The Brink

The Brink
  • 4.8 (40)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to your much-needed antidote to centrist dad podcasts. Presented by Daily Telegraph columnist and foreign correspondent Jake Wallis Simons and former parachute regiment officer and geopolitical analyst Andrew Fox, The Brink brings their wealth of real-life experience to bear upon the most important topics of the day, from Israel to immigration, Ukraine to Islamism, asylum hotels to the rise of Reform UK. With a host of stellar guests and an emphasis on common sense, Jake and Andrew explore what it will take to bring the West back from the brink. A podcast from the edge of what’s coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2d ago

    “I’m Afraid Of Britain’s Islamists” Moderate Muslim Calls Out Extremism

    Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Loay Alshareef to discuss radical Islam, antisemitism, and why he believes the West has failed to understand the threat posed by the Muslim Brotherhood. Drawing on his own journey from radicalism to becoming an outspoken Muslim supporter of Israel, Loay explains why he believes Islam and Zionism are compatible, and why more Muslims must speak out against extremism. The conversation also explores the war with Iran, the future of the Abraham Accords, and why Loay remains optimistic about peace between Israel and the Arab world, while warning against the growing hostility towards Muslims within parts of the pro-Israel movement. Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 A Muslim’s Warning To Britain 02:17 The “Zionist Brotherhood” & British Extremism 05:20 The Muslim Brotherhood’s Caliphate Ambitions 09:00 What Britain Tolerates That The Gulf Won’t 11:08 Why Loay Calls Himself A Zionist 14:30 What The Quran Really Says About Jews 19:08 Why More Muslims Aren’t Speaking Out 23:47 Sunni Extremism, Iran & The IRGC 27:00 Why Loay Feels Less Safe In Britain 29:54 Iran, Israel & The Future Of The Middle East 38:11 Why Arab Leaders Struggle To Make Peace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    “I’m Afraid Of Britain’s Islamists” Moderate Muslim Calls Out Extremism

  2. Sep 17

    Islamists, progressives, far-right: who are the real heirs to Hitler?

    Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by historian Roger Moorhouse to ask what became of fascism after the Second World War, and whether its influence can still be seen in politics today. From Nazi influence in the Arab world and the rise of Islamism to Putin’s Russia and Donald Trump’s America, Roger explores which elements of fascism have survived and why the label itself may now be doing more harm than good. The conversation also turns to the populist right, political extremism and the attempts from both left and right to rewrite the legacy of Winston Churchill and the Second World War. Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 What Is Fascism? 02:26 How Fascism Became a Political Insult 06:10 Racism, Antisemitism & Nazi Germany 10:05 Humiliation: The Fuel of Fascism 16:08 Fascism’s Influence on the Arab World 20:51 Hitler, Al-Husseini & Political Islam 28:02 Is Putin’s Russia Becoming Fascist? 30:20 Trump & the Fascism Question 40:36 Erdoğan & the Problem with the “Fascist” Label 44:55 What Fascism Can Teach Us Today Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Islamists, progressives, far-right: who are the real heirs to Hitler?

  3. Sep 15

    From The KGB To Gaza: How Soviet Propaganda Survived

    Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Izabella Tabarovsky to explore how some of today’s most powerful accusations against Israel have their roots in Soviet propaganda. Izabella traces claims of genocide, apartheid, and “Zionism is racism” back to Soviet campaigns designed to portray Israel as racist, colonialist, and even Nazi. She explains how these ideas spread through academia, the UN, and the global left, surviving long after the Soviet Union itself collapsed. The conversation also examines the growing overlap between the far left and far right, and why the same conspiracy theories about Israel and Jewish power are increasingly appearing across both political extremes. A fascinating discussion about Soviet propaganda, antisemitism, and why the ideas of the Cold War are still shaping the debate around Israel today. Chapters 00:00 How Soviet Propaganda Targeted Israel 02:02 Where the “Genocide” Accusation Began 07:01 Why Stalin Turned Against Israel 12:12 How the Soviets Reinvented Anti-Semitism 16:51 The Far Right Roots of Soviet Anti-Zionism 22:39 Mahmoud Abbas & Soviet Propaganda 28:00 Where “Zionism Is Racism” Came From 33:41 How Soviet Propaganda Survived the USSR 36:48 Durban, 9/11 & the New Anti-Zionism 40:55 How the Far Right Adopted the Same Playbook Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    From The KGB To Gaza: How Soviet Propaganda Survived

  4. Sep 11

    The lies we believed about jihadism after 9/11

    In this episode of View from the Brink, Jake Wallis Simons reflects on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and asks how the West has become increasingly confused about the difference between its friends and its enemies. Jake traces the consequences of September 11th through Afghanistan, Iraq, and the rise of jihadism, arguing that while the West fought Islamist extremism abroad, its propagandists became increasingly effective at exploiting Western institutions, social media, and the progressive left. Turning to October 7th and Israel, Jake argues that the response to the Hamas attacks exposed the scale of this information war, with misinformation spreading rapidly while sympathy for Israel collapsed. Twenty-five years after 9/11, Jake argues that the West must recover the confidence to recognise its enemies, defend its allies, and resist the propaganda designed to turn it against itself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The lies we believed about jihadism after 9/11

  5. Sep 9

    Dan Hodges: Is this the slow end of Nigel Farage?

    In this episode of The Brink, Andrew is joined by political commentator Dan Hodges for a wide-ranging conversation about Labour’s sanctions against Israel, the growing crisis inside Reform UK and why he believes Nigel Farage’s grip on the party may be approaching its end. Hodges begins by examining the political calculation behind Andy Burnham’s approach to Israel. He argues that Labour is attempting to shore up its left flank against the Greens and pro-Palestinian challengers, and explains how pressure from activists, backbenchers and senior cabinet figures previously pushed Keir Starmer towards recognising a Palestinian state. The conversation then turns to Reform and the fallout from the protests in Dover and Portsmouth. Hodges argues that the emergence of Rupert Lowe and Restore has dragged Reform away from its strategy of professionalisation and towards an increasingly populist battle for its own base, while figures including Zia Yusuf and Robert Jenrick position themselves for what could eventually become a leadership contest. Hodges also discusses the mounting scrutiny of Reform’s finances and Nigel Farage’s response to it. He argues that attempts to portray journalists and parliamentary investigations as part of an establishment conspiracy resemble the playbooks of both Donald Trump and Jeremy Corbyn, and warns that Reform’s once formidable political “force field” is beginning to break down. Finally, Hodges makes a striking prediction: Reform may have a future, but Nigel Farage may not have one at its head. With Farage increasingly divisive among the wider electorate, he assesses the potential successors and explains why a future leadership contest could ultimately come down to Zia Yusuf and Robert Jenrick. Chapters 00:00 Introductions 02:19 The Politics Behind Miliband’s Israel Sanctions 07:26 Andy Burnham’s Political Strategy 13:42 Why Israel Is Losing The Propaganda War 19:56 The Dover Protests & Reform’s Response 22:23 Has Rupert Lowe Got Inside Farage’s Head? 25:08 Farage, Reform & The Populist Playbook 31:02 Why Dan Hodges Is Targeting Reform 38:34 What’s Really Going On With Reform’s Finances? 42:45 Can Farage Copy Trump’s Playbook? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Dan Hodges: Is this the slow end of Nigel Farage?

  6. Sep 8

    Dover Protests, Tucker Carlson, Nick Fuentes and Britain's Right – Daniel Finkelstein

    Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Lord Daniel Finkelstein for a wide-ranging conversation about the rise of populism, the far right, and the growing threat of political extremism across Britain, Europe, and the United States. Drawing on his own family's experience of Nazism and Stalinism, Finkelstein reflects on his confrontation with Nick Fuentes and the extraordinary antisemitic abuse that followed. He examines Tucker Carlson's role in bringing once-fringe ideas towards the mainstream, and why attacks on the historical understanding of the Second World War and the Holocaust have become increasingly important to parts of the American right. Turning to Europe, the conversation explores the dramatic rise of Germany's AfD and the role immigration has played in fuelling populist politics. Finkelstein argues that mass migration was a serious political mistake and that governments must regain control, while warning that demonising people who are already British citizens risks making integration harder and pushing politics towards ethno-nationalism. The discussion also turns to Reform UK, Restore, and the battle over the future of the British right. Finkelstein explains why he believes Nigel Farage has historically drawn an important line against the far right, criticises Matt Goodwin's rhetoric on migrants, and delivers a damning assessment of Robert Jenrick's defence of Reform activists after violence at the party's conference. Finally, they examine the growing tolerance of political violence on both the left and right, the appeal of Vladimir Putin to populist movements, and whether Britain's frustration with immigration, bureaucracy, and political institutions could drive the country further towards the extremes. Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:46 Confronting Nick Fuentes 07:44 Tucker Carlson & The New Right 15:51 The Rise Of Europe’s Populist Right 21:15 The Failure Of Mass Immigration 24:39 Matt Goodwin’s “Goat Herders” Comments 27:00 Immigration, Protest & Vigilantism 33:03 AfD, Reform & The Far Right 36:22 Farage, Reform & Ethno-Nationalism 39:29 Robert Jenrick & Political Violence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Dover Protests, Tucker Carlson, Nick Fuentes and Britain's Right – Daniel Finkelstein

  7. Sep 5

    Rock ‘n' Roll's disturbing hatred of Israel - David Draiman

    Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com In this episode of The Brink, Andrew is joined by David Draiman, frontman of Disturbed, for a deeply personal conversation about October 7th, antisemitism, Israel and why he has refused to remain silent despite the potential cost to his career. Drawing on his own experiences of antisemitism and his family's history, from grandparents who survived Auschwitz and Dachau to relatives who served in the IDF, Draiman explains why defending the Jewish people has always been central to his identity. He reflects on how October 7th transformed that fight and why the reaction that followed left him deeply concerned about the future of Jews in the West. Draiman also addresses one of the most controversial moments of his activism: writing “F*ck Hamas" on an Israeli artillery shell. He explains why he has no regrets, while also speaking candidly about Palestinian suffering, his hopes for coexistence, and his belief that Israelis and Palestinians ultimately deserve a future beyond perpetual war. Finally, Draiman reflects on the power of music after Disturbed's Hold On to Memories was played at the funeral of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, and on his friendship with Yarden Bibas. He explains why, whatever the professional consequences of speaking out, being able to act according to his conscience matters more than becoming "the next Metallica." Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapter 00:00 David Draiman On Speaking Up 02:58 Why October 7th Changed Everything 05:56 Growing Up With Anti-Semitism 09:27 How Jewish Identity Shaped Disturbed 16:16 Jews, Division & Survival 19:43 Hollywood, Music & Israel 25:49 Israel, Gaza & Legitimate Criticism 33:15 Fighting Back Against Anti-Israel Narratives 34:57 Why Celebrities Won’t Debate Him 40:57 “I Wrote F*** Hamas” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Rock ‘n' Roll's disturbing hatred of Israel - David Draiman

  8. Sep 1

    The Dysfunctional Department of War: Pentagon in Disarray Over Explosive Leaks

    Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com In this episode of View from The Brink, Andrew Fox examines a growing crisis inside the Pentagon, asking whether Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s drive for loyalty and ideological control is beginning to undermine the military effectiveness of the United States. Andrew examines Hegseth’s transformation of the Pentagon itself, from the removal of senior military leaders and interventions in promotion decisions to restrictions on the traditional press and the undisclosed government roles given to sympathetic online influencers. Andrew asks whether a culture intended to restore discipline and merit is instead making military officers increasingly reluctant to deliver unwelcome advice. Finally, Andrew makes the case that the readiness leak should be understood as a warning about the health of civilian-military relations. If senior officers believe professional objections are being ignored or punished, he argues, the greatest danger is not disobedience but a Pentagon in which uncomfortable truths can no longer travel safely upwards… Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    The Dysfunctional Department of War: Pentagon in Disarray Over Explosive Leaks
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About

Welcome to your much-needed antidote to centrist dad podcasts. Presented by Daily Telegraph columnist and foreign correspondent Jake Wallis Simons and former parachute regiment officer and geopolitical analyst Andrew Fox, The Brink brings their wealth of real-life experience to bear upon the most important topics of the day, from Israel to immigration, Ukraine to Islamism, asylum hotels to the rise of Reform UK. With a host of stellar guests and an emphasis on common sense, Jake and Andrew explore what it will take to bring the West back from the brink. A podcast from the edge of what’s coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    The Brink
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Brink
  • Show Website
    The Brink

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