Reform’s Womb Agenda: Handmaid’s Politics & Olympic Confessions
Marina and Jemma unpack public guilt, performative remorse, and why the Winter Olympics still feels like a collection of sports invented during a long weekend in Oslo.
February 18, 2026
39 min
331
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364 of 416

Episode 331 · February 18, 2026
Reform’s Womb Agenda: Handmaid’s Politics & Olympic Confessions
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The Trawl Podcast Episodes Around February 18, 2026
Episode 364 of 416 — walk the feed in the order it was published.
41:56Cheaper Pints, Poorer Children, the Student Loan Stitch‑Up & Trump’s Misogyny
39:21This episodeReform’s Womb Agenda: Handmaid’s Politics & Olympic Confessions
Summary
<p>This Trawl starts with a confession that absolutely nobody asked for. A Norwegian Olympic medallist wins bronze… then goes live on TV to admit he cheated, not in sport, but on his girlfriend. Gold medal in biathlon, emotional own goal in life. Marina and Jemma unpack public guilt, performative remorse, and why the Winter Olympics still feels like a collection of sports invented during a long weekend in Oslo.</p><br /><p>But from awkward to outright alarming…</p><br /><p>Reform UK are floating policies that sound less like a manifesto and more like a Handmaid’s Tale mood board. Nigel Farage is hinting at fewer divorces and abortions under his leadership. Matt Goodwin thinks childfree people should be taxed more - a literal fertility surcharge - and has suggested girls should be encouraged to have babies earlier. Yes. Really.</p><br /><p>From Natasha Devon’s brilliant LBC take, to Argentina erupting under Javier Milei’s chainsaw economics, to Nadhim Zahawi proving once again that being out of touch is a lifestyle choice.</p><br /><p>There is rage. There is swearing. There is Catherine Tate.</p><br /><p>And just when you think it can’t get more absurd, Rupert Lowe launches his own party.</p><br /><p>Plus: a resurfaced Stone Roses press conference clip that is the chaotic pudding we all deserve.</p><br /><p>Gold medals, fertility taxes, and five pence off a pint.</p><p>Completely normal country.</p><br /><p>Thank you for sharing and please do follow us @MarinaPurkiss @jemmaforte @TheTrawlPodcast</p><p> </p><p>Patreon</p><p><a href="https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast</a></p><p> </p><p>Youtube</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@TheTrawl</a></p><p> </p><p>Twitter</p><p><a href="https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/TheTrawlPodcast</a></p><br /><p>If you’ve even mildly enjoyed The Trawl, you’ll love the unfiltered, no-holds-barred extras from Jemma & Marina over on Patreon, including:</p><br /><p>• Exclusive episodes of The Trawl Goss – where Jemma and Marina spill backstage gossip, dive into their personal lives, and often forget the mic is on</p><p>• Early access to The Trawl Meets…</p><p>• Glorious ad-free episodes</p><br /><p>Plus, there’s a bell-free community of over 3,300 legends sparking brilliant chat.</p><br /><p>And it’s your way to support the pod which the ladies pour their hearts, souls (and occasional anxiety) into. All for your listening pleasure and reassurance that through this geopolitical s**tstorm… you’re not alone.</p><br /><p>Come join the fun:</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/TheTrawlPodcast?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator</a></p><p><br /></p><hr /><p style="color: grey; font-size: 0.75em;"> Hosted on Acast. See <a href="https://acast.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: grey;" target="_blank">acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>