This Is Why

Lots of people enjoy a flutter – but have you ever considered betting on a US strike on Iran? Or when Russia will take control of a village in the Donbass? Or what day a head of state might be killed?
It’s a macabre thought for even the most compulsive gambler – but punters are betting millions of dollars on prediction sites like Polymarket and Kalshi, which both have links to Donald Trump Jr.
High stakes bets on specific acts of war have led to allegations of insider trading and potential market manipulation.
Niall discusses Polymarket and the ethics of wartime betting with Sam Doak of Sky News’ Data and Forensics unit.
Do you have a question for the podcast? Email us: [email protected]

Four Jewish ambulances were set on fire in North London on Monday morning, in the latest incident to be treated as an antisemitic hate crime by the police.
Sadly, it is just a further example of the increase in violence towards the Jewish community in the UK since the October 7 attacks in 2023.
The Jewish charity, the Community Security Trust (CST), said that last year saw the second-highest annual total of anti-Jewish hate incidents on record.
So, does the Jewish community feel antisemitism has become normalised in the UK, and what can be done to help Jews feel safer?
Niall speaks to Dr Dave Rich, Director of Policy at the CST.
Have you got a question for the podcast? Email us: [email protected]

Last week, Iran tried to target the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia – more than 2,000 miles away in the Indian Ocean.
That attack failed but it led an Israel military spokesperson to suggest London could be vulnerable to an Iranian ballistic missile strike.
With Keir Starmer now allowing the use of British air bases for US operations against attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, is Iran capable of direct retaliation against the UK?
What is the state of Britain’s air defences? And what other means does Tehran have at its disposal to threaten us?
Niall speaks to Sky’s defence analyst, Professor Michael Clarke.
Do you have a question for the podcast? Email us: [email protected]

Saturday Night Live has launched the careers of Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey and Will Ferrell among many others in its 50 year long run on NBC in the US.
It’s now coming to the UK with Tina Fey, Jamie Dornan and Riz Ahmed hosting the first shows.
As in the US there’s an ensemble cast of comedy players so how important could SNL UK be for the comedy scene?
Niall speaks to the creator and host of the Saturday Night Network podcast, Jon Schneider about what makes SNL so successful and asks comedian Rosie Holt what difference British comedians will make to it.
Saturday Night Live UK launches on Sky and streaming service NOW at 10pm on 21 March 2026.

Nearly half of young adults are turning to low or non-alcoholic drinks - with the number nearly doubling since 2018.
To understand why Gen Z has been making this clear-headed decision you need look no further than the “sober curious” movement - with social media influencers promoting the benefits of a booze-free lifestyle.
Excessive drinking was once seen as a right of passage in early adulthood – so what’s changed? And as the pub industry already faces significant challenges – how can it adapt to cater for a more sober generation?
Niall is joined by sober curious influencer Millie Gooch and Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality.