For Whom The Booth Tolls – or, Strait to Hell

·1 hr 4 min·5 clips

James Ball argues Trump's Iran war turned the regime into a regional superpower with an $80 billion tollbooth.

The episode opens with host Seth Table introducing the panel and topics, including Iran's ceasefire and domestic UK politics. James Ball, political editor of The New World, analyzes the Iran situation, contending that despite Trump's claims of victory, Iran has gained financially and strategically, with a new toll on the Strait of Hormuz potentially generating $80 billion annually. He notes this could require lifting sanctions, benefiting Iran's regime. John Elledge compares the war to the Suez Crisis, suggesting it may be seen as a moment of US prestige damage. The discussion shifts to UK politics, focusing on the Green Party's rise in opinion polls, with the panel examining how this threatens Labour by attracting left-wing voters disillusioned with Keir Starmer's leadership. Roz Taylor critiques the Greens' policy development and leader Zach Polanski's background, while James Ball discusses the populist appeal of both the Greens and Reform UK. The panel then addresses Kanye West's cancelled Wireless Festival, debating the Home Office's visa refusal and the role of politicians in cultural controversies, with strong criticism of Festival Republic's handling. Later, in a segment called "Butt your emails," panelists share personal indulgences like Lego and decaf espresso. The episode concludes with "Escape Roots," where each panelist recommends cultural escapes, and a preview of the Patreon extra on the Artemis Moon mission. The show ends with announcements about upcoming changes to the podcast format and theme song.

As heard by us

A sharp panel review of nuclear brinkmanship, Labour's electoral bind, and the appeal of promises made from opposition.

The episode treats political brinkmanship as both absurd and dangerous, moving from Donald Trump's veiled nuclear threats against Iran to J.D. Vance's account of a fragile peace and Iran's plan to charge $2 million for every ship passing through the Straits of Hormuz.

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Why you'd press play

You want a $2 million Strait of Hormuz charge, fragile peace after Trump's Iran threats, and a Microsoft Outlook-in-space aside for dessert.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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