Podcast Summary: Más de uno — "La España que madruga" (14/01/2026)

Host: Carlos Alsina, Onda Cero
Date: January 14, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Más de uno delivers a sharp, humorous, and fast-paced review of Spain’s and the world’s top news as the nation wakes up. Carlos Alsina and his team of analysts, columnists, and regular guests dissect the headlines — from international crises and Spain’s political maneuverings, to cultural quirks and morning cartoons. Featuring witty banter and critical commentary, the crew provides context, journalism, and a dose of irony to help listeners start their day informed and entertained.

Key Discussion Points

The Power & Pressure of Early Morning Journalism

• The show opens with a parody/tribute to early morning journalists, highlighting their sacrifices, skepticism from critics, and the determination (“Su única bandera es el periodismo”) ([00:00–00:34]).
• Notable: The recurring joke about journalists inventing news if needed — “Y si no las hay, salgo a la calle y le muerdo a un perro” ([00:19]).

Setting the Morning Roundtable (Introductions)

• Carlos Alsina welcomes the regulars: Prof. Rodríguez Brown, Daniel Ramírez García Mina, Rosa Belmonte, Félix José Casillas, and the rest of the team ([01:07–01:27]).
• Tone is light, with dry humor about how “tarde” it really is.

The Seven and a Half Big Questions to Start the Day

International Focus: Iran, Trump, and World Affairs

• [01:36–02:29] A rapid-fire of pointed questions about the escalating crisis in Iran and Trump’s interventionist rhetoric:
  • What does Trump mean by “help is on the way”?
  • Does he even know what he intends to do?
  • Is he inspired by the Venezuelan operation to enact a “libertarian mission” in Iran?
  • Is Iran’s repression a pretence for the US and Israel to ally against their common enemy?
  • Is the Ayatollahs’ regime rotting from within after nearly 50 years of theocracy?
  • How will Spain’s PM Sánchez explain his partners’ sympathies for Iran?
  • The “half” question: How will Russia and China respond to Trump’s new moves?
• Alsina keeps the tone brisk and almost theatrical, pacing through possible global implications.

Quote [01:49, Radio Host]:
“¿Sabe él mismo lo que piensa hacer?”

Media Coverage: Shuffling Priorities from Venezuela to Iran

• [02:39–04:29] Daniel Ramírez García Mina reviews press front pages:
  • Venezuela remains in headlines but is overshadowed by the Iran crisis (“Venezuela… ya la sitúan en importancia por detrás de Irán. Dos mil muertos son muchos muertos”).
  • Diverse newspaper summaries: repression in Iran, US encouragement of protesters, speculation about the Ayatollahs’ regime collapse.
  • Side note: Interview with Spain’s foreign minister regarding Venezuela and the EU’s softening tone, photo op of Meloni greeting released Italian prisoners, and Zapatero’s controversial role in easing Delcy Rodríguez into Europe.
  • Social climate in Venezuela: growing boldness among citizens.

Spanish Politics and Social Issues

Vox and Political Shifts

• [04:35–06:54] Discussion on recent polling and political analysis:
  • Vox is rising, approaching or surpassing PSOE in parts of Spain.
  • Notable: “Casi 5 de cada 100 personas que votaron a Sánchez… votarían hoy a Abascal.”
  • Reports on wage supplements for ministers who already have official housing, and ongoing critique of housing policies and the government’s revolving doors (e.g., “Bolaños fichó de asesor al abogado de un fondo buitre…”).

Fiscal Policy & Tensions Between Regions

• Recap of the upcoming Fiscal and Financial Policy Council meeting.
• Coverage of disputes over fiscal redistribution between regions, with PP-governed regions feeling penalized by the government’s “gift” to Catalonia.

Rosa Belmonte's Satirical Review of Lesser Headlines ("La hoguera de Belmonte")

• [06:54–09:31]
  • Highlights press discrepancies in reporting on regional funding.
  • Briefs on pop culture: Goya Awards preview (the “monjas contra ravers” headline duel); rising food prices and regulatory pressures (“3,8 nuevas normas al día en 2025”); and oddities like the ancestry of a current U.S. Secretary of State traced to Espinardo, Spain.
  • Science news: Mutating microbes on the International Space Station — “Ríete de Alien. Esto es, vinieron de dentro de Cronenberg.”

Economics and Business (El Despertar Liberal)

• [09:31–11:05] Prof. Rodríguez Brown reviews business headlines:

  • Ryanair’s ongoing feud with Aena; Spanish tourism’s resilience; major investment in nuclear fusion research.
  • Concerns about new regional fiscal arrangements ballooning the national deficit.
  • Housing supply isn’t meeting demand; attempts at intervention (e.g., Barcelona) fall short.
  • International banks in Iran’s economic spiral, with U.S. and China tensions over trade balances.

  Quote [10:37, Professor Rodríguez Brown]:
  “La deducción del IRPF en el alquiler no va a servir en las zonas tensionadas. Ninguna sorpresa y bastantes temas para todos.”

Daily Cartoon / Humor Segment

• [11:05–11:20]: Review of ABC’s witty cartoon:
  • “En ABC dos bueyes almizcleros charlan en Groenlandia. Y uno: esto tiene un aspecto preocupante. Eric acaba de ponerse de nuestra parte.”

Sports Recap (Félix José Casillas)

• [11:20–13:25]
  • Quick tour of Spanish football: Atlético de Madrid, Real Sociedad, Athletic advance in Copa del Rey. New Real Madrid coach Arbeloa’s appointment, changes in club dynamics, and the resolution of the Vinicius tension.
  • Africa Cup of Nations semifinals: Egypt, Senegal, Morocco, Nigeria.
  • FC Barcelona’s contract with Euroleague for 10 years, Real Madrid’s parallel interests.
  • Tone combines rapid results with sardonic commentary on club management and football politics.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• [01:10, Profesor Rodríguez Brown]:
  “Buenos días. A pesar del gobierno.”
• [01:19, Radio Host]:
  “Sé tratar todo tipo de noticias. Y si no las hay, salgo a la calle y le muerdo a un perro.”
• [04:39, News Analyst]:
  “Hoy las portadas mantienen a Venezuela pero ya la sitúan en importancia por detrás de Irán. Dos mil muertos son muchos muertos.”
• [05:22, News Analyst]:
  “Casi 5 de cada 100 personas que votaron a Sánchez en las últimas generales votarían hoy a Abascal.”
• [07:15, Critic]:
  “Murcia y Valencia, las comunidades autónomas con mayor aumento en la financiación… En cambio, Montero carga a las comunidades autónomas del PP la factura de su financiación a la catalana. Esas formas de verlo.”
• [08:32, Critic]:
  “La presión de la regulación estrangula al comercio. 3,8 nuevas normas al día en 2025.”
• [09:27, Critic]:
  “En ABC, los virus se vuelven más peligrosos a bordo de la Estación Espacial Internacional... Ríete de Alien. Esto es, vinieron de dentro de Cronenberg.”
• [10:37, Prof. Rodríguez Brown]:
  “La deducción del IRPF en el alquiler no va a servir en las zonas tensionadas. Ninguna sorpresa y bastantes temas para todos.”
• [12:03, Sports Commentator]:
  “La ayuda está en camino porque aparte de sus palabras y de sus intenciones, se insiste en que la llegada de Arbeloa es también la de la vuelta del modelo… Pintus, el preparador físico, y del médico Mijic...”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–00:34: Satirical tribute to early-morning journalists
• 01:07–01:27: Roundtable introductions
• 01:36–02:29: The “seven and a half questions” on global crises
• 02:39–04:29: Newspaper headlines roundup: Iran, Venezuela, and European politics
• 04:35–06:54: Political and fiscal news — Vox’s rise, government “pluses”, and regional finance
• 06:54–09:31: Rosa Belmonte’s lighter take on headlines — Goyas, inflation, ISS viruses
• 09:31–11:05: Economic headlines with Prof. Rodríguez Brown
• 11:05–11:20: Daily cartoon analysis
• 11:20–13:25: Sports updates and commentary

Tone and Style

• Fast, witty, often sardonic.
• Mixes serious news analysis with tongue-in-cheek commentary and frequent self-mockery.
• Broad focus: world crises, Spanish politics, cultural quirks — all served at the pace (and with the humor) of a newsroom that "never sleeps".

In short:
This episode is both a primer on the day’s most urgent headlines and an ironic, conversational take on the quirks and contradictions of Spanish and global news culture. The team’s chemistry, humor, and quick-jab quotes provide listeners with both essential updates and a healthy dose of morning irreverence.