Best Voyages from the Rocket 2025 Part 1

Best Voyages from the Rocket 2025 Part 1

Author: The Telegraph August 14, 2025 Duration: 1:06:49

It's the summer break on Planet Normal so in the first of this year's best of the rocket series, our co-pilots take a look back at some of their most explosive voyages on the rocket of right thinking from the year so far.


Following the emergence of more harrowing details of rape gangs operating in the UK, in January Allison spoke to a warrior of free speech, and one of her heroines, Ayaan Hirsi Ali. A former Dutch MP, Ayaan has put herself in danger many times for speaking out against Islamists and supporting the self-determining right of Muslim women.


Then, in March, Liam had a fascinating conversation with American entrepreneur Mike Calvey. Who whilst living and working in Russia, ended up in Moscow's notorious Matrosskaya Tishina prison on trumped-up charges in 2019. Now free and fully exonerated, Mike joined Liam to discuss his book Odyssey Moscow, the war in Ukraine, and his complex relationship with Russia.


Read more from Liam: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/liam-halligan/ |

Read more from Allison: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/a/ak-ao/allison-pearson/ |

Need help subscribing or reviewing? Learn more about podcasts here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/radio/podcasts/podcast-can-find-best-ones-listen/ |

Email: planetnormal@telegraph.co.uk |

For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/normal |


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


Every Thursday, Allison Pearson and Liam Halligan step outside the daily noise to offer a different perspective on the week’s events. Planet Normal, from The Telegraph, is a conversation that often challenges the prevailing narratives found in mainstream media and political circles. This podcast digs into the stories shaping society, culture, and the news, focusing on the viewpoints and concerns that feel increasingly sidelined. Pearson and Halligan, both seasoned columnists, bring a blend of sharp analysis and relatable frustration to topics ranging from family life and economic pressures to broader cultural shifts. Their discussions feel like a break from a scripted debate, offering listeners a space where common sense and direct commentary take precedence. Tuning in provides a weekly reset-a chance to hear arguments grounded in everyday experience rather than abstract theory. It’s for anyone who feels the conventional discourse doesn’t quite reflect the reality they see. You’ll find the tone is more like a candid chat between two well-informed friends than a formal news broadcast, making complex issues accessible and engaging. This is the appeal of the Planet Normal podcast: a consistent, thoughtful alternative that speaks plainly about the forces shaping our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Planet Normal
Podcast Episodes
Fixing the foundations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:35
The campaign for free speech on the rocket has been a runaway success with no signs of slowing down.This week your co-pilots tackle a bulging mail bag with a Planet Normal Email special reading out some of your reactions…
A helluva week on the rocket [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:06
It’s been one helluva week on the rocket for co-pilot Pearson, as she describes the ‘news tsunami’ that has crashed through her life.Your co-pilots talk through the reaction to Allison’s story and discuss the principle o…
You have the freedom to be silenced [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:37
In wake of co-pilot Pearson’s shock visit from the police on Remembrance Sunday, the rocket reflects on the principle of free speech in our country. Allison explains what happens when the journalist becomes the story…Els…
US Election 2024 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:42
Co-pilot Pearson is off on a special mission this week so Liam is joined in the cockpit by resident part time co-pilot, Tim Stanley.As the news breaks of Donald Trump’s victory in the US Liam and Tim dissect the news tsu…
Labour’s big budget [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:46
As Labour unveils their first budget in 14 years, the rocket beams in for a bumper Budget special with not one but two stowaways! But what do the rocket’s incumbents make of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s first big fiscal ch…
Planet Normal Live Special at the Battle of Ideas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:05
This episode was recorded live at the Battle of Ideas Festival in London on 20th October 2024In this very special episode of Planet Normal, the rocket beams in live from the Battle of Ideas Festival featuring not one, bu…
Rachel and the blackhole [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:06
The countdown to Labour's first Budget is on, but what do your co-pilots make of the new Chancellor's plans? Brace yourselves it's another news Tsunami…Liam isn’t convinced Labour’s plan for growth will strengthen up the…
The two Tory horse race [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:07
Fresh from a shock elimination in the Tory leadership race, your co-pilots deliver their verdict on the latest results from the now two horse race. And did co-pilot Pearson really influence the result?One year on from th…
Robert Jenrick on his Tory leadership bid [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:59
The rocket beams in live from the Tory Party Conference in Birmingham this week and there’s no shortage of melodrama to dissect as the Party gears up to elect its new leader.Fastening their seat belt alongside your co-pi…
Conference season chaos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:08
**Some of Alison's reporting contains descriptions you may find distressingWith Conference season in full swing, what do your co-pilots make of the PM’s latest speech slip up at the Party’s Conference?Liam thinks Starmer…