Episodes

  • UK Desk for Arts Express 29-1-25: Paul Hind of the 75th Century
    Jan 30 2025

    In what can only be described as the collision of performance art, digital fame, and a deep misunderstanding of reality, I sat down with Paul Hind – the self-proclaimed Commander of the 75th century – to discuss his… unique mission?


    Yes, truly the hard-hitting journalism the moment demands.


    Paul, who once gained infamy as a convicted troll targeting grieving families, has somehow re-emerged as a TikTok phenomenon. Clad in futuristic gear, he patrols the streets warning us about the Trevelocks and an alien race called the Kandough. Is it satire? Is it delusion? Is it an elaborate marketing strategy for a sci-fi series no one asked for? You decide.


    In the interview, we addressed his supposed mission to save humanity, his rise to viral stardom, and how the internet has made it possible for anyone – yes, anyone – to rewrite their narrative and sell it to millions. All this, while reflecting on the UK’s strange habit of elevating figures like Paul to fame, even as we face crises far more real than Kandough.


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

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    15 mins
  • UK Desk for Arts Express 22-1-25: Remembering David Lynch
    Jan 23 2025
    In this deeply personal episode, I reflect on the passing of the unparalleled David Lynch, a filmmaker, artist, and visionary whose work shaped my creativity, inspired generations, and defied all conventions of cinema. From my first bewildering encounter with Mulholland Drive to the raw brilliance of Inland Empire and the haunting resonance of Eraserhead, Lynch’s films were more than just surreal experiences—they were windows into the possibilities of art, storytelling, and belief in one’s ideas, no matter how strange or small. Growing up on a council estate in Salford, Lynch gave me the courage to dream big with very little, teaching me that art can emerge from even the darkest corners of life.

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

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    10 mins
  • UK Desk for Arts Express 15-1-25: Judge Holden vs Elon Musk
    Jan 15 2025

    On this special episode of the UK Desk for Arts Express, Jack Clarke bring a new segment to the table from his days at school; Who would win in a fight?


    Get ready for the ultimate clash of worlds in this surreal, once-in-a-lifetime showdown! In one corner, the enigmatic and towering Judge Holden, straight out of Blood Meridian—a hairless, pale giant with a cold, unrelenting stare and a reputation for unmatched brutality. In the other corner, modern-day titan of industry, Elon Musk, the tech billionaire and cultural phenomenon, stepping into the ring with nothing but determination and his wits.


    Set in the unforgiving heat of a desolate desert, this fight pits raw, primal chaos against calculated modern ingenuity. Two wildly different eras collide in a brutal, no-holds-barred struggle for dominance. Who will stand victorious when the dust settles? The relentless embodiment of violence or the man shaping the future? Witness the most bizarre and intense match-up ever imagined!




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

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    11 mins
  • UK Desk for Arts Express 8-1-25: Dyson dropped the bomb?
    Jan 9 2025

    In what can only be described as the pinnacle of domestic drama meets geopolitical analysis, for some reason I interviewed Dr. Matthew Alford while he hoovered his stairs.


    Yes, truly groundbreaking radio.


    Matthew explains his ill-fated sanity: if humanity survived 2024 without nuking itself, he’d finally clean his stairs. Well, no mushroom clouds, just ongoing wars, genocide, and some truly grim carpet. So, we tackled the big questions: the psychology of power, military manipulation in media, and whether his Hoover is as effective at cleaning as the West is at diplomacy.


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

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    14 mins
  • UK Desk for Arts Express 1-1-25: Robin Hood or Psychotic Killer?
    Jan 5 2025
    On this first new year episode of the UK Desk for Arts Express, host Jack Clarke dives into the seismic collision of technology, morality, and power in the case that gripped the headlines: the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. With a sharp lens on Luigi Mangione’s manifesto and the shadowy interplay of corporate greed, personal tragedy, and systemic failure, this episode unpacks the timeline, controversies, and deeper implications of a healthcare system that prioritises profits over lives.

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

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    10 mins
  • UK Desk for Arts Express 12-25-24: 'Van Gogh Has A Broken Heart'
    Dec 28 2024

    On this episode of Arts Express, Jack Clarke dives into a fascinating conversation with author and pastor Russ Ramsey about the intersection of art, faith, and the human experience. From Van Gogh's yearning for beauty in the midst of struggle to the role of creativity as a modern-day form of storytelling and prayer, this episode explores how art shapes our understanding of life and spirituality. Along the way, Jack and Russ examine how artists throughout history have navigated suffering, hope, and redemption, offering lessons that are still profoundly relevant in today’s fast-paced and often disconnected world.


    Russ’s latest book, Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart: What Art Teaches Us About the Wonder and Struggle of Being Alive, is a heartfelt exploration of the stories behind some of history’s most compelling artists. In this deeply insightful work, Russ reflects on how their lives and creations mirror our own struggles and aspirations, offering a fresh perspective on how art can teach us to see beauty even in brokenness.


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

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    32 mins
  • UK Desk for Arts Express 12-19-24: Ventriloquism Without Strings Attached
    Dec 23 2024

    On this episode of Arts Express, we welcome the multitalented April Brucker, ventriloquist, comedienne, and author, alongside her outspoken puppet May Wilson. Known for her unique humor and unforgettable television appearances—including her cult-classic episode on My Strange Addiction—April discusses her bold new holiday single, "Merry Christmas, I'm So Glad I Didn't Marry You," the art and history of ventriloquism, and the challenges of performing post-COVID and post-strike.



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

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    32 mins
  • UK Desk for Arts Express 12-11-24: What is the UFO phenomenon?
    Dec 12 2024

    On this episode of Arts Express, UK Desk host Jack Clarke asked historian Greg Eghigian why UFOs have remained such a resilient and captivating phenomenon in global culture—and what that tells us about our beliefs, our anxieties, and even our politics.


    Greg’s new book, After the Flying Saucers Came: A Global History of the UFO Phenomenon, explores these questions and more. From shifting academic attitudes to the fascinating ways UFOs have mirrored specific moments in history, we cover it all.


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

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    33 mins