The Establishment Blues

In this episode, we’ll be looking at how disappointing it is when public figures we like and admire become part of the establishment. That is, when they accept so-called honours such as knighthoods and OBEs.

Why does this bother us? It's complicated, nuanced, thorny.

Our special guest is the writer, author, artist, and pop culture historian Justin Lewis, who joins series regulars David Myers and Sprite Kirkwood.

Clips used in this episode

Armando Iannucci

Brennan Lee Mulligan

Music used in this episode

This Is Not a Song, It’s an Outburst: Or, The Establishment Blues by Rodriguez

Cripple Creek by Billy Connolly

Play With Fire by The Andrew Oldham Orchestra

The Day Today by Chris Morris and Jonathan Whitehead

Live From Her Majesty’s by Harry Rabinowitz

Song for Guy by Elton John

Shangri-La by The Kinks

Thanks, as always, to Dan Jackson for mixing our theme tune.

We would love to hear all about your own disappointments, no matter how big or small, so please feel free to contact us at So Disappointed.

So Disappointed is written, produced, edited and hosted by Wendy Jordan and Paul Whitelaw.