The Political Dispatch

From Episode 1 to 26: A Political Year in Review

In this special anniversary episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom, Lily, and Sidd reflect on one year of podcasting, one year of international politics, and one year of conversations that tried to make sense of it all.
From elections and education to Gaza, AI, Star Wars, and everything in between, the team revisits the moments, guests, and episodes that have shaped the show since it launched.
We’re so grateful for everyone who’s listened, shared, and supported us this past year. Here’s to more stories, more interviews, and more Political Dispatches to come.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Lessons in Democracy

In this episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom, Lily, and Sidd sit down with Chad Mott, a history and government teacher from Evergreen, Colorado, to talk about the state of public education in the US and what it’s like to teach the next generation of voters in 2025.
From students' attitudes on America’s role in the world, to the impacts of the Trump administration on the education system, the conversation explores how high school classrooms are responding to the political tensions shaping the country today.
And a little disclaimer... Chad also happens to be Lily’s dad.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Gaza Starves

Over 2,000 miles from the UK, Gaza is starving, cut off by an Israeli blockade. In this episode of the Political Dispatch, Tom speaks to Zoe Daniels from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), to discuss the situation on the ground in Gaza.
Everyone at the Political Dispatch echoes what the IRC and so many other organisations are calling for: an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of aid into Gaza. 
The content of this episode is distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
You can find out more about the IRC’s work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt) on the IRC’s website: https://www.rescue.org/uk/country/occupied-palestinian-territory-opt
You can view the IRC’s emergency watchlist here: https://www.rescue.org/uk/article/10-crises-world-cant-ignore-2025
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

In the Name of Love: 10 Years of Equal Marriage in Ireland

In this episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom, Lily, and Sidd mark 10 years since Ireland became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote. They explore how a conservative, Catholic nation transformed so rapidly, examining the role of activists, the decline of Church influence, and the landmark 2015 referendum. Join the team as they reflect on the global impact of Ireland’s vote, as well as the progress and challenges that remain.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

The Life and Legacy of Pope Francis

In this episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom interviews Fr Damian Howard, the Senior Catholic Chaplain at Oxford University, to talk about the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
Tom and Fr Howard discuss the impact of the Jesuit order on Pope Francis’s early life, his early career in Argentina and the papacy. As well as talking about what distinguished the 266th pontiff from his predecessors, Tom and Fr Howard discuss the role the Conclave plays in choosing a new Pope. 
Please note: this episode was recorded on 1st May, before the election of Pope Leo XIV.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

The Politics of Star Wars

To celebrate May 4th, Sidd, Lily and Tom travel to a galaxy far, far away to explore the politics of Star Wars. The franchise’s creator, George Lucas, didn’t just draw on the mythology of Joseph Campbell or the cinematic style of Akira Kurosawa. He also held up a mirror to the politics, economics, and society of 1970s America.
The Political Dispatch team discuss the influence of the Vietnam War and Watergate on Lucas’s early writing, how the prequel trilogy reflects the anxieties of the War on Terror, and how a once-great democracy can backslide into tyranny.
If you’re celebrating Star Wars Day on May the 4th, here are some of Tom’s recommended viewings:
Andor and Rogue One, which explore the rise of the Rebellion in the years leading up to A New Hope
The Mandalorian, the hit TV series starring Pedro Pascal as a bounty hunter who discovers a mysterious alien child. The series is set five years after Return of the Jedi
Star Wars Visions, Season 2, Episode 9: Aau’s Song, a touching animated tale about a child whose voice holds dangerous power
And finally, Tom’s top three Star Wars films:
The Empire Strikes Back
A New Hope
Rogue One
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

AI's Growing Role in Global Elections

Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom for a deep dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in global elections.
From deepfakes to ballot scanning, The Political Dispatch team breaks down how AI is shaping elections. With examples from South Korea, India, the United States, and beyond, they explore AI's impact on accessibility, efficiency, and disinformation—and what it all means for the future of democracy.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

The Global Dispatch: Serbia, Canada, and Turkey

Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom for political news from around the world. In this episode, The Political Dispatch team focuses on Serbia, Turkey, and Canada.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Living in Trump's America - Part 2

Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom for Part 2 of a special two-part series exploring what life is like in the United States now that Donald Trump has returned to office.
This episode features Amelia Southern Uribe and Bryson Austin, who are two new members of Be the Change. Media Network and the hosts of the upcoming podcast The Ozark Agenda.
If you have not listened to Part 1 of this series, please listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other podcasting platforms.
This episode explores the key differences between Trump’s first and second administrations and what they mean for the future of the United States, as well as guidance for those feeling hopeless or disillusioned in America today.
This episode was recorded on March 19, 2025, and aired on March 28, 2025.
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To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
To get connected Amelia or Bryson, please find them on Instagram, as well: @ameliasouthernnn and @iambrysonaustin.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Living in Trump's America - Part 1

Join Sidd, Lily, and Tom for Part 1 of a special two-part series exploring what life is like in the United States now that Donald Trump has returned to office.
This episode features Amelia Southern Uribe and Bryson Austin, who are two new members of Be the Change. Media Network and the hosts of the upcoming podcast The Ozark Agenda.
This episode delves into the political climate, policy changes, and social impact of Trump’s second term. From firsthand experiences on the ground to an international perspective on US politics, the team unpacks what this new chapter means for democracy, activism, and everyday life.
This episode was recorded on March 19, 2025, and aired on March 21, 2025. Stay tuned for Part 2 on March 28, 2025!
Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe!
To get connected with Sidd, Tom, or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
To get connected Amelia or Bryson, please find them on Instagram, as well: @ameliasouthernnn and @iambrysonaustin.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.