Getting From Here to There in Iran
03/03/2026
Jim looks at all the possible outcomes of the Iran war, and is not optimistic. He also urges caution about the Green victory in Gorton and Denton.
A Week in America | 12 December 2025
11/12/2025
In this week’s blog, Martin examines the growing gap between America’s economic headlines and how people actually feel. Despite strong GDP figures and soaring markets, households remain squeezed by stubborn prices, rising unemployment, and fragile confidence. As Trump marks his first year back in office, Martin unpacks why voters are increasingly frustrated — and how this disconnect could shape the 2026 midterms.
A week in America | 19 August 2025
20/08/2025
This week, Martin reflects on the Alaska Summit between Putin and Trump. While no meaningful outcomes for peace in Ukraine emerged, there were big moves in diplomacy, international relations and global systems and institutions…
A Week in America | 30 June 2025
30/06/2025
This week, Martin looks at the choices facing Democrats as US local elections approach.
With New York Dems selecting a ‘socialist’ as their candidate for city Mayor, will the party move further to the left?
The Downtown Den Politics Podcast | EP.96 | Did Trump Just Start a War with Iran?
25/06/2025
Donald Trump decided to bomb Iran. Was the President simply pissed off with his TACO reputation- Trump Always Chickens Out- or has he got a longer term plan for the Middle East- and where does the unilateral action from the States and Israel leave international institutions? Are NATO and the UN now simply moribund, outdated, talking shops?
A Reflection on U.S.A Hospitality
15/05/2025
Steven shares his experiences on a recent trip to the U.S.A., where he had the exciting opportunity to speak at the Hollywood Big Festoon about all things hospitality with a global audience.
The Downtown Den Politics Podcast | EP.78 | 3rd March 2025
03/03/2025
Listen to the latest Downtown Den Politics Podcast now.
A week in America | 14 July 2023
14/07/2023
This week, Martin settles back to enjoy America’s latest sporting competition – Major League Cricket … Howzat?
A week in America | 16 June 2023
16/06/2023
America is growing old disgracefully – this week Martin looks at the retirement crisis facing the US and some of the schemes trying to get rich from it…
Resolving conflicts
13/04/2023
We have been celebrating 25 years of relative peace in Ulster this week, Jim asks how that, and other major conflicts are finally going to be resolved. He also has concerns over Labour’s personal attack on the Prime Minister.
A week in America | 24 February 2023
23/02/2023
This week, Martin reports on the ‘weirdest week in weather’ the US is experiencing and how the political parties will inevitably turn it to their advantage…
A week in America | 17 February 2023
16/02/2023
This week Martin looks at Black History Month and other celebrations of diversity in the United States…