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In this special end of year episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake look back on 2025, reflecting on the moments, conversations, and events that defined the year and shaped the world we are heading into in 2026.
We revisit some of the standout interviews from the past twelve months, including conversations with Yoav Gallant, Yossi Cohen, Bari Weiss, Tom Holland, Neil Ferguson, and Nick Timothy. From Israeli intelligence and the war in Gaza to extremism in Britain, media failure, and the collapse of Western confidence, we discuss what these guests revealed about the moment we are living through.
The conversation ranges across the year’s biggest themes, including leadership, war, antisemitism, media bias, protest movements, and the growing instability in the Middle East and the West. We also give our picks for moments of the year, figures of the year, and the decisions that left us shaking our heads.
Finally, we look ahead to 2026. We discuss what gives us hope, what worries us most, and whether the West still has the moral and cultural foundations to recover from the crises it faces.
This is a wide ranging and honest reflection on a turbulent year, and a look at what may lie ahead as the world stands once again on the brink.
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Chapters
00:00 – Looking Back on 2025
04:28 – Israel, War Leadership & October 7
06:07 – Extremism in Britain & Political Failure
09:47 – Immigration, Social Media & Cultural Fragmentation
11:57 – Gaza Protests & Progressive Radicalism
15:06 – Media, Antisemitism & the Trust Crisis
19:43 – Sh*t of the Year
25:17 – Man of the Year
31:13 – Woman of the Year
36:06 – Moment of the Year
39:27 – WTF of the Year: Strategic Blunders
44:04 – Laughter in a Dark Year
45:23 – Hopes, Fears & the World Heading into 2026
52:28 – Final Reflections & What Comes Next
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In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by French philosopher, writer, and public intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy for a wide ranging conversation about the fate of the West, the wars in Ukraine and Israel, and the values now under threat across liberal democracies.
Bernard explains why Ukraine and Israel are fighting the same battle against the same enemies, and why Russia, Iran, Hamas, and radical Islam belong to a single ideological axis. Drawing on years spent on the battlefield and reporting from war zones, he reflects on courage, sacrifice, and what it means for a nation to defend itself when its very existence is at stake.
The discussion turns to the West itself, its Judeo Christian foundations, the crisis of patriotism, and the loss of historical memory that has left many societies unwilling to defend their own values. We explore the rise of radical Islam, the failures of multiculturalism, the dangers of moral relativism, and why Jews are often the first victims when civilisations lose confidence in themselves.
Bernard also reflects on Donald Trump, the fragmentation of the West, and whether American and European values can survive the political turbulence of the coming years.
This is a profound and searching conversation about history, faith, war, and the moral courage required to defend civilisation before it is too late.
Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/trump-is-splitting-the-west-and-the?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction
08:24 Trump's Support for Israel and Russia's Aggression
11:03 The West's Values and Trump's Impact
15:33 The Role of the West in Countering Radicalism
19:30 The West's Military Challenge and Israel's Resilience
25:04 The Struggle Against Radical Islam in France
38:23 The Role of Ideas and the Importance of Universal Values
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In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by Anne Herzberg, Legal Adviser at NGO Monitor, to examine how international NGOs have become deeply entangled with Hamas in Gaza and how Western taxpayer money has been misused as a result.
Anne walks us through explosive findings based on Hamas documents seized by the IDF, revealing how aid organisations were monitored, infiltrated, and manipulated through so called “guarantors.” We discuss how cash aid programmes were diverted, how humanitarian projects were shaped around Hamas’ military needs, and why many NGOs remained silent despite knowing what was happening on the ground.
The conversation also exposes the role of Western governments, including the UK, and the failure of oversight within institutions like the UN and major charities. We explore the “halo effect” that shields NGOs from scrutiny, the use of lawfare and libel threats to silence journalists, and how propaganda claims around famine and genocide have had real world consequences, from ICC warrants to the prolonging of the war itself.
This is a disturbing but essential conversation about aid, accountability, and how good intentions have been exploited by a terrorist organisation, with consequences that continue to shape the conflict today.
Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/p/revealed-how-british-and-european?r=63dafp
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Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:25 Anne Hertzberg's Background and NGO Monitor's Mission
06:14 Influence of NGOs and Media Bias
11:43 Hamas' Control over NGOs in Gaza
24:38 Hamas' Civil Service and Military Interaction
32:00 Cash-Based Programs and Diversion of Aid
37:04 Meetings with Hamas and NGO Officials
43:55 NGOs' Complicity and Long-Term Consequences
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In this episode of The Winston Marshall Show, I sit down with Glenn Beck, the legendary broadcaster and author, for one of his most powerful interviews yet, a deep exploration into the rise of antisemitism, the collapse of faith in the West, and the eerie historical parallels between Weimar Germany and America today.
Beck warns that what we’re witnessing, from the “Christ is King” movement to the mainstreaming of old Nazi-style conspiracies, is not new, but the latest cycle of an ancient hatred that always returns when a society loses its moral and spiritual anchor. He traces the pattern from the transgender experiments of 1920s Berlin to today’s ideological confusion, arguing that both moments reveal what happens when truth and individual conscience give way to collectivism.
We discuss the purity tests dividing modern Christianity, the attempt to erase the “Judeo” from Judeo-Christian values, and why defending Israel’s right to exist is not just a political stance, but a civilizational one. Beck calls on believers of all faiths to reject hatred, defend truth, and stand with the Jewish people before history repeats itself.
This is a profound and prophetic conversation about faith, evil, and what happens when the West forgets its soul.
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In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by Colin Brazier, former Sky News presenter, and Danny Cohen, former Director of Television at the BBC, for an insider look at how Britain’s media lost its way.
Drawing on decades inside Sky and the BBC, Colin and Danny explain how activism crept into journalism, how impartiality was replaced by ideology, and why both institutions now struggle with trust, bias, and credibility. From the BBC’s coverage of Israel and Gaza to Sky’s embrace of “woke” newsroom culture, they reveal the internal pressures and moral failures driving today’s media crisis.
The conversation explores how younger journalists have brought activist politics into the newsroom, the decline of objectivity, and the collapse of impartial standards once taken for granted. We also discuss the future of broadcasting. From the rise of GB News and independent media to the growing influence of social platforms and algorithms that shape what the public sees.
This is a rare, revealing, and deeply honest conversation about the state of British journalism and whether our media can ever win back the public’s trust.
Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/its-activism-masquerading-as-journalism?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
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In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by David Patrikarakos, foreign correspondent and author of War in 140 Characters, for a gripping conversation on the end of the Pax Americana, the future of Ukraine, and the rise of a new global order.
David explains why he argues that Putin’s invasion is not just about territory, but about rewriting the rules of the world order. From the fall of Bretton Woods to the decline of NATO, he lays out how the West’s complacency and moral fatigue have opened the door to a new era shaped by autocrats, propaganda, and drones.
We also discuss Trump’s shifting stance on Ukraine, his strange admiration for Putin, and how America’s right is fracturing between pro-Israel conservatives and a new populist movement flirting with antisemitism and authoritarianism. David warns that the internet has unleashed a “death of truth,” where social media rewards lies, conspiracy, and outrage over reality.
This is one of the most far-reaching episodes we’ve done. A discussion about war, technology, propaganda, and the collapse of old certainties as the world enters a dangerous new phase.
Watch the full uncut episode here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/podcast
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
03:52 David's Personal Connection to Ukraine
05:37 Trump's Negotiation Tactics and Putin's War Aims
10:33 The Role of NATO and the UK in the Conflict
13:03 The Threat of Russia and the Need for Rearmament
21:32 The Diffusion of Power and the Impact of Technology
26:19 The Future of Ukraine and the Role of Europe
34:11 Trump's Relationship with Putin and the Impact on US Politics
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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Alan Mendoza, Executive Director of the Henry Jackson Society and newly appointed Chief Adviser on Global Affairs for Reform UK. Alan reflects on his political journey from lifelong Conservative to joining Reform, and why he believes Britain needs bold, radical change to confront the crises it faces at home and abroad.
We talk about the decline of the Conservative Party, the rise of Reform UK, and whether uniting the right is possible or even desirable. Alan explains what drew him to Reform’s energy, its commitment to national renewal, and its determination to challenge political correctness, restore pride, and defend British values.
The conversation ranges from Reform’s economic vision and its stance on immigration, to foreign policy, Ukraine, and the threat of Islamism in Britain. Alan also addresses criticisms of the party, from questions about Nigel Farage’s leadership to concerns over internal controversies and its relationship with Israel and the Jewish community.
This is a wide-ranging and revealing discussion about politics, ideology, and the future of Britain’s right…
Watch the full interview here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/tory-defector-alan-mendoza-all-i?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:55 Core Beliefs and Political Values
07:06 Transition to the Reform Party
17:07 Reform Party's Potential and Challenges
30:13 Reform Party's Economic Policies and Growth
38:46 Reform Party's Stance on Islamism and Anti-Semitism
46:25 Reform Party's Support for Israel
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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Nick Timothy, Conservative MP and former Downing Street adviser, for a powerful conversation about extremism, free speech, and the cultural challenges reshaping Britain.
We begin with the recent Aston Villa controversy, where Israeli fans were banned from attending a match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Nick explains what this decision reveals about fear, community breakdown, and the failures of policing. He argues that Islamist influence, weak institutions, and political timidity have allowed extremists to shape the public narrative, leaving both Muslim and Jewish Britons feeling abandoned.
The discussion explores the risks of introducing an official definition of Islamophobia, the growing reach of the Muslim Brotherhood in British life, and how misplaced tolerance has eroded freedom of speech and social unity. Nick calls for a renewed national mission that restores moral confidence, protects liberty, and confronts extremism without losing sight of Britain’s core values.
This is one of the most urgent and thought-provoking conversations yet on The Brink, offering a clear-eyed look at faith, fear, and the struggle to reclaim Britain’s identity.
Watch full interview here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/nick-timothy-mp-we-must-stop-the?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:45 Nick Timothy's Background and Aston Villa
04:54 The Aston Villa Incident and Police Response
09:15 Palestinian Flags and Extremist Narratives
14:02 Nick Timothy's Confrontation at Aston Villa
18:46 Public Order Offences and Free Speech
22:35 The Islamophobia Definition and Its Implications
28:53 The Muslim Brotherhood
34:29 The Role of State Institutions and the Future of British Society
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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Lord Nigel Biggar, theologian, ethicist, and author, for a fearless examination of Britain’s imperial past and the moral panic surrounding slavery, reparations, and “decolonisation.”
We discuss the truth about Cecil Rhodes and the “Rhodes Must Fall” movement, how history has been distorted for ideological ends, and why modern activists are waging war on Britain’s past. Biggar dismantles the myth that British prosperity was built on slavery, exposes the historical illiteracy behind the reparations movement, and reveals how the British Empire ultimately became a global force for abolition and liberal reform.
The conversation also explores the weaponisation of history — how critical race theory, guilt politics, and anti-Western ideology are eroding national pride and being exploited by hostile powers abroad. Biggar warns that this obsession with historical self-loathing is not about justice but about dismantling the moral confidence of the West.
This is a bold and intellectually rigorous defence of historical truth and a vital reminder of the moral complexity behind Britain’s story.
Watch the full conversation here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/slavery-empire-and-the-tyranny-of?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:49 Cecil Rhodes and the Rhodes Must Fall Campaign
12:48 Historical Context and Misrepresentation of Rhodes
14:24 The Role of Slavery in British Industrial Prosperity
24:21 Universality of Slavery and Comparative Cruelty
29:03 British Efforts to Suppress Slavery
34:25 The Nuanced View of the British Empire
40:24 Critical Race Theory and Historical Narratives
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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with historian and writer Niall Ferguson for a sweeping conversation on the West’s cultural and moral decline, from the rise of radical progressivism and Islamist ideology to the erosion of faith, patriotism, and social cohesion.
Ferguson traces how Western elites, having abandoned Christianity and traditional values, opened the door to new forms of ideological extremism, from woke identity politics to anti-Israel movements shaped by Cultural Marxism. He explores the strange alliance between the radical Left and Islamists, the collapse of the political centre, and why both religion and national pride have become taboo.
The discussion moves from the classroom to the battlefield, examining the crisis of Europe’s defences, the threat of a post-NATO world, and Ferguson’s own conversion to Christianity as a moral and cultural necessity for the survival of the West.
A profound, provocative, and unflinchingly honest conversation on what’s gone wrong with Western civilisation and how it might yet be saved.
Watch the full conversation here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/sir-niall-ferguson-weve-torn-up-the?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
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In this episode of The Brink, Jake sits down with Tom Holland, historian and co-host of The Rest Is History, for a profound conversation about faith, Western civilisation, and the moral roots of our culture.
We explore how Christianity shaped the West’s ideas of compassion, morality, and universal values — and what happens when a society begins to forget those origins. Holland explains how the cultural revolutions of the 1960s mirror past religious upheavals, why our politics still carry a deeply Christian imprint, and how secularism has inherited both the virtues and contradictions of faith.
The discussion also turns to Islam, Judaism, and the tension between universalism and identity — from the invention of the medieval blood libel to modern antisemitism and jihadist ideology. Together, we ask whether the moral framework that built the West can survive without the religion that inspired it.
This is a wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation about belief, history, and what remains sacred in a disenchanted age.
Watch the full conversation here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/a-civilisational-earthquake-tom-holland?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Lord Walney (John Woodcock) and MP Tom Tugendhat, former Security Minister, for a deep dive into Britain’s growing national security crisis. From Russian assassination plots and Chinese espionage to Iranian influence and homegrown extremism, this conversation exposes the threats the UK can no longer afford to ignore.
We discuss how Britain’s institutions have become “deeply compromised,” why successive governments have failed to act on intelligence warnings, and the urgent need to ban organisations like the Muslim Brotherhood and IRGC. This conversation explains how economic interests, political cowardice, and cultural fear have left Britain open to infiltration from hostile powers and how this weakness is being exploited on the streets through protests, intimidation, and radicalisation.
We also examine the failures of policing, the role of the media, and the question of whether Britain still takes national security seriously.
This is a sobering and essential conversation about the threats facing modern Britain and what it will take to defend the country before it’s too late.
Watch the full conversation here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/we-are-deeply-compromised-security?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
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In this Rapid Response clip, we react to Aston Villa’s shocking decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their upcoming Europa League match — a move that has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about double standards, fear, and antisemitism in Britain.
Andrew and Jake unpack how a combination of local politics, police weakness, and community intimidation led to this decision — and what it says about the state of Britain’s values. We explore how Islamist pressure, media hypocrisy, and political cowardice have converged to create a climate where protecting Jewish fans has become controversial.
From the police’s failure to confront real threats, to the wider culture of capitulation spreading through British institutions, this rapid response asks: who really runs Britain’s cities — our elected government or the mob?
This discussion is from our Substack Rapid Response series.
👉 Access this rapid response in full here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/banning-israeli-football-fans-a-new?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Yossi Cohen, former Director of Mossad and one of the world’s most renowned spymasters. From leading the 2018 raid on Iran’s nuclear archive to brokering the Abraham Accords, Cohen has shaped some of the most pivotal moments in recent Middle Eastern history.
We discuss the art of intelligence, emotional control under extreme pressure, and the secrets behind Mossad’s most daring operations — including the legendary “booby-trapped pages” that crippled Hezbollah. Cohen also reflects on Israel’s intelligence failures before October 7th, his criticism of the country’s leadership culture, and whether he could one day step into politics himself.
This is a rare and candid conversation on espionage, leadership, and the moral choices that define the defence of Israel.
Watch full episode here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/
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In this Rapid Response episode of The Brink, we react to the breaking news that Israeli hostages have finally been freed after two years in Hamas captivity. A moment of relief, sorrow, and reckoning for Israel and the wider West.
We discuss the emotional weight of their return, the moral clarity of this moment, and what it reveals about the divide between those who stand for life and those who justify terror. From the international reaction and Western media’s coverage to the political failures that allowed Hamas to endure, we explore what this means for Israel’s future and for the moral state of our own societies.
We also break down Donald Trump’s role in securing the deal, the geopolitical fallout with Qatar and Turkey, and what the next phase of this war could look like. This is a raw and timely Substack Rapid Response from The Brink.
👉 To access all of our rapid response breakdowns and watch them live, sign up to our Substack: https://thebrinkpodcast.co.uk
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In this episode of The Brink, we sat down with General Yoav Gallant, former Israeli Defence Minister during October 7th and the first year of the war, to discuss the future of Gaza, Britain’s stance under Keir Starmer, and the survival of Israel in the face of unprecedented threats.
Gallant reflects on the horror of October 7th, the necessity of military force to bring hostages home, and why he believes leaders must act with strength rather than politics. We explore his “bubble programme” for Gaza’s future governance, the double standards Israel faces in the international arena, and his personal story as the son of Holocaust survivors who has dedicated his life to the principle of “Never Again.”
We also discuss Britain’s role, the tension between values and interests, and what a long war with Hamas will mean for the Middle East and the West.
This is a rare and candid conversation with one of Israel’s most senior military and political figures about war, survival, and the hard lessons of leadership in a time of crisis.
Remember you can get the full interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.co.uk
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
1:07 General Gallant's Political Career and Military Experience
4:30 General Galant's Personal Story and Israel's Values
8:15 The Future of a Palestinian State
19:19 The Role of Military and Political Solutions
24:54 The Role of International Forces in Gaza
30:14 The Double Standard Against Israel
34:15 The Need for a Comprehensive Reconstruction Plan
36:52 The Importance of Military Strength and Political Will
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Something different today… this is our Substack Rapid Response, where we break down the horrific events in Manchester, a suspected terror attack leaving victims injured and now dead and a community shaken.
We break down the CST’s frontline role in protecting synagogues, to the toxic propaganda climate fuelling antisemitism, to Britain’s wider counter-terror failures. We dig into what this means for Jewish communities, national security, and the West’s future.
If you want access to all of our rapid response breakdowns, sign up to our Substack today and join us on The Brink.
Join here: https://www.thebrinkpodcast.co.uk/
Chapters
0:00 Manchester Attack: Initial Reactions and Security Measures
2:18 Role and Training of the Community Security Trust (CST)
5:00 Police and Military Response to Terror Attacks
8:39 Journalistic Perspective on Terror Attacks
12:59 Political and Social Implications of Terror Attacks
15:42 Impact of Propaganda and Social Media on Public Perception
25:51 Jewish Community's Response to Increased Threats
33:30 Final Thoughts and Call to Action
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In this clip from The Brink’s Rapid Response, we break down Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan and what it means for Israel, Hamas, and the wider Middle East.
We look at why Trump put hostages first, how his plan contrasts with Europe’s approach, and why even countries like Qatar and Turkey are backing it. We also discuss the risks of Hamas playing for time, the possibility of infiltration after the war, and whether this plan could actually change the game.
👉 Head over to our Substack to watch the full episode of The Brink’s Rapid Response: thebrinkpodcast.co.uk
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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with journalist and media entrepreneur Bari Weiss to talk about the collapse of trust in our institutions, the rise of anti-Semitism, and the future of journalism in America and the West.
Bari reflects on leaving The New York Times at the height of 2020’s cultural upheaval, why she founded The Free Press, and what it takes to build media that people can actually trust. We explore how disinformation spreads around Israel and Gaza, why groupthink dominates so many newsrooms, and whether legacy media is even reformable.
We also discuss the explosion of anti-Semitism after October 7th, the dangers of political extremes on both left and right, and why rebuilding confidence in Western values might be the most important project of our generation.
This is a wide-ranging conversation on truth, courage, and the fight to reclaim the centre ground in a polarised age.
Watch the full episode by going to thebrinkpodcast.co.uk
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