Pod Save the UK

Russell Brand, David Walliams: media’s misogyny problem. Plus, ‘pragmatism’ and climate villains w/ Greenpeace

2026-11-12

This week, Coco and Nish reckon with the allegations that have finally come out about another one of comedy’s ‘open secrets’, while reflecting on Russell Brand’s sentencing, and the persistent problem of misogyny and rape culture– not just in the entertainment industry, but at all levels of society.

They ask what it will take to see systemic change: an independent monitoring organisation, or referral system? A government-led mission to truly tackle violence against women and girls? And a commitment to sack, rather than enable, those who abuse their position of power. (Nish puts it in swearier terms, as you might imagine.)

Then, we’re joined by Areeba Hamid, powerhouse and co-exec director of Greenpeace, who shares her optimism in the fight for the planet’s future. As Andy Burnham heads to COP and the government looks set to slash EV targets, Nish & Coco want to know what we can do to fight the oil and gas lobby before it’s too late. And let’s start naming the climate villains: Shell, we’re looking at you.

Also, we’d love to do another mailbag episode for the Christmas holidays, so send over your best festive (or non-festive) questions, queries, quizzes to [email protected].

USEFUL LINKS

In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support for rape and sexual abuse on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, or 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland.

You can also find out more here: https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/ If you would like to find your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), you can do so here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/other-services/Rape-and-sexual-assault-referral-centres/LocationSearch/364

In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4573. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732).

Get Off Live Comedy: https://getofflivecomedy.org/ - independent, confidential support service dealing with sexual harassment in live comedy

Write to your MP and tell them to say no to Rosebank: https://act.greenpeace.org/page/203021/action/1?source=UN&subsource=ECCLPLSOUN01N0

Stop Rosebank Day of Action on 13 November, everyone can take part in - online or in your communities: https://www.stopcambo.org.uk/

(iii) Follow Greenpeace on their social channels online: https://www.instagram.com/greenpeaceuk/ and you can become a supporter here to fuel their work holding power to account for climate action: https://tinyurl.com/4u9k4bdt

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No. of episodes

186

Latest episode

2026-11-12

Where can you listen?

Pod Save the UK is your weekly fix of political news, big ideas and a shot of inspiration. Each week hosts, comedian Nish Kumar and journalist Coco Khan are joined by politicians, experts, and famous friends to unpick the latest news, look for solutions, and inspire action. From Crooked Media – the creators of Pod Save America – tune in to new episodes of Pod Save the UK every Thursday wherever you pod.