The EU and UK are in Deep Trouble
Segment #830
Mass migration. Net-zero carbon goals. Expansive welfare states. Identity politics. Limited defense spending. Throughout the 2010s, all these policies became causes du jour across the European continent. It was an intellectual mood captured by three famous words from former German chancellor Angela Merkel: wir shaffen das, roughly meaning “we can handle this”—shorthand for Germany’s open-door refugee policy—and one example of idealistic political thinking. Unfortunately, as it later became clear, the optimistic phrase didn’t match reality. And at a wider level, as many countries prioritized expansive, liberal policy agendas, European economies lagged and the body politic grew more fractured—paving the way for rising support for both far-right and far-left parties. How did this happen to Europe? And how can it change course? Konstantin Kisin, co-host of the TRIGGERnometry podcast and author of An Immigrant’s Love Letter to the West, is seeking to answer that question. According to Kisin, Europe’s weakened position stems from deindustrialization, warped climate policies, and levels of migration that outpaced its capacity to integrate newcomers—undermining the continent’s influence and power. I sat down with him to discuss how Europe arrived at its current predicament, and what might restore its economic dynamism. We also touch on his skepticism about the Iran war and what he sees as the United States’ unclear—or absent—strategy in one of the most consequential regions on Earth.
You can find these two podcasts on YouTube. While I don’t personally always agree with hem, they are smart, young, and thoughtful
Free Press Podcast on YouTube
The Free Press (often abbreviated as The FP) has expanded its audio presence significantly as of March 2026, particularly following its acquisition by Paramount/Skydance and its integration into the CBS News ecosystem.
While many still refer to it as "The Free Press Podcast," the company actually operates a suite of shows under its umbrella.
Key Shows & Latest Developments
(March 2026)Honestly with Bari WeissHigh-profile interviews and cultural debates.Currently on a brief "pause" as of late January 2026, but recent deep dives have focused on the conflict in Iran and geopolitical shifts.
The Free Press InvestigatesNarrative, serialized journalism.Features the new series "Spiral: Murder in Detroit," an investigation into the death of a community leader.
Conversations with ColemanHosted by Coleman Hughes.Focuses on philosophy, race, and culture through a "discovery-based" lens.
The Witch Trials of J.K. RowlingSerialized series.A flagship project hosted by Megan Phelps-Roper exploring the cultural polarization surrounding the author.
Major 2026 Updates
CBS News Transition: Following the 2025 acquisition, Bari Weiss now serves as the Editor-in-Chief of CBS News. This has led to a more integrated approach between The FP’s digital-first style and legacy broadcast media.
Geopolitical Focus: Recent episodes across all FP channels have been heavily dominated by the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, featuring frequent analysis from historian Niall Ferguson on strategic chokepoints and military buildup.
Expansion of Contributors: The network recently added several high-profile columnists and podcasters, including Tyler Cowen, Sarah Isgur, and Jed Rubenfeld.
Recent Notable Episodes
"Did Trump Miscalculate on Iran?" with Niall Ferguson (March 21, 2026).
"Can Trump Beat China by Winning In Iran?" with Zineb Riboua (March 18, 2026).
"A Message for Iranian Regime Apologists" (March 11, 2026 — Premium).
"The Forgotten History of Slavery in the Islamic World" with Justin Marozzi (March 17, 2026).
Would you like me to find a specific episode transcript or summarize one of these recent discussions on military strategy for you?
TRIGGERnometry Podcast
The podcast you are likely referring to is TRIGGERnometry (often stylized as TRIGGERnometry). It is a long-running, popular British series hosted by stand-up comedians Konstantin Kisin and Francis Foster.
Overview
Format: The show features long-form interviews that dive into politics, economics, free speech, culture, and global events.
Mission: The hosts describe the podcast as an attempt to "make sense" of complex issues by engaging with a wide variety of guests—including journalists, economists, presidential advisors, scientists, and other comedians—across the ideological spectrum.
Schedule: New episodes are typically released twice a week, on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Platform: It is primarily distributed via their YouTube channel, though it is also widely available on standard podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Global Player.
Context & Reception
Since its inception in 2018, the show has become a significant player in the "alternative" or independent media landscape. It is known for its focus on free speech and its willingness to platform controversial or heterodox viewpoints, which often leads to lively online debate. While the hosts identify as independent, critics frequently categorize the show's focus and guest selection as leaning right-of-center, while fans often praise it for providing a platform for viewpoints they feel are underrepresented in mainstream media.
If you were looking for something else—such as a specific music podcast or a niche educational series—please let me know, as the term "Trigonometry" is sometimes used for unrelated projects in music or other media.
You can explore their latest discussions here: Visit the TRIGGERnometry YouTube Channel
This channel provides the most direct access to their full library of video episodes, recent live discussions, and commentary on current events.