What's Occurring?
By Tom Horn
Tom brings you everything you need to know, every week from right at the heart of the action.
What's Occurring?Feb 26, 2024
Making Politics Safer with the Jo Cox Foundation
With chaos in parliament, a vicious by-election underway and a general election coming up, becoming a politician seems a dangerous choice.
Today Su Moore, CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation, returns to the podcast to discuss the ways we can make politics safer, how threats are driving people out of politics, and the charity's latest report on this subject.
You can read the report here.
Ben Bradshaw MP on Getting Ready for Government
This week Tom's joined by former cabinet minister and Labour MP for Exeter Ben Bradshaw.
We talk about life as an MP and how he's helping Labour's shadow ministers get ready for government, as well as what's changed in his decades in politics, and why it's right for older MPs to stand down and make way for younger ones.
It's a really thoughtful conversation about the current state of British politics and how we got here.
The Sessions: Why Has Politics Become so Nasty?
Why has politics become so nasty?
In the last 7 years 2 MPs have been murdered, and politicians at every level are facing death threats, abuse, and violence 7 days a week.
Today Tom's joined by Su Moore, CEO of the Jo Cox Foundation, a charity seeking to break down barriers in communities and make politics much kinder.
They talk about how we can all help make politics more effective, what we're missing out on by having such fraught system, and the shocking reality of being a politician at any level in 2023.
The Sessions: The Man Who Jumped From a Burning Plane and Lived
Introducing the first in our new mini-series The Sessions, where we discuss deeper topics and explore extraordinary stories away from the news.
Jamie Hull was given a 5% chance of living after he jumped from the wing a plane.
It took him over 60 surgeries and 2 years in hospital to recover, but Jamie's pulled through and has continued his adventurous lifestyle as a scuba diving instructor and extreme sports enthusiast.
We discuss how the accident happened, how Jamie survived, and what he's taken from the experience. It's an extraordinary story of resilience and hope.
You can buy Jamie's book Life on a Thread here.
Summer 2023: A Guide
It's the end of the series so we're taking a step away from the news for an end of term special!
Today, we're talking all things sport and music with two people who really know their stuff: Banquet Beats presenter Florrie Ward, and sports journalist Theo Genc.
We review Glastonbury, look at the artists you should be listening to this summer, as well as discussing how this year's summer of sport is shaping up.
Does British Farming Have a Future?
British farmers are facing a crisis.
Costs are going up, there's lots of uncertainty, and many farmers are suffering from poor mental health. But, the industry is continuing to battle its problems and a new generation of farmers are trying to overcome them through innovation and plenty of optimism.
Today we're joined by one of them-Joe Bramall, a National Farmers Union (NFU) ambassador to discuss the major issues facing farming, and what the sector's prospects are for the future.
Are the Tories Done For?
Is this it for the Tories? Not just at the general election, but for good.
A new report for think tank Onward shows that a majority of 25-40 year olds think the Conservatives deserve to lose the next election, and that people aren't becoming more conservative as they get older any more.
So what can the Conservatives do to save themselves, both before the next election and over the next generation? Tom speaks to the co-author of the report, Head of Politics and Polling at Onward James Blagden.
Is a Green Wave Coming? with Zack Polanski
Today we're sitting down for a wide ranging chat with Zack Polanski, Deputy Leader of the Green Party.
After some great local election results the Greens look set to do well at next year's general election, but what do they believe in aside from promoting environmental issues? We talk about housing, social justice, and why the Greens would be inviting Just Stop Oil protestors to Downing Street.
Also, we're giving away some copies of Alastair Campbell's new book, listen for what you have to do to get your hands on one.
Insta: @whatsoccurringpod
Twitter: @tomhorntweets
Fixing Politics with Alastair Campbell
Podcaster, mental health campaigner, and Tony Blair's former spin doctor Alastair Campbell is on the pod!
We talk about his new book on why politics is broken, as well as why young people may be the ones to save it. We also discuss the invasion of Iraq, whether people who voted for Brexit are 'thick', and if getting angry at people helps the cause.
Alastair is one of the most straight-talking but thoughtful figures in politics at the moment, and his book really highlights the issues there are in British politics-it's worth listening to this one.
You can buy 'But What Can I Do?' here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/but-what-can-i-do/alastair-campbell/9781529153330
The People's Coronation
As the dust settles on Coronation weekend we're looking back on two historic days, with clips and interviews live from the events in London and Windsor as they unfolded.
We've all seen the crowning and processions by now, but what did the crowds think of the events as they were happening? This is what it was really like watching the coronation take place on the ground.
Ukraine: What Next? with Sir Lawrence Freedman
What's going on in Ukraine? Supplies are running low, and casualties are running high-it's estimated over 350,000 people have died on both sides since the war began.
Today Tom is joined by Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at Kings College London to discuss what's happening in Ukraine, whether the war's slipping into a stalemate, and how the war may end.
You can read his Substack on the current situation here: https://samf.substack.com/p/time-for-ukraines-offensive
A Tale of Two Arrests
Is Boris a Liar?
Is Boris Johnson a liar? He's been grilled by MPs this week about parties in Downing Street and whether he told the truth about them. If he's found to have lied, he could be thrown out of parliament.
Tom's in Westminster to sum up what's been said, and what happens next.
Follow us: IG: @whatsoccurringpod Twitter: @tomhorntweets
Music: Bensound.com
The Budget as it Happened
New year, new series and we're back at the heart of the action.
Tom's in Westminster on Budget day, explaining what's been announced and why it matters.
He also speaks to Alan Soady from the Federation for Small Businesses, and Itai, General Manager for the Hole in the Wall pub to get their reaction.
Diary of the End of a Prime Minister
On Thursday afternoon, Liz Truss resigned. We hear Tom's diary of events as he dashes to Westminster to report on the situation.
PLUS: All the latest on who could replace her. Yes, it could be Boris.
In Case You Missed It
Tom and Evan chat through all the stories you may have missed after weeks of non-stop news.
They talk about the bombings in Ukraine and what the destruction of a key Russian bridge could mean for the war, the possibility of blackouts this winter, whether Scottish independence is closer than ever, and Liverpool is hosting Eurovision!
Climate Change with the Met Office
Tom chats to James, a meteorologist from the Met Office about how climate change is impacting Britain, what impact we could see in the future, and what changes should be made to mitigate its impact.
PLUS: Tom and Amelia discuss another turbulent week for Liz Truss and the British economy, and whether anyone should be telling the new king what to do.
Money, money, money
Tom and Astrid chat about the government's mini budget, why it's caused a mini-economic crisis, and what it means for ordinary people's lives.
PLUS: How weak is Liz Truss and is Keir Starmer (finally) looking like a Prime Minister to be?
The Funeral
There's no normal episode this week so instead Tom brings you an update from Windsor Castle on the day of Queen Elizabeth's funeral.
We also hear from Sharon, a veteran, on what the Queen meant to her, and we hear Tom's final report of the day, summarising a moment in history.
The podcast returns to normal next Tuesday!
Music: Bensound.com
Weeks When Decades Happen
In a truly historic week Tom and Izzy discuss what's happened, and what's next.
We talk about the legacy of the Queen, the events of the coming week, the atmosphere in London, and what the reign of King Charles III could look like.
Also, with the monarch and Prime Minister changing in the same week, how will the country react?
Plus, the resurgence of Ukraine and the murder of Chris Kaba.
The View from the Palace
A few days after the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Tom visits Buckingham Palace and describes the atmosphere and what he saw.
We'll be back tomorrow for a full episode looking at the legacy of the Queen, and the reign of the new King.
Prime. Minister. Liz. Truss.
We’re back and there’s a new Prime Minister in town. Tom and Bella discuss Liz Truss, what’s ahead for her, Boris Johnson’s legacy, and what happens to Rishi Sunk.
The cost of living is also rising, so we chat about what’s ahead this winter and how to keep your bills down.
Plus, the death of Gorbachev, the Hundred cricket, and our predictions for the next few months.
Music: bensound.com
2021 Awards!
Tom, Cayden and Rob review the year, give out their awards for the best/worst moments of 2021 and make some predictions for 2022.
Ending with Joe Clark
It's the final episode of the series!
Joe Clark is my final co-host, we chat about the final evacuations in Afghanistan, Paralympic glory, the return of ABBA and the story behind why this weeks episode is so late...
Thanks so much to everyone for listening, keep an eye on your feeds for series 2!
Email: Whatsoccurringpod@gmail.com
Insta: whatsoccurringpod
Music: Bensound.com
Zooming with Jackie Weaver
This week we're joined by the viral legend Jackie Weaver for a chat about life since her rise to fame, whether she's a feminist icon and her nails!
Jackie is always great fun so it was awesome to speak to her again!
PLUS: Chloe joins me for a chat about the latest news including Afghanistan, the Paralympics and shortages at McDonalds.
Instagram: @whatsoccurringpod
Email: whatsoccurringpod@gmail.com
Music: Bensound.com
Premier Leagueing with Steve Crossman
A mixed bag this week! 5 live presenter Steve Crossman joins me for a chat about the start of the Premier League, the state of Barcelona and the fact that I'm not the first Tom Horn he's worked with (!)
PLUS: Rishi and Jude join me to go over what's been a bumper week of news. We talk Afghanistan and what can be done, Plymouth, covid isolation and give our predictions for the premier league.
Email: Whatsoccurringpod@gmail.com
Music: bensound.com
BONUS: Guy Mowbray
Things are a bit different this week! Join me on Friday for your usual What's Occurring where Steve Crossman joins us for a chat about the premier league, plus the latest news and sport.
For now, enjoy this chat I had with legendary football commentator Guy Mowbray about his love for York City, how he got into commentary, why it requires so much preparation, and why commentating on the euros final was like any other game!
Olympicsing with James Pearce
Sports journalist James Pearce dropped in for a chat about the olympics, how Tokyo compares to other games, and the future of Team GB.
PLUS: Jamie joins me to chat through this weeks latest stories including vaccines for over 16s, is the shine coming off Boris Johnson? and Jack Grealish's hair...
Email us: whatsoccurringpod@gmail.com
Follow us: @whatsoccurringpod (instagram), @tomhorntweets (twitter)
Music: Bensound.com
Lobby Journalisming with Carole Walker
Carole Walker joined me this week to chat about her new book, Lobby Life, all about how politics is covered by journalists. We chat about whether a 'lobby' of journalists is still needed and whether journalists and politicians are a bit too cosy...
PLUS my latest co host joins me to review the olympics, mental health, the Boris Baby (yes, another one), X Factor and kebab vouchers
Email us: whatsoccurringpod@gmail.com
Follow us: @whatsoccurringpod (instagram), @tomhorntweets (twitter)
Music: Bensound.com
Reading with Iain Dale
Tom is joined by Iain Dale to chat about his love of reading, whether football could ever come home and what he thinks of Boris Johnson
PLUS: Tom and Bella discuss the latest stories including the Olympics, going clubbing together and Dominic Cummings
Email: Whatsoccurringpod@gmail.com
Insta: @whatsoccurringpod
Twitter: @tomhorntweets
Music: Bensound.com
Buy Iain's latest book here: https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/prime-minister-priti
Pandemicing with Edwina Currie
This week I'm joined by Edwina Currie to discuss the pandemic, why no government could have performed better, sex scandals and why I should never have been born...
PLUS I discuss the latest news with my co-host Sam including the 'pingdemic', isolation, and GB News.
Email us: whatsoccurringpod@gmail.com
Follow us: @whatsoccurringpod (instagram), @tomhorntweets (twitter)
Music: Bensound.com