Reasons Revisited

In its first King's Speech, the Labour government said that "greater devolution of decision making is at the heart of a modern dynamic economy and is a key driver of economic growth." Historically, why has the UK been so insistent on hoarding power centrally? And what's the potential in Westminster giving away power? With Tony Travers (LSE), Sarah Longlands (IPPR North) and Neil McInroy (The Centre for Local Economic Strategies) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2024

Ed has departed for government, and Geoff is left as custodian of the archive. As the Labour government makes its first raft of announcements and appointments, we delve into our back catalogue to find the ideas which might have influenced them.  In this episode, we look at Rachel Reeves' announcement of the National Wealth Fund. What are public wealth funds? What different forms can they take? What are the potential benefits to our country? We revisit our episode Investment for the People from October 2022. First, we get the beginner's guide from UCL Associate Professor Josh Ryan-Collins. Then we hear from Professor Karin Thorburn about Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, which (due to specific historical circumstances) is very different to the one proposed for the UK, but illustrates how a public wealth fund could transform the way we finance Government spending.  More infoNorway’s Sovereign Wealth FundUCL IIPP Report on Public Wealth Funds GuestsJosh Ryan-Collins, Associate Professor in Economics and Finance, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (@jryancollins) (@IIPP_UCL)Karin Thorburn, Professor of Finance, Norwegian School of Economics (@karinsthorburn) (@NHHnor) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2024

The day is upon us. Maybe. In the words of the late Teddy Kennedy (uncle of Robert F. Junior, and real-life inspiration for Kendall Roy): "For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." Thank you for keeping us cheerful. Email our sporadically monitored inbox: [email protected] Full text of Ted Kennedy's 1980 Democratic National Concession address: https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/tedkennedy1980dnc.htm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2024

We're giving you an extra 24 hours to don a black armband and stock up on Kleenex, as the Chatteroo approaches its final destination. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2024

From Highland Park, Illinois, we're joined by our cicada correspondent, who's keeping watch for the first dual emergence in 221 years. Plus, we find out more about this phenomenon with entomologist Professor Dave Bilton. Bigger than the beetles - more about Dave: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/staff/david-bilton Emerge in the Chatteroo inbox: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2024

Lauren Child (former Children's Laureate/creator of Charlie & Lola, Clarice Bean and Ruby Redfort) joins the Chatteroo. Buy Lauren's new Clarice Bean book, 'Smile': https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/smile-lauren-child/7462273?ean=9780008285548 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2024

Political economist and writer, Will Hutton joins the Chatteroo to talk about his new book, 'This Time No Mistakes: How to Remake Britain', and its parallels with his mid-90s bestseller, 'The State We're In'. Buy Will's book: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/this-time-no-mistakes-9781804549407/Email us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2024

Vegetarian escalope at the Paris Olympics, energy nerds, The Boring Phone, Mid TV and your correspondence. Join the Chatteroo! Email us with thoughts, questions and any fodder: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2024

Just in time for St George's Day, former Mili-gang members Marc Stears & Tom Baldwin join the Chatteroo to talk about their excellent new book 'England: Seven Myths That Changed a Country - And How To Set Them Straight' Treat yourself to a copy - you deserve it! https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/england-9781526646231/Email us: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2024

Climate litigation in the 26 Cantons, the sense of smell in a digital world, Ed turns quizmaster, and your email. Throw us a chatty bone! What would you like to hear in the Chatteroo? [email protected] PENGUINS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PwDFddpo4cCAN A WILD ANIMAL MAKE YOUR HOUSE FEEL LIKE A HOME? https://science.anu.edu.au/news-events/news/can-wild-animal-make-your-house-feel-home?fbclid=PAAabIRLX2FP_IHykx-YjF75F2coLxbwYKDJv4U5NnMndw17bYa7qfcaQuxmQ_aem_AafVJaTzSreellMoKrLQZJrh5JYYNqpKYdJ7oZuPtj2iOQkJvm5zEvgI30s13GX9XTE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2024

We lament the passing of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and delve into the Chatteroo postbag. We'd love to hear from you - it's your Chatteroo, too: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2024

Neuroscientist and author Tali Sharot has joined the Chatteroo to talk about her excellent new book, 'Look Again - The Power of Noticing What Was Always There' (co-written with Cass R Sunstein.) It's the habituation sensation that's sweeping the nation. Email us! [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2024

Includes a Presidential belch, life lessons from toddlers, the grace of a giraffe, and the Village People. We need your email to fuel the Chatteroo! [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2024

The calm before the swarm, your email, and Ed shares his music lesson trauma. Email us! [email protected] https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/mar/14/theres-joy-i-havent-felt-for-years-how-i-got-hooked-on-the-piano-craze Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2024

A flurry of email prompted by last week's episode, plus cheerful nuggets from John Kerry's New York Times exit interview, the age at which jeans become inappropriate, and an Oscars-themed quiz. Send us an email: [email protected] John Kerry: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/opinion/john-kerry-climate-change-china.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2024

Voicenotes, lessons from the New England Patriots, your email, and our best quiz yet. Chat makes the world go round! We need your email - send us facts about hedgehogs, stories of sticking to your guns, rules for voice-note etiquette, ideas for quizzes, articles... anything you'd like to hear Ed turn his big ol' brain to: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2024

Sad owl news, happy hedgehog news, and an encounter in the Portcullis House cafeteria queue. Plus, your email - send us more, please! [email protected] Liebreich: Net Zero Will Be Harder Than You Think – And Easier PART 1: https://about.bnef.com/blog/liebreich-net-zero-will-be-harder-than-you-think-and-easier-part-i-harder/PART 2: https://about.bnef.com/blog/liebreich-net-zero-will-be-harder-than-you-think-and-easier-part-ii-easier/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2024

Ed vs Mud, Geoff has the lung capacity of a slightly younger man, how to apologise, and a game of Know Your Station Apologise Like You Mean It: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/16/well/live/apology-tips.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare Where Did Our Strange Use of 'Like' Come From? https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/15/opinion/casual-speech-like.html?searchResultPosition=2 Email us! It makes Ed so happy... [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2024

Tracy Chapman, the age of a Prime Minister, how Marx and Engels communicated, plus more aggressive birds. Seen anything you'd like us to talk about? Got a question? Someone you'd like to hear us talk to? Want to set us a quiz? [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2024

Donald Trump vs Taylor Swift, Ed vs wildfowl and your email. Join the Chatteroo: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2024

Où est le chatteroo? Voici le chatteroo! Send us hamster facts, or anything else that's on your mind: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2024

Life is a Chatteroo, old chum! Come to the Chatteroo. Hello, and welcome to this week's catch-up, during which we discuss afternoon tea, including young voices in the climate conversation, a hat made of mushrooms, and workplace wellbeing and urban rewilding. Send us an email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2024

Brilliant climate scientist Emily Shuckburgh joins the Chatteroo to talk through the climate data for 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2024

Ed's new TV obsession leads to a chatteroo about therapy, including a mention of this twenty year-old essay by Nicholas Spice: https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v26/n01/nicholas-spice/i-must-be-mad Plus! Meet our famous new sidekick... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2024

Hap-py New Year! We welcome our first guest of the Chatteroo-era, and what a guest: This year's BBC Reith Lecturer, Professor Ben Ansell - political scientist and former teaching assistant to Ed Miliband (as Ed mentions 5,000 time during the conversation.) Listen to/read Ben's Reith Lectures: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00729d9Buy Ben's book, 'Why Politics Fails': https://www.pagesofhackney.co.uk/webshop/product/why-politics-fails-ansell-ben-w/Visit Ben's website: https://benwansell.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2024

A chatty accompaniment as your potatoes roast and your sprouts boil. We wish you a cheerful Christmas! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 December 2023

Chatteroo, roo, roo! Push pineapple, shake the tree! More Cop reflections, plus encouragment for Ed's paleontology ambition Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2023

Hey you, the Chatteroo crew!Show what you do, make a break, make a move. Ed's back from COP28 and is bursting to talk about a phasedown of unabated fossil fuels, paleontology, and Taylor Swift. Plus Geoff pitches a policy idea for the next Labour Party manifesto. Suggest things for us to chatteroo about: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2023

We're live from COP28. Well, Ed is - Geoff wasn't invited. He's asked for a souvenir from the COP shop. Dive in for Ed's news from Dubai, he's *very* excited about the ENAP Emissions Report. Plus, saying 'hi' to strangers, and a mysterious high energy particle is heading for Earth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2023

In the Chatteroo stew this week: Ed reflects on the Autumn Statement and budgets he has known and (sometimes) loved, and Geoff gets the wrong end of the stick - or drumstick - about an American tradition. Email us: [email protected]: Ed SeedArtwork: A child with a potato and some paint Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2023

All aboard the Chatterooga Choo-Choo for: * The return of David Cameron* Fika and Swedish Work Culture: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/nov/08/fika-four-week-holidays-and-zero-overtime-swedens-stunningly-healthy-work-culture* The Book Club that took 28 years to read one novel: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/nov/12/california-venice-book-club-finngeans-wake-28-years* Ezra Klein interviews Maryanne Wolf / Deep Reading: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/22/opinion/transcript-ezra-klein-interviews-maryanne-wolf.html* Sleep in a record shop: https://thespaces.com/spend-the-night-in-an-east-london-record-store/ Email us: [email protected] Music: Ed SeedArtwork: A chimp with an iPad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2023

For our last episode of Reasons to be Cheerful in its current form, Hannah Ritchie from Our World In Data tells us why things are more cheerful than we might think when it comes to the long-term trends and talks about her forthcoming book on what we do to make a sustainable world. Then Ed's podcast crush David Runciman reflects on our 6 years, what we have witnessed and how our political system can become fit for purpose. Plus tears, thank yous, Oscar-style tributes and emosh....but don't worry we'll be back in your feed next week with our cheerful chatteroo so we feel like it's not really properly goodbye.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2023

As this chapter of Reasons to be Cheerful almost draws to a close we wanted to leave you feeling motivated and inspired to take action on the things you care most about, from climate change to inequality. Feeling disempowered and frustrated with the state of the world? Our three guests are here to tell you why doing your bit can be joyful, fun and might just restore your faith in humanity a little bit! We hear from Froi Legaspi from Citizens UK who tells us about his journey into community organising, from Emily Bolton who's working with Grimsby Football Club to build a more optimistic future for the town, and to Dan McCallum, who back in 1998 started an energy co-op in Wales that's now the biggest rooftop solar co-op in the UK. Plus: Keep sending us your messages of what you've learnt from the pod since 2017! We'd love to hear from you at [email protected] GuestsFroi Legaspi, Senior Organiser, Citizens UK (@FroilanLegaspi / @CitizensUK)Emily Bolton, Founder, Our Future (@EmilyJBolton_ / @OurFutureGY)Dan McCallum, Co-Founder & Manager, Awel Aman Tawe (@AwelAmanTawe) More informationCheck out the work of Citizens UK including their local chaptersRead more about the work of Our Future and of Awel Aman TaweWant to set up your own project? Go to Community Energy England, Wales & ScotlandDan also mentioned Energy4AllLearn more about the work of We're Right Here, the campaign for a Community Power Act and of LocalityUCL's Policy Lab is undertaking a new project called Ordinary Hope, find out more here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2023

The last decade or so has witnessed the seemingly unstoppable rise of populism across Europe and the world. The ruling Law and Justice party in Poland were one example of the trend and there were no signs they were going anywhere. But a couple of weekends ago, Poland voted for a change. We explore the shock result, how we got here and what drove the record turnout with Piotr Buras and Anne Applebaum. Then we speak to young climate activist Dominika Lasota about her role mobilising women in the election. What can we learn from Poland and is there hope on the horizon? GuestsPiotr Buras, the Head of the European Council on Foreign Relations’ Warsaw Office (@PiotrBuras1 / @ecfr) Anne Applebaum, Staff Writer at The Atlantic and Pulitzer-prize winning historian (@anneapplebaum / @TheAtlantic)Dominika Lasota, climate activist and co-founder of the climate campaign group Wschód (@lasotellia / @wschod) More information Read Anne's article in the Atlantic: 'Poland Shows that Autocracy is not Inevitable' Read analysis from the ECFR about Poland's future and its relationship with Poland Find out more about Wschód Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2023

Long-time listeners to the pod will know that Ed never ever talks about his swimming hobby, but the RTBC team have decided to indulge him - just this once, mind - and dedicate a *whole episode* to the boom in outdoor swimming. Whether you’re a seasoned wild swimmer, a winter dipper or a lido goer, there’s a huge number of reasons why you might like to step outside the indoor confines of your local swimming baths. We speak to Kate Rew and journalist - and former Hampstead Ponds lifeguard - Nell Frizzell about why they find outdoor swimming exhilarating, as well as how to avoid swimming in s**t. And Professor Mike Tipton is back to give us a health warning and plenty of advice on how to swim safely. Plus: How should Geoff navigate the annual rotting gourd display? GuestsKate Rew, Founder, Outdoor Swimming Society and author of the Outdoor Swimmers’ Handbook (@kate_rew)Professor Mike Tipton, Professor of Human and Applied Physiology, University of Portsmouth (@ProfMikeTipton)Nell Frizzell, Journalist and Author of The Panic Years, Square One and Holding the Baby (@NellFrizzell) More informationCheck out the work of the Outdoor Swimming Society, including articles on how to stay well swimming and the 3% access mythBuy a copy of the Outdoor Swimmers' HandbookWatch a video of Mike immersing Chris van Tulleken into 12 degree waterMike mentioned the Blue Tits swimming groupThe Acta Physiologica article 'Effects of cold water on stress, cardiovascular and psychological variables'Check out Nell's books and her essay about being a lifeguard at the Hampstead Ponds Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2023

Would you like to work less, feel happier and maybe even do something good for the planet, all with no loss in pay? It’s a dream that could soon become a reality for many, after the world's biggest four day week trial wrapped up last year. We explore the results and dig back through our audio archives to revisit the history of a shorter working week, why it could be a solution to Britain's flatlining productivity problem, and what comes next for the four day week campaign. GuestsAndrew Barnes, 4 Day Week - Global (@4dayweek_global)Kate Bell, TUC (@kategobell)Rachel Kay, Researcher and Will Stronge, co-founder of think-tank Autonomy (@w_stronge / @Autonomy_UK) More information  Listen to RTBC 55 Living for the (three day) weekend (October 2018) Listen to RTBC 126 The Four Day Future: Building a movement for shorter working hours (Feb 2020) Read the report by think tank Autonomy The Results are In: The UK’s four-day week pilot (Feb 2023) Read more about the UK’s 4 Day Week Campaign Read more about the global movement for a four day week Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2023

Story hound Michael Lewis is back with a new book that charts the rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, once the world's youngest billionaire. A journalist once said that they would read a history of the stapler if Michael Lewis wrote it, and he delivers his most compelling story yet (office stationery absent). Well versed in the world of finance, the Moneyball and Big Short author was granted unparalleled access to SBF, the crypto tycoon who said he wanted to give away his money to good causes. Then - in November 2022 - his company collapsed. Michael tells us what it’s like to write a book where your protagonist is arrested halfway through, why he never wanted to write about cryptocurrency and what his time with Sam Bankman-Fried taught him—and should teach us. GuestMichael Lewis, Author and Journalist More informationBuy a copy of Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2023

The winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics was announced earlier this week. Claudia Goldin’s research showed that at the point of having a child women's wages start to lag behind men's. But why is parenthood a penalty for mothers? Could a more generous parental leave offer - including a ‘use it or lose it’ policy for fathers - be the key to achieving gender equality? GuestsSam Smethers, former CEO, Fawcett SocietyKatrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of IcelandMolly Mayer, former senior research and policy officer, Fawcett Society Listen to RTBC episode 64 Sharing and Caring: the case for paternity leave (December 2018)Listen to RTBC episode 194 Go Big #1: A big idea for gender equality (June 2021) Learn more about the charity Pregnant then Screwed and their research that shows boosting paternity leave has economic benefits Read about Claudia Goldin’s work and winning the 2023 Nobel Prize in Economics We'll be back on Monday with our next full episode of Reasons to be Cheerful! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2023

In 2019 Gina Martin - a self-confessed ‘political novice’ - led a successful campaign that resulted in a law change to make upskirting illegal. Since then her activism on gender equality has continued apace but changing legislation is no longer her aim. Why? We find out as we speak to her and activist Ben Hurst, head facilitator at Beyond Equality, who works with young men and boys to engage in conversations about what being a man means today.  Plus: We’re gongoozling with the Queen of Dictionary Corner, Susie Dent. GuestsGina Martin, gender equality campaigner, speaker and writer (@ginamartin)Ben Hurst, activist and educator and Head of Facilitation at Beyond Equality (@therealbenhurst)Susie Dent, lexicographer (@susie_dent)   More informationBuy ‘No offence but…How to have difficult conversations for meaningful change’ by Gina Martin out now Buy Roots of Happiness: 100 words for joy and hope by Susie Dent out now Watch Ben’s Ted Talk: ‘boys won’t be boys. Boys will be what we teach them to be’ Learn about the work of Beyond Equality Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2023

The national living wage is going up to at least £11 an hour from next April. Although it's claimed the rise will help two million of the lowest paid workers, many campaigners are saying it's still not enough for a decent standard of living in the current economic climate. The Real Living Wage is one alternative. It's a voluntary commitment from employers to pay their workers enough to meet their everyday needs, and unlike the government's living wage it's calculated according to the actual cost of living. We spoke to Sheila Blackburn and Margaret Beckett MP in 2021 about the history of the fight for a government-set minimum wage. We also spoke to Lola McEvoy back in 2019 and Gavin Kelly about the Real Living Wage and why the campaign has been so successful to date. GuestsDr Sheila Blackburn, Historian, University of LiverpoolMargaret Beckett MP, Former Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1995-1997)Gavin Kelly, Chair of the Living Wage Commission (@GavinJKelly1)Lola McEvoy, Formerly of the Living Wage Foundation (@Lola__McEvoy) More InformationListen to RTBC 78 Living wage against the machine (March 2019)Listen to RTBC 221 First they ignore you : Part four - the fight for a minimum wage (Dec 2021) Learn more about the Living Wage Foundation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2023

Is the climate crisis a children’s rights crisis? It’s a great injustice that children and young people are the most affected but least responsible for the climate and nature crises. Is there a way to give them more power to shape future decision making? Scotland and Ireland have tried to do just that, and we speak to Katie Reid and Diarmuid Torney, who have played a central role in leading children’s participation in two citizens’ assemblies. We also check in with young assembly members Mikey and Esther, and young assembly adviser Niamh, to hear how they found the process of being involved, and why children's assemblies could be the future of democracy. GuestsKatie Reid, Children’s rights and youth participation specialist (@katiereid19) Diarmuid Torney, Associate Professor in Politics at Dublin City University and Project Lead for the Children and Young People's Assembly on Biodiversity Loss  Niamh, young adviser at the Assembly, and Esther and Mikey, members of the Children and Young People’s Assembly on Biodiversity Loss More informationFind out more about Scotland’s Children’s Parliament and Climate Assembly (October 2020-March 2021) Final Report from Ireland’s Children and Young People’s Assembly on Biodiversity Loss (October 2022) including the 58 Calls to Action Learn more about the UN’s General Comment on Children's Rights and the Environment with a special focus on Climate Change Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2023

All aboard! Last weekend, Greater Manchester made history as the first place outside London to bring its bus system into public control. Since 1986 - when buses were deregulated - fares have almost doubled, routes have been cut and fewer people are taking the bus. The Bee Network is Mayor Andy Burnham's answer to the problem. We spoke to him in 2021 about his commitment to make the region's buses better. We also talked to transport expert Nicole Badstuber about why London's buses never suffered the same fate as elsewhere in the country, and to Ian Taylor about visionary public transport systems in Europe and further afield. Will other parts of Britain soon see their buses back in public hands? See you on Monday for our next episode of Reasons to be Cheerful! GuestsNicole Badstuber, Transport Expert (@nicolebadstuber)Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester (@AndyBurnhamGM)Ian Taylor, Transport for Quality of Life More informationListen to RTBC Episode 23: Ding, ding, next stop: sorting out the busesListen to RTBC Episode 192 Ticket to ride: buses, Burnham and public control Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2023

Happy 6th birthday to us! And just like a young child who hasn’t learned a sense of self-restraint we’re reaching for the Ferrero Rocher with restaurant critic Grace Dent. Join us for a conversation about comfort eating, the title of her podcast and new book. What do we eat when nobody else is watching? And why are some foods so steeped in nostalgia? PLUS: Geoff and Ed reminisce about the past 6 years and Ed has been checking out a new band We’ll be back with another episode next Monday, but keep your ideas and suggestions coming in. Get in touch with us via our website or on our social media. We love to hear from you! Guest Grace Dent, columnist, broadcaster and author (@gracedent) More information Pre-order a copy of Grace’s book Comfort Eating, published by Faber & Faber on October 5th Read Grace’s restaurant columns in the Guardian Listen to Comfort Eating the podcast, new season starting on Tuesday 26th September! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2023

How do we tackle the housing crisis? It’s a question we’ve looked at several times over the years, but it hasn’t become any less pressing. This week, new statistics showed that rents are rising at their fastest rate in almost a decade. We delve into some of the potential solutions, from rent control to long-term tenancy agreements. We hop into our RTBC time machine and go back to 2017, where we speak to Grace, a tenant in a rent-controlled flat and Greg Beales from housing charity Shelter. Last year we also talked to Maria Vassilakou, the former deputy mayor of Vienna, to ask whether we can learn anything from the city’s approach to social housing. See you on Monday for our next episode of Reasons to be Cheerful! Listen to RTBC Episode 4: Take back (rent) control: All power to the tenants! (2017) Listen to RTBC Episode 265: Home sweet (social) home (2022) Learn more about the work of Shelter and their recent research, including information on the Renters Reform Bill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 September 2023

Depending on who you speak to, AI is either going to plunge us into the abyss or improve every aspect of our lives immeasurably. The hype around AI can be disorientating, so let the RTBC team steer you away from the grim end-of-humanity inevitability, as we explore a more nuanced version of the AI story. Our guests Mustafa Suleyman, Dr Mhairi Aitken and Lauren M. E. Goodlad discuss whether the benefits of AI will ever outweigh the risks, why AI hype can serve as a distraction from some very pressing issues, and whether Geoff can ever replace Ed as a more obedient podcast host. Plus: Despite the technological advances of AI, why are Ed and Geoff still hung up on Ceefax? GuestsMustafa Suleyman, Co-founder of Inflection AI and author of The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century's Greatest Dilemma (@mustafasuleyman) Dr Mhairi Aitken, Ethics Fellow, Alan Turing Institute (@mhairi_aitken / @turinginst) Lauren M. E. Goodlad, Professor of English and Comparative Literature and Chair of the Critical AI Initiative at Rutgers University (@CriticalAI) More informationBuy a copy of Mustafa’s book here Learn more about Inflection AI here Learn more about the Alan Turing Institute and the work Mhairi is doing on children’s rights and AILearn more about Rutgers University’s Critical AI Initiative with the journal’s inaugural issue to follow in October 2023 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2023

Stop the press! We're bringing you an extra dose of RTBC each week, as we dig back into our audio archives and brief you on a big idea that's having a moment. This week the UK's GDP estimates showed the economy shrunk in July, sparking fears of a recession. But what if there was a different way to measure a country's economic success? We spoke to Katherine Trebeck, Annie Quick and Kate Raworth about the alternatives, from doughnut economics to New Zealand's Wellbeing Budget. Can we move beyond our obsession with growth? And where do we go next? See you on Monday for our next episode of Reasons to be Cheerful! GuestsKatherine Trebeck, from the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (@ktrebeck)Annie Quick, formerly at the New Economics Foundation (@anniequick)Kate Raworth, founder of Doughnut Economics Action Lab (@KateRaworth) Listen to RTBC Episode 91: Who's Afraid of GDP (2019)Listen to RTBC Episode 195: A Big Idea to Rethink the Economy (2021) Let us know what you think about Reasons Revisited! Get in touch with us via our website or on social media (@cheerfulpodcast) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2023

We’re back! Over the summer the Youth Hostel Association announced it was selling off some of its properties in a bid to stay afloat. It seems like a cruel irony at a time when many of us had reconnected with nature over the lockdowns. The charity has long been committed to opening up the outdoors to more people, especially children and young people, says Sally Nutland. But is there a way to save the YHA hostels? We talk about what the loss of these hostels means with Talia Randall and Haroon Mota, and why it's so important that everyone can access nature in rural and urban Britain. Plus: What made one listener throw up in their cornflakes?? Guests Sally Nutland, Communications Manager, Youth Hostel Association (@YHAOfficial) Haroon Mota, Founder Muslim Hikers and the Active Inclusion Network (@Haroon_Mota / @Muslim_Hikers) Talia Randall, Writer, performer and podcaster (@TaliaRandall) More information Read more about the sale of the 20 YHA properties in this John Harris column (Guardian) Support the YHA's No Child Left Behind Campaign for children who are unable to afford a school residential Visit YHA Boggle Hole Learn more about and support Muslim Hikers Listen to Talia’s podcast 'Blossom Trees and Burnt Out Cars' on BBC Sounds Learn more about the Right To Roam campaign and listen to our episode on it  Read more about the benefits of parks and green spaces and research by Natural England on engaging under-represented groups in nature Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2023

Ben Goldsmith’s daughter Iris was killed in a tragic accident when she was only 15 years old. Hopeless in grief and searching for answers, he turned to nature in his darkest moments to find a way through. Ben speaks movingly about his grief for Iris, how he sought connection to her in the year after her death, and why he's hopeful that nature restoration will not only be a central part of tackling the climate crisis, but for finding solace and healing for ourselves too. GuestBen Goldsmith, financier, environmentalist and author (@BenGoldsmith) More informationBen Goldsmith is the author of God Is An Octopus: Loss, Love and A Calling to Nature, published by Bloomsbury Wildlife. You can buy a copy here. Listen to his podcast series 'Rewilding the World with Ben Goldsmith' here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2023

Crispy duck, chow mein, and sweet & sour pork. Many of us have a narrow understanding of Chinese food, its rich history, and the sophisticated culinary culture surrounding it. Chef and author Fuchsia Dunlop is on a quest to show us that there's so much more to Chinese food than our usual Friday night takeaway, and that there's immense joy (and health) to be drawn from it too. Fuchsia tells us about how her love of Chinese cookery began, her experience as the first westerner to train as a chef at the Sichuan Higher Institute of Cuisine and her recommendations for how to order in a restaurant. And can she really salvage Ed's doomed tofu cookery? GuestFuchsia Dunlop, Chef and Author (@fuchsiadunlop) More informationPre-order a copy of Invitation to a Banquet: The story of Chinese food here, published by Particular Books on 31st August Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2023

The global food system is one of the most destructive industries on earth. Of course, we all need to eat. But is there a way of doing so that doesn’t come at a cost to our health and to our planet? If that's all sounding a bit heavy, then step forward: Henry Dimbleby. Formerly the government’s food tsar, he’s been exploring the secrets of the global food system for decades and he's hungry for change. Henry talks to Ed and Geoff about the secrets behind the ultra-processed egg sandwich, the glory of Japanese food culture and why Liz Truss once banned him from attending meetings. What's changed about the food we eat today, and what can we do about it? GuestHenry Dimbleby, author of Ravenous: How to Get Ourselves and Our Planet Into Shape (@HenryDimbleby) More informationBuy a copy of Henry's book, published by Profile Books Read the National Food Strategy and the School Food Plan  We love hearing from you. If you have views on this episode, or ideas for future shows you can contact us via our website, our social media (@cheerfulpodcast) or write us an email ([email protected]) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2023