heretics. | andrew gold cover art

heretics. | andrew gold

heretics. | andrew gold

By: Andrew Gold
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Journalist Andrew Gold talks to everyone from cult defectors and politicians to mainstream celebrities - people who’ve challenged the expected script and lived with the consequences. Formerly known as Heretics, guests include Robbie Williams, Paul Gascogine, Chris Packham, Chris Williamson, David Baddiel, Richard Dawkins, Bonnie Blue, and former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss.Andrew Gold Social Sciences
Episodes
  • 670. The UK’s Chilling Plan to Control What You Watch

    670. The UK’s Chilling Plan to Control What You Watch
    Jul 9 2026
    The government is introducing plans that could force social media to prioritise ‘legacy channels’ in their algorithms. I’m actually staggered they’re being this brazen. The UK government has released a green paper proposing that social media platforms should prioritise “trusted” legacy media sources like the BBC over independent creators and commentators. In this episode, I explain why this matters, how it could quietly reshape what millions of people see online, and why it looks less like protecting the public and more like creeping state-backed control of the information space. Email feedback here: watchthisspace@dcms.gov.uk Here is the full proposal: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/watch-this-space-a-new-strategic-direction-for-uk-media-green-paper-and-public-consultation/watch-this-space-a-new-strategic-direction-for-uk-media-green-paper-and-public-consultation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • 669. Dr. Alison McClymont: Child Abuse, Cover-Ups and the Apps Targeting Your Kids

    669. Dr. Alison McClymont: Child Abuse, Cover-Ups and the Apps Targeting Your Kids
    Jul 6 2026
    What is the terrifying change currently sweeping the UK that big tech is ignoring? Trafficking expert Dr. Allison McClement reveals the industrialization of child abuse and how the apps we use every day have become tools for predators. From the 850% increase in live-streamed abuse since the pandemic to the shocking "Netflix-style" platforms hosting this content on the normal web, this interview uncovers an economic engine of depravity. We dive deep into the specific dangers of platforms like Roblox, the emergence of the "Com" and "764" groups targeting young children, and the statistical anomalies in the UK’s grooming gang inquiries that suggest a much larger, darker cover-up. Why is law enforcement struggling to keep up, and why are the world’s most powerful tech companies doing so little to stop it? This is a wake-up call for every parent and citizen. Watch until the end to understand the full depth of what’s being hidden and how the "savior complex" of political elites might be fueling the fire. #AndrewGold #Heretics #BigTech #OnlineSafety #Whistleblower #DrAllisonMcClement #Roblox #764 #TrueCrime #DigitalSafety Chapters 0:00 The Terrifying Change Big Tech Ignores 2:08 The 850% Surge in Live-Streamed Abuse 4:32 The "Netflix for Predators" Exposed 7:15 Paying 95p to Direct Real-Time Torture 10:12 Why It’s Not Just on the Dark Web 13:45 The "Self-Generated" Image Lie 16:01 Why Roblox Is Every Parent's Nightmare 18:33 The Rise of the "Com" & 764 Groups 21:55 The Dark Reality of Female Predators 25:40 Is Meta Profiting From This Silence? 29:15 Why Big Tech Refuses to Use AI to Stop It 32:44 The Privacy vs. Protection Paradox 35:30 "Just Remove the Chat": A Simple Solution 38:05 Bacha Bazi: The "Cultural" Abuse We Ignore 42:48 The Statistical Impossibility of Grooming Gang Data 46:12 The "Red Room" Testimony They Buried 49:50 Why Politicians Refuse to Turn Over the Rocks 53:22 The Dangerous Elitism of Jess Phillips 57:55 How the "Savior Complex" Silences Real Victims Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 668. Lucy Connolly, Lockdowns & AI Judges: Supreme Justice Told Me I Was Wrong About Everything

    668. Lucy Connolly, Lockdowns & AI Judges: Supreme Justice Told Me I Was Wrong About Everything
    Jul 4 2026
    Supreme Court Justice Lord Jonathan Sumption doesn't seem to think much of me. Remarkably, he defends Lucy Connolly's sentence but believes Covid lockdowns were unjustifiable and that the trans supreme court decision was healthy. We also discuss AI judges in the future and the limits of free speech. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
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Utterly addicted. Imagine a great journalist like Louis Theroux being able to day what he ACTUALLY thinks! Andrew Gold is just brilliant! Bring an open mind.

Great content, fascinating guests, incredibly well presented.

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Andrew is a wonderful journalist with a real skill for talking to people about awkward and uneasy subjects. You might not agree with everything he has to say but I think he is very respectful of others with differing viewpoints and he has a way of explaining thoughts and ideas in a non-confrontational way. I wish all discussions could be like this. Expect to have your ideas challenged, your passions inflamed and your feathers ruffled with nuanced and open conversations.

Great Podcast and YouTube show

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