The Trawl

Jemma Forte & Marina Purkiss

The Trawl is the podcast that dives headfirst into the political chaos, media spin, and social media absurdity of the week - so you don’t have to. Hosted by broadcasters and political commentators, Jemma Forte and Marina Purkiss, it’s part therapy, part takedown, and always unfiltered. Each episode, Jemma and Marina trawl through the week’s most viral tweets, jaw-dropping headlines, and rage-inducing soundbites - offering sharp analysis, dark humour, and the occasional expletive. From Westminster to world affairs, they call out hypocrisy, amplify truth, and remind you that you’re not losing your mind - just living through it. If you’ve ever shouted at the news or laughed through the tears, The Trawl is your people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 3h ago

    UFC White House, Tragic Trillionaire and The Art of The Deal 😏

    Marina and Jemma try to wrap their heads around the arrival of the world's first trillionaire. Just how much money is a trillion dollars, and what does it say about modern society that one man can accumulate that level of wealth while millions struggle? They also dive into Gwyneth Paltrow's eyebrow-raising appearance in a luxury Israeli property campaign, Trump's increasingly bizarre White House UFC extravaganza, and the jaw-dropping comments aimed at Michelle Obama during the event. Plus, the pair unpack Trump's latest Iran deal, ask whether the self-proclaimed master negotiator has managed to outdo himself in spectacular fashion, and take a look at some of the more surreal moments emerging from the World Cup. Expect outrage, disbelief, dark humour and plenty of "for f's sake" moments along the way. Get your tickets for The Trawl Live from https://thetrawl.tix.to/tickets Thank you for sharing and please do follow us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast   Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast   Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl   Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  2. 15h ago

    The Belfast Pogroms & the People Excusing Them

    Marina and Jemma have been away for a short break, unfortunately Britain hasn't exactly held itself together while they've been away. In this Trawl, they tackle the racist violence that erupted in Belfast, why calling it a "riot" doesn't come close to describing what happened, and the politicians, pundits and social media moguls helping to fan the flames. They look at the shocking media takes that followed, from attempts to justify the attacks to outright denial of what was unfolding in plain sight. Plus, why are anti-genocide protesters and Palestine Action activists facing tougher consequences than some of the people terrorising families in their homes? There's also a tribute to the late David Hockney, whose life and work brought colour to millions, a roundup of the week's most jaw-dropping commentary, and a healthy serving of underrateds and pudding. It's a heavy one. But some weeks demand it. Get your tickets for The Trawl Live from https://thetrawl.tix.to/tickets Thank you for sharing and please do follow us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast   Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast   Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl   Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  3. 6d ago

    Ivanka's Island, Trump's Pool & a Very Angry Albania

    Marina and Jemma dive into Trump's increasingly chaotic behaviour, the World Cup visa fiasco, and the extraordinary protests sweeping Albania, where thousands are taking on billionaire land grabs in what protesters are calling the Flamingo Revolution. Meanwhile, Trump is sleeping through basketball games, storming out of interviews and comparing the size of his beloved reflecting pool to skyscrapers.  Along the way, there's a brilliant masterclass in debating misogyny from Dean Withers, a reminder that billionaires still wanting more might be one of humanity's great unsolved mysteries, and a pudding courtesy of the late, great Steve Irwin that restores a little faith in what real strength looks like. From vanity projects and billionaire entitlement to people finally pushing back, this week's Trawl asks a simple question: why are we letting these people have everything? Get your tickets for The Trawl Live from https://thetrawl.tix.to/tickets Thank you for sharing and please do follow us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast   Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast   Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl   Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  4. Jun 9

    Question Time Carnage, Vance Comes for Britain & Pride Fights Back

    In this episode Jemma and Marina are trawling through a week so full of weapons-grade stupidity they barely know where to start. But first first, they take the opportunity to say Happy Pride Month, Trawlers.  Comedian James Barr absolutely dismantles conservative commentator Michael Knowles live on Piers Morgan Uncensored, and it is glorious. Reform's candidate for Makerfield, Robert Kenyon, somehow survives Question Time despite his brain leaving the building. The audience's contempt was, frankly, delicious. Then JD Vance wades into British politics with a tweet so pernicious and so factually wrong that even David Lammy lands a few good punches in response. Plus: Reform weaponising the prostate cancer screening announcement, the press's very selective outrage, why "I was raised by my mum" is not the defence against sexism Rob Kenyon thinks it is, Durham Pride getting a beautiful solidarity-fuelled upgrade, and the horrifying stat that puts the whole week in perspective. Furious? You should be. But at least you're furious with friends. Get your tickets for The Trawl Live from https://thetrawl.tix.to/tickets Thank you for sharing and please do follow us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast   Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast   Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl   Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  5. Jun 4

    The Cost of Being Young, Job Hunting & Katie Price

    Marina and Jemma dive into the growing crisis facing young people in Britain. With more than a million young people now classed as NEETs (not in education, employment or training), they explore why finding work has become so difficult, why endless application processes are leaving candidates exhausted and demoralised, and why many feel the social contract has broken down completely. Featuring clips from across social media and the political landscape, they discuss everything from impossible job requirements and AI-driven recruitment to housing costs, stagnant wages and the growing sense that younger generations are being asked to work harder for less. They also examine what countries like the Netherlands are doing differently, whether politicians are finally waking up to the scale of the problem, and why an entire generation increasingly feels locked out of the future. Plus: a brief detour into the never-ending Katie Price saga, an unexpectedly profound discussion about social media and loneliness, and a pudding that perfectly captures the absurdity of today's jobs market. Get your tickets for The Trawl Live from https://thetrawl.tix.to/tickets Thank you for sharing and please do follow us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast   Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast   Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl   Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  6. Jun 3

    Farage Crawls Out, Riots Break Out & Bartlett's Three Glasses of Wine

    Marina and Jemma kick things off with a spirited takedown of "optimisation culture" - sparked by a viral clip of Diary of a CEO's Stephen Bartlett dramatically declaring that three glasses of wine ruined his life (his Whoop watch told him so). Marina and Jemma are not having it. Yes, sleep matters, yes, balance is key - but why are we KPI-ing ourselves into misery? As Marina puts it: you don't need to arrive in your coffin in pristine condition FFS.  Then things get darker. Marina and Jemma turn to the heartbreaking and senseless murder of Henry Nowak in Southampton and the utterly vile opportunism that followed - Nigel Farage crawling out from under his rock (after missing 77 consecutive parliamentary votes, by the way) to tell people to feel "cold rage," while Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson piled on. The family asked for unity. These people chose riots.  There's also the ongoing Reform chaos, including a truly painful interview with would-be MP Robert Kenyon, whose main defence for not understanding maternity policy is essentially "it doesn't affect me." Checks out. They close on some much-needed lightness: a Springsteen lyric that will ruin a song for you forever, a brilliant man absolutely flooring a misogynist in debate, and a stunning Emmy speech from journalist Josh Rushing that, just about, restores your faith in humanity. Three glasses of wine optional... Get your tickets for The Trawl Live from https://thetrawl.tix.to/tickets Thank you for sharing and please do follow us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
  7. May 28

    Blair & Murrell : Chopsticks, Kettles & Net Zero

    Marina and Jemma wade into the internet frenzy surrounding Donald Trump’s extremely strange White House pillar moment, the increasingly odd questions around his health, and why he apparently skipped his own son’s wedding. Then it’s over to Scotland, where the pair unpack Peter Murrell’s extraordinary £400k spending spree involving luxury pens, kettles, chopsticks and enough bizarre purchases to accidentally turn the episode into a very disturbing edition of The Generation Game. Plus: Tony Blair pops up to tell everyone to calm down about net zero, Marina prepares to battle Reform on Jeremy Vine, and Gavin Williamson mourns his tarantula in what may be the most baffling BBC headline ever written. There are also live show updates, climate facts, sensory play chat absolutely nobody asked for, and a growing concern that Marina may know far too much about niche fetishes. Get your tickets for The Trawl Live from https://thetrawl.tix.to/tickets Thank you for sharing and please do follow us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  8. May 28

    Heatwave Britain & Reform's Sexist Summer

    In this Trawl, Marina and Jemma survive Britain’s latest heatwave, the London Underground sauna experience, and yet another deeply questionable Reform candidate. They dive into the climate conversation nobody seems to want to have anymore and discuss whether “doom fatigue” has pushed climate change down the political agenda. Plus: the latest Reform UK chaos, misogynistic comments from would-be politicians, councillors wildly out of their depth, and why Parliament perhaps shouldn’t resemble an open-mic night for angry Facebook commenters. Elsewhere there’s Jane McDonald, holiday romance confessions, furious ranting, sweaty train journeys, parallel parking bragging rights, and one of the greatest misunderstood song lyrics of all time. Cool yourselves down. This one gets fiery. Thank you for sharing and please do follow us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast   Patreon https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast   Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl   Twitter https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including: • Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on • Early access to The Trawl Meets… • Glorious ad-free episodes Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat. And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone. Come join the fun: https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
4.4
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

The Trawl is the podcast that dives headfirst into the political chaos, media spin, and social media absurdity of the week - so you don’t have to. Hosted by broadcasters and political commentators, Jemma Forte and Marina Purkiss, it’s part therapy, part takedown, and always unfiltered. Each episode, Jemma and Marina trawl through the week’s most viral tweets, jaw-dropping headlines, and rage-inducing soundbites - offering sharp analysis, dark humour, and the occasional expletive. From Westminster to world affairs, they call out hypocrisy, amplify truth, and remind you that you’re not losing your mind - just living through it. If you’ve ever shouted at the news or laughed through the tears, The Trawl is your people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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