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. New Year on The Brink: War, Lies, Power and the Collapse of Trust

    5 DAYS AGO

    New Year on The Brink: War, Lies, Power and the Collapse of Trust

    In this special end of year episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake look back on 2025, reflecting on the moments, conversations, and events that defined the year and shaped the world we are heading into in 2026. We revisit some of the standout interviews from the past twelve months, including conversations with Yoav Gallant, Yossi Cohen, Bari Weiss, Tom Holland, Neil Ferguson, and Nick Timothy. From Israeli intelligence and the war in Gaza to extremism in Britain, media failure, and the collapse of Western confidence, we discuss what these guests revealed about the moment we are living through. The conversation ranges across the year’s biggest themes, including leadership, war, antisemitism, media bias, protest movements, and the growing instability in the Middle East and the West. We also give our picks for moments of the year, figures of the year, and the decisions that left us shaking our heads. Finally, we look ahead to 2026. We discuss what gives us hope, what worries us most, and whether the West still has the moral and cultural foundations to recover from the crises it faces. This is a wide ranging and honest reflection on a turbulent year, and a look at what may lie ahead as the world stands once again on the brink. Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 – Looking Back on 2025 04:28 – Israel, War Leadership & October 7 06:07 – Extremism in Britain & Political Failure 09:47 – Immigration, Social Media & Cultural Fragmentation 11:57 – Gaza Protests & Progressive Radicalism 15:06 – Media, Antisemitism & the Trust Crisis 19:43 – Sh*t of the Year 25:17 – Man of the Year 31:13 – Woman of the Year 36:06 – Moment of the Year 39:27 – WTF of the Year: Strategic Blunders 44:04 – Laughter in a Dark Year 45:23 – Hopes, Fears & the World Heading into 2026 52:28 – Final Reflections & What Comes Next Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 2m
  2. Bernard-Henri Lévy - 'Trump Is Splitting The West and The Jihadis Know It!'

    22/12/2025

    Bernard-Henri Lévy - 'Trump Is Splitting The West and The Jihadis Know It!'

    In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by French philosopher, writer, and public intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy for a wide ranging conversation about the fate of the West, the wars in Ukraine and Israel, and the values now under threat across liberal democracies. Bernard explains why Ukraine and Israel are fighting the same battle against the same enemies, and why Russia, Iran, Hamas, and radical Islam belong to a single ideological axis. Drawing on years spent on the battlefield and reporting from war zones, he reflects on courage, sacrifice, and what it means for a nation to defend itself when its very existence is at stake. The discussion turns to the West itself, its Judeo Christian foundations, the crisis of patriotism, and the loss of historical memory that has left many societies unwilling to defend their own values. We explore the rise of radical Islam, the failures of multiculturalism, the dangers of moral relativism, and why Jews are often the first victims when civilisations lose confidence in themselves. Bernard also reflects on Donald Trump, the fragmentation of the West, and whether American and European values can survive the political turbulence of the coming years. This is a profound and searching conversation about history, faith, war, and the moral courage required to defend civilisation before it is too late. Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/trump-is-splitting-the-west-and-the?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 08:24 Trump's Support for Israel and Russia's Aggression 11:03 The West's Values and Trump's Impact 15:33 The Role of the West in Countering Radicalism 19:30 The West's Military Challenge and Israel's Resilience 25:04 The Struggle Against Radical Islam in France 38:23 The Role of Ideas and the Importance of Universal Values Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  3. Revealed: How British and European taxes fund Hamas

    18/12/2025

    Revealed: How British and European taxes fund Hamas

    In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by Anne Herzberg, Legal Adviser at NGO Monitor, to examine how international NGOs have become deeply entangled with Hamas in Gaza and how Western taxpayer money has been misused as a result. Anne walks us through explosive findings based on Hamas documents seized by the IDF, revealing how aid organisations were monitored, infiltrated, and manipulated through so called “guarantors.” We discuss how cash aid programmes were diverted, how humanitarian projects were shaped around Hamas’ military needs, and why many NGOs remained silent despite knowing what was happening on the ground. The conversation also exposes the role of Western governments, including the UK, and the failure of oversight within institutions like the UN and major charities. We explore the “halo effect” that shields NGOs from scrutiny, the use of lawfare and libel threats to silence journalists, and how propaganda claims around famine and genocide have had real world consequences, from ICC warrants to the prolonging of the war itself. This is a disturbing but essential conversation about aid, accountability, and how good intentions have been exploited by a terrorist organisation, with consequences that continue to shape the conflict today. Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/p/revealed-how-british-and-european?r=63dafp Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:25 Anne Hertzberg's Background and NGO Monitor's Mission 06:14 Influence of NGOs and Media Bias 11:43 Hamas' Control over NGOs in Gaza 24:38 Hamas' Civil Service and Military Interaction 32:00 Cash-Based Programs and Diversion of Aid 37:04 Meetings with Hamas and NGO Officials 43:55 NGOs' Complicity and Long-Term Consequences Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  4. Ed Husain: Is Islam compatible with the West?

    11/12/2025

    Ed Husain: Is Islam compatible with the West?

    In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by Ed Husain, author of The Islamist and Among the Mosques, to explore the roots of Islamist extremism, the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, and what has gone wrong inside parts of Britain’s Muslim community. Ed traces the movement’s origins from Hassan al-Banna and Sayyid Qutb through to modern-day Hamas, explaining how fascist ideas, humiliation after empire, and Western missteps helped shape today’s jihadist ideology. He reflects on his own journey out of radical politics, the role of mysticism and Sufi Islam in countering extremism, and why banning alone can’t solve the problem. The conversation widens to Britain today, from Islamist influence in mosques and the dangers of an official “Islamophobia” definition, to the country’s own moral crisis, where secularism and self-doubt have left a vacuum easily filled by extremism. Together, we ask whether the West can rediscover confidence in its own values while helping a new generation of Muslims find peace within faith, not war against it. This is one of our most far-reaching conversations yet about faith, identity, and how both Islam and the West might renew themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 46m
  5. ‘It’s activism masquerading as journalism’: Former Sky newsreader and director of BBC TV speak out

    04/12/2025

    ‘It’s activism masquerading as journalism’: Former Sky newsreader and director of BBC TV speak out

    In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by Colin Brazier, former Sky News presenter, and Danny Cohen, former Director of Television at the BBC, for an insider look at how Britain’s media lost its way. Drawing on decades inside Sky and the BBC, Colin and Danny explain how activism crept into journalism, how impartiality was replaced by ideology, and why both institutions now struggle with trust, bias, and credibility. From the BBC’s coverage of Israel and Gaza to Sky’s embrace of “woke” newsroom culture, they reveal the internal pressures and moral failures driving today’s media crisis. The conversation explores how younger journalists have brought activist politics into the newsroom, the decline of objectivity, and the collapse of impartial standards once taken for granted. We also discuss the future of broadcasting. From the rise of GB News and independent media to the growing influence of social platforms and algorithms that shape what the public sees. This is a rare, revealing, and deeply honest conversation about the state of British journalism and whether our media can ever win back the public’s trust. Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/its-activism-masquerading-as-journalism?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.

    35 min
  6. Now Europe Must Face Both Trump and Putin: War Correspondent’s First-Hand Take | David Patrikarakos

    27/11/2025

    Now Europe Must Face Both Trump and Putin: War Correspondent’s First-Hand Take | David Patrikarakos

    In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by David Patrikarakos, foreign correspondent and author of War in 140 Characters, for a gripping conversation on the end of the Pax Americana, the future of Ukraine, and the rise of a new global order. David explains why he argues that Putin’s invasion is not just about territory, but about rewriting the rules of the world order. From the fall of Bretton Woods to the decline of NATO, he lays out how the West’s complacency and moral fatigue have opened the door to a new era shaped by autocrats, propaganda, and drones. We also discuss Trump’s shifting stance on Ukraine, his strange admiration for Putin, and how America’s right is fracturing between pro-Israel conservatives and a new populist movement flirting with antisemitism and authoritarianism. David warns that the internet has unleashed a “death of truth,” where social media rewards lies, conspiracy, and outrage over reality. This is one of the most far-reaching episodes we’ve done. A discussion about war, technology, propaganda, and the collapse of old certainties as the world enters a dangerous new phase. Watch the full uncut episode here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/podcast Chapters 0:00 Introduction 03:52 David's Personal Connection to Ukraine 05:37 Trump's Negotiation Tactics and Putin's War Aims 10:33 The Role of NATO and the UK in the Conflict 13:03 The Threat of Russia and the Need for Rearmament 21:32 The Diffusion of Power and the Impact of Technology 26:19 The Future of Ukraine and the Role of Europe 34:11 Trump's Relationship with Putin and the Impact on US Politics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  7. Tory Defector Alan Mendoza: 'All I Care About Now Is A Reform Win'

    24/11/2025

    Tory Defector Alan Mendoza: 'All I Care About Now Is A Reform Win'

    In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Alan Mendoza, Executive Director of the Henry Jackson Society and newly appointed Chief Adviser on Global Affairs for Reform UK. Alan reflects on his political journey from lifelong Conservative to joining Reform, and why he believes Britain needs bold, radical change to confront the crises it faces at home and abroad. We talk about the decline of the Conservative Party, the rise of Reform UK, and whether uniting the right is possible or even desirable. Alan explains what drew him to Reform’s energy, its commitment to national renewal, and its determination to challenge political correctness, restore pride, and defend British values. The conversation ranges from Reform’s economic vision and its stance on immigration, to foreign policy, Ukraine, and the threat of Islamism in Britain. Alan also addresses criticisms of the party, from questions about Nigel Farage’s leadership to concerns over internal controversies and its relationship with Israel and the Jewish community. This is a wide-ranging and revealing discussion about politics, ideology, and the future of Britain’s right… Watch the full interview here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/tory-defector-alan-mendoza-all-i?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:55 Core Beliefs and Political Values 07:06 Transition to the Reform Party 17:07 Reform Party's Potential and Challenges 30:13 Reform Party's Economic Policies and Growth 38:46 Reform Party's Stance on Islamism and Anti-Semitism 46:25 Reform Party's Support for Israel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  8. Nick Timothy MP - We Must Stop The Islamist Takeover of Britain

    20/11/2025

    Nick Timothy MP - We Must Stop The Islamist Takeover of Britain

    In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Nick Timothy, Conservative MP and former Downing Street adviser, for a powerful conversation about extremism, free speech, and the cultural challenges reshaping Britain. We begin with the recent Aston Villa controversy, where Israeli fans were banned from attending a match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Nick explains what this decision reveals about fear, community breakdown, and the failures of policing. He argues that Islamist influence, weak institutions, and political timidity have allowed extremists to shape the public narrative, leaving both Muslim and Jewish Britons feeling abandoned. The discussion explores the risks of introducing an official definition of Islamophobia, the growing reach of the Muslim Brotherhood in British life, and how misplaced tolerance has eroded freedom of speech and social unity. Nick calls for a renewed national mission that restores moral confidence, protects liberty, and confronts extremism without losing sight of Britain’s core values. This is one of the most urgent and thought-provoking conversations yet on The Brink, offering a clear-eyed look at faith, fear, and the struggle to reclaim Britain’s identity. Watch full interview here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/nick-timothy-mp-we-must-stop-the?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:45 Nick Timothy's Background and Aston Villa 04:54 The Aston Villa Incident and Police Response 09:15 Palestinian Flags and Extremist Narratives 14:02 Nick Timothy's Confrontation at Aston Villa 18:46 Public Order Offences and Free Speech 22:35 The Islamophobia Definition and Its Implications 28:53 The Muslim Brotherhood 34:29 The Role of State Institutions and the Future of British Society Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
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Trailer

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
    2K
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Brink
  • Show Website
    The Brink

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