BBC Radio 4

Strong Message Here

A Comedy podcast

About the show

Armando Iannucci hosts the programme that gives you a cast-iron guarantee to be laser-focused on decoding the baffling world of political language. Each week he'll be joined by a guest to crack open the political phrasebook and attempt to demystify the doublespeak. Why does everything now have to be 'turbo-charged'? What's the difference between a 'pledge' and a 'mission'? Why has my local MP been 'weaponised' and should I be worried? You'll be treated to a crash course in the dark arts of political language from people on the inside who are both baffled and beguiled by it. They'll walk you through the various verbal fiascos of the modern political lexicon so that by the end you'll be oven-ready for an appearance on Newsnight. Armando's erstwhile partner in de-baffling political lexicon, Helen Lewis, is away working in the United States in the autumn and so her seat will be kept warm by a rotating cast of co-hosts. Listen to Strong Message Here on Thursdays on Radio 4 at 9.45am, and an extended version is available on BBC Sounds. Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Production for BBC Radio 4.

Newest episodes

The Same Old Arguments (with Tim Shipman)

Nov 11, 2026 31 min

Armando is joined by Tim Shipman to go over 'the same old arguments'. With 40 years of neoliberalism being followed by a 10 year plan, are politicians reluctant to look at the world as it is? And given our penchant for raking up old graves, are we about to relive the brexit years? Elsewhere, we discuss commons traditions, Farage's prayer card and try desperately to remember was the 'Malthouse compromise' was. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC studios production for Radio 4

Saddam Hussein's Cheesecake Factory (with Nish Kumar)

Nov 4, 2026 32 min

Armando is joined by comedian Nish Kumar to talk about petulance in politics. With Flavio Bolsonaro flouncing off, Trump accolytes baulking at Obama's joke, and Elon Musk creating his own 'historically accurate' Odyssey, are we seeing political language and action become infected by greivance? Elsewhere, there are Sean Connery impressions, Nish rails against paperclips, we discover Armando's role in creating a heartthrob. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC studios production for Radio 4

In a Surprise Announcement (with Beth Rigby)

Oct 28, 2026 37 min

Armando is joined by Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby to pore over the language surrounding the budget. Can you pre-trail a 'surprise announcement'? What does good growth mean? And do people care about PuFins? Elsewhere, we look at politicians telling jokes, vibes politicians, and hear what happened when Beth shouted at Angela Merkel. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Jerry Peal Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC studios production for Radio 4

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All episodes

The Same Old Arguments (with Tim Shipman)

Nov 11, 2026 31 min

Saddam Hussein's Cheesecake Factory (with Nish Kumar)

Nov 4, 2026 32 min

In a Surprise Announcement (with Beth Rigby)

Oct 28, 2026 37 min

Don't Insult My Intelligence (with Chloe Petts and Marianna Spring)

Oct 21, 2026 35 min

Armando is joined by comedian Chloe Petts to look at whether we're getting more stupid, and whether we get the politicians we deserve. To get into the weeds of that, they are also joined by BBC's Social Media Investigations Correspondent, Marianna Spring. With Trump telling an audience 'i could say the stupidest things and you'd clap', we look at how social media and AI are changing our interactions with politicians from both directions, and with Celebrity Traitors as an example, are we suspicious of anyone who displays intelligence? Elsewhere, we find out what's under Armando's kilt, hear a long goodbye from an AI agent, and invent a very British solution to rioting. AI interview clip from @grahamdotzip's video "I Sent an AI to My Job Interview. So Did the Company" on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0fECnj5sas Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Mac Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC studios production for Radio 4

Handcuffed to a Zombie (with Tom Peck)

Oct 14, 2026 37 min

Armando is joined by sketchwriter for the Times, Tom Peck, to look at the language of the schism on the British right Following on from party conference season, we discuss the escalating war of words between Badenoch and Jenrick, as well as 'the worst speech of all time' from Andrew Griffith. We also look at the language of the Green Party's 'zionism is racism' motion, and the wider reaction to it. Elsewhere, Armando recalls the moment he died inside, Tom pitches a new BBC property show, and they speculate on the late Queen's final diary entry. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC studios production for Radio 4

Super Intelligence (with Stewart Lee and Carole Cadwalladr)

Oct 7, 2026 33 min

Armando is joined by Stewart Lee to look at the newly rebranded 'Super Intelligence'. To get into the linguistic weeds, they are also joined by founding member of The Nerve, Carole Cadwalladr. The tech bros are coming up with new terminology all over the shop, so we take a whistle stop tour through phrases that grind our gears. Rogue agents, warfighters and bootloaders all come under scrutiny. Elsewhere, we discuss Armando's visit to Jeffrey Archer's house, Burnham's short honeymoon and why Superman is a rubbish superhero. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC studios production for Radio 4

Political Capital (with Pierre Novellie)

Sep 30, 2026 33 min

Armando is joined by comedian Pierre Novellie this week, and they’re going to have an honest conversation about political capital. Looking at some of the phrases and language being used around Burnham’s decision to spend his political capital, we look at some of the announcements trailed in the speech, and whether the politics of ‘saying’ now trumps the politics of ‘doing’. Elsewhere, Armando and Pierre work out the difference between a ‘legitimate concern’ and an ‘understandable concern’, examine Peter Thiel’s defense of evil, and find the most unfortunately named politician in the world. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Rich Evans Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC studios production for Radio 4

We Care, We Fight! (with Stewart Lee)

Sep 23, 2026 36 min

Stewart Lee returns to the show after a summer judging dog shows with Charlotte Church. He and Armando look at the Lib Dem conference, and why the 'word cloud' is not Ed Davey's friend. They also have some helpful and serious suggestions for how Ed can improve his messaging, which I'm sure he'll take on board. Elsewhere, we look at how Trump's media ban might play out, and if the Democrats in the US have finally landed on a decent attack line on 'The Trump Crime Family'. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Rich Evans Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at the Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

I Wasn't Even Listening (with Natalie Haynes)

Sep 16, 2026 33 min

Armando is back from a summer break to look at the use and abuse of political language. Joined by friend of the show, Natalie Haynes, they mournfully fell the Keir Starmer Metaphor tree, and find a suitable replacement for the Andy Burnham era. Elsewhere, they discuss the undercover operation on Reform, and the language of the fallout, 'perv glasses' and a corbyn-eqsue 'Strong Message Here' for the modern era. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at the Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Doing Politics Differently (with Phil Wang and Pierre Novellie)

Jul 1, 2026 38 min

This week, Phil Wang steps in for Armando, and is joined by comedian Pierre Novellie to discuss 'doing politics differently'. Digging into the language of Burnham's speech, we examine what he means by 'place', and whether we will see an end to 'punch and judy politics'. Elsewhere, we look at Badenoch's attack mode, America's 250th celebrations and why politicians struggle to p-p-p-pick a favourite biscuit. Stay tuned to the end to hear from Armando, and find out what they 'Putin' the chicken over in Georgia. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

A Swift Transition (with Matt Forde and Ria Lina)

Jun 24, 2026 33 min

Armando is under the weather this week, so in true World Cup style, we have called up a super sub. Matt Forde steps in to host, and Ria Lina joins him to discuss the big news of the week. Is it a bit rich of the Labour Party to claim they don't want to 'exaggerate small differences'? How does Starmer sell his achievements, and is there anything we can learn about how Burnham uses language? In the longer version, we also look back at some of Starmer's best bits, and whether Manchesterism is an ideology, or just good branding Armando will be back next week, but in the meantime, if you have got a strong message for the show, email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Katie Baum & Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

It's All Signed (with Stewart Lee)

Jun 17, 2026 38 min

Stewart Lee joins Armando to look at the detail, or lack thereof in the US and Iran deal. What is a memorandum of understanding? Does the language of UFC apply to this deal? And are Shoreditch hipsters running Iran's social media campaign? It's by-election day, and while broadcast rules prevent us from discussing the events in Makerfield, there's no rule to stop us discussing the broadcasting rules themselves. Outgoing Ofcom chair Michael Grade has been vocal about the state of broadcast journalism in the UK, so we take a close look at his recent language. Elsewhere, we talk Ghibli Grandads, soiled underpants, and 'the Islington of the Mind'. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Fanning the Flames (with Hugo Rifkind)

Jun 10, 2026 34 min

Hugo Rifkind joins Armando, fresh from interviewing a highland cow, to discuss the phrase 'fanning the flames'. Can a politician ever avoid politicising an issue? How is that different from weaponising? And does journalism have a role in fanning the flames, and prolonging political arguments? Elsewhere, Armando explains the power of the power nap, Pete Hegseth conflates D-Day with immigration, and we ask if Keir's curse is having an eminently rhyme-able name? Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Rich Evans Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at the Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

There's Been An Under-Discussion (with Natalie Haynes)

Jun 3, 2026 36 min

Natalie Haynes joins Armando to look at the differing language used when discussing the benefits and risks of the AI revolution. Is it just 'a thing' which is beyond debate? What does non-zero actually mean? And we examine the language of Tony Blair's argument, by taking it to its logical conclusion. In the longer version, you will also hear the ramification of shouting at Harold Pinter, Peter Thiel's unimpeachable jury, and whether we're all living in Armando's diving helmet. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Giulia Mazzu Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

That's Not for Me to Say (with Munya Chawawa)

May 28, 2026 34 min

Fresh from a trip to America, Munya Chawawa joins Armando to discuss the political art of saying nothing. Munya recently looked at the parallels between Trump and Wrestling, and talks about how the language and theatre of WWE has inspired Trump's political style. They then turn to Andy Burnham's tightrope walk, and his desire to be clear and direct, whilst also avoiding the elephant in the room - what effect does that have on his language? Danny Kruger's defence of Reform's candidate also reveals some tricks of the political language trade, and we ask - can politicians engage on social media without being cringe? Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk A full list of candidates running in the Makerfield by-election is as follows Jake Austin - Liberal Democrats Count Binface - Count Binface Party Andy Burnham - The Labour Party Dan Clarke - The Libertarian Party John Dyer - Independent Ed Gemmell - Climate Party Paul Gould - Independent Alan 'Howlin' Laud Hope - The Official Monster Raving Loony Party Robert Kenyon - Reform UK Robert Pownall - Independent Rebecca Shepherd - Restore Britain Sarah Wakefield - Green Party Peter Ward - Rejoin EU Michael Winstanley - The Conservative Party Sound editing: Rich Evans Production Coordinator: Giulia Mazzu Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at the Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

A Febrile Atmosphere (with Tom Peck)

May 21, 2026 39 min

How do you capture the atmosphere of the commons? Parliamentary sketch writer for The Times, Tom Peck, joins Armando to discuss his most detested political buzzwords. We look at why people get so bloodthirsty in politics when 'the herd moves', who 'an anonymous source' might be, and whether Keir Starmer can draw a pig. In other news, we look at the demise of PearTree Productions, Ed Davey's wetsuit strategy, and a short-lived Reform councillor who may have taken to political language quickly in his political tenure, but was undone by some shocking language he used elsewhere. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at the Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies and Sasha Bobak. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

We Can't Go On Like This (with Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ayesha Hazarika)

May 14, 2026 34 min

This week, we look at the language of embattled leaders, and some triumphant ones. Joined by Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ayesha Hazarika, we pore over the speech of Starmer's life - the third such event we have covered on this programme. Is rhetoric the right tool in his father's hand-me-down toolbelt for him to deploy in times of crisis? He says he gets it, but do we believe him? We look at the paralysing effect of message discipline on political figures, and why it's so refreshing to hear a more genuine message. We also examine Rhun ap Iorwerth's oratory skills (borrowed from the skinny kid with a funny name), screaming penguins and ask: who is the modern "Mondeo man"? Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Giulia Mazzu Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at the Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Technological Republic (with Stewart Lee and Carole Cadwalladr)

May 7, 2026 34 min

What is the Technological Republic? Armando, Stewart and founder of The Nerve, Carole Cadwalladr, discuss the language and posture of the manifesto released by Palantir's Alex Karp last year. We look at how Tech bros frame those who block their progress, their effusive language about their products, why they might reflect on linguistic parallels with George Orwell's works. Armando also describes William Shatner's prose, in which he finds, having read his book, Tech War, that his sentences seem to run on, perhaps one or two clauses longer than a sentence should, which interested him, but also made for a challenging read, which in turn made it worthy of discussion on this week's programme. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Giulia Mazzu Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at the Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Game On (with Natalie Haynes)

Apr 30, 2026 28 min

Ready Player One? Natalie Haynes joins Armando once again to talk about the rise of prediction markets, and how they might affect political language. We also look at the respective war memes from the US and Iran, and how they are taking their cues from video games. Elsewhere, we discuss the Arc de Trump, Armando's bag of filth, and whether a Sphinx might look good on the White House lawn. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Giulia Mazzu Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at the Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

The Process Was Followed (with Tim Shipman)

Apr 23, 2026 23 min

Tim Shipman steps out of a busy week in Westminster to talk Armando through the language of political crises. Whether "time will tell", or "the matter has been dealt with", we decode what these phrases you will hear from politicians this week really mean. Looking at recent examples, from Brexit to Partygate and beyond, what causes these crises, and how does the communication - and indeed the messenger - make it better or worse? Armando imagines an inquiry into the sinking of the Titanic, Tim clears things up by making things more complicated, and we also hear his sweary sliding scale of scandal, which will make you yearn for a good old-fashioned omnishambles. We also look at the local elections, and why every party turns these multi-faceted choices into a 'referendum' on a particular subject. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at the Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Only the Fake News Would Come Up with This (with Amol Rajan)

Apr 16, 2026 34 min

Politicians have their own podcasts, the Government has launched a YouTube channel. It seems our political class want to bypass traditional media to get their message out. Why is that? How does it affect political language? As he prepares to take his own steps into a new media landscape, Amol Rajan joins Armando to discuss this and more. We also hear about misleading news headlines, Trump's 'doctored' image, and find out if elves are really poisoning our water? Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Caroline Barlow Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at the Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Righteous Targets for Violence (with Hugo Rifkind)

Apr 9, 2026 37 min

Hugo Rifkind joins Armando for a chat about the religious language in politics. After a quick detour round the far side of the moon, we find out Trump's favourite bible passage (sort of), why the Pope has rebuked Pete Hegseth, and if invoking a higher power can be used to dodge accountability. In the extended version, we also look at how parties in the UK trade in religious language, why how AI is getting hiring humans, and answer the age-old question - which Easter has been best, militarily? Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter & Caroline Barlow Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Deep Disillusionment in This Country (with Stewart Lee)

Apr 8, 2026 28 min

This week, Armando is joined again by Stewart Lee to look at how political actors use language. Wes Streeting says there is a 'deep disillusionment in this country', and says there is a “growing sense of despair about whether anyone is capable of turning this country round". Why is that? And does politicians speaking in that way confound our misery? We look at Sarah Pochin's comments about black and asian people in adverts, and the responses across parliament to that. We also look at how much news is just speculation, and how politicians use speculation to further their arguments. We also look at how we get our news - is it exhausting to have to keep fact checking things ourselves? Is it preferable to the alternative? Armando shares his confusion at Immersive experiences, and Stewart invents a new word, and we hear about Starmer's charm offensive. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us on strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Listen to Strong Message Here at 0945 on Radio 4, and an extended version is available on BBC Sounds. This programme has been edited since first publication, following an adjudication by the BBC Executive Complaints Unit (available here: www.bbc.co.uk/contact/ecu/strong-message-here-bbc-sounds-30-october-2025). Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coodinator: Jodie Charman Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

That's a Great Question (with Stewart Lee in Laugharne)

Apr 2, 2026 27 min

Stewart Lee joins Armando at the Millennium Hall in Laugharne. Is AI too sycophantic? Should we worry about how military-grade AI is being sold in start-up jargon? Let's ask the best AI there is, Armando Iannucci. In another episode in front of an audience, Armando and Stewart treat us to a dramatic reading of a Chat GPT interaction. We also hear whether the Metaverse is an unwelcome template for AI companies, and why Stewart admires the boffins who make sex robots. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Recorded by Searle Whittney and Dyfan Rose Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at the Millennium Hall in Laugharne Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

We're Here to Listen (with Stewart Lee in Laugharne)

Mar 26, 2026 21 min

Armando is joined by Stewart Lee at the Millennium Hall in Laugharne. Taking the audience's most loathed political soundbites, we discuss 'existential threats', 'let me be clear', and 'we're working very hard'. We also hear about Armando's train driver getting caught in an infinity loop, treating Nicky Wire with the greatest of respect, and whether feeling in your bones or gut indicates your political persuasion. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Recorded by Searle Whittney and Dyfan Rose Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at the Millennium Hall in Laugharne Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

You Don't Have to Worry (with Marina Hyde)

Mar 19, 2026 33 min

Marina Hyde returns to join Armando for a positive look at some positive language. Pete Hegseth tells us not to worry about the Strait of Hormuz, Trump tells us the 'war' is 'already won' - is this inspired by The Power of Positive Thinking? Or by Noel Edmonds? Elsewhere we discuss guessing shoe sizes, tie-dye thinking, and whether we have the stomach for a culture war about badgers on bank notes. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

I Understand the Anxiety (with Ria Lina and Coco Khan)

Mar 12, 2026 28 min

Armando is joined by Ria Lina and host of Pod Save the UK, Coco Khan, to look at the political language around anxiety. How do we engage with difficult headlines? Can we switch off an just read about the rugby? Is AI starting to feel as anxious as us? and are we more sympathetic because of the personal language it uses? We also discuss the origins of international women's day, the death of the public intellectual, and a workplace acronym to watch out for. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Get Real (with Hugo Rifkind)

Mar 5, 2026 32 min

Journalist and Times Radio presenter Hugo Rifkind joins Armando this week. In another breakneck week, we look at the language of reality in politics. Are plumbers more 'real' than economists? Can Trump really 'manipulate reality'? And has he been watching Shrek? We also look at the parallels between Marco Rubio and the general in Dr Strangelove, Tony Blair powering down when talking to Alan Partridge, and whether 'Epic Fury' really means what Pete Hegseth thinks it does. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

History Will Judge You (with Stewart Lee)

Feb 26, 2026 25 min

Stewart Lee joins Armando again this week. With a by-election on, we look away from the present day and think about how history will judge politicians. Some of the language in the recent Tony Blair documentary piques Armando's interest, and we also look at how Boris Johnson and Gordon Brown use language (or lack thereof) to cement their own post-premiership legacies. We also look at the politic-speak creeping into Royal statements, Gerry Adams on a trampoline, and the furore over language at the BAFTAs Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

For the Sake of Transparency (with Natalie Haynes and Michael Gove)

Feb 19, 2026 34 min

Armando is joined by Natalie Haynes and Michael Gove to discuss the true meaning of transparency. With his experience as both a politician and a journalist, Michael Gove gives his insight into how transparency can often mean the opposite. He also explains the perverse incentive for ministers to go out and defend tricky positions, and what it feels like to have your private communications laid bare in an inquiry. And with Natalie on the show, we look at historical examples of turbulent leadership, and find out who has the dubious honour of being 'the Liz Truss of ancient Rome'. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Psychodrama (with Stewart Lee)

Feb 12, 2026 28 min

Stewart Lee joins Armando to examine the language around political pyschodramas. We've discussed political language becoming maximalist, but it also gone into warp speed? Looking at whether 'stumbling' is in fact a good thing, we also manage to find new names for Wes Streeting, Peter Mandelson and Andrew (you know which one). We also find time to discuss the fake news that has been stinking up the White House, jellyfish anuses and slapstick. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

You've Let Your Country Down (with Emily Maitlis)

Feb 5, 2026 31 min

Has a man once described as 'teflon' finally run out of spin? Peter Mandelson suggests he needs to run an investigation into himself, but to do an investigation into his language, Armando is joined by host of the News Agents, Emily Maitlis. We discuss revelations in the Epstein files, and why it brings to mind Dickens. Are we wiser to the language of political scandal than we used to be? And is it impossible to spin a story in the modern media environment. We also look at why it's so frustrating, if politically wise, how often political figures suffer bouts of selective amnesia. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies and Sasha Bobak. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Are You a Stupid Person? (with Natalie Haynes)

Jan 29, 2026 28 min

Was Andy Burnham blocked from running in the Gorton and Denton by-election because Labour need to save resources for elections they ‘must have’? Was the Tory briefing that referenced the defecting Suella Braverman’s mental health really a ‘first draft?’ Armando and Natalie examine this and more, to find out if politicians in the UK are echoing Donald Trump’s words as they ask us to take these at face value - “Are you a stupid person?”. Are we not expected to read this 'subtext in block caps'? We also discuss how Trump's speeches are held together, and why Carney quoting Thucydides warmed Natalie's heart. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman and Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

U-Turns and Turncoats (with Stewart Lee)

Jan 22, 2026 30 min

With the backdrop of tariffs and territorial land grabs, Stewart and Armando look at the political language of U-turns and turncoats. With politicians having to advocate for a position they used to be in direct opposition to, we ask if political language exists in a quantum state inside Robert Jenrick's head, or, failing that are we really expected to believe defectors like him have had a damascene conversion? Stewart gives an update to an tired political joke, Armando finds a nifty Peace Prize related fix for the Greenland dispute, and they both give a run-down the shifty, shifting responses from Government officials on their numerous U-turns. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman and Caroline Barlow Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies and Sasha Bobak. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Elections Aren't Won on Twitter (with Phil Wang and Marianna Spring)

Jan 15, 2026 30 min

Is Keir Starmer stuck in 2016? BBC's Social Media Investigations Senior Correspondent Marianna Spring joins Phil Wang and Armando to look at the evolving language of social media. How do politicians navigate the new online world, both when trying to get their central message across, and in responding to crises? With the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, we examine how the normal playbook of a tragedy no longer applies. In the extended episode, we hear Phil take on the role of a lifetime, playing Nigel Farage, find out how Armando's nickname is causing him problems, and look at Grok's recent scandal. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Rich Evans Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman and Giulia Mazzu Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Regime Change (with Natalie Haynes)

Jan 8, 2026 29 min

New Year, and Venezuela is under new management. The fallout from the "extraction" of Maduro has thrown up some interesting political language. Why aren't the US calling it 'regime change'? Why is Starmer damned if he does or doesn't say anything? and is Trump the first politician to use the word 'literally' correctly? In the extended version, we also look at Natalie's pedometer, Armando as the Elder of Taskmaster, and why a 'mild zombie apocalypse' has been described as 'encouraging'. Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman and Giulia Mazzu Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Listeners' Strong Messages (with Stewart Lee)

Jan 1, 2026 36 min

It's New Year's day, so Armando and Stewart are dipping into the very real, physical listeners' mailbag. In a loose and end-of-term episode, with some adult humour, we talk about the misuse of the phrase 'bad apples', Stewart thanks Armando for his leadership, and are treated to unexpected, slightly fruity, film reviews of 'Who Dares Wins' and 'Cats'. We also hear about Armando's ambassador for 'pace', Stewart's artistic skills, and some alternatives to the phrase 'fighting age males'. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman and Giulia Mazzu Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Words of the Year (with Natalie Haynes)

Dec 18, 2025 28 min

As the year comes to a close, Natalie Haynes joins Armando to discuss and dissect the words of 2025. Looking at official lists, and conjuring up some of their own, they set about breaking down the language that defined another frenetic year. We find out what links all of the official words of the year, and why we can learn a lesson from Austria when choosing them. Armando also denies he writes Pete Hegseth's speeches, and Natalie denies she is in a parasocial relationship with Taylor Swift Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman and Giulia Mazzu Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Civilisational Erasure (with Stewart Lee)

Dec 11, 2025 28 min

Is 'Civilisational Erasure' upon us? This week, Armando is joined again by Stewart Lee to look at this phrase, and others from the US' new National Security Strategy. Would this kind of language have been unthinkable even a few years ago? We also look at other elements of the strategy, and whether it's time to forget the idea that Trump is playing '3-dimensional chess' with his language. Outside civilisational erasure, we look at whether leaders need to communicate on social media, given Starmer's new TikTok account and Liz Truss' YouTube show both launched this week. If you want to know what Liz Truss has got against Gails, and why 70s sitcoms are back in the spotlight both sides of the Atlantic, then this programme is for you. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us on strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk to have your missive read out in our listener mailbag special. Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

AI Hallucinations (with Stewart Lee and Sarah Wynn-Williams)

Dec 4, 2025 36 min

This week, Armando is joined again by Stewart Lee to discuss the language around AI. They are also joined by public policy expert and author of Careless People, A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism Sarah Wynn-Williams. For legal reasons, Sarah is not allowed to say anything negative about Meta, so we discuss lots of other areas around tech and AI. We look at hallucinations - what are they, and are they solvable? Do we respond to the sycophancy of AI? Should there be rules around AI in weapons, and why is that even up for debate? We also take a retrospective look at the budget, headlice, and the Your Party members' decision to call Your Party 'Your Party'. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us on strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk and your email could be read out on our listener mailbag special episode over the festive period Sound editing: Rich Evans Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Spooking the Markets (with Natalie Haynes and Stewart Lee)

Nov 27, 2025 32 min

It's budget week, Armando is joined by two members of the Strong Message Here commune, Natalie Haynes and Stewart Lee. How do markets get 'spooked'? Who has the broadest shoulders? And what does 'a Labour Budget with Labour values' actually mean? We discuss how taxes get their nicknames, why we know so much about the budget ahead of time these days, and whether Rachel Reeves could've taken inspiration from Taylor Swift to make the budget more exciting. In the longer edition, we also look at 'the banter defence', and decide a new name for 'the markets' that feels more apt for the way they behave. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us on strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Rich Evans Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Moral Failure and Deadly Negligence (with Sara Pascoe and Matt Winning)

Nov 20, 2025 37 min

António Guterres has said that missing the 1.5 degree climate target is "a moral failure and deadly negligence". Is he right? Dr Matt Winning joins Sara Pascoe and Armando to discuss the language around climate change. Is it proportionately alarmist, or does it just scare us? Are we numb to the jaw-dropping headlines? Matt has some ideas of how to communicate these complex ideas more succinctly, and tell us of the days spend at COP agonising over whether 'urges' or 'suggests' makes it into an agreement. We also look at how language has been used to put the onus on us, rather than corporations, for waste and pollution, and a Swedish word that should make its way into Keir Starmer's vocabulary. Listen to Strong Message Here every Thursday at 9.45am on Radio 4 and then head straight to BBC Sounds for an extended episode. Have you stumbled upon any perplexing political phrases you need Armando to decode? Email them to us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound Editing by Chris Maclean Production Coordinator - Jodie Charman Executive Producer - Pete Strauss Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4. An EcoAudio Certified Production.

The Buck Stops Here (with Ria Lina and Sophy Ridge)

Nov 13, 2025 34 min

This week, Armando is joined again by comedian Ria Lina, and Sky New's new breakfast host, Sophy Ridge. In the week with 2 big resignations at the BBC, news journalism and accuracy are under the spotlight. We discuss the pressures on live broadcasting, editing, and deciding what stories make it to air. When is something worthy of coverage? These decisions are made all the time, but how? We also discuss how comedians skills can be deployed by journalists with tricky interviewees, and why the Edinburgh Fringe is the nadir of 'selective editing'. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us on strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Executive Producer: Pete Strauss and James Robinson Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Be Vigilant (with Phil Wang)

Nov 6, 2025 29 min

This week, Armando is joined by Phil Wang to look at the use and abuse of political language. Defence Secretary John Healy says we need to 'be vigilant', and Reform councillor Laila Cunningham says 'Labour want us to shut up and die' - we look at how the public and the police respond to horrific events, and at our relationship with the police. We also discuss chocolate getting worse, Nigel Farage straddling the line between being a maverick and assuring the markets, and what other things Rachel Reeves is 'refusing to rule out'. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us on strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Listen to Strong Message Here at 0945 on Radio 4, and an extended version is available on BBC Sounds. Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coodinator: Jodie Charman Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

In Hindsight (with Ria Lina and Tim Shipman)

Oct 23, 2025 34 min

This week, Armando is joined again by comedian Ria Lina, and Political Editor of The Spectator, Tim Shipman. We're looking back at looking back. In a week where a scandal-hit Prince renounces his titles and the Chinese spy case continues to pose questions of language for the government, people's previous decisions are being put under the spotlight, we look at how public figures respond to the repercussions of their past. Of course, hindsight is 20:20. Speaking of 2020, there's also chat about the covid inquiry, and whether we're getting the results we need, or just lurid detail? Got a strong message for Armando? Email us on strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound Company Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

The End of the Age of Terror and Death (with Stewart Lee)

Oct 16, 2025 29 min

One one hand, the world is going to hell, on the other, the age of terror and death has ended, so which is it? Stewart Lee joins Armando to take a look at this maximal approach to political language. How do you do moderate politics with caps lock on? What's the smart way to diffuse complex arguments about politics? And given the details still to be worked out in the Isreal Gaza peace process, is this week's Peace Summit Trump's 'Mission Accomplished' moment? Have a message for Armando? Drop us a line on strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Listen to Strong Message Here at 09:45 on Thursday mornings on Radio 4, or the extended version on BBC Sounds. Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Executive Producer: James Robinson Sound Editing: Chris MacLean Recorded at The Sound Company Strong Message Here is produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies, and is a BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition (with Natalie Haynes)

Oct 9, 2025 30 min

Did you know Keir Starmer's dad was a toolmaker? Of course you did, because he repeated it every time he was in front a microphone for years. Armando is joined by Natalie Haynes to discuss the use of repetition. How it can be an effective rhetorical technique for the likes of Cicero and Tony Blair, but grates when coming from others? We also look at the language of the recent Tory Party conference, political chocolate bars, and have a debate about the 'debate' politicians often say we need. Have a strong message for Armando? Drop us a line on strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Executive producer - James Robinson Production Coordinator - Jodie Charman Sound editing - Chris Maclean Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

The Battle for the Soul of the Country (with Adam Fleming)

Oct 2, 2025 33 min

Armando is at the Labour Party conference (well, in a portakabin in a car park nearby - the glamour!), and is joined by Newscast's Adam Fleming to chat all things conference. Has message discipline killed the party conference? Or does their own momentum still make them newsworthy? Looking at conferences past, we look at what makes them an interesting part of the political calendar, and how language comes to the fore. Listen to Strong Message Here on Radio 4 at 9:45 on Tuesdays, and an extended version is available on BBC Sounds. Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Hurty Words (with Stewart Lee)

Sep 25, 2025 29 min

Stewart Lee returns to the show, to join Armando in discussing 'hurty words'. With Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, and in the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder, free speech is in the spotlight again. Those who railed against 'cancel culture' are now getting into 'consequence culture'. We also discuss how Marvel's superheroes might respond to the actions of their new owners, and whether you can pray in your own homes in this country anymore (spoiler alert, you can). Listen to Strong Message Here on Radio 4, Thursdays at 9:45, and an extended version is available on BBC Sounds. Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Phase 2 (with Ria Lina)

Sep 18, 2025 29 min

In the first episode of the new series, Armando Iannucci and guest co-host, Ria Lina look at the use and abuse of political language. The political summer is often called 'silly season', but with global conflict and rising tensions at home, Armando and Ria look at the language that defined recent months including Keir Starmer's "Phase 2" and the word "plastic". Armando’s erstwhile partner in de-baffling political lexicon, Helen Lewis is away working in the United States in the Autumn and so her seat will be kept warm by a rotating cast of co-hosts. Got a question for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.uk Listen to Strong Message Here on Radio 4 at 9:45, and an extended version is available on BBC Sounds. Recorded at The Sound Company Production Coordinator: Caroline Barlow Sound editing by Chris Maclean Executive Producer: Richard Morris Produced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

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The Same Old Arguments (with Tim Shipman)

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Podcast details

Created by: BBC Radio 4
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 11, 2026
Episodes: 97
Release period: Weekly
Avg. episode length: 29 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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