The Brink

The Brink
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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. “We’ve Got to Fight Back” | Katharine Birbalsingh Sounds the Alarms

    5 DAYS AGO

    “We’ve Got to Fight Back” | Katharine Birbalsingh Sounds the Alarms

    Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/weve-got-to-fight-back-katharine?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Katharine Birbalsingh to discuss education, culture and the pressing crisis facing young people today. Their conversation begins with a fundamental question: what is education truly for? She warns that many in the West underestimate the profound impact schools and wider culture have on younger generations’ attitudes and behaviours. The discussion then shifts to the modern classroom. We explore how schools have become battlegrounds for broader cultural debates, influenced by political activism, ideological sway and evolving curricula. Birbalsingh contends that a shift away from discipline, tradition and moral clarity is having serious consequences for academic standards, behaviour, mental health and social cohesion. From the influence of smartphones and social media to the decline of parental authority and the rise of online radicalisation, it examines why many young people feel anxious, confused and increasingly detached. Birbalsingh stresses that without strong guidance from schools and families, children are vulnerable to harmful influences. Finally, the conversation expands to some of Britain’s most contentious issues, including identity, gender, anti-Semitism and integration. Drawing on her experience leading one of the country’s most talked-about schools, Birbalsingh offers a stark warning: unless parents and society take decisive action, these issues will continue to fester. Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  2. Can The West Survive Its Own Tolerance? (And can Keir Starmer survive at all?) With Daniel Hannan

    23 APR

    Can The West Survive Its Own Tolerance? (And can Keir Starmer survive at all?) With Daniel Hannan

    In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Daniel Hannan for a wide-ranging conversation on freedom, identity, and the political challenges facing Britain today. The discussion begins with a debate around freedom of worship and the place of Islam in a liberal society. We explore how questions of integration, national security, and cultural confidence are increasingly colliding in modern Britain. The conversation then turns to the deeper causes behind social division. From economic stagnation to a loss of national identity, we examine why trust in institutions has eroded and how this creates fertile ground for both extremism and political fragmentation. We also discuss the state of British politics under Keir Starmer, with a sharp critique of what Hannan describes as managerial leadership and a lack of clear direction. Finally, the conversation widens to the global stage. We examine the impact of Donald Trump on Western alliances, the growing threat posed by Iran, and the risk of nuclear proliferation in an increasingly unstable world. Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/can-the-west-survive-its-own-tolerance?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:52 Challenges of Integration and National Security 08:40 Historical Parallels and Integration Efforts 18:48 Economic and Social Factors Influencing Extremism 26:29 Keir Starmer's Leadership and Management Style 30:58 The Impact of Trump on Global Conservatism 43:12 The Role of the US in British Foreign Policy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  3. ‘Hezbollah is the enemy of humanity’ | Lebanese expert Makram Rabah

    14 APR

    ‘Hezbollah is the enemy of humanity’ | Lebanese expert Makram Rabah

    In this episode of The Brink, Andrew is joined by Lebanese historian and political analyst Makram Rabah for a deep dive into Hezbollah, Iran’s regional influence, and the fragile state of Lebanon. The conversation explores how Hezbollah has evolved from a militant group into a dominant political and military force within Lebanon, and what that means for the country’s sovereignty. Rabah explains how Hezbollah operates not just as a proxy of Iran, but as a parallel state, shaping institutions, security, and everyday life. We examine the wider regional picture, from Iran’s strategic ambitions to the role of proxy warfare across the Middle East. Rabah argues that Lebanon has effectively become a frontline in a much larger geopolitical struggle, with consequences that extend far beyond its borders. The discussion also turns to the internal collapse of Lebanon itself. From economic breakdown to political paralysis, Rabah outlines how corruption, sectarianism, and external influence have hollowed out the state, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the cost. Finally, we ask what comes next. Is there a path back to sovereignty for Lebanon, or has the balance of power shifted too far? And what does this mean for Israel, the wider region, and the future of Western policy in the Middle East? A sharp and sobering conversation on power, proxy conflict, and the realities shaping the modern Middle East. Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/hezbollah-is-the-enemy-of-humanity?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  4. Who’s the real winner? Air Marshal Edward Stringer on Iran, NATO & Western Decline

    8 APR

    Who’s the real winner? Air Marshal Edward Stringer on Iran, NATO & Western Decline

    Watch the full and ad-free interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/whos-the-real-winner-air-marshal?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Air Marshall Edward Stringer, for a timely and wide-ranging conversation on Iran, NATO, and the future of Western power. We explore the question at the heart of today’s conflicts: who is actually winning? Against the backdrop of rising tensions with Iran and a shifting global order, Stringer challenges the idea that military strikes alone can deliver lasting outcomes, arguing that without a clear political end state, even successful operations risk achieving very little. The discussion looks at the limits of air power and modern warfare, and why technological superiority is no substitute for coherent strategy. Stringer explains how interventions can shape events in the short term, but cannot create stability on their own, raising serious questions about recent Western actions in the Middle East. We also examine the state of NATO and Western defence more broadly. Stringer warns that capabilities have declined significantly, with the UK and its allies falling behind in readiness and resilience, even as threats become more immediate and complex. Finally, the conversation turns to the bigger picture. From Iran and global energy security to the role of allies and so-called middle powers, this episode asks whether the West is entering a period of strategic drift and what it would take to reverse that trajectory. A clear-eyed and thought-provoking discussion on war, power, and the future of the West. Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:36 Stringer’s Military Background & Experience 05:04 The Libya Campaign Explained 07:51 Libya: Did Air Power Really Work? 09:00 Why You Can’t “Bomb Your Way To Victory” 15:39 Iran Today: What Does “Success” Look Like? 19:26 Was War With Iran Inevitable? 20:16 Can Air Power Ever Deliver Regime Change? 25:51 Trump’s War Rhetoric & Its Consequences 28:07 Social Media, War & Political Messaging 31:21 The Problem With US Global Leadership 35:49 Has The US Always Controlled NATO? 38:07 Europe’s Military Weakness Explained 40:31 Will Things “Go Back To Normal” After Trump? 41:57 A Fundamental Shift In Global Power 43:26 Has The UK Fallen Behind On Defence? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  5. Why do feminists have a problem with Jews? | Zoe Strimpel

    2 APR

    Why do feminists have a problem with Jews? | Zoe Strimpel

    In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake discuss modern feminism, anti-Semitism, and the contradictions in contemporary culture with journalist and academic Zoe Strimpel. Strimpel shares her shocking experience visiting an anti-Semitic art exhibit in Margate, describing the disturbing imagery and rhetoric. She challenges the artist, raising questions about political expression, hate, institutions, and the normalisation of extreme ideas. The conversation explores how modern feminist movements have evolved and sometimes lost sight of their original aims. Strimpel argues that while feminism has made gains, its contemporary form is entangled with identity politics, victimhood narratives, and ideologies that undermine individual agency and social cohesion. The episode examines how these ideas intersect with attitudes towards Israel, the West, and liberal democracy. A central theme is the paradox of modern progressive movements: how feminist strands that claim to champion women’s rights can align with ideologies and regimes that oppose them. Strimpel traces a recurring pattern of anti-Semitism within feminist spaces, arguing that this is not new but increasingly visible. The conversation explores deeper cultural questions, such as the decline of family formation, changing attitudes to relationships and sexuality, and whether modern societies can sustain long-term fulfilment. Strimpel challenges assumptions about power, freedom, and gender, arguing that Western liberalism, despite its flaws, remains the most successful framework for human flourishing, especially for women. Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/why-do-feminists-have-a-problem-with?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:59 Inside the Gallery: “This Was Next Level” 05:21 Nazi Imagery and Blood Libels 07:46 Confronting the Artist and Crowd Intimidation 10:41 Calling the Police and Institutional Failure 13:37 Civil Society Complicity and Cultural Silence 17:55 Why Progressive Women Support Hamas 20:42 Feminism and Jihadism: An Impossible Alliance 21:06 The History of Anti-Semitism in Feminism 23:24 Class, Elites and Anti-Jewish Sentiment 24:17 Why Moral Clarity on Israel Is Rejected 25:00 Identity Politics and the Corruption of Feminism 27:46 Cognitive Dissonance in Western Activism 28:28 The “Problem With Women” in Modern Politics 31:54 Victimhood Culture and Feminist Identity 33:01 Hypocrisy in Modern Feminism 36:55 The Backlash to Good Slut 37:56 Bonnie Blue and the Limits of Liberal Society 40:07 Sexual Freedom vs Social Collapse 41:40 Family, Community and the Future of Society Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  6. ‘What would Thatcher do?’ Iran, Islam, Trump and Reform with Charles Moore

    30 MAR

    ‘What would Thatcher do?’ Iran, Islam, Trump and Reform with Charles Moore

    Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/what-would-thatcher-do-iran-islam?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Charles Moore, former editor of The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator, and the definitive biographer of Margaret Thatcher, to examine a West in crisis. With geopolitical tensions rising, the transatlantic alliance under strain, and Britain facing deep internal divisions, Moore offers a sweeping diagnosis of where things have gone wrong and what might come next. The conversation begins with one of the most difficult and urgent questions facing Europe today: how Islam fits within Western societies. Moore reflects on decades of thought on the subject, arguing that the challenge is not simply demographic, but philosophical, rooted in unresolved tensions between religion, state, and pluralism. From integration and extremism to the failures of government policy, he lays out why current approaches may be empowering the wrong voices. We then turn to British politics, where the collapse of trust in the main parties has given rise to insurgent movements on both left and right. Moore explains why this fragmentation is both understandable and dangerous, and why populist parties often diagnose problems better than they solve them. The discussion also explores the weakening of the transatlantic relationship in the age of Trump, the rise of ideological extremes in American politics, and the growing confusion in the information age, where truth, propaganda, and narrative increasingly blur together. This is a wide-ranging and deeply thought-provoking conversation about identity, leadership, and the future of the West. Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Why the Public No Longer Believes the Establishment 03:58 The Rise of Ideology Over Evidence 06:12 How Elite Institutions Became Politicised 08:47 The Media’s Role in Shaping Public Narrative 11:05 Truth vs Narrative: What Changed? 13:26 Social Media, Censorship and Information Control 15:52 The Expert Class and the Illusion of Authority 18:34 Covid, Groupthink and Institutional Failure 21:06 The Incentives That Drive Bad Decisions 23:41 Why Dissent Is Shut Down 26:12 Identity Politics and Institutional Capture 29:05 How Bureaucracies Protect Themselves 32:18 Political Leadership and Failure of Accountability 35:44 The Consequences for Democracy 39:12 Immigration, Culture and Social Fragmentation 42:36 Economic Stagnation and Policy Failure 46:18 Britain vs the United States: A Growing Divide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  7. “You Can’t Even Debate This” UK’s Islamism Problem, with former ambassador to Saudi Sir John Jenkins

    26 MAR

    “You Can’t Even Debate This” UK’s Islamism Problem, with former ambassador to Saudi Sir John Jenkins

    Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/you-cant-even-debate-this-uks-islamism?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by former British diplomat and intelligence expert John Jenkins for a deep dive into the influence of Islamism, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the growing challenges facing Britain and the West. The conversation begins with the controversy surrounding public religious displays in Britain, and whether questions around cultural dominance and the use of public space can still be debated openly. Jenkins argues that these are legitimate issues, but increasingly difficult to discuss without accusations shutting down the conversation. Drawing on his 2015 government review, he explains how Islamism differs from Islam, and why movements like the Muslim Brotherhood present a long-term ideological challenge to Western liberal democracies. The discussion explores how these ideas operate not just politically, but through social networks, charities, universities, and community structures. The episode also examines the concept of “creeping influence” within public life, from changing social norms to the role of identity and integration in Britain. Jenkins stresses that the problem is not simple or singular, but part of a broader ideological ecosystem that interacts with wider cultural and economic factors. Turning to foreign policy, the conversation shifts to Iran, with Jenkins arguing that Western governments have consistently misunderstood the nature of the regime. He critiques decades of policy shaped by wishful thinking, warning that Iran operates as a revolutionary state with global ambitions and deep links to militant networks. Finally, the discussion focuses on what Britain should do next. Jenkins outlines a clear approach: restore open debate, follow the money behind extremist networks, rebuild institutional expertise, and confront subversive activity before it escalates into violence. A wide-ranging and provocative conversation about ideology, security, and the future of the West. Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:49 Who Is Sir John Jenkins? Background and Experience 03:26 Is Public Religious Display a Political Signal? 05:21 Why Islamism Challenges Western Liberal Democracy 07:48 Islam as Religion vs Islamism as Political System 08:59 Can Islam Be Compatible With Western Democracy? 12:01 Islamism as a Totalising Ideology 14:41 The Muslim Brotherhood’s Long-Term Strategy 17:33 Why Debate on Islamism Is Being Shut Down 18:50 Social Media, Intimidation and Closed Debate 19:34 Universities, DEI and Ideological Monoculture 21:33 The Muslim Brotherhood as a Global Network 24:20 Follow the Money: Financing Islamist Movements 27:52 Integration, Identity and Segregation in Britain 30:17 Economic Growth vs Cultural Fragmentation 31:04 Mosques, Preaching and Inflammatory Rhetoric 33:03 The Rise of a Global Muslim Identity 34:40 Iran Strategy: Where the West Got It Wrong 36:45 The Nuclear Deal, Wishful Thinking and Reality 40:41 Foreign Office Failures and Loss of Expertise 42:29 Is Iran a Revolutionary State and Active Threat? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  8. Lionel Shriver: Sectarian Muslim voting is changing our country

    19 MAR

    Lionel Shriver: Sectarian Muslim voting is changing our country

    In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Lionel Shriver for a wide-ranging conversation anchored in the results of the Gorton and Denton by-election and what they reveal about the changing political landscape in Britain. Using the by-election as a starting point, we explore how immigration, identity politics, and cultural division are reshaping British politics. Lionel reflects on the growing disconnect between political elites and the public, and why questions around national identity, integration, and social cohesion are increasingly dominating the political conversation. The discussion also turns to the wider cultural climate in the West. We examine the pressures shaping public debate, the influence of identity politics in media and institutions, and why many writers and public figures now feel constrained in what they can say openly. Lionel explains why she believes a culture of self-censorship has taken hold and how this affects journalism, literature, and democratic discourse. Finally, we ask what the future holds for Western societies as these tensions deepen. Are we witnessing a political realignment driven by cultural issues, and what does that mean for the stability of democratic institutions? This is a candid and thought-provoking conversation about politics, culture, and the forces now reshaping Britain and the wider West. Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/sectarian-muslim-voting-is-changing?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:22 Reaction to the Gorton & Denton By-Election 05:37 Immigration, Demographics and Political Power 07:08 Tribal Voting and the Breakdown of Assimilation 08:16 Identity Politics and the Green Party Alliance 10:18 Israel, Palestine and Progressive Politics 10:58 Who Is Manipulating Whom? Greens vs Muslim Voters 12:32 The Muslim Brotherhood and Political Strategy 15:22 Is Islam Compatible With Liberal Democracy? 18:38 Historical Parallels: Lessons from the Iranian Revolution 20:15 Lionel Shriver’s Novel A Better Life and Immigration 24:20 Borders, Nationhood and the Ideological Divide 26:32 Immigration as “Home Invasion” — The Novel’s Metaphor 27:26 Old Immigration vs Modern Immigration 31:14 Choosing the Right Immigration Policy 36:23 Disorder, Gang Culture and Failed Integration 37:12 Meet the Characters: Gloria and Progressive Compassion 39:16 Nico and the Collapse of the Work Ethic 43:41 Domingo, Masculinity and Cultural Conflict 48:29 The Decline of Western Work Ethic 51:03 Is There a Sensible Middle Ground on Immigration? 54:40 The Crisis of Western Identity 56:13 Civilisations in Decline and Cultural Self-Hatred 59:19 Complacency, Fragility and the Future of the West Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 2min
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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
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Brink
  • Show Website
    The Brink

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