The Political Dispatch

Another Year in Review

In this episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom, Sidd, and Lily come together to reflect on the moments that defined 2025.
The team looks back on a year marked by upheaval and uncertainty and discuss:
The ongoing civil war in Sudan and its humanitarian toll
The UK Supreme Court’s ruling on sex and its political implications
The death of actor and activist Robert Redford
Growing concerns over corruption and declining public trust in India’s political system
The continued epidemic of gun violence in the United States
Alongside these reflections, the hosts also take time to revisit the episodes that meant the most to them this year:
“The Life and Legacy of Jimmy Carter": https://thepoliticaldispatch.podbean.com/e/the-life-and-legacy-of-jimmy-carter/
“The Politics of Star Wars”: https://thepoliticaldispatch.podbean.com/e/the-politics-of-star-wars/
“Lessons in Democracy” featuring Chad Mott: https://thepoliticaldispatch.podbean.com/e/lessons-in-democracy/
Join the team for a wide-ranging look back at 2025: the stories that mattered, the questions that remain, and the conversations shared on The Political Dispatch.
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To get connected with Tom, Lily or Sidd, 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.
Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Lessons in Conflict and Peace - Part 2

In this episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom, Lily, and Sidd turn to two regions whose histories of division continue to shape global politics today: Ireland and the Indian subcontinent.
From the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan to the Northern Ireland peace process that culminated in the Good Friday Agreement, the team explores how borders, identity, and political negotiation can fuel conflict or lay the groundwork for reconciliation. Drawing lessons from both regions, the episode considers what these stories reveal about the challenges and possibilities of building lasting peace after deep national division.
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To get connected with Tom, Lily or Sidd, 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.
Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Mamdani and the Democrats Win Big

In today’s episode, Tom flies solo as he assesses the impact of Zohran Mamdani’s electoral victory for New York Mayor, as well as highlighting Democratic wins in New Jersey, Virginia and California. 
Tom starts the show with a retrospective, to a year ago, on election night November 5th 2024, where Donald Trump is on the cusp of victory… 
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To get connected with Tom, Lily or Sidd, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom, @lilymott3, and @siddkurapati.
You can listen back to previous episodes of the Political Dispatch wherever you get your podcasts. Episodes include Lessons in Conflict and Peace Part 1.
The Political Dispatch is a Be the change. Media Network production. 

Lessons in Conflict and Peace - Part 1

In this episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom, Lily, and Sidd examine the past, present, and potential future of the Israel-Palestine conflict. From the origins of partition to the ongoing humanitarian and political crises in Gaza, the team explores the roots of division, the challenges of peace, and what the latest ceasefire and negotiations could mean for the future of the region.
In the second part of this mini-series, the team will look at two other examples where partitions of countries have led to long periods of conflict and internal strife: Northern Ireland and the partition of India and Pakistan.
If you'd like to read more, check out The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi.
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To get connected with Tom, Lily or Sidd, 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.

Trouble in France and Britain's Far Right March

In today's episode, Tom covers the French Prime Minister's resignation after losing a vote of confidence in Parliament, the far-right rally in London, and also previews an interview Lily has conducted with her Dad about a school shooting in their home town of Evergreen, Colorado.
To help discuss the political trouble in France, Tom is joined by Dr Charles Devellennes, a senior lecturer at the University of Kent. 
Listen to Lily's interview with her Dad: Evergreen Strong: Lessons from Tragedy, Healing Together, and Building a Better Future
You can also listen to Tom's previous interviews with Dr Charles Devellennes in the French Political Dispatch Part 1 and Part 2.
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To get connected with Tom, Lily or Sidd, 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 UK Dispatch: Flags, Reform, and Rayner Resigns

In this episode of The Political Dispatch, Sidd, Tom, and Lily take a look at the sudden appearance of St George flags popping up across England, Reform UK’s recent party conference in Birmingham, the recent resignation of Angela Rayner (followed by a cabinet reshuffle), and the sacking of the UK’s Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson.
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To get connected with Tom or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom and @lilymott3.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

The UK Dispatch: Votes at 16

In this episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom and Lily take a deep dive into one of the most significant democratic reforms in recent UK history: lowering the voting age to 16 years-old. From the role of education and political literacy to questions about maturity, motivation, and turnout, Tom and Lily examine the opportunities and concerns posed regarding the potential expansion of the franchise in the UK.
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To get connected with Tom or Lily, please find them on Instagram: @sparetom and @lilymott3.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Trump and the Media

In this episode, Tom, Lily, and Sidd discuss the evolving and often contentious relationship between Donald Trump and the media. The Political Dispatch team explores recent shifts in the U.S. media landscape, from the cancellation of a top-rated late-night show to the defunding of public radio and changes to the White House press corps.
This episode was recorded on 29th July 2025
You can also check out previous episodes related to this topic:
Meta, Musk, and the Politics of Social Media: https://thepoliticaldispatch.podbean.com/e/meta-musk-and-the-politics-of-social-media/
Lessons in Democracy: https://thepoliticaldispatch.podbean.com/e/lessons-in-democracy/
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.
For more information about the show, please find Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork.

Asia in Crisis: A News Bulletin on 2025's Major Conflicts

In this episode, Tom, Lily, and Sidd examine a year of unprecedented conflict across Asia.
Join the hosts for a sweeping international news bulletin, from the nuclear standoff between India and Pakistan to the escalating war in Gaza, the renewed civil conflict in Myanmar, and a dangerous confrontation between Israel and Iran. With tensions rising in the South China Sea and new border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, this episode explores the structural forces driving Asia’s descent into instability, and what it means for the future of global peace and security.
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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 Higher Education

In this episode, Tom, Lily, and Sidd reflect on the UK’s higher education system at a pivotal moment, as over 800,000 students, including the three of them, graduate from universities across the country.
Join the hosts for a deep dive into the financial crisis facing UK universities, as well as a personal reflection on their experiences studying at the School of Journalism, Media and Culture (JOMEC) at Cardiff University.
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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.