The Trawl

This week on The Trawl, Marina and Jemma dive into the truly gobsmacking and head-scratching events of the week - so you don’t have to. We start with Trump elbowing his way into Chelsea’s Club World Cup glory, and then it’s onto the swirling chaos of the Epstein files, with GOP evasions, metadata shenanigans, and conspiracy theories so spicy they could be served with fries.Marina breaks her “no implausible movies” rule for the new Superman flick that’s got geopolitical undertones and triggered right-wing meltdowns, while Trump distracts with poetic vendettas against Rosie O’Donnell and sanctions on a UN human rights expert. Plus a sprinkling of some dark comedy, a few celebrity cameos, and the surreal spectacle of American political theatre - and voilà, another episode of The Trawl that’s part therapy, part firecracker.Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

18/07/2025 • 41:58

Jemma and Marina are determined to ensure that The Trawl contains as many 'glimmers' as possible so begin the episode with some positive news about butterflies. Also featured is a heart warming story about raving school kids and the Trawl ladies share what each of them have been doing to mitigate how bleak the news is currently. They do go on to discuss why Rory and Alastair acknowledging that a genocide is occurring on their podcast, feels like a 'moment.' There then follows a heartfelt discussion about how they may or may not vote come the next election, and Marina poses a question which gives them both pause for thought. There are, as ever, some brilliant clips including a particularly powerful one of Jewish US actor, Mandy Patinkin. Then, did you know it's forty years since Live Aid? A certain someone has tweeted something so bizarre about it, it gives rise to lots of Trawl gold. Still, perhaps it's not quite as terrible as Tommy Robinson not knowing that migrants can be white, or Farage posing on the white cliffs of somewhere like a page 7 fella. Under rated clips and posts follow and pudding is a poem which Jemma and Marina adore and find very moving. It's by the brilliant Roger McGough. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

16/07/2025 • 38:34

Hold onto your hats Trawlers. Not the cheeriest episode ever recorded but the Trawl ladies do try to provide lightness where possible so begin by reflecting on some of the good things Labour have achieved in their first year, including more free school meals, nationalising steel and rail and recruiting 6, 700 more mental health workers. And yet, does any of it make up for their complicity in the ongoing genocide? The Trawl ladies certainly think not. Marina and Jemma discuss Rachel Reeve's crying in Parliament and the subsequent market fallout and enjoy Jonathan Pie's take as a clip. And then they drag on their waders as it's off to the swampy place that is US politics. Talk turns to Alligator Alcatrez and the amount of money Trump plans to spend on ICE. The figure will blow your minds and point to a very sinister truth. One which Stacy Abrams articulates beautifully. Of course the Trawl ladies talk about the tragic Texas floods and why Musk and Trump's cuts were partially responsible, along with devastating climate change of course. There's a smorgasbord of clips as ever and powerful tweets and threads and Instagram's and all the rest of it. Pudding is truly vintage - a historic vid of a silent movie star who, when it came to fascism in the 40's could no longer stay silent. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

11/07/2025 • 50:51

What's the world coming to Trawlers? Yes, the news cycle is astoundingly awful but, as ever, Jemma and Marina nominate themselves to wade through what's happening so they can chat all through with you. They begin by paying tribute to Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva who sadly died in a car crash. For some reason, Trump is very anti finding the Epstein files which, after months and months of painstaking investigation have seemingly disappeared along with the much mooted client list. Hmm, it begs the question, if there weren't any clients, what's Ghislaine Maxwell in jail for? The plot thickens and even some of the most loyal MAGA loons aren't happy as it appears Trump is OK about protecting a paedophile ring. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has nominated him for a Nobel Peace Prize. The clip of the two war-mongering fellas will render your speechless but fortunately Marina and Jemma do manage to find some words. Some are quite choice. There are some domestic updates too and some ponderings over Richard Tice's wallpaper and, as ever, the under rated tweets section provides some levity. Pudding is Cody Dahler - Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

09/07/2025 • 42:37

This week, Jemma and Marina tackle Venice’s most OTT nuptials as Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez say “I do” amidst a spectacle that felt like a Succession spin-off. From helicopters to haute couture and a Vogue cover cameo, the ladies break down the eyebrow-raising moment, including Leo Di Caprio's terrible attempt at camouflage and a Dolce & Gabbana dress that could have Bezos in for a long night. But things turn darker, and dumber, with the U.S. Senate’s passage of the “Big Bullsh*t Bill,” a legislative grenade lobbed straight at America’s most vulnerable. Marina and Jemma break down the grim fallout: Medicaid slashed, clean energy sabotaged, food assistance gutted… all while millionaires snag tax cuts and ICE gets worryingly bloated. And just when it couldn’t get more dystopian - enter Trump and Musk. Again. The MAGA soap opera gets spicier by the day with threats of deportation, party-splitting tantrums, and Elon hinting at a new political party. The ladies are living for the chaos - and if this feud reignites properly, the popcorn’s already in the microwave.There’s also a pudding from satirist Rosie Holt that’s too pitch-perfect to miss. So pull up a gondola - because Jemma and Marina are taking no prisoners.Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

04/07/2025 • 47:27

For days the headlines have been consumed by what Bob Vylan said at Glastonbury. Jemma and Marina discuss. But, before they disseminate all the Glasto fallout and furore, they enjoy some British language discussion. Find out how to end a call you've had enough of and how to be polite while conveying disapproval. Then, find out why Farage has made such an outlandish claim, it's compelled the Albanian Prime Minister to get stuck in. There follow some amazing clips in this episode as various people try to draw the focus of the media storm back to the fact that a ceasefire has been broken, that children are being murdered every day and that it's all on camera. It poses the question, what's a worse crime - incitement to violence or actual violence? And what are The Daily Mail thinking when they misquote on the front page?It's a rollercoaster of an episode and takes in the current chaos within the Labour party as the welfare bill causes a rebellion and some painfully sad clips as the situation in Palestine worsens. Rod Stewart offers some light relief as does the 'under rated' section. And of course there's pudding Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

02/07/2025 • 42:01

Right then, strap in Trawlers and let's raise a lukewarm pint of Champagne to the anniversary of the Brexit referendum - because nothing says “taking back control” like spiralling food prices and passport queues longer than a Glastonbury toilet line. Then it’s over to Labour HQ, where the party that once marched for peace now wants to slap a terrorist label on Palestine Action. Because apparently, protesting arms deals is just not cricket.Meanwhile, the welfare bill rebellion gave us a rare glimpse of backbench backbone - blink and you might’ve missed it. And finally, Reform UK’s Robin Hood policy has landed... promising to rob from the rich and give to, well, the rich. Expect right-wing pundits and their sheep to gobble up the policy as they read the headlines, but not much else. Then a quick scoot over to New York where a left-wing candidate offered left-wing policies to left-wing voters…and actually won. Meanwhile, in Labour HQ, there’s probably a task force being assembled to investigate this dangerous correlation between principled politics and electoral success. Expect a report by 2031, just in time to miss the point again.Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

27/06/2025 • 37:23

Jemma and Marina were absolutely thrilled to have ex-SNP MP and broadcaster, John Nicolson on the podcast for a really juicy chat about UK politics. They discussed whether or not Scotland would ever become independent, and what it was like to be a presenter on TV during the 9/11 attacks.Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

26/06/2025 • 62:54

Another week trying to wade through and make sense of an insane news cycle. The Trawl ladies hadn't had Trump bombing Iran on their bingo card but that's exactly what happened last weekend when Trump single-handedly decided that that was the way to win the Nobel Peace Prize. At time of record, Trump's own intelligence reports state that the strikes weren't wholly successful. He says they're wrong, oh, and Iran and Israel don't know what the 'f' they're doing. Super. As ever there are some incredible tweets and clips to share with you and when it all gets too much, Jemma has a new ditty to inflict upon everyone. With Netanyahu continuing to do whatever he wants with no sign that international law means anything to him, and Trump thinking he can make countries do his bidding by posting his orders for them on Truth Social, Marina and Jemma ponder whether it's time for more female leaders to emerge. Emily Maitlis has a view on this too, as does the former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson. There's some White House hilarity involving a very bewildered Juventus team and a look at how the BBC are reporting the news currently. A jam packed Trawl, stuffed full of online riches. Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

25/06/2025 • 51:07

From the brink of WW3 following Israel’s attack on Iran, to the hypocrisy of Western leaders, Jemma and Marina unpack the realities of war, nuclear tensions, and the unchecked power of certain world leaders.They chat about Netanyahu’s latest warmongering, expose how some leaders operate without accountability (because who needs rules, right?), and call out the West’s Olympic-level hypocrisy when it comes to nuclear policies. Expect sharp analysis, unexpected moments of agreement with Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene (yep, didn’t see that one coming), and some unhinged audience commentary from GB News that’ll make you question reality.And don’t worry, amidst all the doom, there’s levity—because as terrifying as world events are, at least you didn’t throw a birthday party no one showed up to.Tune in, laugh through the pain, and prepare to scream into the void alongside them. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

20/06/2025 • 37:18

This week on The Trawl, Jemma Forte and Marina Purkiss sift through the latest chaos so you don’t have to. As the world teeters on geopolitical uncertainty, they dive into the headlines—from Trump’s embarrassingly sparse birthday parade and the powerful No Kings protests sweeping the U.S., to the chilling political violence in Minnesota. Plus, the G7 Summit gives us Trump fumbling paperwork, awkward diplomatic moments, and his latest baffling rants. With humour, sharp analysis, and just the right amount of outrage, this episode is packed with all the news, all the mess, and all the hot takes you need to hear.Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

18/06/2025 • 32:28

Marina and Jemma begin the episode with a quick round up/ precis of the recently announced spending plans from Rachel Reeves. There's stuff to like but it's not the most scintillating, partly because it's pretty sensible which doesn't create massive headlines, as it shouldn't. Acknowledging that politics should be dull but that 'dull' doesn't make for a very entertaining podcast, the Trawl ladies decide to set their thoughts to music....who knew they could play the synthesiser?Then, they feel obliged to hark back to when Reform MP Sarah Pochin chose to use her first question at PMQ's as an opportunity to suggest banning the burqa. They wouldn't have given such a stupid question any oxygen only it led to a chain of events that can't be ignored for a number of reasons. It led to a resignation, a back pedal and a very disproportionate amount of coverage. This makes more sense given the recent scoop from Byline who have exposed how the BBC are trying to appeal more to Reform voters.....Jemma and Marina also discuss the flotilla which Greta Thunberg set sail on along with 11 other activists who were trying to break the Israeli blockade which is preventing food getting in for starving Palestinians. On a lighter note, Tommy Robinson and his pals got kicked out of a steak restaurant and lots of under rated tweets were written as a result. Pudding is served by comedian Sam Avery. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

13/06/2025 • 40:42

One of the juiciest Trawls of all time starts in a very dramatic manner. Jemma and Marina want you to dig out the popcorn while they spill the tea on everything that has happened since they last gathered behind their mics. What a time to be alive! Last week, Musk broke the internet as his bromance with Trump imploded in real time via increasingly outlandish tweets between the two billionaires, like toddlers duelling, only with tweets instead of swords. Then, in a huge crescendo no one could have predicted, Musk suddenly declared to the world that Trump is in the Epstein Files. BOOM! And just like that the bromance was over - although now, all incriminating tweets have been deleted and it appears to be vaguely on again. What is it they say about women being too 'emotional' for positions of power? This episode is stuffed with incredible takes and content, it's a veritable smorgasbord of the very best the internet has to offer at times like this. Then the Trawl ladies discuss what is happening in LA, the protests, Trump's over reach with the Federal Guard and how the governor of California is fighting back. They also discuss how ICE are treating people and which clips have affected them the most. Settle in, it's a packed one. Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

11/06/2025 • 44:10

When Trump told Zelensky he didn't hold any of the cards, what he didn't know was the Zelensky actually had an entire Royal Flush up his sleeve and that he was demonstrating a rather brilliant Poker Face. Last week Ukraine completed its biggest long-range attack which destroyed 40 Russian warplanes, wiping out a large percentage of their military hardware. It was in the planning for at least 18 months so yeah, there were cards. In other news, Trump wants to hold an investigation into Biden's cognitive decline and has implemented a travel ban on 12 countries. Only Egypt isn't on the list, which is deeply bizarre because he said the ban was due to the antisemitic attack which happened, which was carried out by.....an Egyptian. Then, Jemma and Marina discuss Trump and Musk's very public and very embarrassing and completely inevitable break up and why they personally wouldn't have awarded the billionaire with a 'golden key' for anything he's done. A clip of Professor Scott Galloway talking about him, is the clip of the episode. Lastly, in an unusual Trawl twist, Marina and Jemma end by talking about Kris Jenner's face. Some wonderful funnies finish the ep off and of course, as ever, pudding is served. Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

06/06/2025 • 40:23

It's all happening. That said, potholes might not be getting fixed, loft extensions might not be getting signed off and bins might not be getting collected - those things may or may not be happening, but Doge has been announced.Yes, this episode goes into what is happening in various Reform led councils. Firstly, having decided that Musk's Doge has gone 'so well' in the States (spoiler alert, it hasn't, it's failed miserably', Farage has announced the same approach over here. Though they should really be using a different acronym. After all, how can you have a Department of Governmental Efficiency in action when they're not actually in government? Hmm. Anyway, they want to slash millions, billions even, the numbers quoted are huge, although when Lewis Goodall challenges Reform Chairman, Zia Yusef, on his wild figures, Yusef cites an unnamed think tank as his source. Seems reasonable. Pensions will go - not Farage's EU one to be clear, that's staying, obvs - meetings will be reduced and apparently a hit squad of talented experts will be instigating all of this, for free. Meanwhile, the Tories are having a mare. Jenrick is busy doing the media rounds but Marina has found some pretty incredible receipts. And Truss is in Hungary, wanging on about free speech and how she's had to go to Budapest to say what she wants. Each to their own. Some great underrated tweets and clips follow, plus the ladies explore the somewhat biased coverage of the man arrested for driving into the crowds of football fans in Liverpool. he lives in a cul de sac and that, apparently, means a lot. Pudding is by the phenomenal Larry and Paul Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

04/06/2025 • 35:30

This episode begins with Jemma and Marina explaining why they weren't aligned this week for pretty much the first time in Trawl history, though their disagreement was quickly put to rest once they'd consulted listeners and asked what you think. There's a quick goodbye to the MOTD version of Gary Lineker and then, it's straight into what's happening in politics here in the UK. However, before they get round to the newly announced Reform manifesto, they feel it's only fair to check in with Tory HQ. Someone's got to after all. There's not a huge amount to report apart from Kemi Badenoch being roasted by Trevor Phillips, Robert Jenrick turning into a London Underground vigilante with more than a dash of Alan Partridge and one very unaware tweet. Then it's time to break down some of what Farage had to say, only you'll be pleased to note that one clip of Natasha Devon will blow your mind and give you hope. It certainly had that effect on the Trawl ladies and begs the question why getting do Reform get so much airtime? When Farage starts lecturing women on what they should and shouldn't be able to decide about their own bodies, it's time to look at the kind of people who agree with him. Some hilarious takes follow; A bumper under rated clip and tweet section comes next and the clip of Trump being insulted and sulking like a petulant toddler is almost as funny as the one of a regretful Musk who is clearly not allowed to play with the big boys at The White House any more. Leader of the Lib Dems, Ed Davey, makes a good point about how well that's gone for him. Pudding ends the episode where it began with one from the Broken News vaults belonging to brilliant comedians, Larry and Paul. Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

30/05/2025 • 42:52

What can we say... Sadly, this pod isn't a laugh a minute, although Jemma does manage to squeeze in a little humour when discussing Marina's social algorithm which has taking scrolling to another level of doom. Jemma landed back from a few days away from the news to the harrowing events in Liverpool and the grim state of affairs that saw Merseyside police rush to declare the ethnicity of the suspect, yet seemingly this wasn't enough to placate the usual suspects who seemingly relish any opportunity to weaponize suffering for their own gain. Talk turns to the tragic events in Washington, where two Israelis were gunned down and Netanyahu's response which is a masterclass in gaslighting and responsibility shirking. The ladies discuss how the dehumanisation of Palestinians and devaluing of their lives has become so prevalent and share one powerful explanation by Israeli journalist, Gideon Levy.And while it was only last week that David Lammy declared suspended trade negotiations with Israel, just wait till you see what our UK trade envoy has been up to. Pudding is from a new contributor – Actor, Caitlin O’Ryan who delivered an incredible poem entitled: Questions for my conscience. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

28/05/2025 • 33:37

Marina and Jemma were thrilled to talk to one half of Rizzle Kicks, writer and communicator extraordinaire Jordan Stephens.They discuss connection, love, heartbreak, what’s happening to men right now and whether or not the patriarchy has entirely ‘benefited’ men.The Trawl ladies find him positive, compelling to listen to and super smart. They hope you do too. Enjoy!Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

23/05/2025 • 64:20

It's like 2019 all over again... Yes Trawlers, were debating Brexit all over again following Starmer's EU-UK reset, and as night follows day, all the usual suspects are up in arms crying betrayal. The grift never ends. Marina and Jemma play a game of Brexit bingo where Jemma accurately predicts the all-too expected reactions to what is seemingly a very sensible approach from Labour - indeed the ladies would argue one that is perhaps too sensible and doesn't go far enough. Both Reform and the Tories are doing a great job of disagreeing with almost all trade bodies and showing they're not the parties of business, but perhaps the parties of work-shy charlatans who are too busy holidaying to make it into the House of Commons chamber for the debate. There's some topline discussion of what the reset entails, and a quite incredible response from a prominent Brexiter who proudly announced that actually he likes standing in the longer non-EU queue at passports. Well off you pop then pal, nothing stopping you. There's a quick stop-off in the US to check on Trump's lunacy levels, which it appears have reached stage 9 - which incidentally is the same, made-up stage of cancer that Trump claimed Biden was diagnosed with. A tariff update that exposes Trump's incompetence follows, before some underrated off-piste tweets and a pudding by Munya Chawawa. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

22/05/2025 • 38:33

The UK government have finally condemned Israel for withholding aid, the same week The Guardian has reported that 14,000 babies will die unless food is allowed into the region immediately. Jemma and Marina can't help it, they have to ask, what changed? What took so long? They are pleased but aggrievedIn this episode the Trawl ladies share what happened when Marina went onto LBC to confront Nick Ferrari in an exchange which went viral. They discuss the entire Gary Lineker brouhaha that has got the nation talking and share some prose which Jemma particularly found very helpful when struggling to know how to feel. In an episode which feels more like collective therapy, Marina and Jemma share incredible clips, heart wrenching clips and some very powerful words. This one is for everyone who has chosen to use their voice, their platform, their social media, their time, their energy just to care. It's called The Ache of Being AwakePudding is by the very talented Martin Kerr Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

21/05/2025 • 41:18

This episode begins with some good news - the goons who cut down the beautiful tree in the Sycamore Gap for no reason whatsoever, have gone to prison. So that's one reason to be cheerful. Meanwhile, the Vatican have elected a new Pope, quicker than it takes to hire someone in most normal offices these days and newsflash, the MAGA lot are not fans. Apparently he's a Marxist lefty loon (ie he seems pretty compassionate). Meanwhile, there has been much made of the UK US trade deal. A win for Starmer in some regards? And yet what does it really entail and how much of an improvement is it in real terms? Then, Trump has accepted a plane worth $400,000, 000 from the Qatari government. Super! Nothing to see here then. Enjoy hearing Trump's defence when questioned by a journalist, and hear about where Trump chose to take a little nap. There's plenty of Trump batshittery and then to end the ep, one of the craziest conspiracy theories ever to have gripped the internet before being roundly disproved. Enjoy!Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

16/05/2025 • 48:13

There is no doubt, immigration is a huge point of contention for much of the electorate, but why did Starmer use language that could be compared to language used by Enoch Powell in the 60's, even if it wasn't exactly the same? Given that Farage has taken the opportunity to condemn him for it, has it backfired completely? And, if we all agree that boat crossings aren't safe and that having huge numbers of people living in hotels isn't sustainable, why conflate those situations with all immigration? These are some of the questions Marina and Jemma ponder as they rake over the social media fallout post Starmer's recent speech on immigration. They also examine what his proposal's will mean for the already under-staffed care sector, and why so many people feel repulsed by the endless determination to try to win back votes from Reform. Who is advising Starmer? Why go this route? And why are Labour comms so lacking?Then, guess how many of the new Reform councillors have already resigned? Spoiler - a lot. As ever the Trawl ladies wrap up with some under rated tweets and a thought provoking pudding. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

14/05/2025 • 43:52

This rollercoaster podcast kicks off with showbiz and Royal stories that Marina makes her feelings clear on, before delving into the meat of the episode: Trump and Palestine. It's been a wild week of Trawl-gold clips from Trump, so much so the laddies struggled to shortlist them, starting with Trump's admission that he's clueless regarding the oath he swore (TWICE) to protect the constitution - including the Fifth Ammendment, which is funny, given Trump has pleaded the Fifth over 400 times.Then come more clips evidencing Trump's loss of grip on reality, but the most shocking one of all came when the man with a golden bog told Americans their "baby girls" can only have 2 or 3 dolls and also pay a bit more for them. There's another political system that does that kind of thing...and it ain't capitalism!Following more Trump chaos, talk turns to Palestine where it appears we are entering the most blatant, brazen stage of ethnic cleansing now broadcast to us live on air while the international community stands idly by. Jemma recounts her view of Louis Theroux's Settlers documentary before the ladies segue (perhaps a little uncomfortably for obvious reasons) onto underrated tweets of the week and pudding by Mr Michael Spicer. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

09/05/2025 • 39:47

This Trawl begins with a theological question inspired by Trump's wildly disrespectful sharing of an AI generated image of himself dressed as....the Pope. Yes, that's the point we've reached folks, the President of the United States is playing fancy dress for all the world to see. Marina's Catholic mother is not impressed! After a somewhat un Trawl like discussion about religion, the Trawl ladies move on to the latest in UK politics and the results from the local elections, which include Darren Grimes of GB News fame becoming a councillor (but not really understanding his job description) and Dame Andrea Jenkyns becoming Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire. Andrea wants to start off by firing all the Diversity officers in her council, only there aren't any. There are plenty of clips and tweets as you'd imagine, plus the backlash from Farage's speech where he has said he'll ban working from home. Marina and Jemma discuss why this is a fundamentally terrible idea for a myriad of reasons. They also talk through how Labour might, should and probably will react. Is a Reform victory at the next election a very real possibility? It certainly feels that way though a week is a long time in politics let alone a few years. Pudding is by the brilliant Cody DahlerEnjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

07/05/2025 • 38:24

At time of record, people in some parts of the UK will be voting in their local elections. Also at time of record Mark Carney is the new Prime Minister of Canada, having beaten previous favourite, conservative candidate Poilievre. Had it not been for Trump, the result probably would have looked very different so Marina and Jemma conclude that it's arguably the best thing Trump's done in his first 100 days. With regard to Mango Mussolini's time in charge so far, some great clips follow. One is particularly angry and one is revoltingly sycophantic. The Trawl ladies also muse on what is likely to happen here in the UK if Farage sees his party achieve big gains. Will it mean him being on Question Time even more? And then, a departure from politics. Before and after pictures of singer, Olly Murs, has got people talking. He's changed his physique completely but the interesting part is the difference between what the majority of females and the majority males think about his new look. Underrateds follow and pudding is served by Larry and Paul and it's very British. It's all about the weather. Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss

02/05/2025 • 37:46

This episode begins with a tribute to Virginia Giuffre who sadly died this week. Marina and Jemma touch on what she suffered at the hands of various abusers and talk about how she took on some of the world's most powerful men. The Trawl ladies consider how much bravery that would have required and let Emily Maitlis have the final word. And then to America we go for this week's Trump digest: a digest which could cause indigestion. The main theme of this ep is 'how stupid is he?' Falling asleep at the Pope's funeral with his blue suit and tie on, sat there with his mouth open like a cod fish, he hardly comes across as someone with gravitas. Meanwhile, in terms of press attention, the poor old Pope was almost overshadowed by the President's meeting with Zelensky where it seemed to finally dawn on Trump that Putin wasn't taking any notice of his tweets. Still, after the horrific bomb attack in Kyiv he obviously felt it was worth another go so told him to STOP, in caps, for extra oomph. Sure, that ought to do it, Donny. Marina and Jemma also discuss the ongoing fallout of putting tariffs on Chinese goods and what Amazon has (or rather hasn't post a call from The White House) been up to.Not only does he not understand tariffs, he also doesn't seem to understand photoshop. It's been a confusing week for Trump but under rated tweets and clips provide some wonderful Trump relief (back to indigestion again...) Enjoy! Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss

30/04/2025 • 41:13

Things kick-off with an aptly updated version of Green Day's song 'American Idiot' which they performed at Coachella last week before a sassy, direct and frankly refreshing take on the state of affairs in the US from news channel, MSNBC. BBC take note...Then fetch the sick-bags as the ladies share with you a montage of obnoxious obsequiousness from Trump's cabinet who couldn't be further up his bottom. Strangely, not one of them thought to query their dear leader on the plummeting stock market and dollar, nor the mounting trade war with China which has now reached tariff levels so obscene that Marina and Jemma have a theory for how Trump and his team arrived at them. Next up, prepare for a moment of hilarious awkwardness as Trump navigates a reporter questioning him ad to whether China's Xi Jinping has given him a call. We'll let you make your minds up as to what you believe, but Jemma certainly smelt something pongy. Marina has some unexpected words of praise for Trump who is the most supportive boss in the world when it comes his leaky Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth who has been caught sharing Houthi attack plans (or 'Hooties' if you're Trump) with his wifey, bro and lawyer...as you do. And Trump takes on a new enemy, Harvard University - in a legal battle that will either blaze or burn the trail for other institutions in Trump's firing line.Finally the ladies check in on Musk after a disastrous week for Tesla followed by some punchy underrated tweets including a clip on the negatives of being a liberal, topped off with a pudding of one of the best 911 calls ever!Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss

25/04/2025 • 36:15

The ladies open with a tale of rising from the dead... No, not Jesus Christ, but Jemma Forte when she overdid it at Marina's house last week. Conversation quickly turns to Pope Francis' passing and the reminder that often until someone dies, we don't quite realise the incredible impact they made on the people around them. And as many mourned, others memed... Jemma and Marina discuss the best reactions to Trump becoming our new pope and the awkward timing of JD Vance's encounter with Pope Francis the day before his passing. Never has the phrase 'lost the will to live' felt more pertinent. And Trump shared his grief in a way that only Trump can... by completely misjudging the mood and sharing how much he was looking forward to the funeral - such fun!Then talk turns to the Supreme Court gender ruling, where things are never as straightforward as we would like them to be and what was celebrated as a win for women's right, may turn out to be anything but. Marina shares an exchange on X with someone who questioned her support of women's rights and why this ruling potentially raises more issues than it solves, before a quick clip of someone seemingly in support of trans rights...and you won't believe who it is. Underrated tweets are Easter-themed with an appearance from two right-wing grifters followed by a poetic Pope-ey pudding from brand new contributor, Ron Gallo. Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Catherine Fusillo

23/04/2025 • 47:45

This episode begins with Jemma trying to find things to cheer Marina up with. Funnily enough, learning that Gove is getting a peerage doesn't do it, but the song Dame Andrea Jenkins has chosen to promote her bid to be Mayor nearly does. Then we're off to Scunthorpe where Labour have been trying to ensure that the furnaces don't go out for once and for all on British Steel. China have decided they aren't interested in it anymore, which is a huge reason to be furious with Boris Johnson (another one) because he sold it to them. With thousands of jobs at stake, Marina and Jemma wonder what might or might not happen. Then to the States, where Trump has been sitting down with a kindred spirit, the President of El Salvador, Bukele who is he paying to take people he wishes to deport and to house them in his Gulag like prisons. Hear the incredible moment Trump was caught on mic saying he would like him to take 'homegrowns' too. If only that was the only grim piece of news to come out of his adminstration but sadly......cut to, the SAVE act. Marina gives the lowdown on a piece of legislation which is almost akin to Handmaids Tale and yet might result in a surprising plot twist. Lots of underrated tweets and a wonderful pudding finish off the ep.Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

18/04/2025 • 33:29

Jemma and Marina hardly know where to begin such has been the fallout from Trump's crazed tariffs spree. Oh, and what can you even say about the transparent insider (and outsider) trading that has been admitted to, on camera, by the President? Who cares if ordinary people are going to pay for the nose for everything when all his rich cronies are making a killing. Seems fair. Amidst the chaos there's been pauses, climb downs, exemptions and a locking of horns with China. However, China are giving strong 'am I bothered' vibes and have been busy exposing what really happens with luxury goods which are made in their factories. If Putin plays chess, China appear to be playing Go while Trump can barely manage a bit of colouring in. The Trawl ladies go into all the detail and play the moment when Vance managed to completely insult the second biggest economy in the world by calling them peasants. Then, it's one backward leap for feminism and one giant step for Trawl kind (or something like that). Everyone's talking about Katy Perry and Co's trip to space and how nauseating it was for a myriad of reasons. You can imagine how 24 carat the Trawl gold is for this one. Enjoy!Thank you for sharing and do tweet us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcastPatreonhttps://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcastYoutubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawlTwitterhttps://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcastBlueSkyhttps://bsky.app/profile/thetrawl.bsky.socialCreated and Produced by Jemma Forte & Marina PurkissEdited by Max Carrey

16/04/2025 • 41:17