Reasons Revisited

Is the patriarchy also screwing over men too? Caitlin Moran thinks so. Twelve years on from the publication of her hit book ‘How to Be a Woman,’ the journalist and author turns her attention to men, and why she thinks the lack of an equivalent movement to feminism has left many young men and boys struggling. Ed and Geoff dig deep on the topic of modern masculinity, whether it can be inclusive of cardigan wearers, and how to tackle issues that predominantly affect men, such as addiction and suicide.GuestCaitlin Moran (@caitlinmoran)More informationCaitlin’s book ‘What about men?’ Is out now and published by Ebury Press. Order a copy here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you need some optimism about the future of Britain, a place that currently feels like it’s riven with political polarisation, prejudice and the aftermath of Brexit, Sunder Katwala is here to remind us that there is a way out of this. His proposal is that patriotism - if done well - could be the answer to many of the problems associated with the culture wars. Can emphasising identity actually overcome division?GuestSunder Katwala, Director, British Future (@sundersays)More informationHow to Be a Patriot: Why love of country can end our very British culture war - Published by HarperNorth and out now.Buy a copy hereCheck out the work of British Future including their research on public attitudes to immigration, why events matter for social connection, reducing racial inequality and remembrance.We love hearing from you. You can get in touch through our website, social media (@cheerfulpodcast), or email us at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Join Ed and Geoff as they go down to the woods today. And boy, are they sure of a big surprise. It turns out Britain only has 2.5% of the ancient woodland it once had! These hubs of biodiversity are hugely important for tackling the nature and climate crisis, but they're not in a good way. Nick Phillips from The Woodland Trust talks to us about why it’s not too late to save them. Fancy some forest bathing? Suzanne Simmons tells us why urban trees do so much for us in our everyday lives. And finally, Rebecca Wrigley speaks to us about rewilding and how woodlands and forests can regenerate all by themselves, all with a healthy amount of Lord of the Rings chat. Plus: It’s our final episode before our summer break. Is it wise for Ed to head to Reading Festival? Get in touch!We'd love to hear from you over the summer with your ideas, feedback or experiences of forest bathing, get in touch via email ([email protected]) or via the website!GuestsNick Phillips, Principal Forestry Policy Advocate, Woodland Trust (@treepolicy / @WoodlandTrust)Suzanne Simmons, Projects Director, Trees for Cities (@TreesforCities)Rebecca Wrigley, CEO, Rewilding Britain (@RewildingB)More information Learn more about the work of The Woodland Trust, Trees for Cities, and Rewilding BritainWoodland trust information on ancient woodlandVisit Fingle Woods Costa Rica restoring its forests (Guardian)How to start forest bathing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Last year, around six million people went to a music festival in the UK. Long gone are the days of hippies at Woodstock or even jumping the fence at Glastonbury: festivals are everywhere, and they're big business. The upside is there’s really something for everyone. Perhaps, like Ed, your twenties were also dominated by phone calls from Gordon Brown. We’re here to convince you it’s time to get down to a nearby field, no matter your age, music taste or enthusiasm for fancy dress! We talk festival mythology with Chris Anderton, to Kate Osler about what it’s like to stage an independent festival and finally to Chiara Badiali about how going to a festival could be good for the climate.Plus: A tale of woe - Geoff vs. Lime BikeGuestsKate Osler, Festival Director, El Dorado Festival (@eldoradofestival)Chris Anderton, Associate Professor in Cultural Economy, Solent University (@SolentUni)Chiara Badiali, Music Lead, Julie’s Bicycle (@JBgreenmusic / @JuliesBicycle)More informationCheck out the Association of Independent Festivals’ ‘First Festival Campaign’El Dorado festival 2024Learn more about Julie’s Bicycle including Music Declares Emergency and Vision 2025How the cost of living crisis is affecting music festivals (Article, MixMag)Glastonbury: Octopus energy builds wind turbine on-site (Article, thefestivals.uk)Contact Reasons to be Cheerful via our website, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Let us know your episode ideas, your comments and feedback! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week the ninth Women’s World Cup is kicking off down under and there's hopes it could be the most popular ever. But it’s been far from a smooth ride for the women’s game in England, contending with deep-seated misogyny, a 50 year ban and a school system that has long excluded girls from playing football in PE lessons. We speak to ‘sports royalty’ Baroness Sue Campbell about her life-long mission to change the lives of women and girls through sport and to journalist Suzy Wrack about the history of the game. Finally, we go to Ceylon Hickman, who tells us about the incredible power of football to address social, educational and gender inequality and about the potential legacy of the Lionesses. Will they bring it home this summer?Plus: in a RTBC first, Ed troubles Geoff with some bawdy riddles…GuestsBaroness Sue Campbell, Director of Women’s Football, the FA (@theFA)Suzanne Wrack, Football writer for The Guardian and author of A Woman’s Game (@SuzyWrack)Ceylon Hickman, Head of Brand, Football Beyond Borders (@ceylonandi / @FBeyondBorders)More informationKaren Carney's review into the future of women's football (published last week)Read the FA's Women and Girls Football Strategy 2020-24Read more of Suzy's work at the Guardian and listen to Women's Football WeeklyBuy a copy of her book A Woman's Game: The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Women’s FootballOther great podcasts include the Athletic Women's Football podcast Find out more about Football Beyond Borders' work in schoolsDonate to their crowdfunder to ensure a generation of teenage girls aren't left behindGet a copy of the 'Inspiring a Generation' report by FBB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Do you ever glance at your phone to check an email then look up to discover that two hours have gone by? In a world where information is abundant, our attention is hot property. What exactly do we know about how our attention is drawn and held by the environment and technology around us? We talk to Professor Polly Dalton who researches the psychology of attentional capture and to tech ethicist James Williams about why the issue of the attention economy cuts deep. Does it have the potential to change the course of our lives and restrict our freedom? We try to break free from the shackles of Silicon Valley with Tom Hodgkinson, editor of The Idler, who tells us about his strategy to resist the demands on our attention and time without even having to resort to a brick phone.Plus: Ed’s in denial about his National Portrait Gallery debut…GuestsJames Williams, technology ethicist at the Oxford Internet Institute and the author of Stand Out of Our Light: Freedom and Resistance in the Attention Economy (@WilliamsJames_)Polly Dalton, professor of cognitive psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London (@PollyDalton)Tom Hodgkinson, editor of the Idler magazine and author of How to Be Idle (@idler)More informationBuy or read a copy of James’ book (open access) hereWatch a video of James talking about the attention economy (Youtube)Subscribe to the Idler or purchase Tom’s book How to be IdleIs modern life ruining our powers of concentration? (The Guardian, 2023)Ed mentions The Shallows by Nicholas Carr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! As you lounged peacefully by a pool or sipped a drink with a little umbrella in it, have you ever wondered what a more *adventurous* summer holiday might look like? Let Ed and Geoff inspire you for your next cycling tour with this episode - Lycra optional! But is it really that easy to jump on your bike and take a trip? We hear from someone who’s made a career of it with world-record holder Mark Beaumont. Recognising that most of us are not up for ultra endurance, we find out what some of the more realistic options are with Jill Warren from the European Cyclists’ Federation. Finally we hear from two self-proclaimed former cycling novices, Abi Melton and Lea Cooper, who tell us about the highs and lows of their first cycling tour, and why it’s never wise to bring a ukulele with you…Plus: Is Ed really the best-dressed politician? Let us know!GuestsMark Beaumont, long-distance cyclist and current world-record holder for the fastest cycle around the world (@MrMarkBeaumont)Jill Warren, CEO, European Cyclists’ Federation (@JillWarrenECF)Abi Melton and Lea Cooper, Authors of Gears for Queers (Insta: @gearsforqueers)More informationCheck out Mark's website, his Komoot and watch videos of some of his records: the North Coast 500 and cycling round the world in 80 days (GCN Channel, Youtube)A video of Mark on his penny farthingMark mentioned British Cycling's Breeze Initiative for womenGet some inspiration for your next holiday on the EuroVelo websiteA bikepacking / cycle touring kit list from Tom's Bike Trip and bike costs from the Gears for Queers blogAbi and Lea's website, including some pictures of their very first tourBuy a copy of Gears for QueersAbi and Lea mention the Warm Showers website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week’s topic has all the ingredients of a great blockbuster: a tale of the underdog standing up to powerful big business, people fighting for their livelihoods, and ensuring the robots don’t take over the world…but this isn’t fiction, it’s real life. The Hollywood writers’ strike has been going on for almost two months now, as the writers of some of our favourite shows have taken to the picket lines in the name of fair pay, better conditions and regulation on AI. We speak to Lisa Holdsworth about what the Writers Guild of America (WGA) is asking for, to WGA members and screenwriters Simon Beaufoy and Alice Nutter, and to Gavin Mueller about how AI could devalue the work of writers.Plus: It's sports day season...how's Geoff going to navigate his parental duties this year?GuestsLisa Holdsworth, TV and Theatre Writer and Chair of the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (@WorksWithWords / @TheWritersGuild)Simon Beaufoy and Alice Nutter, Screenwriters and Members of the Writers Guild of America (@alicenut1)Gavin Mueller, Assistant Professor of New Media and Digital Culture at The University of Amsterdam and author of Breaking Things at Work (@gavinmuellerphd)More informationLearn about the WGA's strike action and what they're asking for including how to support writersFind out about the Writers' Guild of Great Britain (WGGB)BBC News: The Full Monty's striking writers picket Sheffield premier of Disney+ rebootOrder Gavin's book Breaking Things at Work Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! The nature crisis affects everyone, and so the British people should have a say in how we solve it. But is our current system ready for it? Step forward: the People’s Plan for Nature, a huge national conversation about the future of nature. Thousands of people got involved, which led to the UK's first citizens’ assembly on nature set up by the RSPB, WWF-UK and the National Trust. We talk to Helen Meech and Jon Alexander about how they made it happen, and to Graham Roberts about what it was like to take part. Plus: Inspired by his time at the RSC, is Ed ready for an immersive theatre experience?GuestsHelen Meech, Head of Movement Building, RSPB (@HelenMeech / @NaturesVoice)Jon Alexander, Co-Founder, New Citizenship Project (@jonjalex / @NewCitProj)Graham Roberts, Participant, People’s Assembly for NatureMore infoRead the final report of the People’s Plan for Nature including the 26 calls for actionWatch Wild Isles - David Attenborough's latest documentary for the BBCLearn more about the RAPID Democracy frameworkListen to RTBC's previous episode on Sortition and the Climate Citizens' AssemblyLearn more about the organisations leading the People's Plan For Nature: RSPB; WWF-UK and National TrustJon spoke about Canada's Mass Democratic Action FundsRead Jon's book Citizens: Why the key to fixing everything is all of usJon mentioned g0v (gov-zero), read about it here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Can you believe it? Six years on, and we’ve made it to our 300th episode. Today we're joined by someone who's also familiar with the funny tricks of time: David Tennant. The former AND current Doctor joins us, live at the RSC, to talk about reprising the role in the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who, his rituals prior to performing, and why he was lying in a foetal position before his first performance of Hamlet. Things also get a bit emosh - stay tuned!Plus: It’s all high jinx backstage, as someone forgets Ed and Geoff’s names…More informationCheck out the RSC and upcoming performancesFind out about David’s role in Doctor Who's 60th anniversary Macbeth at the Donmar WarehouseNew here? Check out our back catalogue - there’s 299 episodes!Contact Reasons to be Cheerful via our website, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Let us know your episode ideas, your comments and feedback!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we're coming at you from Stratford-upon-Avon with the first part of our conversation from the Live at the RSC Festival. We're talking about the current state of climate education and why there's a long way to go until we're hitting top marks. Thankfully, our three guests are here to keep us cheerful and tell us about the campaigning and work they've been doing to make a new climate curriculum a reality. We hear from Scarlett Westbrook who wrote a parliamentary bill while she was still at school, from Elena Lengthorn who's on a quest to make sure teachers are equipped to educate the next generation about the climate crisis, and from Mary Colwell, who recently won a decade-long battle to get a new Natural History GCSE in schools.Plus: Hit subscribe to be the first to hear our 300th episode conversation with David Tennant, out next Monday!This conversation was recorded at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre as part of the Live at the RSC Festival on June 3rd.GuestsScarlett Westbrook - Climate activist and writer of the Climate Education Bill (@ScarlettOWest)Elena Lengthorn - Senior Lecturer of Teacher Education, Worcester University (@ELengthorn)Mary Colwell - Writer, founder of Curlew Action and leader of the campaign for a Natural History GCSE (@curlewcalls)More informationLearn more about the work of the Royal Shakespeare CompanyLearn more about Teach the Future, the student-led organisation advocating for better climate educationRead about the Climate Education Bill and Scarlett's work on writing it, with MP Nadia WhittomeWatch Scarlett's TED TalkRead about Mary's journey to make the Natural History GCSE a realityThe correlation between nature connectedness and pro-environmental behaviour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Capitalism, eh? Despite its creative genius, some would say it's at the root of many of the problems we're facing these days, from planetary breakdown, to poor health and social inequality. How can it become the solution? We're revisiting the idea of purposeful business, a way of re-thinking our system so that companies are also putting the needs of people and the environment up there with profit. CEO of Graze Joanna Allen explains how the Better Business Act and B Corp movement will enable this in the UK. We're talking to Charles Conn about Patagonia's 'earth is now our only shareholder' ethos. Finally, we chat to Cemal Ezel, founder of Change Please, a social enterprise which tackles homelessness through the power of selling coffee. GuestsJoanna Allen, CEO, graze (@grazesnacks)Charles Conn, Board Chair, Patagonia (@patagonia)Cemal Ezel, Founder of Change Please (@CemalEzel / @ChangePlease)More informationLearn more about the Better Business Act and B-CorpsFind out about Patagonia's environmental commitmentsVisit one of Change Please's locationsLive show tickets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we’re taking you back to the distant days of 1898 when social reformer and ‘practical idealist’ Ebenezer Howard set out his ideas about the Garden City, one of the most radical urban planning experiments in Britain’s history. Can we bring Howard’s utopian vision into the 21st century? We talk to Josh Tidy about the history of the Garden City Movement and how it's faring 125 years on. We find out from Nick Skinner whether Letchworth is actually full of sandal-wearing vegetarians (hey Geoff!) Finally, we chat to Katy Lock about how the garden city movement offers a practical path to a more hopeful future.Plus: Geoff's got a new business idea...will it make him millions?GuestsJosh Tidy, Heritage Manager, Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation and Curator, International Garden Cities Exhibition (@letchworthgardencity)Nick Skinner, Manager, The Settlement, Letchworth (@letchworthsettlement)Katy Lock, Director of Communities and FJ Osborn Fellow, The Town and Country Planning Association (@katy_lock / @theTCPA)More informationBuy tickets for our one-off live show in Stratford-upon-Avon on 3rd JuneA brief introduction to Garden CitiesLetchworth Garden City Heritage FoundationThe Settlement, Adult Education Centre, LetchworthLearn about the TCPA's Tomorrow125 project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! When you’re in the business of optimism, it can be difficult to draw much hope from the mess that Britain is in. Making a change can feel overwhelming and getting involved unappealing. This week, former Labour strategist and now podcaster Alastair Campbell joins Ed and Geoff to talk about his new book about why UK politics has gone so wrong, and why you can - and should - help to fix it.Plus: Geoff’s turned 50 and took a podcast mini-break. So what's he been up to?GuestAlastair Campbell (@campbellclaret / @HutchHeinemann)More informationBuy a copy of But what can I do? Why politics has gone so wrong, and how you can help fix it (Published by @HutchHeinemann)Buy tickets to Reasons to be Cheerful Live in Stratford Upon Avon on 3rd JuneContact Reasons to be Cheerful via our website, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Let us know your episode ideas, your comments and feedback! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Geoff’s off this week and friend of the pod and writer Melissa Benn is practicing what we preach in this episode by trialing a new vocation as podcast co-host. This week, sparked by the news of the resignation of Jacinda Ardern and Nicola Sturgeon - we’re talking all about what happens when you take a step back from a high-pressure job. What comes next? And why is the way we think about careers all wrong? We talk to four guests about navigating new career paths, having a mid-career gap year, and whether the dream job really exists. Plus: Ed’s gone down a new internet rabbit hole. What is it this time?GuestsDr Ali Budjanovcanin, Senior Lecturer in Work Psychology and Public Sector Management at King’s College London, and Career Coach (@AliBudj)Lucy Kellaway, Economics Teacher and Co-Founder of NowTeach (@lucykellaway / @NowTeachOrg)Katie White, taking a career break from her role at WWF (@KatieJWhite)Jaega Wise, Co-Founder and Head Brewer at Wild Card Brewery, London (@jaegawise)More infoFollow Melissa on Twitter (@Melissa_Benn)Interested in a career in teaching? Learn more about NowTeachAttend the 'Teaching Curious with Lord Blunkett' event, hosted by NowTeach (May 23rd)Check out Wild Card BreweryReady to quit your job? Here are 17 things to ask yourself first. (Opinion, Guardian, August 2021) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We all know our society is deeply unfair, but how can we fix it? We've been tackling that question for years on RTBC, but according to our guest this week, a twentieth-century philosopher might have already come up with the answer. Daniel Chandler has a new book seeking to excavate the work of John Rawls - the greatest political philosopher you've probably never even heard of - because he believes it can provide the blueprint for a fairer and more equal future. So what are the practicalities of Rawls’ ideas? Could he offer a vision for a 'realistic utopia'? From UBI to democracy vouchers, we find out what exactly political philosophy can do for us.Plus: Is Ed triathlon ready?GuestDaniel Chandler, Author of Free and Equal: What would a fair society look like? (@dan_chandler)More informationBuy a copy of the book nowGet tickets for our live show on 3rd June, Live at the RSC Festival, Stratford-upon-Avon.Did you have thoughts on today's episode? Maybe you've got a great idea for a future episode or just want to wish Geoff a happy birthday. You can contact the podcast via our website, Instagram or Twitter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we’re returning to one of our favourite topics covered in our very first episode when Geoff was closer to 40 than 50: universal basic income. Except this time it's not money for everyone - it's just for artists - and it raises some important questions about how we recognise the role that art plays in our economy, society and communities. Last year Ireland announced a three-year pilot in which 2,000 artists will receive 325€ a week. Is removing financial stress the key to unlocking creative freedom? Will it mean a wider group of people can access the arts? And what can we learn from our own history, including Mrs Thatcher’s Enterprise Allowance Scheme. These are all big questions that we put to our guests: Eliza Easton, Noel Kelly and Love Ssega - formerly of Clean Bandit - a musician working across artistic boundaries.Plus: It’s the big 5-0 for Geoff as he records a message to his future self...GuestsEliza Easton, Deputy Director, Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (@ElizaEaston)Noel Kelly, CEO and Director, Visual Artists Ireland (@VisArtsIreland)Love Ssega, Musician and Artist in Residence, Philharmonia Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall (@LoveSsega)More informationLearn more about the PEC, led by NestaLearn more about Visual Artists for Ireland, including more information about the Basic Income for the Arts SchemeSsega mentioned Ella Kissi-Debrah and her mother's fight to get air pollution on her death certificateWatch the film of Love Ssega's 'Where are we now?' performance at the National GalleryRead about Love Ssega and his residency at the Philharmonia Orchestra Come to the celebration at 6pm on 8th June at the Royal Festival Hall Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we’re getting our wellies on as we dig deeper into the future of farming. Agriculture accounts for around 10% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions and has a role in biodiversity loss and pollution. So how can we change the way we farm and use our land in a way that helps ensure food security, restores nature and provides a livelihood for farmers, all while tackling the climate crisis? It's quite a task but we chew it all over with Lydia Collas from Green Alliance and Minette Batters from the National Farmers’ Union. We’re then heading to Dorset to talk to Jyoti Fernandes about the role of ‘agro-ecology’ to feed ourselves, restore nature, and cool the planet.Plus: Which unexpected (and highly relevant) radio show was Ed obsessed with as a child?GuestsLydia Collas, Policy Analyst, Green Alliance (@LydiaCollas / @GreenAllianceUK)Minette Batters, President, National Farmers' Union (@Minette_Batters / @NFUtweets)Jyoti Fernandes, Campaigns and Policy Coordinator, Landworkers’ Alliance & Agroecology Smallholder (@fernandes_jyoti / @LandworkersUK)More informationVisit the websites of Green Alliance, the NFU and LWARead Jyoti's open letter to George MonbiotElms: England greener farming payments detail unveiled (Article, BBC News, January 2023)What is agroecology? (Explainer, The Soil Association)Contact Reasons to be Cheerful via our website, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Let us know your episode ideas, your comments and feedback! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! As our Easter egg to you we’ve recorded a great conversation with two inspiring voices from the climate community. The mood around the climate crisis is mainly one of despair and doom, for understandable reasons, but neither Rebecca Solnit nor Thelma Young Lutunatabua think it needs to be that way. In their new book, they explore how it’s possible to change the climate narrative to one of hope, and why making that shift is more important than you'd think. We have the solutions, we know what we need to do, and most importantly: it’s not too late.GuestsRebecca Solnit, Author and Activist (@RebeccaSolnit)Thelma Young Lutunatabua, Digital Storyteller and Climate Activist (@Thelma_Lutun)More infoBuy a copy of Not Too Late: Changing the climate story from despair to possibility. Visit the Not Too Late website or Twitter to learn more about the project. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! You may not know it, but for decades Britain has enabled the dodgy dealings of the world's criminals, tax dodgers and kleptocrats, says journalist Oliver Bullough. He's been digging deep into Britain’s role as a 'butler to the world' for years, but very little has changed. Estimates suggest that the equivalent of three times the NHS budget is lost to the economy through corruption every year, so why isn’t the government acting? Oliver is joined by Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge to discuss how and why Britain got into the business of dirty money, why we all should care about corruption, and what we can do to change it.Plus: Has Ed finally got his own back on Geoff following the vegan cheese making incident?GuestsOliver Bullough, Journalist and Author of Butler to the World and Moneyland (@OliverBullough)Dame Margaret Hodge, Labour MP for Barking and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Anti-Corruption and Responsible Tax (@margarethodge)More informationBuy a copy of Oliver’s book ‘Butler to the World: How Britain became the servant of tycoons, tax dodgers, kleptocrats and criminalsThe APPG on Anti-Corruption and Responsible TaxSupport and learn more about the work of Transparency International (@anticorruption), Global Witness (@Global_Witness), Spotlight on Corruption (@EndCorruptionUK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Have you ever dreamed of running your own bookshop? We are cheerful to report that the book industry is smashing it at the moment, with the number of indie bookshops at their highest level in six years, and book sales above pre-pandemic levels. Ed and Geoff speak to Sian Bayley, news editor at The Bookseller, who tells us about what’s driving this upward trend. We hear from co-founders Rosie May and Sarah Scales of Juno Books in Sheffield about how they made their lockdown dreams a reality. Finally, Aimée Felone, children’s publisher and co-director of Round Table Books in Brixton, tells us about her journey into publishing and what it means to run an inclusive bookshop.Plus: Buoyed up by his viral musical success, Ed's started learning an instrument...GuestsSian Bayley, News Editor, The Bookseller (@sleighbayley / @thebookseller)Rosie May and Sarah Scales, Co-Founders of Juno Books (@junobookssheff)Aimée Felone, Managing Director of children’s publisher Knights Of and Co-Director of Round Table Books (@aimeefelone / @roundtablebooks)More informationBookBar in Finsbury Park, LondonLearn more about the work of BookTrust and Lit in ColourVisit the Bookseller's website - the trade magazine for the publishing industryVisit Juno Books in Sheffield Visit Round Table Books in Brixton, LondonFind out about Knights Of, Aimée’s publishing companyCLPE Survey of Ethnic Representation in Children's Literature. Read the most recent report hereBooks Aimée recommends in the episodeKnights and Bikes by Gabrielle KentFor Every One by Jason ReynoldsSmall Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson Windward Family by Alexis KeirMind and Me by Sunita Chawdhary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Every day, remarkable acts of diplomacy are happening around the world to bring us one step closer to cooperation on our biggest conflicts and challenges. But how much do we really know about what goes on behind closed doors? And what are the ingredients of a successful negotiation? We speak to climate diplomacy legend and friend of the pod, Christiana Figueres, about her leadership on one of the most extraordinary diplomatic feats: the 2015 Paris Agreement. Gabrielle Rifkind, a specialist in conflict resolution, tells us about the importance of finding the ‘human face’ of conflict. Finally, the EU’s former top diplomat Catherine Ashton talks to us about the highs and lows of her time on the job, and why all of us are diplomats without even knowing it.Plus: We’ve talked sandwiches, we’ve talked toasters. Have a guess at which gadget has Ed bought for himself this week...GuestsChristiana Figueres, co-founder of Global Optimism and former Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC 2010-2016 (@CFigueres / @OutrageOptimism) Gabrielle Rifkind, Specialist in conflict resolution and Director of the Oxford Process (@OxfordProcess)Catherine Ashton, Former High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and author of And then what? Inside stories of 21st century diplomacy More informationBuy a copy of Catherine's bookListen to Outrage and Optimism, Christiana and Tom Rivett-Carnac's podcastLearn more about the Oxford Process'We need to rethink how we do diplomacy,' Guardian Article, Catherine AshtonLearn more about the Paris Agreement, the legally binding treaty on climate change Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week Ed and Geoff sat down with writer, journalist and now Professor of Sociology, Gary Younge. Gary talks about his new book ‘Dispatches from the Diaspora: From Nelson Mandela to Black Lives Matter’, and how his upbringing in a new town - Stevenage - led to a life telling stories from historic moments on both sides of the Atlantic, and what he can teach the next generation of journalists. Plus: Both Ed and Geoff both went viral fungal this week. Did you see?Pre-order a copy of Gary's book here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! While we generally aim for cheerfulness, it's also ok to be a little angry too. Senator Bernie Sanders is. After a long career of fighting for a more progressive politics, the self-proclaimed democratic socialist has had enough: capitalism isn't working for the average American (or Brit) anymore. Three billionaires own more wealth than the bottom half of American society combined, and healthcare, education, and childcare are unaffordable. The establishment has consistently written off his policies as ‘radical’ but Bernie is convinced that what he's fighting for is just common sense. Geoff and Ed sit down with the longest-serving independent politician in US history to talk about baseball, how his policies have influenced the Democrats, and whether Ed has finally met his political meme match.Plus: Which tangy snack has Ed rediscovered?Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders)Buy a copy of It's ok to be angry about capitalism by Bernie Sanders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! As you wearily stood in a queue for a flight that was four hours delayed, having been hit with a hefty fee for a bag that you swore would fit under the seat, have you ever wondered if there was a better way to travel? Well, you’re not alone! 2022 was a bumper year for international train travel, as people took to the rails to see Europe and beyond. While long-distance train travel is better for the environment, it is often expensive and buying tickets can be fiddly. We speak to rail royalty Mark Smith, better known as the Man in Seat 61, who tells us why this is changing. Journalist and author Monisha Rajesh inspires us with tales of her travels around the world by train and finally we talk to Jody Bauer from Eurail, the company that sells Interrail passes, about its 50th anniversary and why it has revolutionised rail travel around Europe.Plus: Has Ed hired the assistance of a food stylist?GuestsMark Smith, founder of the Man in Seat 61 website (Twitter: @seatsixtyone / Instagram: @seatsixtyone)Monisha Rajesh, Journalist and Author (Twitter: @monisha_rajesh / Instagram: @monisha_rajesh)Jody Bauer, Research Analyst, Eurail (Instagram: @eurail / @interraileu)More informationTo plan an international train journey visit the Man in Seat Sixty-OneVisit Monisha's website and buy her books Around India in 80 Trains and Around the World in 80 TrainsVisit 33 countries with one pass. Buy an Interrail or Eurail pass and get inspiration for your next trip here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Climate change litigation has come on a long way since the 2000 blockbuster film Erin Brockovich. There's been a huge rise globally in the number of cases being filed against negligent governments and corporations, but what does this mean for our efforts to tackle the climate crisis? We hear from Catherine Higham, policy fellow at LSE, and Laura Clarke from ClientEarth about the kinds of climate-related cases being thrashed out in court. We then cross the pond to Canada, where 15-year-old climate activist Sophia Mathur has been busy suing the Ontario government. We find out what inspired her to act, and what her hopes for the future are.Plus: Where did Ed go for a *bracing* open water swim this week?GuestsCatherine Higham, Policy Fellow, Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, LSE (@CatherineHigha3, @GRI_LSE)Laura Clarke, CEO, ClientEarth (@LauraClarkeCE, @ClientEarth) Sophia Mathur, Climate Activist (@sophiamathur)More infoGlobal Trends in Climate Litigation 2022 (Report, Grantham Research Institute, LSE)Learn more about ClientEarth's workLearn more about Sophia's journey to becoming an activistWhy 2023 will be a watershed year for climate litigation (Article, The Guardian)Sign up to The Wave: the newsletter about climate litigation and justiceLinks to additional cases mentioned can be found on our website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Nepo-babies are a new-fangled term but the issue of social mobility goes much deeper…in this episode Ed and Geoff explore why the same kind of people often seem to make it to the top. Why does your starting point in life still strongly determine where you’ll end up? We find out why it matters and if there’s anything we can do to change it. We’re speaking to social mobility tsar Alan Milburn, social entrepreneur Joe Seddon who helps state school pupils get into top Universities and to comedian Josie Long about how to open up the creative industries to more people.Plus: Can Geoff persuade Ed to woo Justine with a ChatGPT Valentine's poem?GuestsAlan Milburn, Chair, Social Mobility Foundation (@alanmilburn1958 & @SocialMobilityF) Joe Seddon, Founder & CEO, Zero Gravity (@whatjoedid & @zerogravity)Josie Long, Comedian & Co-Founder, Arts Emergency (@JosieLong & @artsemergency)More infoRead the New York Magazine article on nepo babies in HollywoodRead Vice's article about why American nepo babies have nothing on the BritishLearn more about the Social Mobility Foundation and apply to their Aspiring Professionals Programme Sign up to Zero Gravity as a sixth form student to get mentoring, or as a university student to become a mentorRead Zero Gravity's Gap Zero Report on the network advantageLearn more about Arts Emergency, get support as a young person, donate or become a mentor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we're speaking to comedian, actor and author Cariad Lloyd who's on a crusade to help us become better at talking about death and grief. Although it might not seem like the most cheerful of topics, Cariad believes that there's a lot of hope and optimism in thinking and talking about death. We discuss why the five stages are a load of twaddle, how there is no 'right way' to deal with your grief and what to say (and what not to say!) to someone who's grieving.Plus: Geoff and Ed’s telepathy reaches new levels...for the first time in the pod’s history, they have the same reason to be cheerful!Follow Cariad on Twitter (@ladycariad)Buy a copy of Cariad's book out now You are not alone: A new way to grieveListen to all episodes of Griefcast including the episode with Dr Kathryn MannixCariad mentioned psychotherapist Julia Samuel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week on Reasons to be Cheerful Ed and Geoff are Going Out Out and talking about the night-time economy: generally everything that happens between 6pm and 6am. At the end of 2022, iconic Manchester venue ‘Night & Day’ was threatened with closure over a noise complaint. We talk about why this example represents a wider crisis in city nightlife and how it is possible to protect it, both for a good night’s sleep and for better workers’ rights. We chat to Dr Alessio Kolioulis about the history of the night-time economy, to Sacha Lord about why Manchester’s nightlife is the keystone of its cultural identity and to Clare Lynch, long-time resident of Soho, who tells us about the changes happening there and how to preserve the area’s character. And where does Bez from the Happy Mondays keep his bees?Plus: Find out which TV chef has given a professional review of Ed’s soup…GuestsDr Alessio Kolioulis, Lecturer teaching urban economic development at the Bartlett Development Planning Unit, UCL (@AleKolioulis)Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester (@Sacha_Lord)Clare Lynch, Audio producer and Soho Resident (@clarelynchred)More infoNight & Day: Manchester venue’s noise breach appeal hearing postponedBrussels famous nightclub Fuse allowed to reopenWorking Nights: Municipal strategies for nocturnal workersIt’s official - Germany declares its nightclubs are now cultural institutionsListen to Soho Radio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we’re talking about ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence language model that’s taken the world by storm. But is the hype justified? And what can it do beyond writing poems about your favourite podcast? We speak to Rory Cellan-Jones, whose dog is also an internet sensation, about what ChatGPT is and whether it’s been trained on a pro-Ed dataset, to Dr Kate Devlin about what it means for education and whether we can trust AI, and finally to Andrew Strait about some of the ethical concerns surrounding ChatGPT. Can AI really make society better and fairer?Plus: Where is Ed off to next on his culinary journey?GuestsRory Cellan-Jones, Former Technology Correspondent, BBC (@ruskin147 and check out the hashtag #SophiefromRomania to keep up to date with the latest doggie developments)Dr Kate Devlin, Reader in Artificial Intelligence and Society, Department of Digital Humanities at King’s College London (@drkatedevlin & @kingsdh)Andrew Strait, Associate Director, Ada Lovelace Institute (@agstrait & @AdaLovelaceInst)More infoTry out ChatGPT for yourselfSubscribe to Rory’s Substack on health and technologyDepartment of Digital Humanities, King’s College LondonVisit the Ada Lovelace Institute’s WebsiteUKRI Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Stephen Hawking warns artificial intelligence could end mankind by Rory Cellan-JonesOpenAI underpaid 200 Kenyans to perfect ChatGPT then sacked them Human-like programs abuse our empathy by Professor Emily BenderChatGPT used by mental health tech app in AI experiment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we’re talking about climate misinformation and how we tackle it. Mis- and disinformation about the climate crisis is not new: since the 1970s industry players and fossil fuel giants have been denying the reality of climate change in order to sow confusion and polarise public support for taking action. Delay is the new denial, according to Jennie King, who talks to us about some of the arguments used to delay action on climate change. Professor Sander van der Linden tells us about the psychology of misinformation spread and why social media has only turbocharged it. Finally, Sean Buchan talks to us about the grassroots campaign Stop Funding Heat which aims to make climate misinformation unprofitable.Plus: Geoff goes on a gastronomic journey with Ed's latest cooking attempt.GuestsJennie King, Head of Climate Research and Policy, Institute for Strategic Dialogue (@jkingy, @ISDglobal)Professor Sander van der Linden, Professor of Social Psychology, University of Cambridge (@Sander_vdLinden)Sean Buchan, Campaign Director, Stop Funding Heat (@seanforachange, @stopfundingheat)More infoWhat is climate mis-/disinformation?Deny, deceive, delay: documenting and responding to climate disinformation at COP26 and beyond Report from the ISDTaxonomy of climate contrarian claims Academic paper: Coan, Boussalis, Cook, NankoDiscourses of Climate Delay Comic by Céline KellerClimate Action Against Disinformation Pre-order a copy of Sander's book Foolproof: Why we fall for misinformation and how to build immunityStop Funding Heat CampaignOther resourcesDeSmog Journalism to clear the 'PR Pollution' clouding the science and solutions to climate changeSkeptical science Website set up by academic Jon Cook to examine the science and arguments of climate scepticismEd and Geoff mentioned:Three policies making life in Paris better for children Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! New year, new term and this week Ed and Geoff are going back to school. Too little has changed about our education system since the Victorian times, and for too many young people it can seem an outdated and rigid system - geared simply towards passing exams - which is letting them down. We speak to three experts who tell us that it doesn't have to be this way: Dr James Mannion, clinical psychologist Dr Naomi Fisher and to Andy Sprakes, the co-founder of Doncaster's most oversubscribed school, about how they're already doing things differently and why it's beneficial for everyone involved.Plus: want a chance to live out your Geoffocracy dreams? We hear from Suzanne Heywood about a new prize looking for our listeners' policy ideas!GuestsDr James Mannion, Director of Rethinking Education, a teacher training organisation (Visit his website or follow him on Twitter @RethinkingJames)Dr Naomi Fisher, Clinical Psychologist (Follow her on Twitter @naomicfisher or subscribe to her Substack)Andy Sprakes, Chief Academic Officer and Co-founder, XP School in Doncaster (@SprakesA & @XPschool) Suzanne Heywood, Chair of the Heywood Foundation (@HeywoodFndation)More infoDo schools kill creativity? TED Talk, Sir Ken RobinsonThe crisis of the last six months has exposed five damaging myths in education Blog, Peter HymanRethinking Education James Mannion's teacher training organisationHow to Change the World James Mannion's TEDxtalk on 'vertical slice politics'Above all compassion, the story of XP School FilmLearn more about the Heywood Prize and enter here.Contact Reasons to be Cheerful via our website, follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Let us know your episode ideas, your comments and feedback!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and happy 2023! Normal service will resume next Monday but in the meantime we’ve got a cracking interview with co-authors Adrienne Buller and Mathew Lawrence for you. Their new book ‘Owning the Future: Power and Property in an Age of Crisis’ is all about ownership. Basically, who owns what in our economy and society, and why it matters. They set out an alternative future for us that’s not dominated by profit making business models, but rather meets the needs of all citizens without destroying the planet. And as we look to the future, Ed reminisces about past mishaps with his coat...Buy Owning the Future: Power and Property in an Age of CrisisCommon Wealth Think TankGuestsAdrienne Buller, Director of Research, Common Wealth Think Tank (@adribuller)Mathew Lawrence, Founder and Director, Common Wealth Think Tank (@dantonshead) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been another calm year for politics: four chancellors, three prime ministers and a lettuce. Through the tumult, we’ve been providing you a steady stream of reasons to be cheerful. Having applied a (not very) rigorous methodology we’ve chosen our ten favourite moments from the year. What’s made it to the top spot?We’d love to hear from you over the holidays with your ideas, guest suggestions or emails. If you want to get in touch with the podcast you can email us at [email protected] or through our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We’ve decked the loft with boughs of holly and after two years, Ed and Geoff are finally reunited for some Christmas fun and frolics. Traditional board game proceedings have been temporarily suspended, as we ask some friends of the pod to tell us their reasons to be cheerful. And boy, it’s a real bagamashings. We hear from Jon Ronson, Self Esteem, Davina McCall and Michael Douglas, Ayesha Hazarika, Tom Allen, and many more…Find out which celebs sent us a message from bed, who told Ed he had the weakest handshake in Western Europe, and what Dan the Lifeguard really sounds like.With thanks to all our cracker message senders and listeners in 2022!If you want to get in touch with the podcast you can email us at [email protected] or through our website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! When we hear about social workers it's usually because something terrible has happened. Social work is rightly subject to scrutiny, but why do we never hear about any of the good stuff? Despite operating in an under-resourced and bureaucratic system, social workers are helping individuals and families facing some of the toughest life circumstances, in the hope of creating a fairer and more prosperous society. We talk to Ruth Allen about the profession, to Ryan Wise who's trying to remove day-to-day barriers that social workers might face, and to Lisa Hackett about why we need to shift public perceptions of social workers and the job they do.GuestsRuth Allen, CEO, British Association of Social Workers (@ruthallenonline) (@BASW_UK)Ryan Wise, Co-founder, Crescendo (@ryanwise18)Lisa Hackett, Chief Social Worker, Frontline (@FrontlineSW)More info Learn more about the British Association of Social Workers' 80:20 CampaignIf you're a social worker, take BASW's annual survey of social workersRead more about the 15% solutions approach that Ryan discussesUnderstand more about CrescendoFind out information about Frontline, England's largest social work charityThe campaign to get care experience designated a protected characteristic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week Ed and Geoff are on location to chat with two big brains who have been part of two important commissions about the state of the UK economy. What are the deep roots of the economic crisis facing our country? And what's the solution? The UK is suffering from a 'toxic combination' of high inequality and stagnating growth. We look at some of the long-term issues that mean the cost of living crisis is hitting Britain particularly hard, why we need a new economic strategy and what it would involve. And what does Geoff's hairdresser have to do with it all?GuestsCarys Roberts, Executive Director, IPPR (@carysroberts) (@IPPR)Torsten Bell, CEO, Resolution Foundation (@TorstenBell) (@resfoundation)More infoRead the final report (2018) from IPPR's Commission on Economic JusticeRead 'Stagnation Nation' (2022) the interim report from the Economy 2030 Inquiry Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we're talking about disability activism: its past, present and future. Disabled people are routinely excluded from society, despite making up 15% of the population. How has disability activism shifted people's attitudes and perceptions? And how can we transform our society so it's fairer for everyone? To find out we speak to disability justice activist Anna Landre about why it's not possible to legislate prejudice out of existence, we also talk to Christoph Keller about his new memoir and to Ruth Malkin about the People's History Museum's new exhibition celebrating the history of disability activism.Transcripts of all the interviews are available on our website.GuestsAnna Landre, Disability Justice Activist and Research Fellow, UCL (@annalandre)Christoph Keller, Novelist, editor and playwright. Author of ‘Every Cripple a Superhero’ Ruth Malkin, Community Co-Curator, People's History Museum (@PHMMcr)More infoVisit Anna's websiteUCL's Global Disability Innovation HubThe Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List 2022Buy Christoph's book 'Every Cripple A Superhero'Islam Alijaj's Twitter (Swiss politician)Visit the People's History Museum's Exhibition: Nothing About Us Without Us (until October 2023)Get online support and advice from Scope Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Ed's just come back from COP27 where he was roving with his mic. He spoke to some experts on how we shift to zero carbon power and break our dependency on fossil fuels. We talk to Kingsmill Bond about why the transition to renewables makes economic sense. Tzeporah Berman tells us about the potential of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to constrain supply. And Mohamed Adow tells us why the continent of Africa could lead the way in becoming a renewable energy superpower, and what that means for its development.GuestsKingsmill Bond, Energy Strategist, Rocky Mountain Institute (@KingsmillBond) (@RockyMtnInst)Tzeporah Berman, Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (@tzeporah) (@fossiltreaty)Mohamed Adow, Director, Power Shift Africa (@mohadow) (@PowerShftAfrica)More infoRead about past and current peaks in fossil fuel demand (RMI)Visit Kingsmill Bond's website to read about the drivers of change for the transition to renewables and the myths of the incumbencyListen to Kingsmill on the Volts PodcastLearn more about the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation TreatyAccess the Global Registry of Fossil Fuels (Carbon Tracker; Global Energy Monitor)Watch Tzeporah's TED TalkVisit Power Shift Africa's Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week as world leaders- and Ed -gather in Sharm El-Sheikh for COP27 we’re covering a tricky topic: what’s our role as individuals in tackling the climate crisis? When we feel like governments and businesses aren’t doing their bit to keep 1.5C alive, is it normal for us to feel disillusioned about the power that’s in our hands? Our guests say that action on climate isn't all on us, but that it won't happen without us either. We speak to Alyssa Gilbert from the Grantham Institute for Climate Change about the enabling role of government and why we need to shout about the actions we’re taking. We also talk to Mike Thompson from the Climate Change Committee and to Tom Bailey, who is recommending shifts he thinks we can take to make a difference. Plus: Geoff has a new look and reveals his Autumnal beverage of choice  More infoImperial's 9 things you can do about climate change  CCC's 2022 Report on Climate Offsetting CCC's 2020 Report on the Sixth Carbon BudgetSign up and Take the Jump for 1, 3 or 6 months Listen to 'Holding out for a Zero,' an RTBC episode from July  GuestsAlyssa Gilbert, Director of Policy and Translation at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London (@AlyssaRGilbert) (@Grantham_IC) Mike Thompson, Chief Economist and Director of Analysis, Climate Change Committee (@Mike_Thommo) (@theCCCuk) Tom Bailey, Co-founder, Take the Jump (@taketheJUMPnow) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! A bonus Cheerful Book Club episode coming at you this week direct from Geoff’s loft. We’re talking to bestselling author Anand Giridharadas about his new book The Persuaders: Winning Hearts and Minds in a Divided Age. Progressive movements need to persuade, not simply preach, he says. But what does that look like if it is not ‘persuasion by dilution’? We talk to Anand about what we can learn from the people who are changing minds and building big coalitions to make progressive movements around the world more successful.Buy Anand’s bookSign up for his newsletter The.Ink Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to throw you a bit of an RTBC curveball. Not only are Ed and Geoff venturing gingerly into the world of sport, but they're talking about the fastest-growing game in the US, which is now gaining popularity closer to home: pickleball! We talk to hall-of-famer Jennifer Lucore about the history of the sport and to coach Louise Stephens about its future here in the UK. We also chat to players Jessie Danger and Sam Basford about their pickleball careers to date. But will Ed and Geoff agree to get on the court? And what the heck is 'dinking'? Plus: Find out what happened when I’m a Celebrity came calling for Ed...and a special preview of a bonus RTBC episode being released later this week.More infoFind out more information including where your local courts are on Pickleball EnglandLearn more about the sport in America at USA PickleballRead Jennifer's blogLearn the rules of pickleball GuestsJennifer Lucore, Professional Pickleball Player and Ambassador, Author of the book ‘History of Pickleball’ (Instagram: @jenniferlucore)Louise Stephens, Coach and Pickleball England Volunteer of the Year (Instagram: @englandpickleball)Jessie Danger, Top 8 Sponsored Player and Nationals Women’s Doubles Bronze Medallist (Instagram: @jessieedanger)Sam Basford, Regional Director for Pickleball England and Master Teaching Professional (Instagram: @sambasford.pb) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we're treating you to a new author episode: a fascinating conversation with Nicola Rollock, Professor of Race and Social Policy at King's College London. Nicola's new book The Racial Code: Tales of Resistance and Survival is all about the implicit rules of race and racism that govern our lives and strengthen the status quo. Geoff sits down for a discussion with Nicola all about how she weaves fiction with academic writing, the illusion that racial injustice has been eliminated, and why we need to change our patterns of thinking about race if anything is going to change for the better. Buy The Racial Code: Tales of Resistance and Survival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! The pranksters at RTBC have got a joke about trickle-down economics.…99% of people won't get it...This week as Liz Truss prepares to exit we’re talking about the economic philosophy that characterised her reign: supply-side or trickle-down economics—and its alternative: so-called middle-out economics.The latter is the idea that investing in the broad middle to help people become more secure and prosperous can lead to more economic growth. But is it really that simple? We talk to Professor Sue Himmelweit about the origins of trickle-down, to Nick Hanauer, one of the inventors of the term middle-out, and to Juha Leppänen about Finland's model of economic success.Plus: Ed reflects on whether the frack got Liz the sack.Fancy sending in a new theme tune? Email us at [email protected] Himmelweit, emeritus professor, the Open University and member, Women's Budget Group (@suehimmelweit)(@womensbudgetgrp)Nick Hanauer, author, venture capitalist and founder of Civic Ventures (@NickHanauer)Juha Leppänen, CEO, Demos Helsinki (@juhaleppanen) (@demoshelsinki)More infoForget trickle down, what the UK needs is middle-out economics (The Guardian)A brief history of middle-out economics(Pitchfork Economics)Is middle-out Biden's new deal(Democracy)Listen to Nick's weekly podcast, Pitchfork EconomicsRead 100 Social Innovations from Finland, Ilkka Taipale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! After the Second World War, council housing was an important part of the government’s ambitious vision for the welfare state. Over the past 50 years, with a growing emphasis on home ownership, the amount of council housing and its condition has diminished. Where does that leave the state of social housing now? Geoff finds out with architect Peter Barber, who also explains some of the design principles underpinning his award-winning social housing project. We find some reasons to be cheerful with former deputy mayor of Vienna Maria Vassilakou, who tells us how the city has cracked the social housing code. Finally, Martyn Holmes discusses how collaborative or community-led housing could be one solution to the housing crisis.Plus: Ed has reached new heights of fame as one board game recognises his achievements. Can you guess what it is yet?GuestsPeter Barber, Director, Peter Barber Architects (@pPeterpeter) (@peterbarber12)Maria Vassilakou, Former Deputy Mayor of Vienna (Contact Maria through her website: Vienna Solutions)Martyn Holmes, Founding Member, Bunker Housing Co-operative (@BunkerCoop)More infoTake a look at some of Peter’s projects on his websiteLearn more about the award-winning housing project McGrath RoadRead about Vienna’s model of social housing Visit Bunker Housing Cooperative’s Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following Labour’s announcement of a new national wealth fund to invest in green industries, we’re exploring what 'public wealth funds' are and how they offer a way to keep profits in the hands of the people. We talk to Professor Karin Thorburn about Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund which has guaranteed that future generations can benefit from its natural resources, even as we transition towards a greener economy. UCL Associate Professor Josh Ryan-Collins makes the wider case for public wealth funds, and how they help governments invest for the future and make sure that returns go back to citizens. Finally, Rayhan Haque from the Community Wealth Fund Alliance tells us how the 40p in your old building society account could be invested in communities for big economic, social and environmental returns.Plus: Ed is ready to jump into ribbon-cutting action as Britain’s oldest lido is opening to the public! We speak to the team behind the restoration and re-opening of Cleveland Pools, Bath.Keep submitting your theme music to [email protected] infoNorway’s Sovereign Wealth FundUCL IIPP Report on Public Wealth FundsLearn more about the Community Wealth FundLocal Trust as a founding member of the Community Wealth Fund AllianceRead about the Dormant Assets Scheme Stay up to date with news on Cleveland Pools’ reopening on their website or sign up to their newsletterGuestsKarin Thorburn, Professor of Finance, Norwegian School of Economics (@karinsthorburn) (@NHHnor)Josh Ryan-Collins, Associate Professor in Economics and Finance, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (@jryancollins) (@IIPP_UCL)Rayhan Haque, Campaigns Manager, Community Wealth Fund Alliance (@RayhanHaqueUK) (@CommWealthFund)Alice Le Page, Learning and Community Engagement Trustee, Cleveland Pools (@aslepage) (@Clevelandpools) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Why is it that women live longer, but spend more of their lives in poor health? We explore why women’s pain is often dismissed and why it can take many years to receive a diagnosis with Dr Larisa Corda. We then delve deep into the history of medical misogyny with Dr Elinor Cleghorn and finally we find some reasons to be cheerful with the creator of podcast series 28-ish days later, India Rakusen.Plus: We’re joined by TV royalty! Maracas at the ready- Dan McGrath, composer of the Strictly Come Dancing theme music, joins us to talk about how you can create a winning theme for the RTBC refresh.Submit your contributions here: [email protected] Larisa Corda, obstetrician and gynaecologist, fertility expert on This Morning and women’s health activist  (@drlarisacorda)Dr Elinor Cleghorn, feminist cultural historian and author of Unwell Women: A journey through medicine and myth in a man-made world (@elinorcleghorn)India Rakusen, journalist, documentary producer and presenter (@IndiaRakusen)Dan McGrath, music producer (@danthesoundman)More infoListen to our episode on health inequalities with Professor Sir Michael MarmotRead the Women’s Health StrategyOrder Elinor’s book Unwell WomenListen to India’s podcast 28-ish days later on BBC SoundsVisit Endometriosis UK for support. Their helpline can be reached on 0808 808 2227 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! It's a big week at Reasons to be Cheerful HQ as we're back in Geoff's loft to record a very special 5th anniversary episode with a very special guest. We're talking to the brilliant and hilarious Guardian columnist Marina Hyde about her way with words, fielding the phones on the Sun's showbiz desk in the 90s and what she thinks about the alternative world of chaos with Ed Miliband. In Marina's new book What Just Happened?! Dispatches from Turbulent Times you can relive the bin fire of the last six years with a collection of some of her finest columns. It's out on 6th October.Plus: Could you be the winner of the Reasons to be Cheerful Song Contest?Send us your submissions on [email protected] What Just Happened?!Follow Marina on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week Geoff's exploring how individuals have taken on the big dogs to seek justice. We talk to three guests who have faced up to their employers, multinational corporations and even governments to challenge unfair treatment and inspire change for the better. But can an eventual victory ever outweigh the personal toll? And how can we make sure justice is accessible to all? We talk to Sophia Moreau, who challenged her employer over unequal pay and then led a campaign to end student maternity discrimination. We'll also speak to Jason Evans who is seeking justice for the victims and families of those affected by the contaminated blood scandal in the 1970s and 1980s. And finally we'll be hearing from a law firm that's taken collective action for over 200,000 victims in Brazil affected by the Mariana Dam collapse in 2015. Alicia Alinia will be with us to discuss what a recent legal ruling means for the future of corporate behaviour. GuestsSophia Moreau, Campaigner and Employment Tribunal Mentor, Pregnant then Screwed (@MsSMoreau) (@PregnantScrewed)Jason Evans, Founder, Factor 8 (@JasonEvansF8) (@Factor8Campaign) and 2021 runner-up Sheila McKechnie Foundation Campaigner AwardsAlicia Alinia, Partner and COO, Pogust Goodhead (@AliciaAlinia) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Ed is absent due to the period of national mourning, so Geoff takes the reins with a conversation recorded before last week's news. We talk to three inspiring guests about the commons. But what are the commons, how do they reduce inequality and why can we be optimistic about them today? We speak to Guy Standing, Professorial Research Associate at SOAS and author of the Blue Commons about how reviving the commons is a key component of progressive politics and could reduce social insecurity. We then look at the commons in action with Jenny Barlow, Estate Manger of the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve, who tells us about how a community buy-out in Scotland will lead to large-scale nature restoration and bring economic opportunities to the community. Finally, Abigail Woodman, Chair of the East London Waterworks Park talks to us about reviving former common land by creating free wild swimming pools for all, and why this has made her feel more hopeful for the future.GuestsGuy Standing, Professorial Research Associate, SOAS (@SOAS)Jenny Barlow, Estate Manager, Tarras Valley Nature Reserve (@TarrasValleyNR) (@LangholmOnline)Abi Woodman, Chair, East London Waterworks Park (@ELWaterworks)More infoBuy Guy Standing's book The Blue Commons: Rescuing the Economy of the SeaFind out more about the Langholm Moor Community Buy-outFind out more about the East London Waterworks ParkDonate to the ELWP Crowdfunder Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.