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Adapting a political story is one thing… but adapting one that still feels current, raw and unresolved is something else entirely.

In the latest episode of The MarshyCast, I sat down with Olivier Assayas to talk about The Wizard of the Kremlin, his new film starring Jude Law as Vladimir Putin.

Interestingly, Assayas revealed he was one of the first people to read the original book… but initially turned down the chance to bring it to the big screen. It’s a decision that says a lot about the scale and sensitivity of the story, and the responsibility that comes with telling it.

The film boasts a remarkable cast, but central to it is Jude Law’s portrayal of Putin, a performance that inevitably draws attention given the real-world context. That led to a wider conversation about what it means to make a film like this when many of the figures involved are still alive, and the events themselves continue to shape global politics.

We also touched on the creative process behind the film, including whether there’s a longer director’s cut waiting in the wings. Let’s just say… the answer isn’t quite what you might expect.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the conversation, though, was around perception. Is the film pro-Russian? Anti-Russian? Or something more complex? Assayas spoke candidly about the balance he wanted to strike, and whether he had any concerns about potential backlash.

It’s a fascinating insight into filmmaking at the intersection of art and real-world politics… where every creative decision carries weight beyond the screen.

🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

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I caught up with actress Lisa Riley in what can only be described as a very “2026” moment — she was enjoying some time off in New York, while I’d just returned from a holiday in Wales, including the small matter of climbing Mount Snowdon. Not quite the same skyline, but we made it work.

Our conversation covered a lot of ground, starting with the realities of fame. Lisa spoke openly about being recognised not just in the UK, but internationally too — from Poland to the streets of New York. It’s something that comes with the territory, but as she explained, it also brings its own challenges and pressures.

Of course, we couldn’t not talk about I’m A Celebrity. With the new South Africa series getting people talking, I had to ask — would she ever go back into the jungle? Lisa gave a brilliant, honest answer that fans will love.

But the most powerful part of our chat was hearing about her work with Breast Cancer Now and the Pink Ribbon Walks. After losing her mum, Lisa has channelled that loss into something incredibly positive, dedicating time and energy to raising awareness and supporting others affected by cancer. Her passion for the cause really shines through.

It’s a conversation that moves from light-hearted to deeply meaningful — and one that really stays with you.

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh

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Big changes to tax can often feel overwhelming… especially when they’re described as the biggest shake-up in nearly 30 years.

But in the latest episode of The MarshyCast, consumer champion Dominic Littlewood joins me to explain why Making Tax Digital might actually be a positive step for small business owners.

At its core, the move is about modernising the way tax is managed. Instead of last-minute stress and piles of paperwork, the system is designed to help businesses stay on top of things in real time. And according to Dominic, once you get your head around it, it can genuinely save both time and money.

One of the biggest misconceptions is around penalties. There’s a fear that one small mistake could lead to instant fines. In reality, there’s a built-in safety net… with three warnings before any kind of penalty is issued. It’s designed to guide people into the system, not catch them out.

We also talked about how these changes might feel particularly daunting for older people or those less comfortable with digital systems. That concern is very real… but so is the support available. From guidance to tools and advice, there are ways to make the transition much smoother than many might expect.

Ultimately, this is about taking something that feels complicated… and making it simpler over time.

🎧 You can listen to the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh