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• That's Not for Me to Say (with Munya Chawawa) 28.05.2026 34dk

  Fresh from a trip to America, Munya Chawawa joins Armando to discuss the political art of saying nothing.Munya recently looked at the parallels between Trump and Wrestling, and talks about how the language and theatre of WWE has inspired Trump's political style. They then turn to Andy Burnham's tightrope walk, and his desire to be clear and direct, whilst also avoiding the elephant in the room - what effect does that have on his language?Danny Kruger's defence of Reform's candidate also reveals some tricks of the political language trade, and we ask - can politicians engage on social media without being cringe?Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukA full list of candidates running in the Makerfield by-election is as followsJake Austin - Liberal Democrats Count Binface - Count Binface Party Andy Burnham - The Labour Party Dan Clarke - The Libertarian Party John Dyer - Independent Ed Gemmell - Climate Party Paul Gould - Independent Alan 'Howlin' Laud Hope - The Official Monster Raving Loony Party Robert Kenyon - Reform UK Robert Pownall - Independent Rebecca Shepherd - Restore Britain Sarah Wakefield - Green Party Peter Ward - Rejoin EU Michael Winstanley - The Conservative PartySound editing: Rich EvansProduction Coordinator: Giulia MazzuExecutive Producer: Richard MorrisRecorded at the Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• A Febrile Atmosphere (with Tom Peck) 21.05.2026 39dk

  How do you capture the atmosphere of the commons? Parliamentary sketch writer for The Times, Tom Peck, joins Armando to discuss his most detested political buzzwords.We look at why people get so bloodthirsty in politics when 'the herd moves', who 'an anonymous source' might be, and whether Keir Starmer can draw a pig.In other news, we look at the demise of PearTree Productions, Ed Davey's wetsuit strategy, and a short-lived Reform councillor who may have taken to political language quickly in his political tenure, but was undone by some shocking language he used elsewhere.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris MacleanProduction Coordinator: Giulia Lopes MazzuExecutive Producer: James RobinsonRecorded at the Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies and Sasha Bobak. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• We Can't Go On Like This (with Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ayesha Hazarika) 14.05.2026 34dk

  This week, we look at the language of embattled leaders, and some triumphant ones.Joined by Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Ayesha Hazarika, we pore over the speech of Starmer's life - the third such event we have covered on this programme. Is rhetoric the right tool in his father's hand-me-down toolbelt for him to deploy in times of crisis?He says he gets it, but do we believe him? We look at the paralysing effect of message discipline on political figures, and why it's so refreshing to hear a more genuine message.We also examine Rhun ap Iorwerth's oratory skills (borrowed from the skinny kid with a funny name), screaming penguins and ask: who is the modern "Mondeo man"?Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris MacleanProduction Coordinator: Giulia MazzuExecutive Producer: Pete StraussRecorded at the Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• Technological Republic (with Stewart Lee and Carole Cadwalladr) 07.05.2026 34dk

  What is the Technological Republic?Armando, Stewart and founder of The Nerve, Carole Cadwalladr, discuss the language and posture of the manifesto released by Palantir's Alex Karp last year.We look at how Tech bros frame those who block their progress, their effusive language about their products, why they might reflect on linguistic parallels with George Orwell's works.Armando also describes William Shatner's prose, in which he finds, having read his book, Tech War, that his sentences seem to run on, perhaps one or two clauses longer than a sentence should, which interested him, but also made for a challenging read, which in turn made it worthy of discussion on this week's programme.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris MacleanProduction Coordinator: Giulia MazzuExecutive Producer: Richard MorrisRecorded at the Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• Game On (with Natalie Haynes) 30.04.2026 28dk

  Ready Player One?Natalie Haynes joins Armando once again to talk about the rise of prediction markets, and how they might affect political language. We also look at the respective war memes from the US and Iran, and how they are taking their cues from video games.Elsewhere, we discuss the Arc de Trump, Armando's bag of filth, and whether a Sphinx might look good on the White House lawn.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Giulia Mazzu Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at the Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• The Process Was Followed (with Tim Shipman) 23.04.2026 23dk

  Tim Shipman steps out of a busy week in Westminster to talk Armando through the language of political crises.Whether "time will tell", or "the matter has been dealt with", we decode what these phrases you will hear from politicians this week really mean. Looking at recent examples, from Brexit to Partygate and beyond, what causes these crises, and how does the communication - and indeed the messenger - make it better or worse?Armando imagines an inquiry into the sinking of the Titanic, Tim clears things up by making things more complicated, and we also hear his sweary sliding scale of scandal, which will make you yearn for a good old-fashioned omnishambles.We also look at the local elections, and why every party turns these multi-faceted choices into a 'referendum' on a particular subject.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at the Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• Only the Fake News Would Come Up with This (with Amol Rajan) 16.04.2026 34dk

  Politicians have their own podcasts, the Government has launched a YouTube channel. It seems our political class want to bypass traditional media to get their message out. Why is that? How does it affect political language?As he prepares to take his own steps into a new media landscape, Amol Rajan joins Armando to discuss this and more. We also hear about misleading news headlines, Trump's 'doctored' image, and find out if elves are really poisoning our water?Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Caroline Barlow Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at the Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• Righteous Targets for Violence (with Hugo Rifkind) 09.04.2026 37dk

  Hugo Rifkind joins Armando for a chat about the religious language in politics.After a quick detour round the far side of the moon, we find out Trump's favourite bible passage (sort of), why the Pope has rebuked Pete Hegseth, and if invoking a higher power can be used to dodge accountability.In the extended version, we also look at how parties in the UK trade in religious language, why how AI is getting hiring humans, and answer the age-old question - which Easter has been best, militarily?Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter & Caroline Barlow Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• Deep Disillusionment in This Country (with Stewart Lee) 08.04.2026 28dk

  This week, Armando is joined again by Stewart Lee to look at how political actors use language.Wes Streeting says there is a 'deep disillusionment in this country', and says there is a “growing sense of despair about whether anyone is capable of turning this country round". Why is that? And does politicians speaking in that way confound our misery? We look at Sarah Pochin's comments about black and asian people in adverts, and the responses across parliament to that. We also look at how much news is just speculation, and how politicians use speculation to further their arguments.We also look at how we get our news - is it exhausting to have to keep fact checking things ourselves? Is it preferable to the alternative?Armando shares his confusion at Immersive experiences, and Stewart invents a new word, and we hear about Starmer's charm offensive.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us on strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukListen to Strong Message Here at 0945 on Radio 4, and an extended version is available on BBC Sounds.This programme has been edited since first publication, following an adjudication by the BBC Executive Complaints Unit.Sound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coodinator: Jodie Charman Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• That's a Great Question (with Stewart Lee in Laugharne) 02.04.2026 27dk

  Stewart Lee joins Armando at the Millennium Hall in Laugharne.Is AI too sycophantic? Should we worry about how military-grade AI is being sold in start-up jargon? Let's ask the best AI there is, Armando Iannucci.In another episode in front of an audience, Armando and Stewart treat us to a dramatic reading of a Chat GPT interaction. We also hear whether the Metaverse is an unwelcome template for AI companies, and why Stewart admires the boffins who make sex robots.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Recorded by Searle Whittney and Dyfan Rose Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at the Millennium Hall in LaugharneProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• We're Here to Listen (with Stewart Lee in Laugharne) 26.03.2026 21dk

  Armando is joined by Stewart Lee at the Millennium Hall in Laugharne.Taking the audience's most loathed political soundbites, we discuss 'existential threats', 'let me be clear', and 'we're working very hard'.We also hear about Armando's train driver getting caught in an infinity loop, treating Nicky Wire with the greatest of respect, and whether feeling in your bones or gut indicates your political persuasion.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Recorded by Searle Whittney and Dyfan Rose Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at the Millennium Hall in LaugharneProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• You Don't Have to Worry (with Marina Hyde) 19.03.2026 33dk

  Marina Hyde returns to join Armando for a positive look at some positive language.Pete Hegseth tells us not to worry about the Strait of Hormuz, Trump tells us the 'war' is 'already won' - is this inspired by The Power of Positive Thinking? Or by Noel Edmonds?Elsewhere we discuss guessing shoe sizes, tie-dye thinking, and whether we have the stomach for a culture war about badgers on bank notes.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• I Understand the Anxiety (with Ria Lina and Coco Khan) 12.03.2026 28dk

  Armando is joined by Ria Lina and host of Pod Save the UK, Coco Khan, to look at the political language around anxiety.How do we engage with difficult headlines? Can we switch off an just read about the rugby? Is AI starting to feel as anxious as us? and are we more sympathetic because of the personal language it uses?We also discuss the origins of international women's day, the death of the public intellectual, and a workplace acronym to watch out for.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• Get Real (with Hugo Rifkind) 05.03.2026 32dk

  Journalist and Times Radio presenter Hugo Rifkind joins Armando this week.In another breakneck week, we look at the language of reality in politics. Are plumbers more 'real' than economists? Can Trump really 'manipulate reality'? And has he been watching Shrek?We also look at the parallels between Marco Rubio and the general in Dr Strangelove, Tony Blair powering down when talking to Alan Partridge, and whether 'Epic Fury' really means what Pete Hegseth thinks it does.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• History Will Judge You (with Stewart Lee) 26.02.2026 25dk

  Stewart Lee joins Armando again this week. With a by-election on, we look away from the present day and think about how history will judge politicians.Some of the language in the recent Tony Blair documentary piques Armando's interest, and we also look at how Boris Johnson and Gordon Brown use language (or lack thereof) to cement their own post-premiership legacies.We also look at the politic-speak creeping into Royal statements, Gerry Adams on a trampoline, and the furore over language at the BAFTAsGot a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• For the Sake of Transparency (with Natalie Haynes and Michael Gove) 19.02.2026 34dk

  Armando is joined by Natalie Haynes and Michael Gove to discuss the true meaning of transparency.With his experience as both a politician and a journalist, Michael Gove gives his insight into how transparency can often mean the opposite. He also explains the perverse incentive for ministers to go out and defend tricky positions, and what it feels like to have your private communications laid bare in an inquiry.And with Natalie on the show, we look at historical examples of turbulent leadership, and find out who has the dubious honour of being 'the Liz Truss of ancient Rome'.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• Psychodrama (with Stewart Lee) 12.02.2026 28dk

  Stewart Lee joins Armando to examine the language around political pyschodramas. We've discussed political language becoming maximalist, but it also gone into warp speed?Looking at whether 'stumbling' is in fact a good thing, we also manage to find new names for Wes Streeting, Peter Mandelson and Andrew (you know which one).We also find time to discuss the fake news that has been stinking up the White House, jellyfish anuses and slapstick.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• You've Let Your Country Down (with Emily Maitlis) 05.02.2026 31dk

  Has a man once described as 'teflon' finally run out of spin? Peter Mandelson suggests he needs to run an investigation into himself, but to do an investigation into his language, Armando is joined by host of the News Agents, Emily Maitlis.We discuss revelations in the Epstein files, and why it brings to mind Dickens. Are we wiser to the language of political scandal than we used to be? And is it impossible to spin a story in the modern media environment. We also look at why it's so frustrating, if politically wise, how often political figures suffer bouts of selective amnesia.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: James Robinson Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies and Sasha Bobak. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• Are You a Stupid Person? (with Natalie Haynes) 29.01.2026 28dk

  Was Andy Burnham blocked from running in the Gorton and Denton by-election because Labour need to save resources for elections they ‘must have’? Was the Tory briefing that referenced the defecting Suella Braverman’s mental health really a ‘first draft?’Armando and Natalie examine this and more, to find out if politicians in the UK are echoing Donald Trump’s words as they ask us to take these at face value - “Are you a stupid person?”. Are we not expected to read this 'subtext in block caps'? We also discuss how Trump's speeches are held together, and why Carney quoting Thucydides warmed Natalie's heart. Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman and Asha Osborne-Grinter Executive Producer: Richard Morris Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.
• U-Turns and Turncoats (with Stewart Lee) 22.01.2026 30dk

  With the backdrop of tariffs and territorial land grabs, Stewart and Armando look at the political language of U-turns and turncoats.With politicians having to advocate for a position they used to be in direct opposition to, we ask if political language exists in a quantum state inside Robert Jenrick's head, or, failing that are we really expected to believe defectors like him have had a damascene conversion?Stewart gives an update to an tired political joke, Armando finds a nifty Peace Prize related fix for the Greenland dispute, and they both give a run-down the shifty, shifting responses from Government officials on their numerous U-turns.Got a strong message for Armando? Email us at strongmessagehere@bbc.co.ukSound editing: Chris Maclean Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman and Caroline Barlow Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Recorded at The Sound CompanyProduced by Gwyn Rhys Davies and Sasha Bobak. A BBC Studios production for Radio 4.