conference man. The Papers preview Starmer’s speech. Could we be in for a glimpse of hope? Nasty pasty. Are Cornish Pasties facing extinction? The Times thinks so. Fauxductivity crisis. The Guardian’s guide to looking busy while you do very little work.    Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by the journalist Holly Thomas and birthday boy Jason Hazeley.  ...

Rayner investigated over free holiday – “Why I married my ex husband” – Would you live your life as a dog? 23.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Empire state of mind. The Deputy PM is under fire for her New York holibobs. Case of the ex. The Observer considers the benefit of getting back with your ex. Doggy style. The Guardian’s Emma Beddington tries to live a day in the life of a dog. Miranda Sawyer is joined by the journalist Jonathan Lis and master impressionist and comedy icon Jan Ravens....

Starmer gifts row rolls on – Sex, drugs and Swiss rolls! Confessions from an elite boarding school – Guardian readers share their awkward dates 20.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: No strings attached. Business Sec. says high value gifts are fine and dandy for Starmer. The Daily Star is not amused. Swiss barmy strife! The Daily Mail lifts the lid on elite private schools in Switzerland. How was it for you? The Guardian asks their readers for bad date stories and they don’t disappoint.  Miranda Sawyer is joined by the journalist...

Why does Sue Gray get paid more than Starmer? – Class Act! Badenoch’s McDonald's revelation – The rise of fast food fashion 19.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Shades of Gray. Starmer’s top spad is making bank, and the Daily Mail is livid. Second class citizens. The Guardian investigates Kemi Badenoch’s claim to be ‘working class’ because she once worked in McDonalds. Would you like fashion with that? The Independent does a deep dive on the fast food fashion trend.   Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by the jou...

Hezbollah pager explosions: What do we know? – Tabloids rage at Labour’s WFH plan – The Guardian guide to Britcore 18.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: We take a closer look at the pager bombings across Lebanon. WfH wtf? The papers aren’t happy with Labour’s WfH plans. Cool Britannia! The Guardian lists the top 100 experiences that unite the British.  Miranda Sawyer is joined by the journalist Jonn Elledge and comedian and cheese boffin Marcus Brigstocke.  Come and see us LIVE at the Cheerful Earful...

Huw Edwards latest: Disgraced BBC star avoids jail – Starmer backlash over Meloni meeting – The wild world of boozy advent calendars 17.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Disgraced ex-Beeb presenter Huw Edwards avoids jail. The papers react to his sentencing. When in Rome. The Guardian isn’t happy with Keir Starmer’s chummy meet up with Italy’s right-wing PM. And a partridge in a pear tree The Telegraph explores pricey advent calendars full of luxury goods and booze.   Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by the journalist N...

Trump assassination attempt : What we know so far – Harry turns 40 and the Mail still hates him! – Should you use tech to track your partner? 16.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Man arrested following a suspected assassination attempt on Donald Trump. This is 40! Prince Harry turns 40 and the papers react as weirdly as you’d expect. There’s an app for that. The Times asks if you would track your partner's movement on an app? Miranda Sawyer is joined by the host of American Friction Jacob Jarvis and the comedian and host of T...

Is Keir Starmer going to ban junk food? – Making a moo-derer! The world of killer cows – “Help! My daughter is a food snob” 13.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Junk in the trunk. The PM’s proposed ban on junk food ads sends The Daily Mail into a tizzy. Moo-der she wrote. The Guardian takes a deep dive into the world of killer cows. Plus – What’s for tea? Journalist Anniki Sommervile’s daughter is a food snob and she’s telling The i all about it.  Miranda Sawyer is joined by comedian Alex Kealy and journalis...

Starmer to NHS: “Reform or die” – Dodgy Queen statue looks like Mrs. Doubtfire – The strange world of toe wrestling 12.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: In sickness and in health – Starmer to warn the NHS it must reform, after report highlights crisis. Strike a pose! The new statue of the late Queen is not giving. Double digits! The world of toe wrestling in The Independent.   Natasha Devon is joined by Holly Thomas and Samantha Baines.   Come and see us LIVE at the Cheerful Earful podcast festival o...

Harris vs. Trump debate: Who won? – American right-wingers vs. Winston Churchill – Ranked: The worst celebrity apologies 11.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Make America Debate Again – Trump and Harris face off goes badly for Donald. We shall fight them on the podcasts! American right-wingers are turning on Churchill. I’ve got another confession to make… After Dave Grohl’s “apology”, the Guardian ranks times celebs have said sorry – kind of.  Miranda Sawyer is joined by Jonn Elledge and Jason Hazeley.  S...

Princess Kate video: Why are the papers so obsessed? – Taylor Swift’s Donald Trump dilemma – The ’90s crisp resurgence 10.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Princess Kate’s health update dominates the tabloidsm Taylor Swift fans are questioning her politics as she hugs a Trump fan – and, apparently old-school crisps are making a comeback.  Jacob Jarvis is joined by journalist Rebecca Reid and comedian Matt Green.  Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editions: back.papercutsshow...

Keir Starmer’s winter fuel payments showdown – The secret lives of Hollywood assistants – Are you a toxic 'streak' addict? 09.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: On thin ice. Keir Stamer faces a backseat rebellion over the decision to cut winter fuel allowance. “Speak to my PA”. The Observer takes a look at the miserable lives of Hollywood assistants. Plus – Don’t stop me now! The Guardian says maintaining streaks on Duolingo and Strava could ruin your life.  Miranda Sawyer is joined by comedian Will Hall and...

Jeremy Kyle quizzed on guest death – Who killed the Russian spy whale? – "My mum was a dominatrix" 06.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Jeremy Kyle has given evidence at the inquest of a man who died after being a guest on his TV show.    Whale of a time. The Daily Star and The Telegraph have looked into the mysterious death of Hvladimir the spy whale. Plus – Oh mammy! The i shares the story of a daughter discovering their mother moonlighted as a dominatrix.      Natasha Devon is joi...

Grenfell Inquiry: Who’s to blame? – Are Taylor and Travis faking their relationship? – Meet the gravy wrestling champ 05.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Grenfell report findings. The front pages cover the tragedy that cost 72 lives.   New fauxmantics. The Daily Mail claims to have proof that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are faking their relationship. Plus – The rest is gravy! We get down and dirty with the world’s gravy wrestling champion in The Independent.     Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by come...

Musicians vs. Trump: Who's banned him using their songs now? – The Mafia takeover Woking – Basket case! What does your shopping say about your love life 04.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Shuffle Off. Trump has been banned from using yet another song at a rally – we unpack the list of musicians pushing back against Don. Woking gone mad. Ross Kemp thinks that Woking is a hub for organised crime – The Star investigates. Plus – Shag for life! The Telegraph sends a reporter to a Spanish supermarket to find love using the latest dating tre...

Tory leadership: Are the Conservatives just “weird”? – History is bunk! Pride in Britain’s past falls – The countryside vs. your sex life 03.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: What’s the Tory? The Conservative leadership is getting weird. Horrible histories? Pride in Britain and its past is falling, according to a new survey that’s got The Telegraph upset. Country loving. Moving to the sticks causes problems for one writer’s sex life.  Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by journalist Rob Hutton and comedian Alistair Barrie.  Su...

Huge protests in Israel explained – Inside the Oasis ticket queue scandal – Hunting for aliens, ghosts and BigFoot 02.09.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Hundreds of thousands protest in Israel, while strikes put pressure on Netanyahu. Definitely pay me! The Oasis ticket meltdown. Watch this space: Meet the people searching for aliens and the paranormal. Miranda Sawyer is joined by journalist Zoë Grünewald and comedian Fergus Craig. Support Paper Cuts and get mugs, t-shirts and extended ad-free editio...

Starmer bins Thatcher portrait – The Times' latest middle class sex party investigation – Barking Mad! Boffins talk to dogs 30.08.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: The ladies not for binning. The Daily Mail is outraged that Starmer ditched a portrait of Thatcher from No. 10. Fur coat, no knickers. The Times profiles another middle class swinger. Plus – Dog days are over! The Star has found boffins who claim they can speak to man’s best friend.   Miranda Sawyer is joined by stand-up comedian Jacob Hawley and jou...

Will Starmer ban smoking in beer gardens? – Why it’s cool to be a cat lady – The Telegraph is baffled by superfans 29.08.2024

We read the papers so you don’t have to. Today: Up in smoke. The Sun is freaking out over leaked plans to extend the smoking ban to pub gardens!  Cat’s meow. The Guardian celebrates the bad ass cat ladies. Plus – Do the Fandango? The Telegraph just doesn't understand super fans. Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by stand up comedian Jessica Fostekew and TL;DR News host Ben Blissett. Come and see us LI...

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