Episode 1 – Do political TV debates actually change a voter’s mind?
In the first episode of series 2, Professor Stephen Coleman explores the TV election debates – and he talks to the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron, who took part in one in 2017.
Episode 2 – Could journalists be doing more to get answers from politicians?
In this episode of The Sound of Politics, Professor Stephen Coleman explores the four voices of the 2024 election campaign and talks with Dororthy Byrne, former Head of News and Current Affairs at Channel 4.
** Please note there is the use of one explicit word during this episode.
Episode 3 (Bonus) – MINI-POD: A spotlight on Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer
In this short bonus episode, Professor Stephen Coleman looks at the communication styles of the Prime Minister and Conservative leader, Rishi Sunak, and leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer.
Episode 4 (Bonus) – MINI-POD: A spotlight on Nigel Farage
In this short bonus episode, Professor Stephen Coleman looks at the way the Reform UK leader, Nigel Farage, communicates and asks what is his appeal?
Episode 5 (Bonus) – MINI-POD: Speaking outside 10 Downing Street
In this episode Professor Stephen Coleman looks at the speeches the leaders make before heading in to 10 Downing Street for day one as prime Minister.
Episode 6 – How does politics end up with an assassination attempt on Donald Trump?
In this episode Professor Stephen Coleman discusses the U.S. election campaign and asks the question how has it got to the point that a man tried to kill Donald Trump? He’s joined by Professor Robert Asen from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an expert in Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture.
Episode 7 – Trump and Harris: The First Debate (Part 1)
In this episode, Professor Stephen Coleman considers the coming US presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. He’s joined by debates’ expert, Alan Schroeder.
Stephen shares four questions every viewer of the debate should consider while watching it on the 10th September.
There’ll be reaction to the debate and additional material after it’s aired.
Episode 8 – When politicians claim “I did that!”
In this episode, Professor Stephen Coleman looks at the claims politicians make, how they sometimes overclaim their achievements, and discusses whether this is always the best plan. He’s joined by top legal scholar, Peter Shane.
Episode 9 – Uncivil Political Conversation
In this episode, Professor Stephen Coleman explores how political talk has become so angry and uncivil. He’s joined by Robert C. Rowland, Professor of Rhetoric at the University of Kansas.
Episode 10 – ‘Make America Great Again’ – What does that slogan actually mean?’
In this episode Professor Stephen Coleman explores the language of MAGA (Make America Great Again) and talks about the rhetoric of the recent US election with Professor of Rhetoric, Casey Ryan Kelly.
The Sound of Politics 