Reasons Revisited

Hello! Geoff’s hopped on a train up to Doncaster to visit Ed on the campaign trail. After their catch up, we explore the argument for compulsory voting in elections. Judith Brett tells us about how Australia got compulsory voting back in the 1920s and the impact it’s had on their politics. Then political scientist Sarah Birch argues that it’s time for the UK to follow suit.ANDComedian Glenn Moore returns to share his thoughts on the election news this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Away from the set piece speeches and TV interviews, British elections are fought by thousands of party activists going door-to-door to speak to voters. But what impact does this really have and why are political campaigns around the world increasingly looking to the ‘ground campaign’? Becky Bond tells us the story of how her team pioneered a new way of involving volunteers in the Bernie Sanders campaign. Then Vincent Pons and Simon Kruschinski explain why door-to-door canvassing has made a return to French and German elections in recent years.ANDComedian Rosie Jones comes back to talk to us about what's keeping her cheerful in the election news this week Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! The climate crisis is higher on the political agenda than ever before, with more than half of people saying it will influence how they vote in the UK general election. We’re discussing how to ensure that this is the first ‘climate election’ with Alice Bell from climate campaign Possible and Fatima Ibrahim from Green New Deal UK. Then Catherine Abreu talks us through the role of climate policy in Canada’s recent election and what the rest of the world can learn from it.ANDComedian Jen Brister joins us to sift through the more hopefully stories in another week of general election campaigning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Why are political adverts banned on TV and radio but allowed all over websites like Facebook and Google? Is it time to update our campaign laws for the 21st century? Sam Jeffers explains how campaign group ‘Who Targets Me’ are opening up the black box of online ads in elections. Then digital campaigning expert Kate Dommett talks about why current electoral rules aren’t up to the job and what we need to do to fix them.ANDThe wonderful Sooz Kempner is here to chat through this week of the election campaign.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's a preview of a new spin off we have with Owen Jones ahead of the general election. Head to https://play.acast.com/s/cheerfulelectiondaily or search for Cheerful Election Daily in your podcast app of choice and subscribe27 DAYS TO GO Episode 1 sees Owen looking over the country, how the surveys are looking and at the age of voters. Why are the Tories so keen to bring up immigration right now? What's Labour about to announce which could save every household a chunk of cash each month, bring us up to par with other countries around the world and allow people to live out of cities? Is playing into the contrast with Johnson going to be Corbyn's best tactic in the debates? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! The UK was late to the party on holding TV election debates. What can we learn from other countries about how to do them well? Nick Anstead talks us through why we avoided debates for so long and where we’re still going wrong. US expert Diana Carlin explains the history of presidential debates and why she thinks they’ve been good for democracy. Then Graham Fox discusses Canada’s recent experience of overhauling how their debates are run.Donate to the Reread flood recovery fund here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/reread-floodDonate to the South Yorkshire Flood Disaster Appeal here: http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/syfloodsANDComedian Pierre Novellie returns to pick apart the first week of the General Election campaigning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! What if government promised a job to anyone who needed one at any time? That’s the principle behind an idea gaining traction in the US: the universal jobs guarantee. Economic historian Lord Robert Skidelsky explains how governments have approached full employment in the past and why a jobs guarantee is now the best way to achieve it. Then US expert Pavlina Tcherneva talks about how the policy could work in practice.ANDWe talk to period poverty activist Amika George. Amika tells us about setting up the Free Periods campaign, how they achieved a shift in government policy, and where it goes next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! With 15% population taking 70% flights in the UK, is a frequent flyer tax the fairest way to tackle the contribution of aviation to the climate crisis? We talk to Professor Alice Larkin about the problem of aviation emissions and why technology isn’t coming to the rescue any time soon. Then Leo Murray makes the argument for a frequent flyer tax and explains how it would work in practice.AND Filmmakers Ken Loach and Paul Laverty talk about their latest collaboration on ‘I’m Sorry We Missed You’. They discuss the problems of the gig economy, their approach to filmmaking and why they remain optimists despite the issues their films depict. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! From Russian bots to deep fakes, what threat does fake news actually pose and how can we stop it spreading? We hear from social psychologist Sander van der Linden about why we believe fake news and how “prebunking” can help us to spot it. Samantha Bradshaw explains how tech firm business models contribute to the problem. Then Vesa Häkkinen talks us through Finland’s anti-disinformation campaign, which includes using teddy bears to teach toddlers about the media.AND Tom Noble AKA Roger Gammon is here to talk about the book we’ve all been waiting for: ‘Chaos with Ed Miliband’. His account of Ed’s last few years is uncannily accurate… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Is mobilising 3.5% of the population all it takes to achieve political change? As Extinction Rebellion continue their latest action in London, we’re talking about the ideas behind non-violent civil disobedience. We hear from some of those involved in Extinction Rebellion, before spokesperson Zion Lights talks us through their theory of change. Historian Talat Ahmed explains Gandhi’s approach to civil disobedience and how this has inspired movements since. And Serbian activist Srdja Popovic tells us about the principles of effective non-violent strategy that he teaches to campaigners around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! With around 10% of UK shops currently sitting empty, we’re talking about how communities can lead the revival of our high streets. Are Ed’s make-your-own sandwich shops part of the answer? Our experts aren’t convinced… Professor Cathy Parker tells us about the extent of current problems and why concern about high streets is nothing new. Vidhya Alakeson from Power to Change argues that the future of high streets lies in community businesses. Then ‘Mr Bishy Road’ Johnny Hayes explains the story of turning around Bishopthorpe Road in York. AND Hi-fi tycoon and all-round great guy Julian Richer talks about the lessons he’s learned from decades in business, handing Richer Sounds over to its employees & his vision for ethical capitalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! When they go short-term, we go long-term… This week we’re talking about how to represent the needs of future generations in decision-making. Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, tells us about her job and what the rest of the world can learn from it. Then policy wonks Laurie Laybourn-Langton and Andrea Westall discuss the causes of short-termism in politics, its impact on key issues such as the environmental emergency and how to design new institutions to overcome it.ANDLegal eagle Lord Falconer is here to chat about what on earth happened in the Supreme Court last week and what the judgement says about Britain’s unwritten constitution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Here’s an episode you’ve been asking us to do for a while: we’re talking about the case for universal childcare. Susanne Garvis explains what we can learn from the childcare utopia of Sweden, where she spends more on pre-school for her puppy than her daughter. Then childcare experts Claire Harding and Jerome de Henau discuss problems with the UK system & how we could achieve universal provision. With benefits from parental employment to child development, it’s a no-brainer…ANDWriter Stella Duffy is here to talk about Fun Palaces! First dreamt up in the 1960s, Stella and her team have made the vision of culture for all, and by all, a reality. Turns out it’s not too late to set up your own for the Fun Palaces weekend coming up in October. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! With an election on the cards, we’re talking about voter registration. The Resolution Foundation’s Laura Gardiner explains the relatively recent phenomenon of low youth turnout and Mete Coban tells us about what his organisation, My Life My Say, is doing about it. Then Danielle Root, voting rights expert at the Centre for American Progress, talks us through the success of new ‘Motor Voter’ laws, which have brought automatic voter registration to a number of US states.ANDWe have a brand new section for you! Anna Taylor, co-founder of the UK Student Climate Network, is our first ever ‘cheerful person’. She chats about her journey into climate activism, plotting in Camberwell’s Costa and why we should all join the Global Climate Strike later this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! There are 430,000 problem gamblers in the UK, with a further 2 million at risk of developing gambling problems. What’s driving this ‘hidden epidemic’ and what do we do about it? Charles and Liz Ritchie from Gambling with Lives share the story of their son who took his life after problems with gambling and discuss their campaign for reform. Then Henrietta Bowden-Jones, director of the National Problem Gambling Clinic, and Jim Orford, Emeritus Professor of Clinical & Community Psychology at University of Birmingham, talk about the need to take a public health approach to gambling and what this should mean for government policy.In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email [email protected]. International helplines can be found at www.befrienders.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Has our failure to understand Britain’s history played a role in recent political events? This week, we discuss teaching about the British Empire in schools with Professor Gurminder Bhambra, expert in postcolonial studies, and Jason Todd, former history teacher and now lecturer in history education. They give us an overview of the British Empire, before explaining its current place in history lessons and how we could do much better.ANDComedian John Kearns wants MPs paid more, wants fines for people who don't vote, wants a couple of weeks in Portsmouth under witness protection and wants to know where the rich people live Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! At this live show recorded at the Underbelly Festival in London we’re talking about the climate emergency, Extinction Rebellion and reaching net zero carbon emissions. What’s the scale of the crisis? How do we reach net zero? And what’s it got to do with Geoff’s favourite mangos? We’re joined by Emily Shuckburgh, a leading climate scientist; Chris Stark, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change; and Farhana Yamin, environmental lawyer turned Extinction Rebellion activist.ANDRadio host and fellow podcaster, Emily Dean (and her dog Raymond!), bought us fines for probing questions about childlessness, dogs in every office and grief badges Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! It's the 100th episode of Reasons to be Cheerful! In this very special show, recorded live at the world’s most famous recording studio, we talk to a fantastic bunch of guests about the power of music education. Deborah Annetts from the Incorporated Society of Musicians and music teacher Jimmy Rotherham discuss the crisis of music education in schools and how much better it could be. Then KT Tunstall, Giles Martin and Rebecca Lucy Taylor tell us about their experiences of education, working in the music industry and recording at Abbey Road Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Summer’s here and the time is right for… the first of our episodes recorded live at the Underbelly Festival. Britain is one of the only countries in the world without a codified constitution. Is it finally time to do something about it? Professor Jeff King & Dr Hannah White discuss how our constitution works, its role in Bre**t and whether this could be an opportunity for reform. Jeff with a J talks us through his democratic argument for adopting a written constitution (spoiler: includes sortition!). ANDComedian Nish Kumar wants to ban the term "climate change" in favour of a term that sounds more urgent, an age based social media expiry, and a NO MORE politicians on comedy panel shows Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we talk to two inspiring organisations getting people involved in their communities to break down divides and tackle loneliness. We’re joined by Alex Smith from the Cares Family, a charity bringing young professionals together with older people, and Ivo Gormley from GoodGym, which encourages people to combine exercise with doing good. Then Emma and Joyce from Bristol tell us about the impact that GoodGym has had on them.ANDComedian Joe Bor want's to see a hairier Love Island, no drinking pressure, no more joke theft and financial incentives for getting fit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Britain has amongst the lowest tree coverage of any country in Europe. This week we’re discussing why we should plant more trees for their many benefits including tackling the climate emergency and cooling our cities. Emi Murphy from Friends of the Earth talks about their campaign to double trees in Britain and tree expert Rob MacKenzie explains his ‘sci fi forest’ experiment in Birmingham. Then Felix Finkbeiner tells us the story of how he began advocating for tree planting at just 9 years old and the Trillion Tree Campaign that his organisation now runs.PLUS Actor Michael Sheen joins us and talks about the upcoming Homeless World Cup in Wales Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Households in the UK have a combined £1.6 trillion of personal debt and this is growing. What impact does this debt have and what we should we do about it? We talk to filmmaker Dan Edelstyn, creator of the ‘Bank Job’ - a film/art project to write off local community debt in Walthamstow. Laura Hanna explains the ‘Rolling Jubilee’ campaign in the US and what they’re now doing to mobilise those in debt. Then Johnna Montgomerie, author of ‘Should We Abolish Household Debt?’, discusses her ambitious proposal for government to cancel and write down billions of pounds of harmful debt. AND Comedian and Children's Author Olaf Falafel retrains annoying animals, demands free biscuits, feeds his neighbours and votes in a Child PM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We’ve got another Cheerful Book Club pilot episode for you. We’re joined by Billy Bragg to chat about his new book, ‘The Three Dimensions of Freedom’. Billy talks about politics in the age of social media, the importance of accountability, and finding principles to guide the kind of society we want. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! 45% of LGBT young people are bullied in school and 40% say they are never taught anything about LGBT issues. We talk to Stonewall chief executive Ruth Hunt about the importance of LGBT-inclusive education, how we can support trans young people, and the state of LGBT rights more broadly. Then co-founder of the Time for Inclusive Education campaign, Liam Stevenson, explains how they persuaded the Scottish government to adopt the most comprehensive approach in the world - with LGBT education embedded across the whole curriculum.ANDComedian Lou Sanders wants quiet sirens, quiet sheds, ball pools and monkeys. Can she convince Ed to become the face of her new merch?ALSOWe're going to Clapham, come with us! 28th July https://claphamgrand.com/event/reasons-to-be-cheerful-with-ed-miliband-geoff-lloyd/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! The Women’s World Cup may have captivated the nation, but we are a long way away from gender equality in sport. From media coverage to pay to participation, there is still a large gender gap.The US has just become the first country ever to win the World Cup four times. Does 'Title IX', a US law passed in the 1970s, offer lessons in how to address gender inequality in sport? We talk to Baroness Sue Campbell about her plans for the game in the UK, Kristine Newhall explains the impact of Title IX and then Katee Hui and Kate Nicholson discuss how to tackle the on-going barriers for women in sport.ANDComedian Robin Morgan advocates for better male relationships on TV, an Ed Miliband version of Hamilton, a way to put people off hosting and attending "gender reveal parties" and everyone to get a signed brexit jumperPLUSTickets for Clapham show on the 28th July http://wegottickets.com/event/473396 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! One of the biggest challenges of the climate emergency is that we have to take tens of millions of petrol and diesel cars off the road. How do we do it? We look to Norway where nearly 50% of new cars sold are fully electric - in the UK it’s around 1%. Christina Bu, Secretary General of the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association, explains what we can learn from from their success. Then transport experts Chaitanya Kumar & Jillian Anable discuss how to overcome the obstacles to further electric vehicle ownership and why we also need to reduce car use overall.AND Comedian Sarah Keyworth brings us joy rooms, breaking up with friends, the ultimate period get out clause, and an age limit on micro scootersALSOTickets for the Clapham Live show on the 28th July - https://www.wegottickets.com/event/473396 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Here’s the second pilot of our new Cheerful Book Club series to see you through the end of the week. Geoff and Ed chat to Reni Eddo-Lodge about her best-selling book, ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race’. They discuss why the book was needed, the impact of structural racism in Britain and what Reni’s learnt since writing it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! England is the only country in the world to have a fully privatised water system. Is it time to bring water back into public hands? We talk to Celia Blauel, Deputy Mayor of Paris, about how the city returned its water system to municipal ownership. Then academic David Hall and Anna Birley from the Coop Party talk us through the problems of the water industry and what the alternative would look like.ANDComedian Stevie Martin has a plan for making wasps better, ends social media and shakes up dress codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Governments focus on maximising gross domestic product (GDP), but is that really the route to a happy and sustainable economy? This week we talk to New Zealand finance minister Grant Robertson about their new approach: the world’s first ‘wellbeing budget’. Academic Bronwyn Hayward and the New Economics Foundation’s Annie Quick analyse what it means and what the UK can learn. Then GOD himself, former Cabinet Secretary Gus O’Donnell, explains why his experience in government has made him an advocate for wellbeing economics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We’re treating you to the first of our Cheerful Book Club episodes—-a pilot for our new series. Ed speaks to Elizabeth Day about her new book ‘How to Fail’. They talk about our attitudes to failure, how to break the failure taboo in our society and how tolearn to cope with it.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Half of land is owned by less than 1% of the population and the value of land in Britain has skyrocketed over the last two decades. This week we talk to Guardian journalist George Monbiot and academic Beth Stratford about Land for the Many - a major new report about how to spread the ownership and control of land.ANDComedian Harriet Braine edited the genetics to take away gender until you're 18, eradicating pollution, and banning Golf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Is it time to extend the principles of the NHS to social care for the elderly? We discuss proposals for universal free personal care. Joyce Yendole tells us about her experience in Scotland, where personal and nursing care is already free for over 65s. Professor Pat Thane explains what the history of social care tells us about the problems we face today. Then Harry Quilter-Pinner talks us through IPPR’s recent report arguing for social care free at the point of need.AND Comedian Lulu Popplewell wants a VIP section for sober night bus users, a smoking ban, a free name change, and no more £__.99 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Fast fashion means more clothing is being produced at lower prices, with huge environmental and social costs. What is driving this trend and what can we do about it? We talk to environmental journalist Lucy Siegle about changes in the industry and how the ‘slow fashion’ movement has responded. Orsola de Castro tells us about founding the Fashion Revolution campaign. Then Labour MP and chair of the Environmental Audit Committee Mary Creagh explains their recent inquiry into the fashion industry and what government should be doing to address the issues.ANDComedian and impressionist Josh Berry caps Russell Brand's media appearances, teaches philosophy to children, declares a national holiday in Andy Murray's name, and fact checks Jacob Rees Mogg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Private school pupils are 7x as likely to get a place at Oxford or Cambridge as those from state comprehensives. But why does access to the UK’s top universities matter and what can we do to widen it? This week Vee Kativhu tells us her story of (finally) applying to Oxford’s Lady Margaret Hall on their new foundation year scheme. Then academics Vikki Boliver and Lee Elliot Major talk us through solutions to overhaul university admissions - from radical contextual offers to a lottery system to ‘comprehensive universities’.ANDComedian Steve N Allen joins us to advocate for status symbol taxes, banning handles on push doors, and tries to save science education before it gets taken Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! How can we all campaign on issues that we care about and make change happen? This week we hear from inspiring campaigners who have done just that. We talk to Gina Martin who successfully campaigned to make upskirting illegal and Matt Zarb-Cousin from ‘Stop the FOBTs’, who won a reduction in the maximum stake on fixed-odds betting terminals. Gina and Matt share the stories of how they got involved in their campaigns and lessons from their recent victories. Then executive director of Citizens UK Matthew Bolton explains the theory behind running successful campaigns, before persuading Ed and Geoff to try one of their key techniques.Don’t miss our live show at the Underbelly Festival in London this Sunday afternoon (19th May). Book tickets here: http://www.underbellyfestival.com/whats-on/reasons-to-be-cheerful-with-ed-miliband-geoff-lloyd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Unfortunately, Geoff can’t be here this week so Ed’s got a special guest international guest to help him on the intro... In the episode we’re talking about a gaping democratic deficit in British politics: there are still too few black and minority ethnic MPs and councillors, and huge disparities in voter registration. We hear from Simon Woolley, founder and director of Operation Black Vote, who has been campaigning on BME political representation for more than two decades. Simon talks to us about what has been achieved and the huge task still ahead. Then we speak to Mayor of Barking and Dagenham Sanchia Alasia about the barriers facing BME politicians and her experience with OBV.ANDComedian and podcaster Benjamin Partridge pitches a forfeit for Br*x*t delays, limiting hand-driers noise, free theatre, trouser washing research, delaying Christmas, discounted good from Gregs based on their temperature Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! What if we told you there was something that could improve people's health, make our cities nicer places to live AND save the planet? This week’s guests argue that cycling can do just that. We discuss the benefits of cycling and what needs to be done to encourage it with transport expert Dr Rachel Aldred and The Guardian’s Peter Walker (author of Bike Nation: How Cycling Can Save the World). And we hear from Manuel Calvo - designer of Seville’s ambitious cycle network, which has revolutionised how people travel around the city.ANDComedian Laura Lexx calls for pedestrian tests, realistic eyebrows in castaway movies, policy tests when voting and realistic models for beauty products Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Ed’s been going on about it for years, but we’ve finally agreed to do an episode on his favourite topic: predistribution. It’s all about reducing inequality in the first place, rather than relying on tax and benefits later down the line. We talk to inventor of the term Professor Jacob Hacker to work out what it means. Brazilian academic and politician Roberto Unger argues for predistribution to tackle inequality in the knowledge economy. Then Madeleine Gabriel and Isaac Stanley from Nesta propose policies that we could adopt in the UK.ANDWe’re joined by comedian Carmen Lynch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Why are people reluctant to talk about the nation of England? And does this really matter? This week we’re getting stuck into the debate around English identity. John Denham, director of the Centre for English Identity and Politics and former Labour cabinet minister, discusses the importance of embracing Englishness and proposals for new political institutions. Journalist Sunny Hundal explains how to forge a progressive national identity and reclaim the flag from the far right. Then Green MP Caroline Lucas talks about exploring the relationship between England and Brexit on her ‘Dear Leavers’ tour.AND We’re joined by comedian Rachel Wheeley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! With all eyes on Br***t, a surprising and encouraging trend has slipped under the radar over the past few years: polls indicate that attitudes to immigration are getting significantly more positive. This week we’re joined by Sunder Katwala from British Future and Rosie Carter from Hope Not Hate to work out what’s been going on. Sunder and Rosie discuss their recent national conation on immigration and the directions it points to for our approach to policy and how we conduct the debate.AND Comedian Athena Kugblenu wants stupidity to be painful, de-colonisation of art collections, fines for door hanging and a new way to vote on party manifestos.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Oh I do like to be beside the seaside, Oh I do....BUT, 11 million people live in coastal communities across the UK but for too long they’ve been getting a bad deal. This week we’re exploring the New Economic Foundation’s plans for a major coastal industrial strategy: the ‘Blue New Deal’. We’re joined by Fernanda Balata from the NEF to explain the proposals. Then Nick Taylor from Scarborough and Sam Scriven from the Jurassic Coast talk about how investing in coastal economies and the natural environment can work in practice.ANDComedian and impressionist Jess Robinson brings us new rules for the Geoffocracy, all difficult topics are now sung, no more automated called, no more dill, no more seeds in raspberries, no more confusion about how many kisses during greetings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Facebook, Amazon, Ed and Geoff… some empires are in the public interest, some not so much.... In this episode we explore an idea gaining traction in the US: using competition laws to break up the tech giants. From the Open Markets Institute, we’re joined by the ‘Captain America of anti-trust’ Barry Lynn and former anti-trust enforcer Sally Hubbard who explain the proposals. Then LSE law expert Niamh Dunne talks us through how it could all work in the UK.ANDComedian Fin Taylor drops by to plug his upcoming wedding, and asked the Geoffocracy to consider national Service to work to save the environment, takeaway breakfasts, ban on chain stores in towns, #hashtagtattoo and quiet carriages in pubs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! What can we do about the scandal of growing in-work poverty in the UK? This week we hear inspiring stories from campaigners both here and across the pond who have pushed employers to end low pay. Tyree Johnson from Fight for $15 talks about winning a $15 minimum wage in Illinois. The Living Wage Foundation’s Lola McEvoy tells us how we can get involved in the living wage campaign in our workplaces. And Ed’s ParkRun pal (and director of the Resolution Foundation) Torsten ‘Torstiekins’ Bell explains what government can do to tackle the problem.ANDComedian Pierre Novellie takes away free journalism, makes statistical lessons compulsory, mouth noises are now banned and cars are licensed like guns now  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Do you know where your pension is being invested? The divestment movement has a simple idea: persuade pension funds and others to get out of fossil fuels to meet the climate emergency. Its grown from a student campus campaign to one involving trillions of dollars worth of assets. We discuss divestment and shareholder engagement with Adam Matthews, Director of Ethics Engagement for the Church of England Pensions Board, Yossi Cadan, Global Senior Divestment Campaigner at 350.org and Catherine Howarth, Chief Executive of ShareAction who explains how you can be part of this global movement.ANDBeatboxing comedian Beardyman wants to reset the Earth, change up democracy... and get Ed and Geoff beatboxing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! It's taken us 70+ episodes but we're diving into the question of drink--our country's (unhealthy) relationship with alcohol, which is costing billions of pounds a year and ruining lives. Angela McShane, alcohol historian at the Wellcome Trust, gives us a fascinating history lesson, then Jon Ashworth MP, Shadow Health Secretary, tells us his personal story of having an alcoholic parent (a problem that affects at least 200,000 children today) followed by Richard Piper CEO of Alcohol Change with the solutions--from minimum pricing to investing in alcohol services to the end of sober-shaming of non-drinkers by too many people...you know who you are. Bottom line: it's not about preaching but about a massive change in culture and policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Heigh ho, heigh ho, it’s off to Iceland they go. Geoff and Ed went for a weekend and came back with tales aplenty to be cheerful about. World-leading gender equality six-hour working day experiments, punk rockers turned politicians and stories of trolls, elves and the ‘hidden people’. Hear the lessons we should learn from the Icelandic Prime Minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, and many others in this special episode.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We got out of Geoff's loft and onto Parliament Square to join the many thousands of young people worldwide protesting about climate change and we also talk about what could be a big part of the answer: A Green New Deal (GND). We explain what it is and how it seeks to put economic and social justice at the heart of the fight against climate change with Ann Pettifor, one of the originators of the idea more than ten years ago and Zack Exley, US Co-Founder of Justice Democrats that supported Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who has put the GND on the map in the US, ANDComedian Olga Koch is rebranding cooperation tax, applying the impartiality of football referees to combat fake news and incentivising voting with prizes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! What should we do about the gaping inequalities in our society and the top 1 percent? Can we get them to pay more tax and how? We hear from a member of the top .01% US entrepreneur Nick Hanauer who wants radical measures aimed at people like him and Rutger Bregman, author and historian, who went viral when he called out ‘Davos man’ a couple of weeks back.ANDComedian Rosie Jones wants everyone to have to experience 24 hours of being disabled, Segways for all and a roof on the country Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! This week we're looking into the chasm in our divided nation and wondering if there is a way to bridge the gap...if anyone can help it’s our guests. Jo Hiley who worked for Hope Not Hate helped bring together people from Brixton in London and Boston in Lincolnshire, divided by Brexit, but united by much else. Ciaran O'Connor & John Wood Jr from Better Angels in the United States tell us how they use methods from family therapy as their technique for getting political opponents to find common ground. Plus Marina Cantacuzino from The Forgiveness Project.ANDComedian Imran Yusef wants financial education, first aid taught in schools and a zero tolerance on public nuisances Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! Around 7% of the population is educated in private schools but they are disproportionately represented at top universities and in society's most coveted professions. What is the impact of private schools on our overall education system and our society and what, if anything could or should be done about it? David Kynaston, author of new book "Engines of Privilege: Britain’s Private School Problem" and Melissa Benn, author of 'Life Lessons' join us. Plus we hear from renowned educationalist Pasi Sahlberg on how Finland dealt with its private school issues and succeeded in achieving both greater equality and educational excellence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.