Reasons Revisited

Hello! Advances in technology are enabling new ways to monitor and manage people at work. How can we ensure workers don’t lose out from the rise of ‘algorithmic management’? Future of work expert Beth Gutelius tells us about a Californian law cracking down on issues in the warehouse industry. Then Anna Thomas from the Institute for the Future of Work and Mary Towers from the TUC talk us through the scale of the problem in the UK and what do to about it.AND we chat to Tim Burgess about the new book inspired by his wildly popular Twitter Listening Parties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we’re getting our heads around the mind-boggling world of digital currencies. The Guardian’s UK tech editor Alex Hern answers our questions about Bitcoin — from how it actually works to its extraordinarily high energy use. Josh Ryan-Collins from UCL tells us why the Bank of England is exploring introducing its own digital currency. And Rachel Statham from IPPR explains why the discussion about the future of money shouldn’t ignore the role of cash.AND we chat to Ray Hopkinson from environmental charity Hubbub about an exciting new bike library being trialled London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We’re celebrating the start of September with an episode on rewilding — the idea of restoring eco-systems so nature can take care of itself. Alastair Driver from Rewilding Britain talks us through what it is and how to make it happen. Steve Micklewright explains how Trees for Life is rewilding parts of the Scottish Highlands. And Jan Stannard from Heal Rewilding talks about their plans to make rewilding accessible to everyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! For the final part of our special series on this year’s COP 26 climate summit, we’re exploring how the climate movement is pushing world leaders to act. Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate tells us about her journey into activism and what she is calling for now. Then Tommy Vickerstaff from 350.org explains how we can all get involved in campaigning around the COP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! For the latest stage of our journey through the world of COP 26, we’re exploring the politics of the climate summit. Experts Pete Betts, Farhana Yamin and Saleemul Huq are back to talk us through the outcomes we need from COP 26 and the challenges in making them happen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! In the second episode of our series on the COP 26 climate summit, we’re exploring what’s at stake in tackling the climate crisis. Scientist Emily Shuckburgh explains the need for urgent action. Then Saleemul Huq from the International Centre for Climate Change and Development in Bangladesh and former president of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed talk about how the climate crisis is impacting countries around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! For the next few weeks we’re treating you to some special episodes about COP 26, the crucial climate summit taking place in Glasgow this November. First, we're talking through the basics and asking how on earth we got to where we are today. Author Alice Bell gives a whistle-stop history of our understanding of the climate crisis and the political response to it. Then two COP veterans, climate lawyer Farhana Yamin and former negotiator Pete Betts, talk us through their reflections on previous summits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We spend lots of time exploring great ideas around the world but this week we’re looking closer to home. It’s Reasons to be Welsh! First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford tells us about where the Welsh Government is leading the way on innovative ideas from tackling the climate crisis to inequality, the importance of devolution in making it happen AND his love of cheese. Then we catch up with Future Generations Commissioner for Wales Sophie Howe about how she’s pushing for long-term thinking across Wales. And parkrun volunteer Sam Rose tells us about the return of parkrun events after more than a year apart.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Lee-doh or ly-doh? We’re asking the big questions about the lido revival taking place across the UK. Many towns and cities saw their outdoor pools close during the twentieth century but lidos are back on the up. Journalist Chris Beanland talks us through the history here and around the world. Emma Pusill tells us about the amazing community groups taking lidos into their own hands. And we chat to Deborah Aydon about her campaign for a brilliant new “people’s pool” on Merseyside. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! It’s our 200th episode! We’re talking about the groundbreaking Environmental Justice Commission, which has just published an ambitious plan for putting fairness at the heart of tackling the climate crisis. Caroline Lucas and Hilary Benn, two of the co-chairs of the commission, talk us through some of the key ideas. Then Paul Nowak from the TUC explains why it is vital to put the interests and voice of workers at the centre of the transition.AND to celebrate reaching the big 200 we’re joined by voice of Reasons to be Cheerful, Gayle Lofthouse! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! How can we properly switch off from work in an era of phones, email and remote working? We’re exploring the ‘right to disconnect’ — the idea that people should have a right to disengage from messages and calls outside of their working hours. Professor Anna Cox explains the importance of work-life boundaries. Andrew Pakes from the Prospect Union tells us what a right to disconnect could look like. And Caroline Sauvajol-Rialland talks us through what we can learn from France.Plus writer and youth worker Ciaran Thapar on his new book, ‘Cut Short: Youth Violence, Loss and Hope in the City’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! How can we ensure everyone has access to the essentials for a decent life? A coalition of campaigners argue we need a new ‘Social Guarantee’ based on three pillars: living wage jobs, universal public services, and fixing our safety net with a living income. We talk  through the idea and how to make it happen with Social Guarantee expert Maeve Cohen who tells us about the thinking behind the concept, leader of Camden Council Georgia Gould who is piloting new universal services and the New Economics Foundation’s Sarah Arnold who talks through the idea of a living income.Plus Mary Portas tells us about the rise of the Kindness Economy and gives her expert opinion on Ed’s sandwich shop proposal. Ed’s book ‘Go Big’ is out now in hardback, ebook and audiobook: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/1119347/go-big/9781847926241.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! For the final week of our Go Big podcast book tour, we’re talking to incredible people successfully campaigning for change around the world. Ali Abdi and Elbashir Idris talk about the campaign for the first Halal Nando’s in Cardiff and the amazing community activism fighting for social justice that it inspired. Fast food worker and union activist Adriana Alvarez tells us about the remarkable successes of the Fight for $15 in the US. Jane Thewlis talks us through her work in the UK on the global fossil fuel divestment movement. And writer Paul Engler explains why he believes political and social movements can help drive the change we need. ‘Go Big’ is out now in hardback, ebook and audiobook, narrated by Ed and with a bonus conversation between Ed and Geoff: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/1119347/go-big/9781847926241.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! It’s the third episode of our podcast book tour, exploring ideas from Ed’s new book ‘Go Big’. We're revisiting citizens’ assemblies and the role they could play in repairing our democracy. Experts Graham Smith, Archon Fung and Becky Willis talk us through what citizens’ assemblies are, where they’re being used, and how they fit into the wider need for participation and deliberation in politics.Plus Mike Tipton answers all of Ed’s questions on cold water swimming!‘Go Big’ is out now in hardback, ebook and audiobook, narrated by Ed and with a bonus conversation between Ed and Geoff: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/1119347/go-big/9781847926241.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! From New Zealand to Finland, countries are experimenting with alternatives to using gross domestic product (GDP) as the primary measure of national success. For our second special episode on ideas from Ed’s book Go Big, we’re asking: could changing what we measure help to transform the economy? Katherine Trebeck from the Wellbeing Economy Alliance talks us through the recent developments. We catch up with economist Kate Raworth about how her idea of Doughnut Economics is taking the world by storm. And Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz tells us about using health and wellbeing as the measure of local success.Go Big is out now in hardback, ebook and audiobook, narrated by Ed and with a bonus conversation between Ed and Geoff: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/1119347/go-big/9781847926241.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! For the next few episodes we’re going big with some of the ideas from Ed’s new book, Go Big. This week: could better parental leave for dads help promote gender equality? Icelandic Prime Minister and friend of the pod Katrín Jakobsdóttir explains Iceland’s world-leading approach. Then Molly Mayer from the Fawcett Society and Jeremy Davies from the Fatherhood Institute talk us through where we’re going wrong — and what to do about it.Plus former senior advisor to President Obama Ben Rhodes on working in the White House, defending democracy and the power of podcasting.Go Big is out now in hardback, ebook and audiobook, narrated by Ed and with a bonus conversation between Ed and Geoff: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/1119347/go-big/9781847926241.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the big day! Ed’s book ‘Go Big: How to Fix Our World’ is out now. To celebrate, here’s an extract from the audiobook read by Ed.Buy the audiobook here: https://adbl.co/31yPi9OBuy the book from your favourite bookshop or online: https://bit.ly/3u9CVOL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! A big theme of the podcast has been the need for big change. We’re chatting to two people with really interesting perspectives on that. FT writer Martin Sandbu talks about why this is a moment that demands a transformation of our economy and what it could look like. Then Heather McGhee, one of the leading thinkers on the US left, talks about her new book on building coalitions for progressive change. Plus documentary maker Jerry Rothwell on his film The Reason I Jump.If you pre-order Ed’s book Go Big from waterstones.com before Wednesday (2nd June) and use the promo code ‘cheerful’ at the checkout you’ll get 30% off the full price.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We’re talking buses with King of the North AKA Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. Back in March, Andy announced plans to bring the region’s buses under public control. We ask him what that will mean and what it shows about the power of devolution. Then Pascale Robinson from Better Buses for Greater Manchester talks about campaigning for the change. And transport expert Ian Taylor talks us through lessons from around the world on building a world-class bus system across the UK.If you pre-order Ed’s book Go Big from waterstones.com before 2nd June and use the promo code ‘cheerful’ at the checkout you’ll get 30% off the full price. Read the extract featured in the Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/may/22/on-your-bike-ed-miliband-on-britains-much-needed-cycling-revolution Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! For the last few years, Preston has been pioneering a bold experiment in how to create a fairer local economy. What can we learn from their ‘community wealth building’ approach? Preston City Council leader Matthew Brown is back to tell us about how the Preston model is taking shape. Tony Greenham from South West Mutual explains how a new generation of regional banks can support the agenda. And Antonia Jennings from the Centre for Local Economic Strategies talks us through what’s going on across the country.Plus we chat to the wonderful Sue Peachey, star of new documentary ‘The People vs Climate Change’.If you pre-order Ed’s book from waterstones.com before 2nd June and use the promo code ‘cheerful’ at the checkout you’ll get 30% off the full price. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We’re incredibly excited to be talking to one of our favourite authors, Michael Lewis, about his new book, The Premonition: A Pandemic Story. He explores what went wrong in the US response to coronavirus through the lives of a number of people at the heart of pandemic planning. We chat to Michael about what he discovered, his approach to writing, and how he finds such compelling characters for his books.Listen to our conversation with Michael from last year about The Fifth Risk: https://pod.fo/e/13600 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We’re talking about football… but not just about football. Hot on the heels of the European Super League fiasco we’re exploring ideas to change where power lies in football - and asking what they mean for society more widely. Uli Hesse tells us about the ‘50+1’ rule in Germany. Thomas Hanna from The Democracy Collaborative and Vidhya Alakeson from Power to Change explain how to promote fan ownership in the UK. Then footballer turned academic Alex Culvin talks about how to put women’s football at the centre of the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we're exploring a vision for how we can address the environmental crisis and build a better society in the process. Friends of the pod Mat Lawrence and Laurie Laybourn-Langton are back to chat about Planet on Fire - their 'manifesto for the age of environmental breakdown'. Then climate justice activist Dominique Palmer talks about building a movement to push for this kind of action.AND we chat to the world's best teacher, Andria Zafirakou!Head to cheerfulpodcast.com for more info on all of our episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! President Biden sparked a major debate when he described spending on social care and childcare as an investment in infrastructure. We’re exploring why the question of what counts as ‘infrastructure’ really matters. US policy expert Julie Kashen talks us through the US infrastructure debate then Professor Sue Himmelweit from the Women’s Budget Group explains why it could have far-reaching implications around the world.Plus author Eileen Jones tells us about her new book ‘How Parkrun Changed Our Lives’ and the unconventional way she launched it… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Finland has just been named the world’s happiest country for the fourth year running. To celebrate, we’re going on a virtual Nordic trip to explore the secrets behind their success. We ask Finnish journalist Anu Partanen and authors of ‘Finntopia’ Danny Dorling and Annika Koljonen what we can learn from Finland about how to build a better society. Then we have our first ever president on the pod: former Finnish leader, President Tarja Halonen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! In February the Supreme Court ruled against Uber in a major case on the rights of its drivers. Could it prompt a shift in working conditions in the gig economy? Former Uber driver and co-claimant in the recent case James Farrar tells us about his legal victory, Kelle Howson from Fairwork talks about what it could mean more widely, then Martin Buttle from ShareAction talks us through the investor response to Deliveroo’s recent IPO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! The ‘right to play’ is recognised by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. How can we make sure all children have the time and space to play? Aled Hanson tells us about his experience of working at Flintshire Playscheme. Marianne Mannello from Play Wales talks about the pioneering Welsh play legislation. Then writer and researcher Tim Gill talks about how ‘child-friendly cities’ around the world design public space to make it easier and safer for children to play. Plus volunteer Jenny Chigwende on how W12 Together in West London has supported the local community during the last 12 months. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus episode: Our extended conversation with poet and children's author Michael Rosen about his new book 'Many Different Kinds of Love'. We talk about Michael's experience with Covid and why he decided to write about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! President Biden’s Covid relief package has been described as the most progressive piece of US legislation in the US for decades. Does it mark the start of a transformational presidency? We speak to Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro about the historic expansion of child tax credit and her 18 year campaign to make it happen. Lindsay Owens from the Groundwork Collaborate talks us through Biden’s wider economic agenda. And we ask Professor Stephen Skowronek whether this could be the beginning of a new era in US politics.Plus author and poet Michael Rosen on his experience with Covid-19. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Is remote working here to stay? How do we deal with the new inequalities that creates? Friend of the pod & home working guru Nick Bloom talks us through his research on the future of workplaces. Claire McCartney from the CIPD explains how employers can make hybrid working work for all. And Claire Carpenter from the Melting Pot in Edinburgh sets out her vision for ‘hyper local’ coworking spaces.You can preorder Ed’s book here: http://bit.ly/3u9CVOL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Parks and green spaces have been more important than ever over the last year but there are deep inequalities in who has access to them. We’re asking why that is and what we can do about it. Kate Ashbrook from the Open Spaces Society talks us through the history. Then Beth Collier from Wild in the City and Helen Griffiths from Fields in Trust discuss how we can ensure everyone can access to good quality green space.Plus radio host Stuart Maconie on ‘The Nanny State Made Me’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! In 1942 William Beveridge published the report that shaped Britain’s welfare state. We’re asking what lessons it offers us nearly 80 years on. Journalist Nicholas Timmins talks us through the history of the original report then LSE’s Tania Burchardt explains how to fix the holes in our welfare safety net today.And for World Book Day we’re chatting to author, vet and children’s TV presenter, Jess French. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus episode here! It’s our full conversation with Marc Stears about his new book, ‘Out of Ordinary’. We chat about the 1945 government, the dilemmas of big change and how politics can reflect our everyday lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! What happens when an economy rewards owning things rather than doing things? Author Brett Christophers argues it’s a recipe for soaring inequality and economic stagnation. We chat to Brett about Britain’s “rentier economy” and what to do about it. Then Pascale Robinson from We Own It explains how the problems play out in public sector outsourcing.AND here’s a taster of our chat with Ed’s former speechwriter Marc Stears about his new book “Out of the Ordinary”. Keep an eye out for the full interview later this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! What happened to the UK’s thriving tradition of adult education? How can we rebuild it for the 21st century? Union learning rep Sue Mann tells us about her experience and the importance of having opportunities to learn throughout life. Then friend of the pod Melissa Benn and adult education guru Sir Alan Tuckett talk us through their vision for adult education and how to make it a reality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We're talking about a BIG idea that's transforming how towns, cities and even schools are run across the world. It's called participatory budgeting (PB) and involves letting citizens decide how public money is spent. We ask Shari Davis what happened when Boston gave young people control of a $1 million budget. Brazilian political scientist Rebecca Abers explains how the city of Porto Alegre pioneered the idea back in 1989. And PB champion Jez Hall tells us why he's such a fan.PLUS legendary filmmaker Adam Curtis on his new series: ‘Can’t Get You Out of My Head’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In partnership with Oatly, Geoff and guest co-host Matt Forde dig into how what we eat and drink impacts the environment. Toni Vernelli from Veganuary sets out the link between our diet and the climate crisis, nursery owner Claire Taylor tells the story of what happened when she transformed her business to plant-based, and social psychologist Melanie Joy (author of Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs and Wear Cows) explains what it takes to nudge people towards plant-based eating and drinking - especially men-of-a-certain age! (Oatly's research has found that older men are less likely to consider the environmental impact of what they eat and drink. Read more at http://www.oatly.com/helpdad ) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We lead the world on offshore wind power, but not on offshore wind jobs. How can we make sure the green transition delivers good quality work in the UK? Union organiser Hazel Nolan explains the risks of getting things wrong. Thomas Sylvest from Danish Shipping tells us about Denmark’s thriving offshore wind sector. And Chaitanya Kumar from the New Economics Foundation talks us through lessons for the UK.PLUS period poverty campaigner Amika George on her new handbook for activists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! ‘Blue Zones’ are parts of the world where people live much longer and healthier than average. What’s their secret? We ask journalist Dan Buettner, who came up with the idea after researching longevity hotspots across the globe. Thea Parikos tells us about life in one of the original Blue Zones: the Greek island of Ikaria. And Mayor Betsy Price explains how Fort Worth in Texas has been trying to put the lessons from Blue Zones into practice.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! With President Trump now banned from many of the world’s largest tech platforms, we’re exploring who should decide what is acceptable online speech. Do tech CEOs have too much power over the public conversation? Yaël Eisenstat explains how her time working at Facebook left her convinced that we need more accountability of Big Tech. Then Professor Lorna Woods talks us through her proposal to regulate tech platforms like public spaces.Plus comedian Tom Allen on his fab new memoir, ‘No Shame’.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! In the last year we've seen huge, unplanned changes in how lots of people go about their jobs. We’re asking what it means for the future of flexible working. Jane Van Zyl from Working Families talks about how to give people more control over where, when and how much they work. Karen Mattison from Timewise explains why it makes sense for employers. Then Eero Vaara tells us what we can learn from Finland's flexible working culture.Plus chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall on cold water swimming, mindful eating and how to look after our guts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year! This week we're talking to green energy supremo and founder of Ecotricity, Dale Vince. Dale chats about his extraordinary journey from a single wind turbine in Stroud to building the world’s first vegan football club. AND his next venture: producing diamonds from carbon the sky. BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND: Dale Vince on green energy, vegan football & sky diamondsHappy New Year! This week we're talking to green energy supremo and founder of Ecotricity, Dale Vince. Dale chats about his extraordinary journey from a single wind turbine in Stroud to building the world’s first vegan football club. AND his next venture: producing diamonds from carbon the sky.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! It’s the end of December, which can only mean one thing: time to unveil our favourite episodes of the year. We’ve listened back, tallied up the scores and meticulously whittled it down to the top 10. What’s made it to the coveted Number 1 spot? All will be revealed... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We've got the mince pies out and put our Christmas jumpers on for our first ever AMA (Ask Me Anything). We answer your questions on everything from Christmas dinner to how we first met. And Geoff finally reveals the leisure centre story... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We’re asking the big questions about where power lies in Britain. Why is government so centralised? Why are we so regionally unequal? Are the two linked? Local government guru Tony Travers talks us through the history. Then Sarah Longlands from IPPR North and Neil McInroy from the Centre for Local Economic Strategies chat about where we go from here.Before you go: next week we’re doing our first ever AMA! Anything you’ve always wanted to ask Ed and Geoff? Let us know at cheerfulpodcast.com or email [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we’re talking about rethinking the role of the state. How can we shift power to both frontline workers and citizens? Sue Goss explains why we should ditch the machine metaphors and think about government as a gardener. East Ayrshire Council’s Katie Kelly talks about how they’ve reimagined their relationship with local residents. And Adam Lent from New Local chats about why he thinks ‘community power’ is the future of public services. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We all love a good story. This week we’re talking about ‘framing’ - how the stories and metaphors we use shape how people understand politics, the economy and our society. Framing experts Dora Meade and Nicky Hawkins discuss what it’s all about and what progressives can learn. Then California-based Ian Haney Lopez explains how the ‘Race Class Narrative’ can build a coalition for change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! A growing movement of businesses argues we need to rethink their role in society. At the forefront of this are BCorps - a new type of business putting purpose alongside profit. We chat to Paul Lindley, founder of Ella’s Kitchen, about why they became a BCorp and what he’s calling for next. Then academic Lenore Palladino explains how we could embed these principles more widely. PLUS QI elf Anne Miller on everything from cold sausages to Canadian airports... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We hear a lot about political polarisation, but is it actually worse than the past? And what can we do about it? Journalist Monica Guzman talks about bridging divides in her own family and her work with Braver Angels in the US. Tim Dixon from More in Common explains fascinating research showing Britain isn’t as divided as we think. And former Danish MP Özlem Cekic makes the case for ‘dialogue coffee’.And best-selling author Ibram X Kendi on his new book, 'Be Antiracist’. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Biden’s victory is a huge moment for climate politics. But with just 12 months until COP26 in Glasgow next year, we’re asking how to ensure the vital climate summit is a success. We chat to architect of the Paris Agreement Christiana Figueres about what’s at stake next year. WWF’s Katie White talks about the role of the climate movement. Journalist Isabel Hilton explains why China’s net zero pledge is such a big deal. And Josh Tregale tells us about the ‘Mock COP’ conference organised by young activists.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.