Podcast
Rogues' State Podcast
Hosted by Mark Oaten and Lembit Öpik · EN
Welcome to Rogues' State Podcast, formerly known as 'The Very Liberal Podcast', with Mark Oaten and Lembit Öpik - two of the most infamous MPs you’ve probably never heard of.
Join them as they provide their unique insight into political events, settle some old scores, and share some scandalous tales from their time in Westminster!
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Power, Promises and Scandals
Jan 31, 202500:24:02Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Oaten and Öpik dive into some hard-hitting topics such as: US presidents, of past and present - Rest In Peace, Jimmy Carter Grooming gangs - who did what, and who covered up what? The current state of the UK's national health service (NHS) Be sure to let them know what other topics you'd like them to cover in future episodes, and thanks for listening!
Transcribe →Here's to 2025!
Jan 18, 202500:25:02Tap to summarizeWelcome to the first episode of Rogues' State Podcast, formerly known as 'The Very Liberal Podcast'. A new year called for a new look, but still the same faces you've come to know and love. And yes, they still bicker just as much! Highlights of episode 1 including, but not limited to: 2025 predictions for each political party Elon Musk - barmy, or spot on? Reeves' visit to China British Airways
Transcribe →Are Labour in crisis?
Oct 9, 202400:18:28Tap to summarizeLabour promised that things could only get better. Now, three months after the election, is the Labour government already in crisis? Is Britain a nation in decline? Do the Conservative leadership contenders have what it takes? Whatever happened to Reform? Oaten and Opik reflect on recent events in politics. All the big questions are answered in The Very Liberal Podcast.
Transcribe →The Party Conferences Unwrapped
Sep 22, 202400:23:48Tap to summarizeOaten and Opik reflect on the Liberal Democrat and Reform UK Party Conferences 2024. Are the Lib Dems the real opposition? Where do the Lib Dems go from here? Can Reform UK form a grassroots movement? Could Nigel Farage really become Prime Minister in 2024? Plus Oaten and Opik share personal memories of conferences of yesteryear.
Transcribe →Is Free Speech Under Attack?
Sep 5, 202400:26:15Tap to summarizeOaten and Opik wade into the debate about free speech, religious freedom, and cancel culture. Is free speech under attack? Is social media a force for good or ill in society? Should it be a crime to cause offence? Mark and Lembit come to blows as always in a special episode of The Very Liberal Podcast. This episode contains strong language and discussion of themes which some viewers may find triggering.
Transcribe →Rocking the Vote: Prisons, Presidents, and Pompeii
Aug 28, 202400:24:03Tap to summarizeMark's back from Pompeii with some X-Rated stories! Oaten and Opik discuss Labour's warnings for the country, the rise of Kamala Harris in the US Presidential Election, and the return of Oasis. Mark and Lembit also reveal what famous double-acts they want back. The answers may surprise you.
Transcribe →Foreign Affairs
Aug 19, 202400:14:24Tap to summarizeOaten and Opik are back from their summer holidays and talking foreign affairs. What happens next in Ukraine and America? Can Kamala Harris win the American Presidential election?
Transcribe →Anarchy in the U.K.
Aug 10, 202400:14:53Tap to summarizeBONUS EPISODE: Oaten and Opik discuss the ongoing riots in the United Kingdom and debate the causes and effects.
Transcribe →Medals, Media, and Market Madness
Aug 9, 202400:17:37Tap to summarizeOaten and Opik discuss the controversies surrounding the Paris Olympics, Yvette Cooper’s appearance on Good Morning Britain, global stock markets, and what parliamentary recess is like. This episode features discussions of topics which some listeners may find triggering.
Transcribe →Bye-Bye, Biden and Olympic Outrage
Jul 30, 202400:21:16Tap to summarizeBye-bye, Biden! Oaten and Opik discuss Labour's first weeks in power, the emergence of Kamala Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee in the US presidential election and reflect on the dismal Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Transcribe →