60 acast.com Political by Design https://shows.acast.com/political-by-design en Scene Magazine politics,communications,uk politics,us politics Leslie Clarke 🎙 Political by Design // with Leslie Clarke


From campaign slogans to leadership styles, this podcast explores how design, messaging, and strategy shape political success. Join me as I speak with experts across branding, politics, and media to unpack the strategies behind the most effective (and not-so-effective) campaigns.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> 🎙 Political by Design // with Leslie Clarke


From campaign slogans to leadership styles, this podcast explores how design, messaging, and strategy shape political success. Join me as I speak with experts across branding, politics, and media to unpack the strategies behind the most effective (and not-so-effective) campaigns.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> false Scene Magazine info+69b6f1794266c9b1c736bf77@mg-eu.acast.com 69b6f1794266c9b1c736bf77 political-by-design https://anchor.fm/s/1038ef004/podcast/rss episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/69b6f1794266c9b1c736bf77/1774273895956-3e7003c9-da24-4441-8c5b-4746d7b0bdd0.jpeg https://shows.acast.com/political-by-design Political by Design https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/69b6f1794266c9b1c736bf77 Which one do you hate more? Dian Cathal on being trans, American, and unbothered in Britain Which one do you hate more? Dian Cathal on being trans, American, and unbothered in Britain Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:30:00 GMT 1:07:50 69ed1fd16eeb59e2ba4d2492 false https://shows.acast.com/political-by-design/episodes/which-one-do-you-hate-more-dian-cathal-on-being-trans-americ 69ed1fd16eeb59e2ba4d2492 69b6f1794266c9b1c736bf77 which-one-do-you-hate-more-dian-cathal-on-being-trans-americ full 1 7 Dian Cathal is an award-winning trans comedian, writer, and performer who has spent the last decade doing what most people wouldn't dare: turning the politics of his own existence into a night out. Born in New York, living in London by medical necessity rather than choice (corn syrup, of all things, is the villain), he has built a body of work that uses sharp, personal comedy to pull apart identity, migration, and what it actually means to belong somewhere.


His current touring show Trans*Atlantic asks one beautifully blunt question: if you are a trans man and a US expat living in Britain right now, which identity makes you the bigger villain? The show has already picked up a five-star review from Reviews Hub, which recommended it be watched by Starmer's cabinet, JK Rowling, and assorted Guardian columnists.


In this episode of Political by Design, Dian joins Leslie Clarke for an hour of comedy, politics, and some genuinely unexpected tangents, including what the Irish changeling myth has to do with transphobic parenting, why Northern Ireland is functionally a trans country, Labour's revealing response to being asked whether they hate Americans, and what Dian was thinking when he heard Luigi Mangione had been shot.


They also get into the Supreme Court ruling on gender recognition, the difference between free speech and freedom of expression, why art can change government policy when it is good enough to be undeniable, and what Dian makes of queer people who stand against the trans community.


It is one of those conversations that keeps turning corners.


What's in this episode

•      Why Dian had to leave the US and what corn syrup has to do with it

•      Trans*Atlantic: the show, the question, and the five-star coalition of intended viewers

•      Deadnamed, Irish mythology, and why nobody is actually dead

•      The attention economy, hate comments, and getting paid either way

•      TERF Island as seen from the outside, and why Britain's trans debate looks different to the US

•      The Supreme Court ruling: sitting in a theatre doing final edits when it landed

•      Free speech versus freedom of expression, and why Brits have confused the two

•      Why Is That So Funny? by John Wright, the book Dian recommends on how and why comedy works

•      Art as a force for political change, from 1980s East Germany to queer comedy nights

•      Labour's accidental admission, and what Dian's planning to do with it

•      Time Bomb: his next show, about cancer, family history, and healthcare


Trans*Atlantic tour dates

•      Brighton: 2 May, Komedia Studio (Brighton Fringe)

•      London: 18 May, Queer Comedy Club

•      Cambridge: 29 May, Blue Moon

•      Dublin: 4 to 9 May, Wild Stages Festival (Deadnamed)


Find Dian Cathal

•      diancathal.com

•      Instagram: @diancathal

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Dian Cathal is an award-winning trans comedian, writer, and performer who has spent the last decade doing what most people wouldn't dare: turning the politics of his own existence into a night out. Born in New York, living in London by medical necessity rather than choice (corn syrup, of all things, is the villain), he has built a body of work that uses sharp, personal comedy to pull apart identity, migration, and what it actually means to belong somewhere.


His current touring show Trans*Atlantic asks one beautifully blunt question: if you are a trans man and a US expat living in Britain right now, which identity makes you the bigger villain? The show has already picked up a five-star review from Reviews Hub, which recommended it be watched by Starmer's cabinet, JK Rowling, and assorted Guardian columnists.


In this episode of Political by Design, Dian joins Leslie Clarke for an hour of comedy, politics, and some genuinely unexpected tangents, including what the Irish changeling myth has to do with transphobic parenting, why Northern Ireland is functionally a trans country, Labour's revealing response to being asked whether they hate Americans, and what Dian was thinking when he heard Luigi Mangione had been shot.


They also get into the Supreme Court ruling on gender recognition, the difference between free speech and freedom of expression, why art can change government policy when it is good enough to be undeniable, and what Dian makes of queer people who stand against the trans community.


It is one of those conversations that keeps turning corners.


What's in this episode

•      Why Dian had to leave the US and what corn syrup has to do with it

•      Trans*Atlantic: the show, the question, and the five-star coalition of intended viewers

•      Deadnamed, Irish mythology, and why nobody is actually dead

•      The attention economy, hate comments, and getting paid either way

•      TERF Island as seen from the outside, and why Britain's trans debate looks different to the US

•      The Supreme Court ruling: sitting in a theatre doing final edits when it landed

•      Free speech versus freedom of expression, and why Brits have confused the two

•      Why Is That So Funny? by John Wright, the book Dian recommends on how and why comedy works

•      Art as a force for political change, from 1980s East Germany to queer comedy nights

•      Labour's accidental admission, and what Dian's planning to do with it

•      Time Bomb: his next show, about cancer, family history, and healthcare


Trans*Atlantic tour dates

•      Brighton: 2 May, Komedia Studio (Brighton Fringe)

•      London: 18 May, Queer Comedy Club

•      Cambridge: 29 May, Blue Moon

•      Dublin: 4 to 9 May, Wild Stages Festival (Deadnamed)


Find Dian Cathal

•      diancathal.com

•      Instagram: @diancathal

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Burst Into Flower: Siân Berry MP on the Green Moment Burst Into Flower: Siân Berry MP on the Green Moment Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT 1:02:37 69b704544266c9b1c73b3ede false https://shows.acast.com/political-by-design/episodes/burst-into-flower-sian-berry-mp-on-the-green-moment 69b704544266c9b1c73b3ede 69b6f1794266c9b1c736bf77 burst-into-flower-sian-berry-mp-on-the-green-moment full 1 6 What does it feel like to inherit the most famous Green seat in Britain? Siân Berry, MP for Brighton Pavilion and successor to Caroline Lucas, sits down with Leslie Clarke to talk about the rise of the Green Party and what it means to be at the heart of it.


From the inside story of how the Greens planned and executed their historic 2024 four-seat win, to Zack Polanski's transformation of the party since becoming leader, to why young people are turning Green in record numbers - this is a candid, wide-ranging conversation.


They also get into wealth taxes, the housing crisis, electoral reform, the real work of a bill committee, and why Siân keeps a scrapbook of 1989 newspaper cuttings about the last Green surge.

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What does it feel like to inherit the most famous Green seat in Britain? Siân Berry, MP for Brighton Pavilion and successor to Caroline Lucas, sits down with Leslie Clarke to talk about the rise of the Green Party and what it means to be at the heart of it.


From the inside story of how the Greens planned and executed their historic 2024 four-seat win, to Zack Polanski's transformation of the party since becoming leader, to why young people are turning Green in record numbers - this is a candid, wide-ranging conversation.


They also get into wealth taxes, the housing crisis, electoral reform, the real work of a bill committee, and why Siân keeps a scrapbook of 1989 newspaper cuttings about the last Green surge.

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> From Change to Status Quo: Labour’s Branding Dilemma From Change to Status Quo: Labour’s Branding Dilemma Fri, 26 Sep 2025 06:30:00 GMT 50:25 8c05ee87-37b2-46b8-8f42-3bdfe0cb93aa false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/politicalbydesign/episodes/From-Change-to-Status-Quo-Labours-Branding-Dilemma-e38ngep 69b6f18663444515f97e1d16 69b6f1794266c9b1c736bf77 full 1 5 In this episode of Political by Design, Leslie Clarke is joined by Labour councillor and former journalist Sebastian Salek to unpack Labour’s and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's struggle to turn its message of “change” into a convincing governing brand.

From the challenge of communicating achievements to voters, to the underestimated role of simple, positive language, we explore why political branding is make-or-break in 2025.

The conversation covers how Labour can reset its narrative, what the deputy leadership race really signals, and why storytelling matters as much as policy.


Follow Sebastian on Twitter: @SebastianSalek

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode of Political by Design, Leslie Clarke is joined by Labour councillor and former journalist Sebastian Salek to unpack Labour’s and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's struggle to turn its message of “change” into a convincing governing brand.

From the challenge of communicating achievements to voters, to the underestimated role of simple, positive language, we explore why political branding is make-or-break in 2025.

The conversation covers how Labour can reset its narrative, what the deputy leadership race really signals, and why storytelling matters as much as policy.


Follow Sebastian on Twitter: @SebastianSalek

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Politics of Care: Inside Britain’s Trans Health Crisis [Scene Magazine Special Episode] The Politics of Care: Inside Britain’s Trans Health Crisis [Scene Magazine Special Episode] Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:30:00 GMT 1:08:14 e40a9e09-474b-4758-97b9-bb47843f646a false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/politicalbydesign/episodes/The-Politics-of-Care-Inside-Britains-Trans-Health-Crisis-Scene-Magazine-Special-Episode-e38cb9h 69b6f1891b5a7dfbdf173c8d 69b6f1794266c9b1c736bf77 full 1 4 In this special episode for Scene Magazine, Leslie Clarke interviews Dr Sam Hall, a GP and advocate for trans healthcare, discussing the challenges faced by trans individuals in the healthcare system, the impact of societal perceptions, and the importance of informed consent.

They explore the evolution of trans rights and the need for compassion and understanding in medical practice. The conversation highlights the urgent need for reform in healthcare policies and the importance of a unified LGBTQ+ community in advocating for trans rights.

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this special episode for Scene Magazine, Leslie Clarke interviews Dr Sam Hall, a GP and advocate for trans healthcare, discussing the challenges faced by trans individuals in the healthcare system, the impact of societal perceptions, and the importance of informed consent.

They explore the evolution of trans rights and the need for compassion and understanding in medical practice. The conversation highlights the urgent need for reform in healthcare policies and the importance of a unified LGBTQ+ community in advocating for trans rights.

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Politics has changed forever... Politics has changed forever... Sun, 24 Aug 2025 12:23:27 GMT 9:16 c357f133-3355-4f0f-a58b-07925c24e003 false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/politicalbydesign/episodes/Politics-has-changed-forever-e3788is 69b6f184cad04b62227c0917 69b6f1794266c9b1c736bf77 full 1 3 Gavin Newsom is dominating the political arena like no other Democrat, which really gets under the skin of Trump and MAGA loyalists.

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Gavin Newsom is dominating the political arena like no other Democrat, which really gets under the skin of Trump and MAGA loyalists.

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Designing Democracy’s Future: How Gen Z Votes Are Won (or Lost) Designing Democracy’s Future: How Gen Z Votes Are Won (or Lost) Fri, 18 Apr 2025 12:56:13 GMT 1:05:59 16c3a926-22a1-4a0c-9edd-882418b0e89c false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/politicalbydesign/episodes/Designing-Democracys-Future-How-Gen-Z-Votes-Are-Won-or-Lost-e31mp43 69b6f1897ebe44dc8bcca5c6 69b6f1794266c9b1c736bf77 full 1 2 In this episode of Political By Design, host Leslie Pumm speaks with Angus Abercrombie, a young political leader, about the importance of engaging Gen Z voters and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party.

They discuss Abercrombie's journey into local politics, the significance of grassroots efforts, and the role of social media in shaping political narratives.

The conversation highlights the need for the Democratic Party to adapt its strategies to resonate with younger voters, emphasising the balance between effective branding and substantive policy discussions.

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> In this episode of Political By Design, host Leslie Pumm speaks with Angus Abercrombie, a young political leader, about the importance of engaging Gen Z voters and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party.

They discuss Abercrombie's journey into local politics, the significance of grassroots efforts, and the role of social media in shaping political narratives.

The conversation highlights the need for the Democratic Party to adapt its strategies to resonate with younger voters, emphasising the balance between effective branding and substantive policy discussions.

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Hello World Hello World Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:58:24 GMT 4:05 cc4de992-65cd-41a0-a1c3-279eab7b0a3c false https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/politicalbydesign/episodes/Hello-World-e31lmq5 69b6f17d7ebe44dc8bcca374 69b6f1794266c9b1c736bf77 full 1 1 Welcome to Political by Design! In this solo kickoff, host Leslie Pumm unveils the podcast’s mission: cracking open how branding shapes politics in the UK and US.

Expect a roadmap of what’s ahead—1:1 chats with experts unpacking the moves behind the messaging. Curious about the strategies steering our debates? This is your start. Join the conversation and subscribe for more!

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome to Political by Design! In this solo kickoff, host Leslie Pumm unveils the podcast’s mission: cracking open how branding shapes politics in the UK and US.

Expect a roadmap of what’s ahead—1:1 chats with experts unpacking the moves behind the messaging. Curious about the strategies steering our debates? This is your start. Join the conversation and subscribe for more!

About Political by Design

Political by Design is the podcast from Scene Magazine that looks at politics through an LGBTQ+ lens. Hosted by Leslie Clarke, publisher and editor of Scene. New episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.


Follow Scene Magazine

Instagram: @scenemagazineuk

Facebook: @GScene.Brighton

BlueSky: @scenemag.co.uk

YouTube: @scenemagazineuk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>