Adrian Goldberg's Talk Show

Sweden's controversial "relaxed" approach towards Coronavirus has found a growing number of advocates in the UK, drawn to its emphasis on keeping society - and the economy - moving, rather than embracing lockdowns. In this episode we explore the impact of the approach pioneered by the country's chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell with Dr Deepti Gurdasani - an epidemiologist at Queen Mary University of London. We also hear disturbing claims that voices of opposition to Tegnell are being silenced within Sweden, with Stockholm resident Keith Begg, founder of Media Watchdogs Of Sweden.

Some of English football's traditional clubs face extinction in a crisis provoked by Coronavirus - although poor management, overspending and weak governance of their sport have already made them vulnerable. In this episode Adrian Goldberg hears from Port Vale owner Carol Shanahan, author John Nicholson, Sunderland co-owner Charlie Methven and Damian Collins MP about how the game can be saved. There's also a great insight into the extradition hearing of Julian Assange with Byline Times reporter James Doleman. Don't forget to subscribe to Byline Times! Produced and presented by Adrian Goldberg.

Artist David Tovey talk about Unknown Soldier, his latest performance piece being screened on 10 October 2020 for World Homeless Day. Find out more on David's Twitter stream @DavidTovey1975 or @One Festival of HA.

Scottish film maker Antony Baxter tells the story of his documentary "You've Been Trumped Too" which is finally getting a proper US and UK release after previously being pulled from cinemas and digital distribution networks.

In this Coronavirus Special, Byline Times editor Hardeep Matharu looks at what's driving the so-called "Scamdemic" movement which claims that Coronavirus is either a hoax, or has been engineered by governments in order to subdue the population. We also hear from Dr Nafeez Ahmed who has been exploring the links between a group of scientists pushing a "herd immunity" agenda and a PR agency that won substantial government contracts. Produced and presented by Adrian Goldberg.

Byline Times podcast editor Adrian Goldberg meets Sam Bright who has uncovered a PPE Procurement scandal, which has seen contracts worth millions of pounds to companies with no apparent record in providing protecting clothing. Adrian also meets people in Birmingham which is in Coronavirus lockdown. Can the people there be expected to obey all the rules, when the government has admitted that it's willing to break the law over its EU Brexit deal. Don't forget to subscribe to the Byline Times. More details at Bylinetimes.com Produced and Presented by Adrian Goldberg.

After the death of George Floyd in the United States, the Black Lives Matter movement became a global phenomenon - and Byline Times editor Hardeep Matharu responded by commissioning a new strand called Our Lives Matter, which gives a platform in the newspaper and on the website to writers of colour. In this episode of the podcast, Hardeep discusses the need for diversity in the media with Prithvi Khilosia, one of the writers who has featured in the series. Prithvi describes the challenges faced by the children of migrants from South Asia, when they think of a career in the creative arts or journalism. You can follow Hardeep on Twiiter @Hardeep_Matharu; Pruthvi is @khilosiapruthvia Produced and presented by Adrian Goldberg (@goldbergradio)

To mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, Adrian Goldberg meets Betty Webb, who worked with the code breakers of Bletchley Park during World War 2. Betty went on to assist with similar code breaking at the Pentagon in Washington DC, where she was stationed when the conflict ended.

This week the Byline Times podcast discusses Brexit, Britishness and Empire. Hardeep Mathuru, editor of the Byline Times website and newspaper reflects on the connection her parents felt with Empire despite growing up in parts of the world where they were considered "subjects" rather than citizens. She explains why this led to them voting for Brexit. Meanwhile Mike Buckley hears from Northern Ireland where Brexit poses special problems for the only part of the UK with a direct border with the EU; and where questions of identity have once again become problematic. Produced and presented by Adrian Goldberg.

What was the link between Glasgow Celtic FC and Celtic Boys Club, where young boys were horrifically abused for more than three decades? Should Scotland's nine-in-a-row champions accept greater responsibility for the fate of victims and survivors? Gordon Woods and Michelle Grey think so - Gordon says he was abused by the notorious paedophile Jim Torbett, while the evidence of Michelle's brother Andrew helped bring Torbett to justice. Celtic FC says the boys' club was "a separate entity" - a claim that will be shortly tested in a civil case in Glasgow.

The HSBC Bounceback Loans Scandal continues. Adrian talks to Magdalena and Phillip who fear for the future of their businesses because they can't get access to government backed finance through HSBC. Produced and Presented by Adrian Goldberg for Kick In The Grass.

The UK government introduced Business Bounce Back Loans in May 2020 to help smaller firms survive the Coronavirus pandemic. But Goldberg Investigates has discovered problems for customers who've applied for the loans through HSBC.

Former International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell MP shares his fears about the UK's future foreign aid contribution after Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared his intention to merge DfID - the Department for International Development with the Foreign Office. In 2020, DfID has an annual budget in excess of £13bn.

George Soros is a billionaire investor and philanthropist, who has attracted more than his share of criticism. Dubbed "the man who broke the Bank Of England", he has been described as "enemy of the state" in his native Hungary, and his name been invoked by numerous conspiracy theorists. Soros has also supported liberal causes around the globe, and helped bring to justice those responsible for atrocities in the former Yugoslavia. In this interview, Emily Tamkin - author of "George Soros: Politics, Power And The Struggle For An Open Society - explains the human story which made Soros the man he is today, and explores the tension between his money making activities and his promotion of a pluralist society. Emily Tamkin is US Correspondent for the New Statesman.

Sean Foley has done it all in the theatre; written, performed, directed and now he's running the show at Birmingham Rep after becoming Artistic Director earlier this year. In this hugely entertaining conversation he talks us through a career which began as part of comedy duo The Right Size with Hamish McColl. The duo had a massive West End hit with The Play What I Wrote, inspired by Morecambe and Wise, which also secured Sean the first of his two Olivier Awards. Now Sean faces perhaps his biggest challenge yet - managing a major regional theatre in the time of Coronavirus. Most importantly, Sean is widely recognised for his humanity.

Carol Shanahan is a UK tech entrepreneur who has created a thriving business employing 360 workers, despite leaving school with zero qualifications. That proved to be no handicap as Carol took on the male dominated world of computing and learned expertise in fighting financial fraud. She is a also the co-Chair of League Two football club Port Vale.

On the third anniversary of the death of her best friend Carol, Linda Aitchison from Staffordshire, UK reflects on how she has dealt with a double tragedy in her life. Her story is a powerful testament to resilience and dealing with some of the worst that life can throw at you.

In 2017, father of four Glen Ocsko discovered his wife of 18 years was having an affair. After the inevitable separation, Glen reinvented himself as a blogger, sharing stories of his romantic adventures on his blog A Dating Dad. Through Twitter (@adatingdad) and his podcast Swiped Out Club he now offers advice to other lonely hearts, while still searching for Ms Right.

Former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England Nazir Afzal tells how he helped bring a notorious child grooming gang in Rochdale to justice. Plus how he ended up on an Al Qaeda hit list; and why he enforced "tough justice" in the wake of the 2011 riots. Nazir Afzal's book The Prosecutor is available now.

Former Chief Crown Prosecutor for North West England Nazir Afzal talks about the racist beating in his home city of Birmingham which inspired a career in the law. Nazir explains how his creative legal interpretations helped confront the evils of "honour killings" and other forms of "gender terrorism". His book "The Prosecutor" is available now.

Lucy Goes Dating is the name of an award winning blog, which unflinchingly describes the relationship triumphs and disasters of a 40-year old singleton. In this interview "Lucy" describes the dating "no no's" every man should avoid, and discusses the differences between what men and women (usually) want.

The hit Netflix documentary Tiger King shone a light on the controversial work being carried out by private zoos in the United States who breed tigers and other big cats and claim to be involved in Big Cat conservation. In this episode we hear from Barbara Fisher (who featured in Episode 2) and Jewels (who didn't) about what life was really like working for zoo owner Bhagavan "Doc" Antle, friend and mentor to the "star" of the show Joe Exotic. Doc Antle has been contacted for a response.

The Ramonas are a brilliant UK-based all-female tribute band, covering the songs of punk legends The Ramones - but they also play their own tunes too. In this episode we meet vocalist Lisa Lathwell and bassist Victoria Smith.

An interview with singer songwriter David Keenan recorded at the Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham UK on 12 march 2020,

Legendary rock drummer Bev Bevan talks about a stellar career in music spanning more five decades. Over that time he's been a founder member of hitmakers The Move with Roy Wood, spent 15 years in ELO with Jeff Lynne and played on the Black Sabbath tour that inspired the legendary Stonehenge scene in 'Spinal Tap'. This was recorded live in front of a hometown audience in Birmingham UK on 20 February, 2020

Bruce Daisley was Twitter's European Vice President until he quit in early 2020 because he wanted to join the fight against climate change. He shares his amazing life story which took him from a Birmingham council house to the pinnacle of social media, and reflects both on his best-selling book "The Joy Of Work" and successful podcast "Eat Sleep Work Repeat." There's also the crucial question of "what next..."?

A conversation with author Samantha Harvey, whose book The Shapeless Unease is a literary interpretation her year of not sleeping well - and often not sleeping at all. This is a chat for anyone who has experienced insomnia.

How did a German born MP who'd represented Labour in the UK parliament for 20 years come to lead the EU Leave campaign alongside Conservatives Boris Johnson and Michael Gove? Gisela Stuart talks me through her political journey - and her hopes for the UK after Brexit.

Historian Professor Carl Chinn shares the true secrets of the Peaky Blinders who inspired Stephen Knight's hit international TV show. Carl's research is featured in his book, Peaky Blinders: The Real Story a Sunday Times best seller.

David Cummings turned his hobby into a career when no one else seemed interested in curating the horror stories submitted to a thread on the Reddit website. His No Sleep podcast is now the most successful horror fiction podcast in the world.

Nadia Sohawan is a dancer, choreographer and - amongst other things - a fire eater. She worked on double Golden Globe winner Rocket Man, was also involved with The Olympic opening ceremony at London 2012 and recently assisted Ricky Gervais with dance moves for After Life. Her story is a tribute to the many unheralded but often hugely talented people behind hit movies and TV shows.

Theresa Gromski and Lisa Piddington from Birmingham, UK discuss why they started posting pictures of their houses on Instagram and offer tips to other would be home decor influencers.

Drummer Simon Wolstencroft has a great rock n roll story to tell. He turned down the chance to be in The Smiths; made 11 albums with Mark E Smith and The Fall; and later appeared on Top Of The Pops with his old schoolmate Ian Brown of Stone Roses. Oh yeah, and he hid his heroin addiction from friends and colleagues for 20 years. (Recorded at Joshua Brooks bar, in Manchester)

Mal Young worked his way up from being an extra on Brookside to producing the top US soap, The Young And The Restless. His remarkable career path has taken him to the BBC where he oversaw big hits like Eastenders and launched Holby City.

Great stories from the life and times of sports commentator Angus Loughran (aka "Statto" from Fantasy Football) as he offers tips on how to become a sports broadcaster.

Goldberg Investigates Verastar, a utilities company who provide telecoms and other services to small and medium businesses in the UK.

Broadcaster Pat Murphy was the guest when Adrian Goldberg's Talk Show went live for the first time on 26 September 2019, at the Glee Club in Birmingham. Pat has been a member of the BBC's much loved Test Match Special Team, and is a veteran of 18 overseas England cricket tours. He's also a regular reporter on 5 Live's Sports Report covering the Midlands. He's got great stories about the likes of Ian Botham, Shane Warne, Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Brian Clough and Ron Atkinson.

Tom Walker is the creator of the satirical TV reporter Jonathan Pie, who over the last four years has become an authentic internet sensation, with more than half a million You Tube followers. His targets include Boris Johnson, Donald Trump - and Guardian reading liberals obsessed with identity politics. The interview took place on the day that Johnson was told by the UK Supreme Court that he had illegally prorogued - or suspended - parliament. You'll hear our conversation briefly interrupted about seven minutes in when Tom stops to pose for a selfie with a fan. Find out about Jonathan's touring plans at Jonathanpie.com

Academic scientist Dr James Brown explains how he became addicted to a popular opioid painkiller for 22 years - and offers suggestions as to how others can avoid the same fate.

Anna Calvi talks about the music of hit TV series Peaky Blinders and writing the score for Season 5.

In September 2019 Dr David Nicholl, a consultant neurologist from Birmingham, found himself in the eye of a parliamentary storm after leaking details of Operation Yellow Hammer, the UK government's planing strategy for a "No Deal" Brexit. The leader of the House of Commons and arch-Brexiteer Jacob Rees Mogg, compared him to discredited anti vaccination campaigner Andrew Wakefield - an allegation which led Dr Nicholl to stage a one-man megaphone protest outside parliament.

Katharine Birbalsingh is one of Britain's most controversial teachers. In 2010 she told the Conservative Party conference that the education system was broken. As a result she lost her job as a Deputy Head, but in 2014 she opened the Michaela Free School in London. By emphasising discipline and the learning of facts, Michaela is seen as the antidote to "progressive" teaching methods. She was named Contrarian Of The Year in 2019.

Social historian Carl Chinn was researching the phenomenon of Birmingham's notorious Peaky Blinders years before writer and director Stephen Knight turned their story into a hit TV drama. Now, to coincide with the release of his book "Peaky Blinders: The Real Story" Carl shares some of the background to these much feared thugs.

Adrian Goldberg meets Denise Harrison who wrote the script for the award winning short film This Is Depression, based on her own experience of alcoholism, depression, mental illness - and recovery.

Wendy Mitchell talks about her book Somebody I Used to Know in which she describes the experience of being diagnosed with dementia at the age of 58.

MP Ian Austin explains why he quit the UK Labour Party on the grounds of anti Semitism.

Professor Heather Widdows talks about her book Perfect Me and the campaign it has inspired called #Everydaylookism

Andy Lyons has been running When Saturday Comes, "the half decent football magazine" for 33 years.

Meet the supporters of Body Modification practitioner Brendan "Mac" McCarthy aka Dr Evil - given a jail sentence of 40 months for GBH. He detached the ear of one client, removed a nipple from another and split the tongue of a third. All the customers asked for the procedures and none complained to the police. His conviction was seen as a test case for Body Modification in the UK. Thanks to Peter Carey and Ellen Obsidian.

Adrian Goldberg meets punk pioneer Viv Albertine, former Slits guitarist and author of two books - most recently To Throw Away Unopened.